Cary Audio DMS-300A Streaming Integrated Amplifier
The DMS-300A delivers a rich, tube-like Class A/B presentation: deep bass, crisp detail and a wide, organic soundstage that belies its 75W rating. HIFI HUFF found it powerful and musically involving, while its high-resolution streaming, Roon readiness and generous inputs make this American-built hub an exceptionally complete one-box system.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Rich, impactful and energetic sound with deep bass, crisp clarity, and a wide, organic soundstage.
Streaming is stable and comprehensive, with broad service support, Roon readiness, high-resolution PCM/DSD capability, and extensive digital and analog connectivity.
Its 75W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier drove several speaker models with confidence and finesse.
Cons
No built-in headphone amplifier, phono stage, HDMI ARC, or room correction.
The proprietary control app is described as dated and clunky, though standard streaming apps work reliably.
One review sample emitted a slight transformer hum audible close to the chassis.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The available listening report finds a notably large, rich and impactful presentation from this 75W-per-channel Class A/B streaming amplifier. It combines strong drive and an expansive stage with an organic character that aims more for musical fullness than an overtly clinical presentation.
Transparency Resolution
83/100
HIFI HUFF calls the AKM-based DAC fantastic and hears an analog-like presentation, but offers little direct discussion of low-level retrieval, treble air, background silence or resolving power. The evidence points to a pleasingly clean presentation, though detailed resolution is not extensively assessed.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
HIFI HUFF repeatedly describes a recognisable Cary-like tube character, calling the sound powerful, rich, deep, big, full and crisp. That combination suggests an inviting, substantial tonal balance with enough clarity to avoid sounding excessively soft or thick.
Dynamics
92/100
The amplifier is described as snappy and powerful, with hard-hitting drums and unexpectedly strong impact for its 75W rating. It drove the reviewer’s O Audio, Pure Audio Project and Buchardt speakers with ease and finesse, supporting the impression of confident real-world headroom.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
HIFI HUFF reports a wide, deep soundstage and calls the imaging both organic and precise. Vocals are said to float into the room, suggesting a convincing sense of image projection as well as solid placement.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
Ecoustics characterises the DMS-300A as a traditionally conceived, American-built component with real heft, familiar usability and a clean signal path. The review supports confidence in its substantial execution, although it provides limited close examination of internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
95/100
This is an unusually comprehensive all-in-one design, combining network streaming, Roon Ready operation, Qobuz, TIDAL and Spotify Connect, AirPlay, aptX Bluetooth, local USB and SD-card playback, and high-resolution PCM and DSD512 support. Physical connectivity is also generous, with three analog line inputs, coaxial and optical inputs and outputs, pre-out and subwoofer outputs, Ethernet and Wi-Fi; the notable omissions are a phono stage, HDMI ARC and headphone output.
Value for Money
88/100
At $5,995, the DMS-300A sits among premium streaming-integrated peers rather than value-focused separates or entry-level all-in-ones. HIFI HUFF considers it to be in the right price lane, and its broad streaming platform, DAC capability and integrated amplification help support that justified-premium view, though competing premium models may offer extras such as phono, HDMI ARC or headphone listening.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Master Clock Jitter
- Below measurable levels
- Digital Sampling Rates (Fs)
- 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz
- Digital Filter
- 32-Bit 8x Oversampling Digital Filter
- Digital/Analog Converters
- 1-2 channel AKM Chipset
- BLUETOOTH
- Qualcomm aptX decoder and transmitter
- Analog Filter
- 3rd Order Bessel
- Analog SUB Outputs
- Single–Ended RCA
- Digital Outputs
- Coaxial, Toslink operating at Sample Frequency (Fs) from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, 16 bit to 24 bit
- Digital Inputs
- USB-A x 3, SD Card x 1 BLUETOOTH In Coaxial x1, Toslink x1
- Digital Input Sample Rate
- USB operating at Sample Frequency (Fs) from 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, 16 bit to 32 bit, DSD 64, 128, 256 and 512. BLUETOOTH Sample Frequency (Fs) 48 kHz, 16 bit. Coaxial, Toslink operating at Sample Frequency (Fs) from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, 16bit to 24 bit
- Control
- Trigger output 12VDC x1 IR control x1
- Communication
- Ethernet Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Power Input
- Configured at factory for either 110-120 or 220-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
- Power Consumption
- 255 Watts
- Weight
- 26 lbs.
- Dimensions
- 3.75″ H x 17.25″ W x 12.5″ D
- Analog Input
- Single-Ended RCA x 3 for Main-In, Line 1, Line 2 3.5mm Stereo Jack x 1
- Analog Input Impedance
- 10K Ω Unbalanced
- Power Amplifier Output
- 2 x 75W RMS in 8 Ω from 20Hz to 20KHz 2 x 125W RMS in 4 Ω from 20Hz to 20KHz
- Circuit Type
- Solid State, Power MOSFET Transistor, Class A/B
- Frequency Response
- 10Hz – 50KHz +/- 0.1dB (at 10db below rated output power)
- Distortion (SAMPTE-1M)
- <0.5%
- S/N Ratio
- >100dB, “A” Weighted
- Protections
- Full short circuit, thermal, Ultrasonic, RF Signal muting & Current limiter.
- Frequency Range
- 2 Hz – 22 kHz (44.1 kHz)
- Amplitude Linearity
- 0.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Phase Linearity
- 3 degrees (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Dynamic Range
- 117 dB (1 kHz)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- 107 dB (1 kHz)
- Channel Separation
- 106 dB (1 kHz)
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.0004% (1 kHz)
- Pre-Amp Output Level
- 3.0V RMS (220 Ω output impedance) for maximum volume
- Playback Format Supply
- .dsf, .dff (DSD64, 128, 256, 512), .aif, .aiff, .alac, .flac, .m4a, .mp4, .wav, .ape, .mp3, .aac, .wma, .ogg, .asf
- Frequency Range
- 2 Hz – 100 kHz
- Signal System
- 16, 20, 24, & 32 bit PCM and 1 bit DSD
- Sampling Frequency
- 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz PCM and 2.822MHz – 22.5792 MHz DSD
- Dynamic Range
- 117 dB
- DSD System Clock
- Frequency 22.5792 MHz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- 107 dB
- Frequency Range
- 2 Hz – 80 kHz
- Signal System
- 16, 20, and 24 bit
- Sampling Frequency
- 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz PCM
- Dynamic Range
- 117 dB
- System Clock
- Frequency 22.5792 MH
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- 107 dB
Manufacturer's Description — Cary Audio
About the DMS-300A
The DMS-300A brings the best of both worlds together—streaming technology and high-performance amplification, all in one sleek, powerful package. Featuring a discrete Class AB amplifier rated at 75 watts per channel, the DMS-300A delivers the rich, dynamic sound Cary Audio is known for, with the modern convenience of today’s top streaming platforms.
Stream your favorite music with ease via Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and Bluetooth, or take full control of your digital library with Roon Ready and UPnP/DLNA compatibility. Whether you’re connecting via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the DMS-300A ensures reliable, high-resolution playback every time.
With a full suite of digital and analog inputs and outputs, the DMS-300A integrates seamlessly into any system, whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your existing setup.
Roon is the most engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music.
Being RoonReady means that Cary Audio network players transparently discover and connect to Roon, with no network configuration, with bit-perfect delivery of audio to your DAC.
Together, Roon and Cary Audio deliver the power, flexibility, and performance benefits of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.
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- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
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- Audio Aktoren — online and in-store — Horten, Vestfold, Norway (website)
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- Audiotehnika — in-store — Centra rajons, Latvia (website)
- Class D Audio USA — online — United States (website)
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