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.
1
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. The output power is 30 watts of
triode power per channel and 60 watts per channel in ultra-linear mode.
The output transformers on the Rocket 88 R are the most important component in the
amplifier. They have been specifically designed by Cary Audio for use in the Rocket 88
R. We have taken the approach in the output transformer design not too dissimilar to
the single-ended amplifiers we design and produce. The primary and secondary windings
on portions of the output transformer are wound in a bifilar process with the two
inductors interleaving sixteen times. The bifilar wind (two conductors wound at the
same time) will yield the closest balance and coupling of any design currently utilized in
vacuum tube output transformers.
The E/I laminates used are silicone impregnated hipersil steel contributing to the
extremely low loss of the Rocket 88 R output transformer. The above process is similar
to the single-ended air-gap design found on the Cary single-ended output transformers.
A balanced drive signal is applied to the control grids of the KT-88 output tubes from
the 12BZ7 phase inverter/driver tube. This tube is configured in a dual differential
network that operates in the following manner: The first section of the dual triode
12BZ7 tube is direct coupled to the input RCA or XLR jack on the rear apron of the
amplifier. The drive signal is amplified through this first section in a class A, grid driven
circuit with the output signal inverted 180 out of phase at the anode and then coupled
to one half of the push-pull bank of KT-88’s. At the same time the second half of the
dual triode 12BZ7 is cathode driven in a grounded grid non-inverting class A gain stage
coupled to the other half of the push-pull bank of KT-88’s. With this network the
balance is a perfect plus and minus dual drive signal to drive the final KT-88’s in a
balanced push-pull configuration. The 12BZ7 cathodes are direct coupled to the anode
(sit on top) of the EL-84 in an infinite current source configuration. The EL-84 stage
takes the place of the conventional dropping resistor network found in conventional
gain stages. The power supply transformer is designed to operate at 200% continuous
commercial service at the full rated 80 watt output level. The high voltage power supply
section is a full wave center tap configuration (not some cheap voltage doubler as used
in many competitor’s amps) to a dual PI network with two filter chokes. This high
voltage section feeds the final output KT-88 tubes. An additional choke, filter network
serves as the power supply for the 12BZ7 phase inverter tubes. Another supply is the
negative DC grid bias and current source voltage for the EL-84’s.
A great deal of attention during design of your new Rocket 88 R was concentrated on
the “overload recovery” ability of the amplifier. The ability of an amplifier to instantly
recover from clipping is much more important than is commonly believed. In the output
power war of some amplifier manufacturers, the mentality is focused on high and then
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. It is on the
transients of loud low frequency program material that tremendous signal voltages will
appear at the input of the amplifier. It is in this situation that the overload recovery
ability of an amplifier is of critical concern.
The Rocket 88 R extols its merits in the ability to handle transients and instantaneously
recover from brief or even extended overloads. The Rocket 88 R will overload
symmetrically at any frequency in the audio bandpass. It will also yield faithful
reproduction of extremely low frequencies at full output levels. The power transformer,
the power supply regulation and the output transformer design and careful shaping of
the overall frequency response curve all play a very important part in the ability of the
Rocket 88 R to recover quickly when overloaded. If one were to monitor the high
voltage rail voltage of the Rocket 88 R during soft and also loud music passages it would
be found there is no more than a volt or so change from soft to loud passages.
Another technical feature of your new Rocket 88 R amplifier is unconditional circuit
stability. The Rocket 88 R maybe operated with no load (without speaker) without
damage to the amplifier, output transformer or tubes.
Operating the Rocket 88 R stereo amplifier is a simple procedure since each unit is
designed for long term stability in virtually any home operating situation. Therefore, if
the unit is operated outside the parameters outlined in this owner’s manual, damage
may result. Please read this manual carefully before putting your new Rocket 88 R
amplifier in operation.
The following definitions are applicable to this manual. These definitions must be
followed explicitly.
WARNING!
HAZARD PRESENTS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
Caution
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR BUT NOT PERSONAL INJURY
Note
Proper performance of the amplifier cannot be ensured if disregarded
Specifications: Rocket 88 R Stereo Power Amplifier
DIMENSIONS:
WEIGHT:
10”W x 18”D x 6”H (25.4 cm x 45.7 cm x 15.2 cm)
45 Lb.. (20.4 kg)
CIRCUIT TYPE:
POWER OUTPUT:
Push-Pull Triode Class A, Ultra-linear Class A/B
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, -3.0 dB @ 1 watt
TUBES:
2-12BZ7 Dual Triode, Phase inverter, gain stage (12AX7, 12AY7)
2-EL-84 Current source (or 6BQ5)
4-KT-88 Output tubes (or EL-34, 6550, KT-66, KT-77, KT-90)
2-1629 Green ‘Cat Eye’ indicator tubes
TRANSFORMERS:
RESISTORS:
1-EI laminated core power transformer
2-Special interleaved output transformer
3-Filter Chokes
200% duty cycle on all transformers
1.0 % metal film
CAPACITORS: Polystyrene and polypropylene (oil filled optional)
POWER SUPPLY
CAPACITORS:
2-560 mFD @ 450 VDC
3-10 mFD Film and foil @ 600 VDC
1-47 mFD @ 450 VDC
AC CORD:
Detachable 3 conductor 14 gauge
AC POWER
REQUIREMENTS:
117 volts or 240 volts AC 50/60 Hz
300 watts operate
WARM-UP TIME:
BREAK-IN PERIOD:
FINISH:
3 minutes
100 hours of music playing time
Black Epoxy powder coat, Anodized Aluminum face plate
Specifications are subject to change or improvement without notice or obligation.
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.
Red posts = positive connections, Black posts = negative connections.
AC: 3 conductor detachable power cord
AC POWER FUSE: Use only a 3 Amp, 250 V ‘slow blow’ fuse.
Rocket 88 R Top Panel
BIAS LED: These indicators will light when there is the proper bias voltage operating for
the EL-84 current source tubes along with the proper DC grid bias voltage for the final
output tubes. If these LED’s fail to light, discontinue use and place a call to the Cary
Audio service advisor.
TRIODE/UL SWITCH: These switches change the operation of the Rocket 88 R between
triode, class A, to Ultra-Linear, class A/B. These two switches maybe switched during
operation. If one channel switch is in the opposite position from the other a channel
imbalance will occur. There is 1 dB more gain in the Ultra-Linear position.
BIAS: This screw driver adjustment is used to set the proper DC bias current for the
KT-88 output tubes. REMEMBER, THIS ADJUSTMENT MUST BE ADJUSTED WITH A
METER READING DC mA CURRENT!
TUBE FUSE: This is a ‘fast blow’ _ amp fuse to protect the Rocket 88 R amplifier should
an output tube fail.
CAUTION
USE OF ANY OTHER PROTECTION FUSE CAN DAMAGE UNIT
BIAS JACK: This _” two conductor jack is used to plug in the supplied meter cable. This
is a shorting jack. In other words, when the plug is removed the circuit is automatically
connected. You may plug in the test plug while the unit is playing. You may 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.
INSTALLATION
This section describes the unpacking and installation procedures for the Rocket 88 R
amplifier.
WARNING!
MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO PUT THE AMPLIFIER IN SERVICE WITHOUT
THE BOTTOM PLATE ATTACHED-CONTACT WITH VOLTAGE INSIDE
THE CHASSIS OF THE ROCKET 88 R CAN BE FATAL!
Unpacking
All shipping containers have been specifically 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 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 Rocket 88 R amplifier from its packing carton, and examine
it closely for signs of shipping damage. It is recommended to save all original packing
cartons to protect your amplifier from damage should you wish to store it or ship it for
after sales service.
Warranty Card
Fill out the enclosed warranty registration card and return it to Cary Audio Design
within 10 days of original purchase. Keep your original sales slip with the packing
cartons should you ever need it for reference. Failure to register warranty will limit the
warranty to one year.
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.
Power Requirements
The Rocket 88 R is designed to operate from house current mains. The design voltage is
117 VAC at 50/60 Hz. (Export models are 117 or 240 VAC at 50/60 Hz, depending on
destination.)
Cables
The speaker cables to the speakers can be any convenient length your setup requires.
Please choose speaker cables of sufficient size to preserve the outstanding performance
capabilities of your Rocket 88 R. Heavy gauge #14 AWG wire is suitable for distances up
to 10 feet; #12 AWG for 25 feet. Our recommendation for best sound is to place the
Rocket 88 R in between the stereo pair of loudspeakers. Use heavy duty loudspeaker
cables with a length to reach from the Rocket 88 R to the speakers. Avoid long lengths
that have excess slack. If your loudspeaker has the facility for bi-wiring, then by all
means use separate cables or bi-wire speaker cables. Your Authorized Cary Audio Design
Dealer will have proper speaker cable in stock for this purpose.
Signal input connection is made via the input jacks on the rear of the amplifier located
next to the output binding posts. The interconnect cables from the output of the
preamplifier can be any convenient length your setup requires. Through the years we
have found that using tube amplifiers like the Rocket 88 R, it is better to have short
loudspeaker cables and long interconnect cables to the preamplifier. The choice of a
high quality shielded interconnect cable is important. Once again, your dealer will have
the proper cables in stock for this purpose.
The tubes used in your new Rocket 88 R have gone through a 48 hour burn in process
and testing with your individual Rocket 88 R. They are matched and labeled on the tube
boxes. Look at the top panel of the Rocket 88 R for the proper placement of the tubes.
Be careful to insert the tubes in the proper sockets with the key way in order. At the
end of this manual you will also see a block diagram of the tube layout. Your new
Rocket 88 R is ready for operation after the speaker, interconnect cables and the
vacuum tubes have been installed.
AC Power Switch
Simply turn the AC power to the ON position (the red bias LED’s will light). After 30 to
60 seconds observe that all tubes are lit (filaments) and the green eye tubes are
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. This is normal. Usually the triode position will provide plenty of power
and is the most preferred position by most audiophiles and the designer of the Rocket
88 R.
Bias Setting
Your new Rocket 88 R bias adjustment has been factory set prior to shipping. Please
keep in mind that the bias will vary from location to location depending on the AC line
voltage. The design of the Rocket 88 R is such that you may start listening with the
factory set level. DO NOT TURN THE BIAS ADJUSTMENT SCREW WITHOUT
WATCHING LEVELS ON A DC mA CURRENT METER! The type of meter used must
be a DC current meter or a volt ohm meter with a DC milliampere current scale. A
digital multi-meter is very inexpensive and available at a local Radio Shack or ACE
hardware store.
Included with your shipment of the Rocket 88 R is a black and orange patch cord with a
_” male plug and two clips. This is the bias adjustment cable. To check and/or set the
bias simply place the red clip lead on the positive meter lead. The black clip lead will
hook up to the black negative lead of the test meter. The meter must be placed in the
DC current mode. If the meter has a selectable scale use the one that measures 0 to
300 ma DC current. With the Rocket 88 R turned on and operating for about 10
minutes you will have the resting current level indicated. This measurement should be
done without any music playing. A nominal level of 200 milliampere (mA) is standard for
the Rocket 88 R. If the level is lower, advance the bias adjustment to the clockwise
direction. Higher readings, turn the bias control to the left, counterclockwise direction.
After you have established a 200 mA reading simply pull out the plug from the bias jack.
You may hear a slight click in the speaker. This is normal.
Bias levels will change with time of day and power usage in your home. In fact during the
summer months when the air conditioner is running you may have less AC line voltage
available and in turn the bias will be slightly lower. This is not critical. In fact the Rocket
88 R is designed to operate in the range of 180 to as high as 240 mA DC current. The
best sound will generally be produced in the 195 to 225 mA region. You may wish to
experiment if you desire. NEVER ADJUST THE BIAS SETTING WITH A VOLTMETER
SET TO THE VOLTAGE POSITION!
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.
SERVICE AND CARE
WARNING!
MAKE SURE AMPLIFIER IS UNPLUGGED FROM AC MAINS
Care and Cleaning
The chassis of the Rocket 88 R may be cleaned with a soft rag and Windex (or a similar
window cleaner). A dry feather duster is also good for cleaning the chassis.
Tube Replacement
If it becomes necessary to replace the tubes in the Rocket 88 R amplifier, a matched set
of tubes of the same brand should be used. A new tube kit is available from your Cary
Audio dealer. You should get 2-5 year’s from the output tubes and even more years of
use from the 12BZ7 and EL-84 tubes with everyday usage.
Factory Service
Careful consideration has been given to the design of your Rocket 88 R amplifier to
keep maintenance problems to a minimum. However, it is possible that some problems
may arise which cannot be cured by tube substitution. At this point we suggest that you
contact our Customer Service Department from 1 to 5 PM East Coast Time, phone
number 1-919-355-0010, to describe your problem in detail. Do not return the amplifier
to the factory without a return authorization number from the Customer Service
Department. Cary Audio Design will assume no responsibility if the transportation
company refuses to pay a damage claim due to improper packing or lack of insurance
should the unit be lost in shipment.
Cary Audio Design
1020 Goodworth Drive
Apex, North Carolina 27539
Tel: 919-355-0010
Fax: 919-355-0013
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.
OBSTRUCTION OF THE TOP PORTION OF THE ROCKET 88 R
WILL RESULT IN THE TUBES OVERHEATING.
*PLEASE OBSERVE ALL THE SAFETY DIRECTIONS IN THIS OWNER’S
MANUAL TO AVOID RISK OF PHYSICAL HARM!*
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