CARY AUDIO V12I CAD-280-SA

Second-hand, in mint condition, without scratches. No original package.

Tubes power amplifier.

The Cary CAD-280SA V12 is an elegant and compact amplifier, featuring a "Jaguar Carnival Red" finish and a design that balances simplicity and exuberance. The top panel houses the output transformers and a larger power transformer, all made with EI laminations. The 12 output tubes are positioned on the sides, each with a red LED indicator and a Triode/Ultralinear switch for each pair. The front panel is made of black anodized aluminum with switches for power and high voltage, and LEDs to indicate the presence of high voltage and bias.

On the rear, the amplifier offers RCA and XLR inputs, selectable via a switch, and binding posts for 4 and 8 ohm impedances, with an IEC socket and fuses for protecting the tubes and transformers. The internal components include metal film resistors with 1% tolerance, oil capacitors, and 560µF power supply capacitors.

The CAD-280SA V12 offers two operating modes: the triode Class A mode (50W per channel), which ensures the best sound quality, and the ultralinear Class AB mode (100W per channel). A mixed mode of 2/3 triode and 1/3 ultralinear (65W) is also available. The bias is fixed, ensuring a uniform negative voltage to maximize linearity and allow the use of various output tube types, such as KT88, 6550, KT90, KT66, and 6L6.

Technical Specifications:

• Two-channel, push-pull tube amplifier
• Tube complement: two 6922 input tubes, two SV83/EL84 driver tubes, twelve EL34 output tubes
• Inputs: RCA or XLR, selectable via switch
• Outputs: three five-way binding posts, red for 4 and 8-ohm transformer taps, black for ground
• Specified output power: 50W per channel (17dBW) in triode mode, 100W per channel (20dBW) in ultralinear mode
• Input sensitivity: 2V for full output
• Input impedance: 150k ohms
• Noise and hum: 84dB below rated output
• Frequency response at full power output: 20Hz-23kHz, ±1dB
• Power consumption: 420W in operation, 10W in standby
• Dimensions: 31.75 cm (W) x 22.86 cm (H) x 50.8 cm (D)
• Weight: 38.56 kg