I never thought Cary could make a streaming integrated amplifier like this. And I think, if it were you, you would find it as unbelievable as I do.
Isn’t Cary a tube amplifier company?
Why do I say that? Let me ask first: What kind of brand is Cary Audio in your mind? In my past impression, Cary Audio is a tube amplifier brand. They have classic single-ended tube power stages including CAD-805, CAD-300SE, which have always been well received. The former can be regarded as Cary Audio’s masterpiece. It used 805 tube amplification at the time, and later switched to higher power 211 or 845, but the model is still called CAD-805. As for the 300B model, they later simplified the CAD-300SE and made it into an integrated amplifier CAD-300SEI. I have heard this model, the sound is quite good, and the thrust is twice as large as the general 300B tube machine, which also adds points in practicality. In my mind, Cary Audio is a tube amplifier company.
If it weren’t for Dongyi getting the agency, allowing Cary Audio to return to the Taiwan market, my understanding of them would still stop here. Before, they had solid-state amplifiers, as well as CD turntables, DACs, which I can understand. But what is unexpected is that they actually have a streaming player. Moreover, when I learned that they have a streaming amplifier named AiOS under their brand, I was even more surprised—Isn’t Cary a tube amplifier company? How did they start making streaming integrated amplifiers?
If you don’t see, don’t hear, don’t use, you don’t know each other. After seeing, hearing, and using, you know that AiOS is not simple. How is it not simple? I never thought Cary could make equipment with such an appearance, and I never thought Cary would understand the needs of digital streaming users so much, and I deeply realized that Cary has a set of making solid-state machines.
According to the reviews, the AiOS is a compact all-in-one system that houses a 75-watt x 2 Class A/B amplifier. It supports a wide range of digital file formats and streaming services such as Spotify and Tidal. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and can function as a Bluetooth source. The AiOS is MQA certified, meaning its DAC can fully decode hi-res MQA files. It delivers a big, bold and vibrant sound, yet is surprisingly polished, subtle and detailed.
Let’s talk about the appearance first. The appearance of Cary AiOS is really… it doesn’t look like Cary’s equipment at all. Regardless of the tube amplifier, other members of the Cary family are all box-shaped models, but AiOS doesn’t look like a family member no matter how you look at it. It’s flat and the top cover and bottom plate are slightly arched, presenting an oyster-like appearance design. I don’t know if the designer was inspired by the Rolex in his hand. The reason why Rolex adopts the oyster case is to seek a more solid structure, better fit, better waterproof performance, and to provide the best protection for the movement. The amplifier doesn’t need to be waterproof, so why make it look like an “Oyster Case”?
The purpose is nothing more than to seek a more solid structure. Excluding the side covers on both sides, the shell of Cary AiOS is integrally formed. The AiOS case is not only flat, but the length and width are much smaller than the general equipment size, and it is not much larger compared to a 15-inch laptop. The small chassis has two problems, one is that the circuit layout is troublesome, which is the business of the circuit engineer, and the other is that the heat dissipation problem needs to be solved, which is the business of the structural engineer. In order to dissipate heat, AiOS has long heat dissipation holes in the chassis, the central area has a three-dimensional engraving of AiOS, and the flat area is the white trademark of Cary Audio.
The front panel has a piece of black glass, with a screen in the center, some lights on both sides, the power switch on the left, and input selection and volume control on the right. All these icons can be operated by touch. Next to the power switch, there is a line of text “Lifestyle Series”, indicating that AiOS belongs to the “Lifestyle Series”. The brightness of the screen text and display lights can be adjusted, and even the color can be changed.
Not only that, in addition to the side panel color you chose when you purchased, Cary has also prepared an additional five colors of side panels for AiOS users, and you can replace them yourself by removing the fixed screws. The original factory has a promotional picture, and it displays six AiOS, each with different colors of lights and side panels to show their own style. Just this design makes AiOS stand out among Cary Audio.
As an AiOS that combines streaming playback, DAC, and integrated amplifier in one, it also has enough hardware specifications for Cary to boast about. Let’s talk about the amplifier part first. AiOS is such a small device, but it also has various functions of digital playback and decoding. You would mostly think it is a Class D amplifier. Looking at the market, there are not a few such products. The current Class D amplification technology is mature and performs excellently. More and more manufacturers are starting to use Class D amplification on entry-level or small amplifiers, and most of them directly choose ready-made market modules and match them with interchangeable power supplies. However, Cary does not do this. The volume of AiOS is not large, but it is equipped with a Class AB amplification circuit, equipped with a linear power supply, and uses a large toroidal transformer. The output of this amplification circuit is not small, corresponding to 75W per channel for 8-ohm speakers, and even 125W for 4 ohms; let me remind you again, this is Class AB amplification. Corresponding to the speaker terminal position on the back of the machine, the entire row inside is the amplification circuit. The power transistor is close to the large heat sink, and all kinds of parts on the circuit are plug-in, which is really full of sincerity.
In terms of analog terminals, there are 2 sets of RCA inputs, 1 set of 3.5mm inputs for connecting sources, 1 set of Main In, 1 set of Pre Out, plus 2 sets of Sub Out. This makes AiOS very flexible to use, it can be externally connected to other pre-stages and post-stages, or it can be paired with subwoofers, and it is no problem to form a 2.2 system. The speaker terminal is smaller than the commonly seen, but it can still use banana plugs, Y plugs or bare wires.
Cary originally started as an amplifier manufacturer, so it’s not surprising that they can handle amplification circuits. What’s impressive is that they are also proficient in digital technology, not only that, but they also understand streaming, which is remarkable. Previously, my colleague Roy reviewed the Cary DMS-550 streaming player (now replaced by the DMS-650), and after listening to it, he highly praised its performance beyond expectations – whether it’s functionality, specifications, or sound performance. AiOS is generous in its digital interface, chasing its own pure digital streaming player. In terms of digital input, common RCA coaxial, optical fiber, USB A and USB B are of course not a problem, and it generously provides 3 sets of USB type A, two sets behind and one set in front. Next to the USB input on the front panel, there is also an SD card slot, which is rare. But in the audio circle, there are indeed a group of people who advocate memory card playback, and even such a small group Cary has taken into account.
In addition, it also has Bluetooth functionality, supports high-specification aptX HD transmission, and includes both Bluetooth reception and Bluetooth output. This allows users to not only send music to AiOS from their mobile phones, but also allow AiOS to send music to Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth speakers via Bluetooth output. Of course, RJ45 wired network and WiFi wireless transmission (802.11 b/g/n) prepared for digital streaming are also available, supporting DLNA, UPnP, SMB connections. Whether it’s connecting to the music server at home, storing music files on NAS, or connecting to online streaming services such as Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, vTuner, etc., there is no problem, and it also has Roon Ready, the streaming application is quite diverse and extensive. As for whether to use wired or wireless connection, it depends on the placement of AiOS, use wired if it is convenient to connect, and use wireless if it is not convenient to connect. I always thought Cary was an old-fashioned company, but I didn’t expect them to be so thoughtful in terms of customer convenience and diversity of streaming use.
Counting the digital interfaces, AiOS is surprisingly “small but complete”, which is a different level compared to the “complete” of other brands. As for the digital specifications of AiOS, you won’t know if you don’t touch it, and you will be shocked when you read the specifications. It is equipped with an AK4490EQ decoding chip inside, the highest sampling rate corresponding to coaxial and optical fiber is 24bit/192kHz, the corresponding Bluetooth is 16bit/48kHz, and the corresponding USB, memory card and network streaming can reach 32bit/384kHz (if it is .WAV file, the sampling rate can reach 768kHz), DSD 512. AiOS has actually been launched for a while, this specification can be traced back to the initial release in 2016, but this specification is still mainstream to this day.
Comprehensive description: solid and full, clear outline, wide space, clear details
Speaking of sound, the sound of AiOS is solid and robust, full and powerful, clear outline, clear details, wide space, clear positioning, and it doesn’t look like a small integrated amplifier at all. The tone has a bit of warm tone, the lines of the sound are smooth, and there is a good fluency when playing music. When playing any type of music, it has the ability to focus people’s attention on the music.
Take the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto performed by the ancient orchestra Cafe Zimmermann as an example. What we now think of as a concerto configuration is a solo instrument paired with an orchestra, but the Baroque concerto is different from the modern concerto. The concerto at that time was a smaller group of main parts, plus a larger ensemble part. The main part of this piece is violin, flute and harpsichord, and the concerto part is other string instruments. The violin and flute are in charge of the theme presentation, and the harpsichord is the counterpoint accompaniment for the violin and flute. But listening to the violin and flute appearing alternately, the melody imitates each other, and the rhythm is brisk. AiOS clearly depicts the voices of the violin and flute, the crisp and bright tone of the less prominent harpsichord, the ensemble of the ensemble part is clear and clear, and there is a clear level with the main part. I don’t love the Brandenburg Concerto, I always feel that this song is noisy, the more I listen, the more annoying. AiOS performs this gorgeous but tedious work of Bach, showing its persuasiveness with brilliant fluency. This persuasiveness not only convinces me that Cary understands sound more, but also tries to convince me to continue listening to this Brandenburg. In the latter part of the first movement, the long and colorful music section led by the harpsichord, AiOS uses a gentle method to modify the crisp and bright tone of the harpsichord, and those melodies from simple to complicated, whether it is the repetition of fixed tones, the long sentence of arpeggios, the counterpoint of the two parts, the embellishment of the decorative sound, just let me listen to the end; this kind of persuasiveness is a bit powerful.
The sound of AiOS is solid and full-bodied, clear and smooth, and it has its own style and aesthetics when playing classical music. Take the Ninth Symphony of Bruckner performed by the Berlin Philharmonic under the baton of Gunter Wand as an example. This piece has a large dynamic range and a grand scene. When replayed, if the volume is not turned up to a certain level, the mystery is really inaudible. The first theme of the first movement creates a unique sense of mystery through the harmony of the semitone, which makes people feel tense when they listen. The second theme transitions into A major, and the string section creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere, relieving the tension since the first theme. The third theme also presents a sacred feeling like exploring the universe and looking up to the earth in the Phrygian mode, bringing the mysterious temperament of Bruckner to the extreme. Especially at the end of the third theme, the insertion of the semitone again disrupts the harmony of the tonality, bringing a sense of emptiness, chaos, and ambiguity. Then it leads into the development section from here, and the fragmented themes are pieced together, further continuing this confusion. AiOS took me all the way to the depths of the Bruckner universe.
For any user who loves listening to vocals, AiOS is even more likely to capture their heart. Precisely because its tone is slightly warm, the body is full, the energy is abundant, and the detail information is clear, these characteristics combined are pleasing vocals. In terms of pop singing, take Kina Grannis’s “The Living Room Sessions, Vol.2” as an example, many songs here are mixed with electronic bass, outside of the electronic drums, the low frequency fills the singer’s side like a mist. AiOS’s low frequency is rich, making the sound solid. Most of the songs in this album let the vocals go on top, and then match the low frequency or add vocal harmony in addition to the rhythm. There are not many accompaniments, and the song structure is not complicated, but through the stable and less changing rhythm and the laid-out bass, people understand it at a glance. (Isn’t it much easier than listening to Bruckner?) With a good foundation, the house is easy to build firmly. Grannis’s singing voice is on top, the image is clear, convex and three-dimensional, the details of the lips and teeth are clear but not excessive, and some music suddenly stops and then starts dynamic response is also well performed.
The sound of AiOS is not agile, light, or delicate, but the warm and smooth sound does have a bit of a tube amplifier flavor. Moreover, its speed and impact are not extremely fast and strong. When playing classical music, this kind of sound is just right. But when it comes to pop songs, I feel it’s a bit soft. Its sound is big and powerful, but not fast, with a full sense of impact. It’s more like Zhang Sanfeng who dances Tai Chi, not Huoyun Xieshen whose martial arts are only fast and unbreakable. Therefore, it’s okay to play pop music, but when it comes to rock, fusion jazz, and metal music, it depends on whether the user can accept it. I’m not saying that AiOS can’t play these types of music, but for picky music friends, without that speed and power of Bruce Lee, it’s missing something.
There are really many fun aspects of AiOS. Although it lacks the upsampling function of a standalone streaming player, it still has an adjustable EQ. In addition to the built-in EQ presets for various types of music, users can also create their own EQ. As for the differences between these different curves, you can switch and compare at any time during the listening process. The original factory comes with a physical remote control, but I prefer to use mobile phone control. Cary’s own “Streamer 2.0” App, aside from the aesthetics of the interface, is fully functional and logically clear. During my use, there was only one crash (but this may not necessarily be a problem with the App, it may also be due to compatibility and insufficient memory). If you buy AiOS (or other Cary streaming players), you must spend time exploring in the Streamer 2.0 App, and the unused functions can be turned off, and the sound will be better. (It is recommended to also turn off the screen.)
AiOS is not a device for hardcore players, but it is worth considering for consumers who value sound quality and pursue All-in-One comprehensive functionality. As an All-in-One streaming integrated amplifier, whether in terms of functionality, interface, or sound performance, I believe that AiOS has provided enough and exceeded expectations.
Visits: 8
