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Power amplifiers mono — Cary Audio CAD-805RS
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Cary Audio CAD-805RS
Image source — © Cary Audio
The CAD-805RS is a mono power amplifier from Cary Audio, built with a modest, class A-typical tube output stage. Cary Audio is an American manufacturer with a serious reputation specifically for single-ended triode and low-power tube amplification, and the CAD-805RS represents a substantial expression of that broader house philosophy.
Position in line
It sits alongside the CAD-211FE in Cary Audio's mono amplifier hierarchy. This positioning alongside the CAD-211FE suggests Cary Audio offers more than one route into its single-ended tube amplifier catalogue, likely differentiated by specific output tube complement.
Key specs that matter
Input impedance is 150,000 ohms single-ended, an easy load for any preamplifier. Rated output is a modest 50 W into both 8 and 4 ohms. Rated bandwidth is 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz. At 254 x 311 x 610 mm and 2.27 kg it is exceptionally light for a tube monoblock, though this weight figure likely reflects packaging rather than the assembled amplifier's actual mass given the substantial single-ended triode transformer and tube complement typical of this category.
Sound and use context
Expect the open, harmonically rich character typical of a single-ended triode design, prioritising tonal richness and nuance at moderate volume over sheer headroom - a design philosophy that rewards a well-matched, high-sensitivity loudspeaker rather than one chosen purely on convenience.
Pairing
The high 150,000 ohm input impedance works with any modern preamplifier; loudspeaker sensitivity is the real gating factor given the 50 W ceiling, so an efficient loudspeaker pairing matters considerably here.
Alternatives
Cary Audio's CAD-211FE sits alongside this model in the brand's mono amplifier hierarchy, worth comparing directly with a dealer on specific output tube complement before choosing between these positioned Cary Audio single-ended designs. Cary Audio long-standing reputation specifically within the single-ended triode enthusiast community lends real credibility to this monoblock characteristic engineering approach. Tube replacement and periodic biasing should be factored into the long-term ownership costs of any design of this kind, unlike a solid-state alternative. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare current pricing between the CAD-805RS and CAD-211FE. A dealer demonstration remains worthwhile before committing to any specific purchase.
Position in line
It sits alongside the CAD-211FE in Cary Audio's mono amplifier hierarchy. This positioning alongside the CAD-211FE suggests Cary Audio offers more than one route into its single-ended tube amplifier catalogue, likely differentiated by specific output tube complement.
Key specs that matter
Input impedance is 150,000 ohms single-ended, an easy load for any preamplifier. Rated output is a modest 50 W into both 8 and 4 ohms. Rated bandwidth is 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz. At 254 x 311 x 610 mm and 2.27 kg it is exceptionally light for a tube monoblock, though this weight figure likely reflects packaging rather than the assembled amplifier's actual mass given the substantial single-ended triode transformer and tube complement typical of this category.
Sound and use context
Expect the open, harmonically rich character typical of a single-ended triode design, prioritising tonal richness and nuance at moderate volume over sheer headroom - a design philosophy that rewards a well-matched, high-sensitivity loudspeaker rather than one chosen purely on convenience.
Pairing
The high 150,000 ohm input impedance works with any modern preamplifier; loudspeaker sensitivity is the real gating factor given the 50 W ceiling, so an efficient loudspeaker pairing matters considerably here.
Alternatives
Cary Audio's CAD-211FE sits alongside this model in the brand's mono amplifier hierarchy, worth comparing directly with a dealer on specific output tube complement before choosing between these positioned Cary Audio single-ended designs. Cary Audio long-standing reputation specifically within the single-ended triode enthusiast community lends real credibility to this monoblock characteristic engineering approach. Tube replacement and periodic biasing should be factored into the long-term ownership costs of any design of this kind, unlike a solid-state alternative. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare current pricing between the CAD-805RS and CAD-211FE. A dealer demonstration remains worthwhile before committing to any specific purchase.
Specifications
Model name
CAD-805RS
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
150 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Max current (A)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
50
Output power (4Ω) (W)
50
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (0% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (100% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Max power consumption (W)
N/A
Damping factor
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
254 × 311 × 610
Weight (kg)
2,27
Official link
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