CAD-805RS
Single-ended valve monoblock, one of Cary Audio's reference stages.
Price, selected version, availability and estimated lead time are confirmed individually before any order.
Discuss purchase and listeningCatalogue information verified on the 19 June 2026. Official Cary Audio page.
Summary
The CAD-805RS "Reference Series" is Cary Audio's SET monoblock: 50 W in pure Class A, with variable feedback and user-selectable output valve, either 845 or 211.
Key Points
- Single-ended valve monoblock power amplifier.
- Pure Class A operation with a stated power output of 50 W.
- Variable feedback control from 0 to 10 dB according to Cary.
- Speaker terminals for 4, 8, and 16 Ω impedances.
- User-selectable output tubes: 845 and 211 supplied.
- One block per channel; requires speakers with sensitivity suitable for low-power SET.
Product images
Gallery
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Two monoblocks in a system -
Product view -
With the perforated cover
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.
Editorial Reference
Model context
Position within the Cary range
50 W single-ended valve monoblock in pure Class A, featuring variable feedback and 4/8/16 Ω taps; user-selectable output valve 845 or 211.
Why choose this model?
For sensitive speakers when seeking pure SET with 845/211 selection and adjustable feedback, offering less power than the CAD-211FE.
For which system does it make sense?
- Monoblock pairs for high-sensitivity speakers with SET configuration.
- Fine-tuning of character through variable feedback (0–10 dB).
- Systems where the linearity of the triode in Class A is prioritised.
Differences compared to similar models
Lower power than the CAD-211FE but with pure SET topology and 845/211 selection. Compared to the CAD-120S MkII, it is monophonic and low power, not switchable ultralinear/triode push-pull.
Architecture and Design Decisions
Single-ended 50 W in pure Class A with variable feedback from 0 to 10 dB. Cary provides user-selectable output tubes 845 and 211; driver 300B and input 6SN7. Terminals for 4, 8, and 16 Ω.
Compatibility and Use
One block per channel; pair with Cary line preamplifiers. Input impedance 150 kΩ according to the website specification.
Official specification limits
Cary Audio does not specify the type of input connector (RCA/XLR) on the website table; only the input impedance is listed. It requires sensitive speakers due to the low power of the SET.
Related Technologies: Valves and single-ended triode .
Technical Specifications
Specifications
- Output power
- 50 W (single-ended, pure Class A)
- Topology
- Single-ended valve monoblock in Class A; variable feedback from 0 to 10 dB
- Valves
- Output: 845 or 211, user-selectable via switch (both supplied). Driver: 300B. Input: 6SN7
- Frequency response
- 20 Hz–20 kHz (±0,5 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- Superior a 80 dB
- Input impedance
- 150 kΩ
- Sensitivity
- 1,0 V
- Feedback
- Variable from 0 to 10 dB
- Configuration
- Monophonic (one block per channel)
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
- Outputs
- Speaker terminals for 4, 8, and 16 Ω
Technical Specifications
Design and Construction
- Dimensions
- 12.25 × 10 × 24 inches (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 85 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.
- ManualOwner's Manual (CAD-805RS)
Bias, variable feedback, 845/211 selection, and connections of the SET monoblock.
Technologies
Engineering Behind This Equipment
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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
The 805 monoblock dates back to CES 1991; the "Reference Series" version was introduced in 2018.
Be part of the CAD Series — Classic Valves.
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-805RS is part of Power Amplifiers in the Cary Audio catalogue.
- Families
- Design family
- classic valve design
- Series
- CAD Series — Classic Valves
Reference
More context about this model
Compare
Support Knowledge
Related Products
Other products in the catalogue
CAD-211FE
Valve monoblock from the Founders Edition line of power amplifiers by Cary Audio.
Request a listening session →