Digital Drive: REVIEW: Cary Audio Design 306/200 CD Player/Recorder by ff116@hotmail.com

Model:	306/200
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$5000
Description:	Upsampling CD player and DAC
Manufacturer URL:	Cary Audio Design

Review by ff116@hotmail.com on January 25, 2009 at 06:17:01
IP Address: 68.199.78.152 Add Your Review
for the 306/200

The Cary 306/200 is getting up in age now, I'm not sure, but it's been about 6 years or so since the last models were produced. That is in part why I feel compelled to write this brief rewiew. Even after several years of melodies delightfully emanating from this fine piece of equipment, it continues to be musical and inviting. I'm not a Cary rep, just someone who has enjoyed this unit. Previously I had tried some of Sony, Marantz, Denon, and Shanling's best offerings, and always felt something was missing. The Cary is involving, making music slightly on the warmer side of things. Great bass extension, wonderful dynamics, very very balanced, with a deep and wide sound stage. I can't number the times I was shocked at how real things sounded, when the recording was good. All this said to bring me to my final point, in the hobby of hifi, newer is not always better. Sure, companies have to keep making machines to stay in business, but every once in awhile someone makes a 'piece' and it fits in the timeless category--the Cary 306/200 is one of those 'pieces' and should be considered if looking for used, and something special that will delight and satisfy.
lifes just too short!

Product Weakness:	Not the last word on treble frequency, upon closing, the drawer makes a clunking sound
Product Strengths:	bass extension, midrange, dynamics, sound stage

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Pass Labs, x250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): ARC LS-15
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Cary
Speakers: Dynaudio 3.4
Cables/Interconnects: PNF
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 17 x 13 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: a long time
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Haley Running Springs
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Pass Labs, x250
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS-15
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cary
Speakers:	Dynaudio 3.4
Cables/Interconnects:	PNF
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 13 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition:	a long time
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Haley Running Springs
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner