Cary Audio CAD-120S MkII Amplifier
The Cary Audio CAD-120S MkII pairs commanding bass control with a clean, engaging tube presentation, bringing genuine physical weight and drive even to smaller loudspeakers. AVComfort found ultralinear operation especially dynamic, while triode mode introduces a subtly airier, freer sound. With 120 watts per channel available, it is a compelling blend of tube texture and speaker-gripping authority.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
86/100
Build Quality
87/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Delivers strong bass control and convincing physical weight, even with relatively small loudspeakers.
Ultralinear mode adds dynamic drive and useful power headroom.
Triode mode provides a subtly airier, more open presentation.
Clean, engaging sound character rather than a soft or sluggish tube presentation.
Cons
Available review coverage offers limited insight into fine-detail retrieval, imaging precision, and soundstage depth.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100
The available listening report is clearly positive, describing a clean and engaging presentation, strong bass control, and a subtly more open character in the alternate operating mode. Coverage is limited to one review and offers little direct detail on fine-resolution nuances or fully developed spatial performance.
Transparency Resolution
86/100
AVComfort found the amplifier cleaner and more interesting in its normal operating mode. The reviewer also heard a slight lift in air and freedom from a covered-in quality when changing modes, though there is little detailed discussion of low-level detail retrieval.
Tonal Balance Musicality
86/100
The review characterizes the Cary as a comfortable tube power amplifier and finds its presentation engaging rather than sterile. There is no report of tonal imbalance or fatigue, but the available coverage does not closely examine vocal timbre, treble texture, or long-session listening.
Dynamics
89/100
The reviewer praised the amplifier's control and the convincing physical presence of bass, even with relatively small loudspeakers in the listening room. Its 120-watt ultralinear mode was also described as bringing greater dynamic interest, while triode operation trades power for a slightly freer presentation.
Soundstage Imaging
82/100
Switching modes brought a small increase in perceived air and a less enclosed sound, which is a positive spatial observation. Beyond that, the review says little about stage width, depth, image focus, or layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The CAD-120S MkII is a substantial 65-pound push-pull tube amplifier with dedicated bifilar-wound output transformers, an EI power transformer, four large supply capacitors, and eight KT88 output tubes. Practical execution includes balanced and single-ended inputs, robust five-way copper binding posts, and front-panel switching between 120-watt ultralinear and 60-watt triode operation; reviewers offer little commentary on long-term durability.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $5,246 to $8,000, it competes in a demanding premium tube-power-amplifier market, where buyers will reasonably expect both musical character and meaningful drive capability. None of the supplied reviews directly weighs whether it represents especially strong or weak value against similarly priced alternatives.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Circuit Type
- Class AB, push-pull amplifier, Ultralinear or Triode mode operation with a front panel selector switch
- Power Output
- Ultralinear – 120 watts per channel\nTriode – 60 watts per channel
- Inputs
- XLR balanced or RCA single-ended
- Noise and Hum
- -80 dB
- Input Impedance
- 100K both RCA and Balanced
- Frequency Response
- 17 Hz – 25 KHz flat @ 1 watt
- Tubes
- 2 – 6SN7 input gain stage\n2 – 6SN7 driver tubes\n8 – KT 88 output tubes
- Power Transformer
- EI High voltage & bias supply EI laminate
- Output Transformer(s)
- Special bifilar wound 150 watt rating unit in each channel
- Gain
- 28 dB
- Sensitivity
- 1.24v
- Power Supply Capacitors
- 4 x 560µF
- Speaker Posts
- Cary gold plated copper, 5-way binding
- AC Cord
- 3 Conductor Shielded, Detachable
- AC Power Requirements
- 117 VAC @ 50/60 Hz\n234 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
- Warm-Up Time
- 3 Minutes
- Break-In Time
- 100 hours of playing time
- Finish
- Anthracite black chassis with silver or black aluminum faceplate
- Weight
- 65 lbs
- Dimensions
- 8″ H x 17 ” W x 14″ D
Manufacturer's Description — Cary Audio
About the CAD-120S MkII amplifier
The CAD-120S MkII is a fully balanced stereo tube amplifier that combines power and finesse to create an unforgettable listening experience. Boasting a fan-favorite status, this amplifier offers the best of both worlds with the flexibility to operate in pure Class A at 60 watts per channel or switch to Class AB for an impressive 120 watts per channel. With the simple press of a button, you can tailor your sound to your preferences—whether you crave a richer, warmer presentation for late-night listening sessions or desire greater dynamics and bass punch for rocking out to your favorite tunes.
Versatile and adaptable, the CAD-120S MkII effortlessly complements any preamplifier, delivering a captivating sound that invites you to immerse yourself in the music. Sit back, relax, and let the CAD-120S MkII transport you into a world of pure audio bliss.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Cary Audio CAD-120S MkII Amplifier
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Aktoren — online and in-store — Horten, Vestfold, Norway (website)
- Audio Classics — in-store — New York, United States (website)
- Audio Revolutions — in-store — Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (website)
- Audio Tempel — online and in-store — Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands (website)
- Audiogears — in-store — Casalecchio di Reno, Emilia-Romaña (website)
- Audiotehnika — in-store — Centra rajons, Latvia (website)
- Class D Audio USA — online — United States (website)
- deciBel Audio — in-store — Chicago, Illinois, United States (website)
and 13 more verified dealers