CAD 808/Rocket 88 R Stereo Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier INITIAL SET UP and OWNERS MANUAL NOTE: Before installing your new power amplifier, please read this manual carefully as it will inform you of the specifications, proper installation procedures and operation procedures. Also included in this manual are guidelines on how to properly service and care for your new Rocket 88 R.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 14. LIGHTNING: For added protection for the unit during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the unit due to lightning and power line surges. 15.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 26. FCC INFORMATION FOR USER: CAUTION: ANY changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Dear Audiophile Friend: I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for purchasing a Cary Audio Design Rocket 88 R stereo power amplifier. I have spent many, many hours designing and voicing this latest iteration of our very popular Rocket 88. In fact, I have had tremendous fun listening to the new Rocket 88 R during and after the design phase. There are several design projects that stand out to me in the recent past.
THEORY OF OPERATION For the technically minded, a review of the circuit is in order. Your new Rocket 88 R operates in push pull triode Class A mode and in class A/B ultra-linear mode. The output stage KT-88 tubes are biased with a negative fixed bias voltage for low distortion and maximum output capabilities. In the triode mode, the Rocket 88 R is the most linear and yields the most musically satisfying presentation.
even higher overall power output levels to try to solve the clipping problem. In reality, we believe the most critical aspect is how fast a recovery an amplifier can achieve after overload. With the incredible dynamics range of live and recorded music, even 2,000 watts of power is potentially not enough. Most of the music being listened to in an average home listening room is only requiring about 1-3 watts of power.
Specifications: Rocket 88 R Stereo Power Amplifier DIMENSIONS: 10”W x 18”D x 6”H (25.4 cm x 45.7 cm x 15.2 cm) WEIGHT: 45 Lb.. (20.4 kg) CIRCUIT TYPE: Push-Pull Triode Class A, Ultra-linear Class A/B POWER OUTPUT: 30 Watts Triode, 60 Watts Ultra-linear INPUT SENSITIVITY: 1.2 volt for full output INPUT IMPEDANCE: 150,000 ohms NOISE AND HUM: -87 dB below rated output FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 Hz to 82,000 Hz + 0, -3.
Front Panel Features AC-ON ROTARY SWITCH: Turns AC power on in the “on” position. GREEN ‘CAT EYES’: Indicate audio power output, fully closed eye at maximum power. Rear Apron Features INPUT: Signal input connection via either RCA or XLR shielded interconnect cables. Pin #1 is the shield, #2 positive phase signal on XLR connector. INPUT SWITCH: Push in direction of the type of input to be utilized, RCA or XLR. OUTPUT: The 5-way speaker binding posts provide the output to the speaker system.
hear a slight click in the loudspeakers when inserting or removing the plug. This is normal. SPEAKER: These switches change the 4 and 8 ohm output taps from the output transformer to the speaker posts on the rear of the amplifier. They maybe operated with the amplifier in operation. EYE TUBE: There are two of these. They set the green eye tube intensity. You may set to any desired level for your listening room. The control does not change any of the sonic characteristics of the amplifier.
Amplifier Placement and Set Up In general, the location of your new Rocket 88 R amplifier is not critical. The best placement in your system is near the speaker system with short lengths of speaker cables. Certain precautions must be taken to ensure optimum performance. Avoid hot locations near radiators or other heating units. Keep the top of the Rocket 88 R clear of books, paper, or other equipment to protect against overheating.
illuminated. Should you not observe the above conditions, turn off the amplifier and check the power cord and AC socket. Triode/Ultra-Linear Switch On the top of the chassis behind the KT-88 output tubes is located a chrome handle switch. With the handle pushed to the rear of the amplifier the mode of operation is ultra-linear. In the forward position the mode will be in triode class A mode. This set of switches maybe switched during listening. A slight click maybe heard in the loudspeakers.
Break In Period The tubes, capacitors and output transformers take approximately 100 hours of music playing to fully settle in for peak performance. The Rocket 88 R will sound good fresh out of the box. However, after the first couple of hours you will notice increased depth and tighter bass. This break in period is normal for tube based components and with high performance audio components.
WARNINGS! MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO PUT THE ROCKET 88 R INTO SERVICE OUTSIDE OF THE CABINET. CONTACT WITH THE HIGH VOLTAGES FOUND INSIDE THE UNIT CHASSIS CAN BE FATAL! COMPLETELY REMOVE THE AC POWER PLUG FROM THE WALL AND ALLOW 30 MINUTES FOR THE HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACITORS TO DISCHARGE THROUGH THE BLEEDER RESISTORS BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE TUBES OR TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE AMPLIFIER! CAUTIONS NEVER REMOVE or INSERT AC PLUG WHEN THE UNIT IS ON OR THE AC POWER SWITCH IS IN THE “ON” POSITION.
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.