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Cary Audio SI-300.2d Integrated Amplifier
ABOUT THE SI-300.2D INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
The SI-300.2d – a revolutionary integrated amplifier engineered to redefine your listening experience with its sheer power and musical finesse. Boasting an impressive 300 watts per channel of solid-state Class AB amplification, this fully balanced amplifier sets a new standard in audio performance, delivering nuanced richness and remarkable agility reminiscent of tube amplifiers yet capable of driving even the most demanding loudspeakers.
From thunderous bass to crystalline highs, each note is rendered with breathtaking clarity and depth, eliminating the “dryness” often associated with high-powered amplifiers. Equipped with cutting-edge features like a home theater bypass and built-in AKM DACs for USB, coaxial, and Toslink inputs, the SI-300.2d offers unrivaled flexibility for modern enthusiasts, seamlessly integrating into your setup while delivering pure musicality and precision. Experience the epitome of audio excellence with the SI-300.2d – Cary Audio’s ultimate expression of unwavering commitment to perfection.
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Cary Audio SI-300.2d Integrated Amplifier
The SI-300.2d pairs a AK4490 DAC with TruBit/OSO up‑sampling and a muscular Class A/B power stage (300W/8Ω, 450W/4Ω) to deliver a rare blend of digital resolution and solid‑state authority. Reviewers like Glenn Young and Terry Ellis highlight an expansive, wrap‑around soundstage, tight controlled bass, clean treble and a neutral-yet-engaging midrange. Dynamics are lively, the amp remains stable into difficult speaker loads, and the feature set (USB/DSD, AES/EBU, coax/toslink, aptX Bluetooth, Ethernet/Wi‑Fi, subwoofer pre-outs, home‑theatre bypass) makes it a highly flexible hub. Built around a large toroidal transformer with heavy‑gauge wiring, it runs exceptionally quietly. Ideal for listeners who want a powerful, DAC‑equipped integrated that favors scale, control and connectivity over tube coloration.
Pros
- High, reliable power and stability—drives difficult low‑impedance speakers without overheating or shutdown.
- Integrated, high‑resolution DAC with up‑sampling and native DSD support that integrates very well with the amplifier.
- Expansive, well‑focused soundstage and precise imaging that lets speakers ‘disappear’ for immersive listening.
- Robust build and very low noise floor—heavy toroidal transformer, clean internal layout and no audible hiss at high volume.
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Cons
- Front‑panel meters and small source text can be hard to read; reviewer recommends defeatable meters and larger display text.
- No built‑in streaming/DSP features—some competitors at similar price points offer integrated streaming or DSP functionality.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
Class A/B 300W-per-channel power is repeatedly noted as 'muscular' and able to drive demanding speakers; reviewers report engaging rhythm and the ability to deliver realistic dynamics even at lower listening levels. Both reviews cite solid authority and drive (driving horns and large monitors) with no reviewer reports of running out of headroom.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Imaging and staging are strong: HomeTheaterHifi highlights an expansive, wrap-around soundstage where speakers 'disappear', while Pursuit Perfect describes well-organized layering and solid element separation though slightly denser than some extremely airy systems. Overall presentation is immersive and well-focused.
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Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers praise the heavy construction and internal layout: mentions of a large toroidal transformer, clean chassis layout, heavy-gauge wiring, and close placement of amplifiers to output terminals support a high build-quality impression. Noise floor is excellent (no audible noise at full volume with no signal).
Features Connectivity
95/100
Very well equipped: AK4490 DAC, USB (native DSD up to DSD256/PCM to 384k/32-bit), AES/EBU/coax/toslink, Bluetooth aptX, balanced XLR inputs, Ethernet and Wi‑Fi for app control, subwoofer pre-outs, home-theatre bypass, trigger/IR and preouts. The broad digital, balanced analog, and network feature set place it at the top end of integrated features (capped at the schema upper bound).
Value for Money
89/100
Mixed-but-leaning-positive verdicts: HomeTheaterHifi explicitly says the SI-300.2d 'is worth its asking price' and calls it the best integrated they've heard at the ~$5,995 list, while Pursuit Perfect notes solid performance but points out stiff competition at a similar price with some rivals offering additional streaming/DSP features. Overall the reviewers regard it as a justified premium purchase, though not without alternatives.
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