The Bomber (RSA B52 Devastation)

[Audio-Omega]

Is the B-52 better the Apache in every aspect ?

 

[4N6]

Initial comments on the Cary/B-52 comparison. If you are a headphone fanatic (which most of us are), there is a SERIOUS design flaw with the Cary. The single ended headphone input is recessed into the front metal fascia. This means that ALL of the jacks of my recabled headphones, to also include my stock JVC's, will not fit into the connector for the Cary. The front metal fascia simply keeps you from inserting a large single ended jack completely in, thereby only one channel (if that) gets signal. Yes, I could believe that stock, cheap connectors could work (which are smaller and thinner), but with most single ended recables, the included top-notch single ended connectors base is usually quite large. It is this base that prevents the plug from being completely inserted. I will e-mail Cary and let them know that this needs to be redesigned.

As far as a Preamp is concerned, the Cary is quite wonderful. The largest initial differences are in brightness and soundstage depth. The Cary is definitiely brighter than the B-52 and the soundstage depth is also less with the Cary. The bass quantity is a little more evident with the Cary, with greater weight yet still terrific articulation and detail. Midrange quality and imaging seem to be fairly similar. This starts to get into personal preferences, as both are very, very good as preamps. I definitely lean towards the B-52 as I am no fan of brightness and the soundstage depth is amazing. Yes, I love how much bass seems to come from my small Sonus faber speakers when the Cary is in the chain, but I also become fatigued much more quickly when listening to the Cary, simply due to the brightness.

Likely, I will put the Cary up for sale, as it does not work well as a headphone amp (due to the poor, recessed location for the jack) and due to the brighter presentation. That is too bad as I was REALLY hoping that it would mate well with my system and interests. The quality of the component cannot be faulted however, as the fit and finish are TOP notch. For someone looking to add a little sparkle and life to their system, this may be the perfect preamp. But with my current system, it is just not a good match.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4N6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Initial comments on the Cary/B-52 comparison. If you are a headphone fanatic (which most of us are), there is a SERIOUS design flaw with the Cary. The single ended headphone jack is recessed into the front fascia. This means that ALL of the jacks of my recabled headphones, to also include my stock JVC's, will not fit into the connector for the Cary. The front fascia simply keeps you from inserting a large single ended jack completely in, thereby only one channel (if that) gets signal.

hmm. what do you mean by large single-ended jack? i don't quite follow.

 

[shigzeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif I knew you were going to ask that sooner or later One thing I've realized is that the solid state Apache sound can't be directly compared with the B52 tube sound. Both are really amazing sounding units but I have to tip my hat off to the B52 for blowing my mind out. I was amazed by the Apache, but I am in utter heavenly bliss with the tube sound. With the Amperex tubes, I've clearly enhanced all the strengths of the stock B52 (soundstage increase in width and height, bass increases, sound sweetens and becomes ultra real, details become more apparent, spookiness factor easily doubles from the realism etc). I haven't even rolled the 5687 output tubes. I think you will be well rewarded when you decide to step up to the B52...its a logical and pleasant end to all this upgrading business. Looking back, I definitely enjoyed the "journey" but I'm very content with my dynamic setup and don't think I will need to explore dynamic headphone amplification any further. I came across these dampers and they were advertised as "The Lexus" of tube dampers. I couldn't agree more. One of my Amperex 7062 pairs was somewhat microphonic and these dampers definitely addressed the issue. Whisper quite tubes now. Thanks a lot! I would love to hear a B22 sometime. Actually, I would really love to hear the new B24 as well.

nice review but if lexus is your standard, then these may not be the best choice.... ill think about this

 

[4N6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif hmm. what do you mean by large single-ended jack? i don't quite follow.

On the headphone cable, the base of the single ended headphone jack (the plastic portion) varies in size between brands of connectors. Some are quite fat. As the input for the headphone jack on the Cary is recessed into the thick front faceplate, it is impossible to fully insert the headphone jack into the input due to the thick base of the connector bumping into the metal fascia surrounding the recessed input jack. Therefore one does not get a good connection.

 

[vcoheda]

i've always been interested in the cary. i guess much less so now.

 

[shaizada]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif nice review but if lexus is your standard, then these may not be the best choice.... ill think about this

You know, its funny you say that. I've always been more of a BMW/Mercedes guy. Lexus are nice cars and definitely a lot of bang for the buck. At the end of the day, they are still a glorified toyota

4N6, I've ALWAYS liked the look of the Cary unit. However, I would die if there is any brightness in my system. I like a smooth, detailed and musically beautiful sound. With the bomber, I've achieved that through both my dynamics master Monarchy SS monoblocks and the heavenly sounding Consonance tube monobocks.

 

[4N6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaizada /img/forum/go_quote.gif 4N6, I've ALWAYS liked the look of the Cary unit. However, I would die if there is any brightness in my system. I like a smooth, detailed and musically beautiful sound. With the bomber, I've achieved that through both my dynamics master Monarchy SS monoblocks and the heavenly sounding Consonance tube monobocks.

Yeah, the B-52 is definitely a warmer sounding preamp. I am very dissapointed, as I had high hopes for the Cary, both as a preamp and headphone amp. In the right system and with good synergy, I KNOW the Cary would be spectactular.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

For simplicity sake, let's call the male end on the phones the plug, and the female receptacle for the headphone plug is the jack. Sad that Cary would "pull an iPhone" on you.

 

[crappyjones123]

in terms of solid state, what would be considered to be the b52s nemesis? in other words would (solid state) amp would one consider to have the same level of impact as a b52 on balanced 650s?

ps. i like the dark laid back sound of the 650s. dont want any brightness.

 

[jamato8]

What tubes are in the CAry?

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crappyjones123 /img/forum/go_quote.gif in terms of solid state, what would be considered to be the b52s nemesis? in other words would (solid state) amp would one consider to have the same level of impact as a b52 on balanced 650s? .

imo, nothing.

the B52 as well as some high end SP amps are the best amps i have heard, period.

 

[PFKMan23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crappyjones123 /img/forum/go_quote.gif in terms of solid state, what would be considered to be the b52s nemesis? in other words would (solid state) amp would one consider to have the same level of impact as a b52 on balanced 650s? ps. i like the dark laid back sound of the 650s. dont want any brightness.

Probably a B22.

 

[crappyjones123]

oh how i wish there were a b52 and a b22 and a balanced 650 all at one table at canjam

the search continues =/ thanks for your replies vcoheda and pfk

 

[PFKMan23]

I'm sure you could make a request about that. There is an audition thread in the Can Jam forum and you might mention that.