Its not a bad amp, its just not that great of an amp either from what I can tell. I've read some things about how they design...i.e. for a particular sound. I haven't seen the design. I can tell you that when I owned the amp I enjoyed it, it was my first audiophile amp ever. But, on restrospect I realize that there were many things wrong with my system then.
In terms of power, it didn't behave like its specs. I've heard 30 watt amps sound more powerful than the V12i (I had the i version). In triode it was a bit loosey goosey, which really shouldn't be, since triode mode has lower output impedance assuming the gNFB loop isn't altered in this mode. It was also a bit overly euphonic. I am under the impression that Cary doesn't exactly use top shelf iron, but this could be a unique case. I've heard other things to, but I don't want to speak without knowing for sure.
Based on my living with it for some time and subsequent experiences, I would try a more neutral amp. That is my $.02.
In that system, it didn't image at all. Replacing it with the Spectron Musician, at that time, tightened up bass, which is to be expected, but it was the imaging improvement that was such a stark contrast.
If you can borrow/demo a V12 first and compare it with some other tube amps and you find it to be tops, then so be it.
