Asking: $1475 (in case anyone is curious for future reference I sold this amp for $1450).
Buyer pays shipping costs
Located in Salem, OR. Happy to do a pick up or meet up within a few hours from me.
The reputation of this amp speaks for itself. It is an amazing amp with a beautifully warm sound that I have loved for years. I will miss it but as life changes, I find myself using it less and less and looking to go solid state to simplify my life. It has been well cared for in a smoke free home. Over the last 2-3 years, I’ve used it on average about 2 hrs per week.
NOTES about the “R” Version:
The “R” version is the last iteration of this amplifier and benefits from increased input sensitivity so that it can be driven by a wider range of sources (1.2 volts for specified output vs. 3 volts). The “R” version is identified by the face plate “R version” and by the 12BZ7 tubes on the input stage. The output power is also increased in the R version.
Prior versions of this amp use a 6922 as the input tube and output is stated at 20W/ 40W. The “R” version delivers 30W class A triode mode and 60W in ultra linear mode. Zero global feedback amp as with most Cary tube products. The input tubes can also be changed to 12AX7 and 12AU7 if you wish to reduce the input sensitivity.
Included:Stock Power cable (not the one in pictures)
Quad of Genalex Gold Lions KT88’s (purchased 10/3/21 with less than moderate use)
Pair Genalex EL84 (not sure age)
Pair 12BZ7’s (random, installed a few months ago; I can include any others I have around)
Cary MA-300 Analog Bias Meter (sold separately to bias the amp properly)
Couple Cap and Hexfred upgrades from Cary (as noted below in history)
Original Box
Cosmetics/Functionality:
I have had no issues with the unit since the 2019 repairs. Sounds amazing. Big fan of the Gold Lion power tubes in it. One of the cat eye tubes on the front is burned out and the other is dim. These do not effect the performance. Only for visuals. The replacement of these are quite expensive and didn’t seem worth it to me. There is one light scratch on the left side near the bottom on the left side in the back. Was there when I bought it. I have included a picture. I don’t really see anything else. In front of the 12BZ7 tubes the unit came with stickers that said “12BZ7” that covered the “6922” printed on the amp itself which was the previous model (non R-Version). These are missing. I think they came off during shipping for service. This amp is the latest version as noted by the “R-Version” on front of the amp. The manual points out that you can roll several types of tubes here. Manual is not included but available online here.
https://www.caryaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rocket-88R-CAD-808.pdf Unit History:I purchased this unit from a fellow Audiogon member in 2010 and has worked flawlessly. In 2019 it was sent to Cary for service after an issue of repeatedly blowing a fuse. Below is what was found and what was fixed. As noted, the unit passed their QC before shipping back.
Found burnt 680 ohm resistor on EL84, right channel. Caused right channel to oscillate and red plate, blowing the tube fuse. Replaced resistor. Tested. Final QC. Passed. SS
During the repair, I also got the following upgrades at their suggestion:
(2) coupling caps $180.00 (CAP-MDAL-.22-1000 MUNDORF .22UF 1000V ALUM CAP)
(5) Hexfreds $125.00 (DIO-DSEI12 1200v)
Specifications:10”W x 18”D x 6”H (25.4 cm x 45.7 cm x 15.2 cm) 45 Lb.. (20.4 kg)
Push-Pull Triode Class A, Ultra-linear Class A/B
30 Watts Triode, 60 Watts Ultra-linear
DIMENSIONS:
WEIGHT:
CIRCUIT TYPE:
POWER OUTPUT:
INPUT SENSITIVITY:
INPUT IMPEDANCE:
NOISE AND HUM:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 Hz to 82,000 Hz + 0, -3.0 dB @ 1 watt
1.2 volt for full output 150,000 ohms
-87 dB below rated output
TUBES:
TRANSFORMERS:
RESISTORS:
CAPACITORS: Polystyrene and polypropylene (oil filled optional)
POWER SUPPLY CAPACITORS:
AC CORD:
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS:
WARM-UP TIME: BREAK-IN PERIOD: FINISH:
2-560 μFD @ 450 VDC
3-10 μFD Film and foil @ 600 VDC 1-47 μFD @ 450 VDC
Detachable 3 conductor 14 gauge
117 volts or 240 volts AC 50/60 Hz
300 watts operate
3 minutes
100 hours of music playing time
Black Epoxy powder coat, Anodized Aluminum face plate
