Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Cary Audio Design Rocket 88 Amplifier (Tube) by DannyB

Model:	Rocket 88
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2500
Description:	Push/Pull Tube Amplifier with SET Magic
Manufacturer URL:	Cary Audio Design
Manufacturer URL:	Cary Audio Design

Review by DannyB ( A ) on February 25, 2002 at 20:26:10
IP Address: 24.27.244.235

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for the Rocket 88

I have had the Rocket for about a month now. I loaned it to two audiophile friends to try in their systems. Both have said their systems have never sounded better with a couple of exceptions. One system consisted of a Bel Canto preamp, Sony SCD1, and Von S VR7 speakers. The only complaint in this system was that the bass was a little "mushy" which may be more of a mismatch with the VR7s or possibly a little over dampened room. The midrange was absolutely stunning. The best I have heard in any system including my own. :(
The second system consisted of a BAT 3i, and Martin Logan SL3s and a VPI 19JR TT. The owner did not feel the Rocket 88 drove the SL3s particularly well so he's still sticking with his SLAM 100 monoblocs.
However, when he put the Rocket 88 in his downstairs system consisting of a CARY SLP94 preamp, a CDP I can't remember and Harbeth speakers,
absolute magic and beauty filled the room. He had never heard music sound this good in this system and he is an experienced audiophile. So, he ordered a Rocket 88 immediately. This was interesting as one system did not synergize well yet the other system blossomed.
As to my own experience, I find it difficult do differentiate between my 2A3 monoblocs and the Rocket 88. It is that close. Female vocals are stunning and the imaging is as good as I have heard. I could go on and on about this amplifier but suffice it to say that this, IMHO, is clearly a contender for Product of the Year, if not the Decade. I say this because I think it is a breakthrough product as it takes the strengths of push/pull and SET and blends them into one amplifier that, when properly matched with one's system, breaks all the rules and has clearly raised the bar as to what is now possible.
So, this amp, for me is a keeper. It is amazing the number of products coming out that are not in the stratosphere as far as pricing. Although it won't surprise me if the Rocket 88 shoots up a bit in price. It is a winner for CARY and may be their new benchmark for audio at it's finest. Do try to audition this beauty. It is hard to beat. I have had Levinson, Lamm, along with several other great amplifiers. The Rocket 88 beats them all for overall performance. It is a giant killer.

Product Weakness: Some care need to be taken for good system matching but when it matches prepare to be impressed.
Product Strengths: SET magic with push/pull power

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	N/A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CARY SLP2002
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CARY CD306/200 Shanling CD-T100, VPI Aries with SDS
Speakers:	Soliloquy 2A3s
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Diverse
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Ensemble
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Some care need to be taken for good system matching but when it matches prepare to be impressed.
Product Strengths:	SET magic with push/pull power