SA-500.1 ES

ES series (home cinema)

Solid-state monoblock from the ES series, designed for high-fidelity and multichannel home cinema systems.

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 catalogue.

Summary

The SA-500.1 ES encapsulates the ES architecture in a monoblock format: 500 W at 8 Ω per unit, sharing design with the SA-200.2 ES in monophonic configuration as outlined in the official white paper.

Key Points

  • Solid-state monoblock power amplifier in Class A/B.
  • Oriented towards high fidelity and multichannel home cinema systems.
  • An unbalanced RCA input and a balanced XLR.
  • Reinforced speaker terminals with gold-plated contacts.
  • Remote trigger for system integration.
  • Shares architecture with the SA-200.2 ES in monophonic configuration.
  • Solid state
  • Class A/B
  • Home cinema
  • Monoblock
  • Remote trigger

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

Class A/B monoblock power amplifier from the ES series, delivering 500 W (8 Ω) per unit, designed for home cinema and high-power monophonic configurations.

Why choose this model?

When each channel requires 500 W (8 Ω) with the ES architecture, instead of the SA-200.2 ES stereo pair.

For which system does it make sense?

  • Front or effects channels in home cinema with a monoblock per channel.
  • Bi-amplification or tri-amplification with identical stages per channel.
  • Systems requiring the architecture of the SA-200.2 ES in monophonic format.

Differences compared to similar models

One RCA input and one XLR input per block (compared to two pairs in the SA-200.2 ES). According to the official white paper, it shares architecture with the SA-200.2 ES in a monophonic bridged configuration.

Architecture and Design Decisions

Class A/B monoblock with over 98,000 µF per channel as detailed in the white paper ES. Delivers 500 W at 8 Ω and 1000 W at 4 Ω per unit; identical THD, S/N, and frequency response figures as the SA-200.2 ES stereo pair.

Compatibility and Use

One block per channel in home cinema or bi-amplification. Shared manual with SA-200.2 ES according to Cary.

Official specification limits

No dedicated product page verified (404); information based on white paper and introductory article. Manual published as SA-200.2 ES.

Related Technologies: Solid State — ES Series .

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Output power
500 W (8 Ω); 1000 W (4 Ω)
Topology
Solid state Class A/B monoblock power amplifier
Frequency response
10 Hz–50 kHz (±0,1 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio
> 100 dB (ponderada A)
THD
< 0,05 %
Damping factor
Superior a 400
Gain
28 dB
Integration
Remote trigger 3.3–24 V DC; shares architecture with the SA-200.2 ES in monophonic configuration
ES Architecture
Shares design with the SA-200.2 ES in monophonic configuration (according to official white paper)

Technical Specifications

Connectivity

Inputs
RCA ×1 and balanced XLR ×1 (30 kΩ)
Outputs
A pair of reinforced speaker terminals with gold-plated contacts
Input impedance
30 kΩ (RCA and XLR)

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

Power Supply
Over 98,000 µF per channel
Dimensions
17.7 × 7.75 × 19.5 inches (W × H × D)
Weight
65 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

  • Solid State — ES Series

    Alongside valve technology, Cary Audio develops high-current solid-state amplification. The ES series encompasses stages designed for both two-channel high fidelity and home cinema systems.

Launch context

Origin and Journey

Monoblock from the ES series, introduced in April 2018 alongside the SA-200.2 ES.

Recommended Applications

Where it fits

  • High fidelity
  • Home Cinema

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

Home Cinema. For those incorporating Cary Audio high-fidelity into a home cinema system and requiring multi-channel amplification.

Within the Cary catalogue

Its position in the range

The SA-500.1 ES is part of Power Amplifiers and Home Cinema in the Cary Audio catalogue.

Cary Audio also positions it for home cinema.

Design family
ES series (home cinema)

Reference

More context about this model