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Cary 2a3SE V1 vs V2

76.208.14.95
Posted on April 7, 2007 at 05:31:50
pawlowski6132


 
Howdy, by any chance is anyone familiar with the differences? From what I can gather by reviewing the two manuals, version 2 differs this way:

1. Autobias
2. Extended frequency response in top end (30k v. 20k)
3. 6SL7 in input and driver section (vs. 6SL7, 6SN7 respective)
4. 10d lower noise floor.

I have an opportunity to buy a V1. Should I hold out for the V2??? Will these changes be noticeable to the average ear? Autobias would be nice.

FYI, moving from a Cary 300SEI integrated.

thanx in advace.

 

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Re: Cary 2a3SE V1 vs V2, posted on April 7, 2007 at 08:39:07
Dave Garretson
Audiophile

Posts: 2448
Joined: June 14, 2005
 I have late production & can confirm your points #1 & #3. I'm planning to replace the stock Cary coupling caps shortly. I'll bet this would make at least as big an improvement as V2 changes.

 

Re: Cary 2a3SE V1 vs V2, posted on April 7, 2007 at 09:19:15
pawlowski6132


 
Hi Dave, thanx. By any chance do you know what you're serial numbers are? I'm looking at a pair, online, with numbers of 990100/101 but can't determine if they're V2 w/autobias or not. I would assume they are becauses the V2 manual at the Cary Audio site is dated Mar 1999. However, the seller says they use 6SN7/6SL7 like a V1. To further cloud the issue, Dennnis Had thinks the V2 went into production in 1997. I thought I could use your numbers to see if they were made before 1999. If so, I'll assume the 990100/101 have autobias even though they have the older tube complement.

 

Re: Cary 2a3SE V1 vs V2, posted on April 7, 2007 at 09:32:17
Dave Garretson
Audiophile

Posts: 2448
Joined: June 14, 2005
 I think I bought my S/N 990275/6 in late '99 or 2000. You should be able to tell if autobias version by the hole on the back panel being plugged up with a plastic insert where the bias screw was. BTY there would be some advantage to manual biasing if you want to use tubes that requiring different bias settings. Biasing is easy and external with the Cary if you have the microphone jack accessory wire that connects the female plug on the back panel to a multimeter.

 

Re: Cary 2a3SE V1 vs V2, posted on June 26, 2014 at 14:40:53
MarkF
Audiophile

Posts: 3
Location: Minneapolis
Joined: November 17, 2002
 Cary 2A3SE amp are wonderful amps. I have many 2A3 amps and this is one of the best.

 

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