CAD-211FE

classic valve design

Valve monoblock from the Founders Edition line of power amplifiers by Cary Audio.

Price, selected version, availability and estimated lead time are confirmed individually before any order.

Discuss purchase and listening

Catalogue information verified on the 19 June 2026. Official Cary Audio page.

Summary

The CAD-211FE is the high-power balanced monoblock from the Founders Edition line: it features three selectable class modes and utilises 845 output tubes, despite the "211" in the series name.

Key Points

  • Fully balanced design valve monoblock power amplifier.
  • Three selectable operating modes: Class A, Class A/B, and Class B.
  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.
  • Each unit is an independent monophonic block.
  • Output valves 845 according to Cary; the "211" identifies the range, not the valve.
  • Up to 150 W per channel in Class B according to the official specifications.
  • Valves
  • Monoblock
  • Fully balanced
  • Three class modes
  • XLR and RCA inputs

Purchasing, listening and delivery

Ordering and system matching

Ask about the selected version and matching with your amplifier, sources and room. Supply arrangements will be confirmed in the quotation. An enquiry does not confirm a sale.

Listening sessions and demonstrations

You can request a listening session by appointment at our Barcelona office (Carrer de Modolell, 57). When we arrange the appointment we confirm which equipment is available to hear, along with the date and time.

Home demonstrations are not offered for this product.

Delivery and setup

Delivery, its cost and the estimated timing are confirmed in writing in your quotation, for your delivery address and before you accept it.

Installation and setup can be requested as an additional service. We assess feasibility and quote it separately.

We will open the LineaSonora enquiry form with this product and your chosen version. No order or appointment is confirmed.

Editorial Reference

Model context

Position within the Cary range

Fully balanced valve monoblock from the Founders Edition line, featuring three class modes (A, A/B, and B) and 845 output valves.

Why choose this model?

When high-power balanced monoblocks with three selectable class modes are required, surpassing the SET of the CAD-805RS.

For which system does it make sense?

  • Reference systems with balanced monoblocks and selectable operation modes.
  • Demanding loudspeakers requiring up to 150 W per channel in Class B.
  • Installations where the range name "211" identifies the FE series, not the output valve.

Differences compared to similar models

Greater power and three class modes compared to the CAD-805RS SET. The CAD-211FE employs 845 output tubes despite the "211" in its name, according to the official documentation.

Architecture and Design Decisions

Fully balanced monoblock from the Founders Edition line featuring two 845 output tubes, two 300B driver tubes, a 6SL7 input tube, and a 6CA7 in the power supply. Three modes: Class A (70 W), A/B (110 W), and B (150 W).

Compatibility and Use

RCA inputs (100 kΩ) and balanced XLR (200 kΩ). One block per channel; balanced preamplifiers recommended.

Official specification limits

The "211" in the name refers to the series, not the output valve (845). Do not confuse it with the CAD-805RS SET, which delivers 50 W.

Related Technologies: Valves and single-ended triode .

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which output tube does the CAD-211FE use?
The output tube is the 845. The “211” is the series name, not the output tube.
How much power does it deliver?
It is a fully balanced monoblock with switchable class modes: 70 W (Class A), 110 W (Class A/B) and 150 W (Class B).

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Output power
150 W (Class B); 110 W (Class A/B); 70 W (Class A)
Topology
Fully balanced valve monoblock; three operating modes (A, A/B, and B)
Valves
Output: 2 × 845. Driver: 2 × 300B. Input: 6SL7. Power supply: 6CA7
Model clarification
The "211" in the name is a range: the output valve of the CAD-211FE is the 845, not the 211.
Frequency response
20 Hz–20 kHz (±0,5 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio
Superior a 80 dB
Sensitivity
2,0 V
Configuration
Monophonic (one block per channel)
Operating Modes
Selectable Class A (70 W), Class A/B (110 W), and Class B (150 W)

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

Inputs
RCA (100 kΩ) and balanced XLR (200 kΩ)
XLR input impedance
200 kΩ

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

Dimensions
12.25 × 10 × 24 inches (W × H × D)
Weight
90 lbs

Specifications compiled from official Cary Audio sources, reviewed on 19 June 2026. Unverified data is not published; unavailable fields are omitted.

Documentation

Official Manuals and Resources

Links to PDFs and guides published by Cary Audio on caryaudio.com. They open in a new tab.

Technologies

Engineering Behind This Equipment

  • Valves and single-ended triode

    Valve design is the foundational heritage of Cary Audio. The brand maintains a line of triode equipment in single-ended configuration, in class A, which defines much of its character and sonic identity.

Launch context

Origin and Journey

Monoblock "Founders Edition", unveiled at CES 2010.

Recommended Applications

Where it fits

  • High fidelity

Power Amplifiers. For those who already possess a preamplifier and are seeking a power amplifier that defines the character and control of the system.

Within the Cary catalogue

Its position in the range

The CAD-211FE is part of Power Amplifiers in the Cary Audio catalogue.

Families
Design family
classic valve design

Reference

More context about this model