Cary 805 C or 805 AE?

Lewhite, the dCS Debussy dac has an adjustable level with a digital-domain volume-control. In a system with only digital sources, you can use the Debussy as a preamplifier.

Nobody seems to be considering the differences in iron between the C & the AE. See the stereophile review:

"Other features of the CAD-805 Anniversary Edition include a "new and improved" output transformer "to yield full bandwidth coverage at full power output." According to Dennis, the 805 Anniversary "plays deeper bass with more driver control"—a claim quickly verified with my review pair of Triangle Magellan speakers. Snazzy WBT speaker binding posts are supplied as standard."

Of course, there is no more important part in any SE amp than the output transformer. Better bandwidth means not just better bass & treble but also a faster amp. This is something you aren't going to "fix" in the C with upgraded caps & resistors.

Disclaimer: I have a pair of AEs for sale.

Hi Brf,

I own Cary 805C and thinking about upgrading the coupling capacitor to 0.22 Mfd Mundord Silver oil. Do we have enough space for this cap ? Which resistor do you replace with Riken ? I try Amtran which is similar material to Riken on my preamp, it is amazing. Please let me know, thanks.

Yes, there is space for the Mundorf gold silver oil caps. I put them in both my 805C and 805AE amps. I believe my tech replaced all the resistors. Not sure how many there are, sorry. If you need the info really bad I could look up my receipts.

Hmm Paul "new iron" I remember when VTL went to bifilar As i remember custom to deluxe. They claimed full power bandwidth. When I heard the improvement to my 300s I thought naah, Ill stay right where I'm at. Made a good tube amp sound like an OK sand amp. Although that was a pp amp, could the change be simular in a dhSET?

All others; mundorf silver in oil or silver/gold in oil? I too want to throw money.