The first thing that stands out on the new amp is the front panel bias meter. It replaces the “cat eye” power indicator found on previous versions of the 211 and allows the user to monitor the bias setting quickly and easily. Having the bias set correctly is vital to the life of the 845 output tubes and with the lighted front meter, it will be difficult to neglect.

 

 

Coupling capacitors have been upgraded to Cardas Golden Ratio Capacitors. These caps feature two golden proportioned dielectric layers which produces “Retained Energy Scaling”. The amount and rate of energy released is split between the two dielectric receptacles in proportion to their constants. We could go more into the science behind these caps, but let’s just say that they are a very smooth, and more musical than other caps we tested. A little pricey and exotic, but worth every penny.

 

 

It takes many hours to complete a pair of 211FE amplifiers as all the work is done by hand. Here is a set that has just finished assembly. All the parts have been double and triple checked for placement and value. Near the front of the amplifiers you can see the massive ceramic tube sockets for the 845 output tubes.

 

After assembly Gerald wheels the beasts to his bench for testing, finishing touches, and quality control. Gerald installs the tube sets, and begins his diagnostics on each unit. When the units pass all testing and measurement, Gerald applies the transformer badges and wheels them to the next phase...

Before any Cary Audio Design component is shipped out the door, it is placed on the “burn-in” shelf for a period of 48 hours.

 

 

“Burn-in” is a process of continuously running an audio signal through a powered on unit for an extended period of time to ensure that all of the internal components within the power supply and audio signal chain are properly settled, and to catch any abnormalities within the performance of the vacuum tubes, or the unit itself. This time period also helps the tubes reach maximum temperature to burn off any impurities that may be left on the plates from the manufacturing process. It also helps catch any tubes which may have defects from the manufacturing process. We then pull units at random from the burn-in bench to perform personal listening tests for further evaluation. This process takes place for every Cary Audio Design product manufactured before it ships to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality, most reliable product possible.

 

A 211 FE set up in the listening room.

The chassis shown here is painted with Anthracite Black with a matching faceplate.

 

And as with all of our amplifiers, you can order a custom car color for the chassis. The unit shown here is painted with Jaguar Carnival Red metal flake. The depth of the metal flake and quality finish adds to the beauty of the 211 FE chassis.