What you think you know might be wrong

This morning I dropped off an old amplifier that I sold to a friend of a friend, a Cary Rocket 88.
We put it into the buyer’s system which had an LTA preamp and Pearl Acoustic speakers.
The sound was stunning. The lone, puny looking 5" (?) full range driver produced a big, dynamic sound that proved once again that first impressions can be way off.
And keeping the amp in triode, the bass was amazing.

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A diamond in the rough!

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I heard them briefly years ago, but this was the first time actively listening. They sure sound different from how they look.

Seller’s remorse? :joy:

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Funny—I had a Rocket 88 for many years and loved it. Then moved to Pass Labs, but when one came up cheap, I bought it. I listened to it once or twice and into the closet of orphan hifi stuff it went.

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The Rocket has a following…it is known as a oldie but goodie. The SLI 80 has a very good reputation as well. Especially with efficient speakers such as Volti.

I sure would of loved to try it…

I just returned a Aurender for a Cary DSM. Could not be happier. (Ok a MU2 maybe)

I try and support USA whenever possible. So far- Tennessee, North Carolina and Boulder, Co.

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I get to listen to a lot of my own gear when I visit friends. One pal has an entire system, speakers and fancy cables as well. It’s better that way, I get to experience the past in the present.
Besides, I hate selling stuff. Please!

What amuses me the most is my very oldest gear, during my Carver/Sunfire years, is all still with me. My Sunfire Theater Grand amp has been in daily use since the mid 90’s. I can’t give it away if I still use it.
And my first PS Audio purchase, a DSD Jr., is still in daily use. Makes no sense to swap it for anything else. It seems ….

Oh and the point of all that is, at one time, I thought “this Schitt is dope”. Hearing the current system and getting to hear what used to be seems nice. What is mostly important is the old gear has some spunk!

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As it should be. Among your finest commentaries.

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