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CAD 211 FE
Mono Power Amplifier
NOTE: Before installing your new component, please read this manual carefully
as it will inform you of the product specifications, proper installation and correct
operating procedures for your unit. Also included in this manual are guidelines
on how to service and care for your new Cary Audio Design product.
Contents ___________________________________________________________
Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
Specifications.......................................................................................................................4
Features..................................................................................................................................5
Installation ........................................................................................................................6-7
Operation..............................................................................................................................7
Service and Care.................................................................................................................8
Troubleshooting Guide....................................................................................................9
Diagrams ......................................................................................................................10-11
Warranty..............................................................................................................................12
INTRODUCTION____________________________________________________
Congratulations!
You have just purchased one of the most outstanding amplifiers ever made. After 17 years of continuous
production we proudly announce the CAD 211 Founder’s Edition! Operating the amplifier is a simple
procedure. Each unit is designed for long term stability in virtually any home operating situation. Note
that if the unit is operated outside the parameters outlined in this owner’s manual, damage may result.
Please read this manual carefully before operating your new CAD 211 FE power amplifier.
When the following cautionary terms are used in this manual, these definitions apply:
WARNING
Electrical hazard! Misuse or failure to follow instructions properly may result in personal injury
or death!
CAUTION
No risk or personal injury; however, misuse or failure to follow instructions may result in
damage to equipment.
NOTE
No risk of personal injury or equipment damage; however, misuse or failure to follow
instructions may prevent proper performance of the equipment.
3
SPECIFICATIONS ___________________________________________________
This section describes the basic specifications of the 211 FE amplifier at the time of printing. Specifications
are subject to change without notice or obligation.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER OUTPUT
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20 to 20 kHz + 0.5 dB
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS 100, 110, 117, 220, 240, / 50-60 Hz, set by market
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER CONSUMPTION 280 watts – Operation, 76 watts – Standby
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
INPUT IMPEDANCE 100,000 ohms (100k Ω), Balanced 200,000 ohm (200k Ω),
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 4, 8 and 16 ohm speaker connection terminals
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NOISE > 80 dB below rated output
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SENSITIVITY 2.0 Volt @ zero feedback for full output
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
COUPLING CAPACITORS Cardas Gold Film and Foil
70 Watts Class A operation, 110 watts Class AB2, up to 150 watts class B
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
POWER SUPPLY CAPACITORS 4-1500 μFd @ 450V
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TRANSFORMERS
1 - EI Laminated core power transformer
1 - Special air-gap output transformer
200% duty cycle on all transformers
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TUBE COMPLIMENT
1 – 6CA7 current source tube
1 - 6SL7 input tube
In each amplifier chassis
2 - 300B driver tube
2 - 845 output tube
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WARM-UP TIME 5 minutes, after initial break in period
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BREAK-IN PERIOD 100 hours of music playing time
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FINISH Jaguar ‘Anthracite Black’ chassis standard, other auto colors available.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
AC CORD 3 conductor cord, Detachable
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
DIMENSIONS 10” H x 12.25” W x 24” D (25.4 x 31.2 x 61 cm)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WEIGHT 90 lbs. (38.6 kg.)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
SHIPPING WEIGHT 126 lbs. (47.7 kg.)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
FEATURES __________________________________________________________
Top Panel
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OFF-ON TOGGLE SWITCH
Turns AC power on in the rear position
The output tube will not light at this point
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
STANDBY SWITCH Turns the filament of the output tube on in the rear position
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Rear Apron Features
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
INPUT
Signal input connection via shielded RCA interconnect cable or balanced
input via XLR (pin 1= GND, pin 2 +, pin 3 -)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
OUTPUT
Three 5-way binding posts provide output to the speaker
system (4, 8 or 16 ohm connections)
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
FUSE
AC power fuse. Never replace with any other value than
4 AMP SLOW BLOW FUSE! 250 VOLT!
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TUBE FUSE Never replace with any other fuse than 1/2 amp FAST BLOW FUSE!
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
5
INSTALLATION _____________________________________________________
This section describes the unpacking and installation procedures for your new component.
Unpacking
All Cary Audio Design shipping crates have been specially designed to protect their contents and special
care has been taken to prevent damage under normal shipping conditions. Mishandling should be evident
upon inspection of the shipping container. If shipping damage is found after visual inspection, take care
not to destroy the evidence. If necessary, document the damage with photographs and contact the
transport carrier immediately.
Carefully remove your new component from its packing carton and examine it closely for signs of shipping
damage. We strongly recommend saving all original packing cartons to protect your component from
damage should you wish to store it or ship it for after-sales service.
Warranty Card
IN THE USA: If you are the original purchaser of a new unit from an AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN
DEALER, please fill out the enclosed warranty registration card and return it to Cary Audio Design within
15 days of your purchase. Cary Audio Design also suggests that you keep your original packing cartons in
case you ever need to ship the unit when moving to a new home. Warranty restrictions apply. Consult the
warranty section at the end of this manual for details. Please be certain to keep a copy of the original sales
receipt from your AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER to validate the warranty if ever needed. The
warranty is for the original purchaser only and does not transfer to any subsequent owner.
OUTSIDE THE USA: Your local Authorized Cary Audio Design Distributor will make his own warranty policy
for your country. Please check with them for the terms of warranty for your new amplifier.
Placement
The CAD 211 FE is designed for use in homes. It must be protected from the elements and temperature
extremes. For example, avoid placing the unit in extremely hot locations such as near radiators or other
heating units. Its location among the user’s audio components is not critical; however, certain precautions
must be taken. Avoid moisture, direct sunlight, and dusty areas.
Power Requirements
The CAD 211 FE is designed to operate from house current AC mains. The design voltage is 117 Volts AC
at 50/60Hz (Foreign units 234 Volts AC at 50/60Hz).
Speaker Cables
The speaker cables from the output posts of the CAD 211 FE to the speaker system can be any length that
your setup requires. Select speaker cables of sufficient size to preserve the outstanding performance
capabilities and sound quality of your new power amplifiers.
Heavy duty #14 gauge wire is suitable for distances up to 15 feet; #10 gauge is good for 25-30 feet. Most
audio dealers have high performance speaker cable in stock for this purpose. We strongly urge you to try
several types to find the best ones for your combination of components and speakers.
6
Interconnect Cables
Signal input connection is made via the RCA input jack on the rear of the amplifier located next to the
output binding posts. The input interconnect cables from the output of the preamplifier can be any length
your installation requires. A shielded high quality interconnect cable is important to reduce chances for
hum or interference. Ask your Authorized Cary Audio Design audio dealer for advice.
WARNING!
Page 10 shows correct tube placement positions, and 300B tube bias settings. Page 11 shows
300B tube pin configuration. FAILURE TO INSTALL THE TUBES CORRECTLY WILL DAMAGE THE
UNIT. Watch the tube pins carefully on the 300B tube during installation as it is possible to
force the tube to plug in ‘wrong’ during installation. The 300B tube has no ‘safety key’ center
pin on the tube to prevent incorrect installation. It has two large pins and two slightly smaller
pins. Please look carefully at the tube pins and the tube socket holes to note the two different
size connections prior to installation. Incorrectly plugging in the 300B driver tube will possibly
damage the amplifier and is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
OPERATION ________________________________________________________
Your new amplifier is ready for operation after the speaker cables, interconnect cables and the tubes have
been installed.
On-Off Power Switch
Push the AC toggle switch toward the rear, to the “ON” position. The 6SL7 input tubes, 6CA7 current
source, and the 300B driver tubes will light up in this setting.
Standby Toggle Switch
Push the toggle switch toward the rear of the unit to operate. The installed 845 output tubes will light up.
Break In Period
The tubes, capacitors and the output transformers take approximately 100 hours of music playing to fully
settle in for peak performance. Small imperfections in the tube surfaces will ‘boil off’ during the break in
period as well. The amplifier will sound good right out of the box but it will improve as break in occurs.
After the first couple of hours you will notice increased depth and tighter bass. This break in period is true
with most high performance audio amplifiers.
7
SERVICE AND CARE ________________________________________________
The chassis may be cleaned with a soft towel and Windex® (or a similar window cleaner). Spray it on the
cleaning cloth to moisten it, not on the component. Do not use solvents or harsh chemicals as they may
remove the labels from the chassis. The frequency and need of cleaning will be governed by operating
environmental conditions. Avoid letting the component become dusty or wet. A ‘feather duster’ type
cleaner will also work well for cleaning the component.
Replacing Vacuum Tubes
If it becomes necessary to replace the tubes, the same brand as installed new should be used. A complete
new tube kit is available from Cary Audio Design. Although useful tube life varies depending on the nature
and degree of use, under normal home use, the 845 output tube and the 300B driver tube should last
many years in the CAD 211 FE. The 6SL7 input tubes should last even longer.
NOTE: Any current production or New Old Stock (NOS) types of 845, 6SL7 or 300B tubes will work fine in
the CAD 211 Founder’s Edition amplifier. The voltages are fine for all available types.
WARNING
Make sure the amplifier is unplugged 30 minutes from the AC mains before replacing the
tubes to avoid risk of shock and high heat from the 845 tube.
Factory Service
Careful consideration has been given to the design of this product to keep maintenance problems to a
minimum. If problems arise, refer to the trouble-shooting guide at the end of this manual. If the problem
is not easily solved, we suggest that you contact our Customer Service Department by phone at (919) 355-
0010, 1–5 pm Eastern Standard Time, to describe your problem in detail. Do not return the component to
the factory without a Return Authorization Number (RA) from the Customer Service Department.
Cary Audio Design assumes no responsibility if the transportation company refuses to pay a damage claim
due to your improper packing or lack of insurance should the unit be lost in shipment. We strongly
suggest using the original packing cartons for shipping any Cary Audio Design component.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Cary Audio Design will provide repair service for its products charging on a time and expense basis. At this
time, the standard non warranty service bench fee is $125 with all parts used for repair charged extra. This
may change with time and is not a quote for service. Please call us at 919-355-0010 for more information
about out of warranty service and repair fees.
WARNING
Make no attempt to put the CAD 211 FE in service outside of the cabinet or with the cabinet
open! Contact with the high voltages found inside the unit can be fatal! Remove the AC power
plug from the wall and allow 30 minutes for the high voltage capacitors to discharge through
bleeder resistors before attempting to change the tubes or to clean the inside the amplifier.
8
CAUTION
Never remove or insert the AC plug when the unit is on or the AC power switch is in the “ON”
position. Obstruction of the top portion of the amplifier will result in the tubes overheating.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE________________________________________
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
REMEDY
Hum or “Buzzing” in
speakers
Ground loop
Install 2-pin adapter
on AC cord to float the ground
300B tube with high plate
current too high
Check bias of 845’s. If high,
readjust to proper bias setting
of 100 mA
Intermittent or poor connection Replace bad interconnect cable
of interconnect
“Popping” or “Spitting”
noise
Noisy tube
If noise is in one channel
through the speaker, swap one
section of tubes at a time until
the noise swaps channels.
Replace the noisy tube.
Check bias of output tubes
Line voltage surge
If high or fluctuating rapidly,
replace output tube
AC fuse blows
Replace fuse
Replace tube
Tube fuse blows
Shorted tube (300B &
845 have separate fuses.)
9
Diagrams___________________________________________________________
Bias Pot
Bias Jack
Set the 845 tube
bias to 100 mA DC
Current
< 845 Tubes >
6CA7 Tube
¼” bias plug
300B
300B
6SL7 Tube
Standby
Power
The 211FE is equipped with a built in bias meter on the front of the chassis. The adjustment pot is located
at the back of the chassis along with a bias jack for an external meter. Check the 845 tube bias current and
adjust for a 100 mA reading. The meter is marked “SET” at the 100mA mark. Check and readjust to 100 mA
again after the CAD 211FE amplifier is warmed up for 10 minutes.
Note: Bias is factory preset to 100 mA. Bias should be reset when installing a new
replacement 845 tube.
The LARGE pair of 300B tube pins should be installed toward the front of the CAD 211 FE amplifier tube
socket. Look carefully at the tube pins to be sure that you insert them correctly. It is possible to force the
tube pins into the socket the wrong way if you are not careful! If you install the tube wrong you will
probably damage the amplifier and the tube. This damage will not be covered by the manufacturers
warranty for a new amplifier. If you have any doubts about this, have the 300B tube installed by your
dealer.
10
300B Tube Pin Layout
The LARGE pair of 300B tube pins should be installed toward the front of the CAD 211 FE amplifier 300B
tube sockets. LOOK CAREFULLY at the tube pins to be sure that you insert them correctly. It is possible to
force the tube pins into the socket the wrong way if you are not careful! If you install the tube wrong you
will probably damage the amplifier and the tube. This damage will not be covered by the manufacturers
warranty for a new amplifier. If you have any doubts about this, have the 300B tube installed by your
dealer. If you will look carefully at the pins and install the large pins to the front of the socket all will be
fine! These 300B tube pin installation instructions are valid for the 211 FE only.
300B Tube Socket Pin Layout in the CAD 211 FE Amp Chassis
The LARGE pair of tube pins should be installed toward the front of the CAD 211 FE amplifier tube socket.
LOOK CAREFULLY at the tube pins to be sure you insert them correctly. It is possible to force the tube pins
to plug in the wrong way in the socket! PLEASE BE CAREFUL INSTALLING THE 300B TUBE! If you install the
tube wrong it will certainly blow a fuse and it may damage the amplifier. Correct placement is easy after
looking carefully at the pin sizes and the pin socket hole sizes in the tube socket.
Front of the tube socket installed on the CAD 211 FE chassis
11
UNITED STATES LIMITED WARRANTY
Cary Audio Design warrants to the original United States purchaser for use in the United States, that Cary
Audio Design vacuum tube or solid state power amplifiers, surround sound processors or preamplifiers
shall be free from defects in parts or workmanship for three (3) years from the date of the original
purchase. Vacuum tubes, if any are used in the component, are offered a 90 day from purchase date
exchange policy against defects with the exception of the CAVT 300B vacuum tube which has a (1) one
year from purchase date exchange policy. Any digital drive design, whether a Cary Audio Design CD or
SACD player or a Cary Cinema DVD player, has a limited one year parts and labor warranty against defects
in manufacture. This is a limited warrant, for the original purchaser only and does not transfer to any
subsequent owner.
During the limited warranty period, Cary Audio Design or an authorized Cary Audio Design service facility
will provide free of charge both parts and labor necessary to correct any defects in material or
workmanship.
To obtain such warranty service, the original purchaser must:
1. Complete and send in the warranty Registration Card within 15 days of purchase.
2. If claiming service the owner must send a fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt along
with any unit sent in for service showing the AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER’S
name, the new selling price, the buyer’s name, e-mail or phone number and address on the
receipt. Blank receipts will NOT validate the limited warranty for service.
3. Notify Cary Audio Design as soon as possible after the discovery of a possible defect and
submit the following information to determine eligibility for warranty:
(a) The model number and serial number;
(b) A fully filled in copy of the original sales receipt showing the original selling price,
purchasers name and address filled in by an AUTHORIZED CARY AUDIO DESIGN DEALER with
the original date of purchase shown on the form;
(c) a detailed description of the problem.
4. Deliver the product to Cary Audio Design or the nearest authorized service facility or ship with
all freight and insurance charges prepaid, in its original packing container or equivalent, to
Cary Audio.
Correct maintenance, repair and use are important to obtain performance from this product. Therefore,
please carefully read the Operating Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that Cary Audio
Design in its sole discretion determines is due to:
1. Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not
conform to the quality and the specifications of the original parts.
2. Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.
3. Accidental or incidental damage.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
Except for the express warranties stated herein, Cary Audio Design disclaims all other warranties including,
without limitation, all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The
12
foregoing constitutes Cary Audio Design’s entire obligation with respect to this product, and the original
purchaser and any user or owner shall have no other claim for incidental or consequential damages. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives legal rights and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchaser’s exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty, express or
implied, is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective unit or the refund of the purchase price, at
the option of Cary Audio Design. Under no circumstances is Cary Audio Design liable for incidental or
consequential damages. Any implied warranties imposed by law terminate one (1) year from the date of
purchase.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS (Export markets)
Cary Audio Design warrants its merchandise to purchasers within the United States exclusively for use
within the United States of America. It provides no other warranties, expressed or implied. If you are living
outside the USA, please consult with your local dealer or distributor to determine the details of your local
warranty.
Cary Audio Design
1020 Goodworth Drive
Apex, North Carolina 27539
Tel: 919-355-0010
Fax: 919-355-0013
13
CARY AUDIO DESIGN
1020 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539
phone 919-355-0010
fax 919-355-0013
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