Series CAD
CAD Series — Classic Valves
The acronym CAD ("Cary Audio Design") encompasses the brand's classic valve electronics: the CAD-300SEI triode integrated amplifier and the monoblock and valve power amplifiers.
The history of the series
It is the heart of Cary Audio's valve heritage, with the single-ended triode as its hallmark.
The CAD line traces its origins back to the CAD-805, which was showcased at CES in 1991 and has been in production since around 1993. It is one of the amplifiers that popularised the single-ended triode.
The CAD-300SEI, a 300B triode integrated amplifier, was introduced in 1994 and is the longest-standing model in the current catalogue. The CAD-120S stereo amplifier arrived in 2007 (with the MkII version around 2011-2012), and the fully balanced CAD-211FE monoblock in 2010.
In 2018, the CAD-805RS ("Reference Series") updated the classic 805 monoblock.
- 1991 CAD-805 (CES); in production since approximately 1993.
- 1994 CAD-300SEI, 300B triode integrated amplifier.
- 2007 CAD-120S (MkII version circa 2011-2012).
- 2010 CAD-211FE, fully balanced monoblock.
- 2018 CAD-805RS "Reference Series".
Chronology compiled from official Cary Audio sources and specialised press, reviewed on 19 June 2026.
For whom
Audience and Purpose
For those seeking the classic valve character of Cary: from a low-wattage SET integrated amplifier to reference monoblocks or a switchable stereo power amplifier.
CAD ("Cary Audio Design") encompasses the historic valve line: the CAD-805 popularised the single-ended triode in the nineties; the CAD-300SEI established the 300B integrated amplifier; the CAD-120S stages and CAD-805RS / CAD-211FE monoblocks extend the range towards greater power or balanced configurations.
Selection Guide
How to Choose Within the Series
The CAD-300SEI is the 15 W SET integrated amplifier with headphone capability. The CAD-805RS is the pure SET monoblock (845/211) designed for sensitive loudspeakers. The CAD-211FE offers high-power balanced monoblocks with three class modes. The CAD-120S MkII provides switchable UL/triode stereo push-pull for those who prefer not to use monoblocks.
Power and topology define the choice: CAD-300SEI (integrated SET, 15 W), CAD-805RS (monoblock SET, 50 W), CAD-211FE (balanced, up to 150 W in Class B), CAD-120S MkII (stereo push-pull, 120/60 W UL/triode).
The CAD-805RS and CAD-211FE monoblocks require one block per channel; the CAD-120S MkII consolidates both channels within a single chassis with an external preamplifier.
Model hierarchy
Series hierarchy
- Balanced high-power monoblock: CAD-211FE
- Monoblock SET: CAD-805RS
- Stereo push-pull: CAD-120S MkII
- Integrated SET: CAD-300SEI
Evolution Path. Integrated SET (CAD-300SEI) → SET monoblocks (CAD-805RS) → balanced monoblocks (CAD-211FE); CAD-120S MkII as an intermediate push-pull stereo.
Series Models
Current Models
CAD-300SEI
Single-ended triode valve integrated amplifier that also includes headphone amplification.
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CAD-805RS
Single-ended valve monoblock, one of Cary Audio's reference stages.
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CAD-211FE
Valve monoblock from the Founders Edition line of power amplifiers by Cary Audio.
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CAD-120S MkII
Stereo valve power amplifier by Cary Audio, switchable between triode and ultralinear modes.
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Technology
Series Engineering
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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.