The CAV-50 is an outstanding product. Sound is fantasticespecially for classical music.

A simple system makes it sound even better.

CAV50
Cal Audio CL-15
Von Schweikert VM-2 (the little VR-4 II knockoff)
Kimber silver streaks for the CD
and 4VS speaker cables

Startling acuracy, warmth, non-fatiguing.

I wish it had slightly more power although its 45 watts are adequate for my large room.

About 12 years, right our of college, I bought my first 'audiophile' system, a Hafler 220 power amp, a NAD pre-amp, a NAD 5100 CD player, a Nakamichi BX-1, small MK satelites, and a MK VX-4 12 inch sub (paper cone). I then went into an audio coma, being totaly satisfied with the system.

Last fall, for some reason, I decided to replace the Hafler but I still didn't have a clue. One high end place tried to sell me the Adcom 5802 but an old friend warned me not to. They also recommended Classe but I knew nothing of them. I started my research and the C-J CAV-50/MV-55 kept coming up. I read review after review, found a NJ dealer and ordered the CAV-50, sight unseen.

It finally came in but now the MK satelites were out-classed. I picked up the B&W N805s the same day and took them home.

In my CD player, as I set up the new gear, was Pink Floyd "Wish you were here". I don't remember hitting the PLAY button but the first thing I noticed was the deep bass from the beginning of "Shine on ..." and how it crept into my family room.

I started hearing things that I never had before. The tonal acuracy, the 'texture', and the dynamics were amazing. The improvement in sound was far better than what I had expected.

During the next few months I bought more, including an Arcam Alpha 9 CD player, and a B&W ASW 3000 sub. I'm keeping the Nakamichi - it only is used for making tapes for my car.

I thought the sound was good right off the bat but as everything broke in even higher levels of perfection were achieved. I bought two HDCDs Jimmy Rogers and Doug McLeod. The accuracy is startling. From the shimmering of cymbals to the punch of a kick drum (including the subtle squeak of the pedal). I am 100% satisfied.

I can listen for hours and not get tired if it as I did with former gear.

The C-J takes a while to warm up, though. It also sounds somewhat better late at night, an apparent indication of the need for a power conditioner at my house. I suppose PS Audio will be next.

I have no regrets. If I had to do it again, the CAV-50 would be my choice. It has changed everything, from the sound of my system, to the way I listen. Of all my new gear, it had made the biggest difference by far. I highly recommend it to anyone. Any questions feel free to e-mail me.

By the way, with the cover off, it is quite a conversation piece.

CAV-50 $2,200
Alpha 9 $1,400
N805s $1,800
ASW 3000 $1,400
TOTAL $6,800 99.5% perfection achieved

Similar Products Used:

(Nothing in the C-J's league)