Gordon Gray
Well-known member
Hi folks,
As some of you may know, Cary started manufacturing the 306 Pro vesion of this unit. I was able to pick up a mint dealer demo of the discontinued unit with the latest software and full warranty for a silly price.
After spending a week or so with this CDP, I am one very happy camper. Built like a proverbial tank with Cary's own special transport, this puppy really sings.
The sound is exteremely liquid with absolutely no loss in detail that I can hear. Compared to the Cary CDP 1, the 306 does everything the CDP 1 does but on steroids.
More expansive soundstage, full bodied mid / low bass, and a midrange to die for. The definition of the upper end is also well fleshed out. Cymbals sound much more metallic and organic.
A couple of nights ago, I played the Patricia Barber / Cafe Blue / HDCD version. I have probably listened to this CD a hundred times. On the 306, I can now clearly hear the boundaries of the room where PB's voice was recorded. Never heard that before.
I think the bottom line is the unit's musicality and the ability to transport one into the recording venue, whatever that may be.
Awhile ago, there was a thread about the general differences between certain players in a particular price range and whether the $5K + units were worthwile. Based on my limited experience with red book CD's, I would have to answer "you betcha". Since I haven't burned in the SACD hardware yet, I have only limited hours listening to this technology. However, first impressions are extremely positive. As some of you may know, the low end on the the PB Modern Cool red book CD is pretty astounding. On the SACD version, it just seems to go through the floor. So deep and so well defined.
I hope members have a chance to audition this unit if they are shopping in this price range. Assuming you are hearing a unit that is fully broken in on a system that can do it justice, be ready to experience a big slice of sonic heaven.
GG
As some of you may know, Cary started manufacturing the 306 Pro vesion of this unit. I was able to pick up a mint dealer demo of the discontinued unit with the latest software and full warranty for a silly price.
After spending a week or so with this CDP, I am one very happy camper. Built like a proverbial tank with Cary's own special transport, this puppy really sings.
The sound is exteremely liquid with absolutely no loss in detail that I can hear. Compared to the Cary CDP 1, the 306 does everything the CDP 1 does but on steroids.
More expansive soundstage, full bodied mid / low bass, and a midrange to die for. The definition of the upper end is also well fleshed out. Cymbals sound much more metallic and organic.
A couple of nights ago, I played the Patricia Barber / Cafe Blue / HDCD version. I have probably listened to this CD a hundred times. On the 306, I can now clearly hear the boundaries of the room where PB's voice was recorded. Never heard that before.
I think the bottom line is the unit's musicality and the ability to transport one into the recording venue, whatever that may be.
Awhile ago, there was a thread about the general differences between certain players in a particular price range and whether the $5K + units were worthwile. Based on my limited experience with red book CD's, I would have to answer "you betcha". Since I haven't burned in the SACD hardware yet, I have only limited hours listening to this technology. However, first impressions are extremely positive. As some of you may know, the low end on the the PB Modern Cool red book CD is pretty astounding. On the SACD version, it just seems to go through the floor. So deep and so well defined.
I hope members have a chance to audition this unit if they are shopping in this price range. Assuming you are hearing a unit that is fully broken in on a system that can do it justice, be ready to experience a big slice of sonic heaven.
GG