Cary Audio taking preorders on new SI-300.2d amp

THERE’S much to be excited about Cary Audio’s new SI-300.2d integrated amplifier – it not only does the job of the traditional integrated, but also combines the functions of a high-end USB DAC in a single chassis.

The SI-300.2d features an analogue section with the sonic performance for which Cary Audio is famed. With 300 watts of Class AB power under the hood, it can handle even the most difficult of speaker loads.

This is mated to digital sections that Cary Audio says “are a chip off our reference products, thereby including only the best digital circuit topology, digital-to-analogue conversion process, and technology like our proprietary TruBit Upsampling feature”.

So just what can the SI-300.2d do then? It has four line-level inputs (two balanced XLR and two RCA) to connect your traditional source components, but also an XMOS USB input and aptX Bluetooth connectivity.

Via its USB connection, it is able to decode digital signals as high as 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 resolution. And any digital signal – including via Bluetooth – can be upsampled up to 768kHz rates.

Best yet, it can be controlled via a traditional handheld infrared remote, while WiFi connectivity allows you to use your iPhone or Android smartphone, via dedicated apps, to access the amp.

The SI-300.2d retails for US$5,995 and starts shipping July 11, but if you order it before July 1, you get a 25% discount – that’s a more tempting US$4,496. Love those blue meters already!