High-end Cayin CS845 Tube Integrated amp review
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- Опубликовано: 31 янв 2021
- #hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Integrated amp #Cayin #tubes
This unit was sent to me by the Canadian distributor for review
Gear used in this review :
Focal Sopra 2 speakers
Silverline Sonata speakers
Gershman Avant Garde
Raidho D1
Earthquake Titan
Verity Audio Fidelio encore speakers
Meitner MA1 DAC
Exasound E28 DAC
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Nice review, Thomas! I like the way you tease out the subtleties of the strengths and weaknesses of the components you review.
Another great review, Thomas. I appreciate the transparency of your reviews as well as the outside opinions you seek - it adds depth to the analysis.
My pleasure! Hopefully the video did not confuse people because I think people like straight, is it good or not type of answer. Audio is a bit more complexe than a black and white answer.
I tried Cayin CS-845a, CS-805a, CS-300aMk2 driving a pair of 94dB/W/m Living Voice R25A speakers at the Cayin & Living Voice Thailand distributor. As expected, the CS-300 gave the most transparent sound. The CS-805a gave best control. The CS-845a is the most all rounder. So I bought the speakers and took them home. My Willsenton R800i-805 drives Living Voice R25A beautifully and I'm on the Decware 2-year waiting list for the Sarah 300B. I ❤ your channel.
Another informative overview review. This has to be one of the classiest RUclips channels. It's one thing to give your opinions good and or not so. The addition of multiple opinions of many people with varying tastes, experience and of course different systems in different rooms really gives an overall rating. Many people, like me, can't afford the top tier. If an amp is not easily matched with speakers it's not for the average wannabe audiophile. Components that blend into systems of varying lines are the best bet because we're always looking for improvements. So things are always changing. Its gotta be entertaining in your circle. I hope you'll make room for continuation of vidio reviews. Knowledge is valuable. Shared knowledge is appreciated.
I grew up listening to vacuum tube amps. That was in the 50s.
Then came solid state amps, and I always feel that something was missing. Then lately I bought 3 tube amps. Two are hybrid. One is a DIY preamp + a power amp. Now I get good sounding music through my wharfedales. The problem is I used to play live music. Jazz, Latin for dancing and pop rock music for shows. To get that sound again is almost impossible. The thump and rattle of bass and drums, the rasp of saxophone and the bleating if violins. It seems now some cheap Chinese gear and a good pair of floor standers is giving me part of what I miss. Love you all music lovers. Make music not war!
Really exciting times for fans of tube amplifiers! Lots of selection of high quality machines for all price levels. Sound quality of course matters the most.. but part of the enjoyment of owning a tube amp comes from admiring the beautiful construction / engineering of these machines.
You are seriously one of the best storytellers.
Please don't leave youtube Like forever. even if you do 1 video every 2 weeks its fine 😂
If Thomas threw in the towl i would seriously be sick ! We will start him a patreon !!!!!! If Thomas won't , Thomas has a gift he shares with us all Thanks Thomas you make audio even more fun !
Synergy, synergy is key, I would have loved to have heard the cayin 845a in the systems of those who didnt like it. The perspective check would have been great! Good stuff as usual Thomas!
Hi Thomas
Another great review, currently have Bob Carver Crimson 275 which is my 1st Tube amplifier, it blew away my Rotel RB 1080 200watts per channel solid state vs 70 watts for Crimson so sweet with incredible sound stage
Nice, I also had the Rotel RB1080 before.
Thomas, Really appreciate your honesty..
Thomas,
I "enjoy" your reviews very much. Your presentation(s) are very well done.
Mr. Pete----------->
aging hippie
The video looks pleasant and sounds good. You put your heart into it, so do I, ha ha
I first heard a Cary SET monoblock amps when I first got into this hobby (madness) it was the most beautiful sound I ever heard in my life!
Heard youtube demos of cary 211 FE monoblocks. Sweet n liquid n heart melting!
I just put the Russian Tung -Sol EL 34b tubes in my Reisong 10. An incredible improvement! A very transparent sound,beautiful!
Yes it is fun trying different tubes.
Thanks for the advise for the Tung-Sol!
Someone suggested that Thomas talking about Mr Canta, Mr Jazz, Mr Vintage ect are not real friends, but he is actually talking about himself and his own Audio personalities setting up audio systems in the rest of the house and just an excuse to get more gear 🙄😅😁😊🏡 I thought it was so funny and sweet ... Keep it up. I believe in u all 👍
Hi Thomas. Always look forward to your reviews - Never disappointed. Would appreciate your take on how this and the other discussed alternative amps compare (in all our favourite measures ;¬) against the similarly priced but transformerless LTA Ultralinear integrated. This is currently (pun;) on my shortlist. Thanks in advance - greetings to one and All
I was supposed to review it but customs was an issue and they were supposed to look into it. Sadly I never heard back from them.
Given on what you say about the CS-845, I am quite happy that I bought the CS-88A as I think it corresponds better to my personal taste. I have been using it now for just about two weeks and I do really like the 88A. It's not overly tilted on the top end, yet not mushy either, just well-balanced and it even has a lower s/n ratio too at 93 dB vs. 90 dB.
I set it up in my office so that I can listen to it almost every day for 6-8 hours. Also love remote control, which actually comes in the matching color of the front plate, in my case black. I got a quad of Russian Mullard KT88, two Russian Tung-Sol 6SL7GT, and two beautiful PSVANE 6SSN7C for future replacement. And the stock tubes perform really well. And yes, I did buy the CS-88A because of your videos, no regrets whatsoever. It paired well with my entry level Wharfedale Diamond 225 as well with my Castle Warwick II from 1989 bookshelf speakers in my living room.
Nice! I really like the CS88 after I changed the tubes. I did find the stock tubes a bit tilted up. Glad you are enjoying it, I think it is the best sounding one overall among all the Cayin tube amps I have at my place.
@@ThomasAndStereo I have to admit I haven't tried my replacement tubes yet, so there might be a discovery waiting here for me. Thank you for your ongoing reviews, very enjoyable!
J'ai regardé vos vidéos très intéressantes. J'ai reçu le cayin cs-88a. Après plusieurs heures j'ai changé les lampes kt88 par des gold lion genalex et les lampes 6SN7 par des gold eh electro harmonix car j'entendais trop de brillances avec les klipsch rf7. Bonne continuation
another great review , thx thomas
Glad you enjoyed it
@@ThomasAndStereo yes i love your stuff straight forward !! but for 5,000$ i think i would purchase used mac 275
I actually do have a Mcintosh 275 IV at my place. Really nice tube power amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo nice i do love Mac Gear
Thomas, spot on! I have listened to my vinyl records, using 845, 6C33C and 300B SE-amps (on Tannoys), for many years. Recently I discovered the EL34, for me the most musical tube by far :-)
I thought the 2A3 is most musical. But if you need power I thought 6c33c or 845. What you like about the El-34? I'm using the cs-55a with stock El-34
@@klepp19 First off, my amp (Reisong A10, modified using mundorf supreme coupling caps) uses one EL 34 per channel in a single ended class a configuration. I listened for years to a KT 88 amp, push pull configuration like your EL 34 Cayin, but in the long run I was not satisfied. The 6C33 amp I still own is also single ended and it made a good impression on me. It doesn't hum like the other 845, 211 amps I had. I still own a 300B single ended handmade amp, also no hum, and it sounds pretty nice. Downsides: the 6C33 gets mighty hot and the power consumption is insane. The 300B weights around 80 pounds and you have to set the bias per hand, opening the case. A pita. In comparison, my EL 34 SE amp is easy to setup, dead quiet and produces just fluid music. No listener fatigue, combined with a pair of REL subs the best I have heard so far. I'm using direct coupled (no crossover) 3a audiodesign Midi Master speakers (91 dB). Btw. the Decware SE34i-6 amps looks very interesting. Will get myself one for sure. Regarding the 2A3 I have no experience, maybe soundwise one of the best. In SE not enough power for me.
@@henni1964 Thanks for sharing your experience! Is there a video link or forum on how to mod the Reisong A10? Only commercial amps that are SE with one E34 per side is the Unison Simply Italy which Thomas says has a bright top end, Mastersound Dueundici or the Synthesis Audio Roma 96 DC. Any experience with those?
@@klepp19 My pleasure. No, I have no experience with those. The mod of the Reisong A10 is pretty straightforward. The two tiny orange caps, one on each side, have to be replaced (with the same value). BEWARE of lethal voltage inside, if you try it yourself!! You have to measure the dc voltage, before you even think of starting the mod! If there is voltage, it has first to be removed, using an appropriate resistor. Even without the mod, the Reisong sounds amazing imho. As I said, the Decware is also an option. I will try it for sure. Regarding the musicality of your system, all starts with the speakers (and subs). I would say, if you are trying to use speakers below 90 dB and which have crossovers with an EL34 SE amp, you have already lost it. Well, perhaps a bit harsh.😉 The Reisong works astonishingly well with KEF Q150s (plus sub/s of course). That was my starting point. Maybe the Klipsch Heritage line will work also well, I don't know. When it comes to horn speakers, it seems to be a matter of taste. They may come at the price of listener fatigue, depends. At the end, it's all about synergy I guess.
@@henni1964 I now kinda want to try an integrated that sounds like a Cary 300b SEI. But you still prefer SE El34?
Matches the Emotiva with ribbon tweeters quite nicely opens up much better synergy there.
The second version of song is long much very sweet and clearly, definition, Great!!!
i have a Cayin CS 150A , push pull Tung-Sol KT150 ,absolutely incredible, on the dynamics and quality of the bass register, a superb amplifier, it has been connected for a year, on Cabasse Colonne 135 speakers, it is of great beauty
Nice, I have reviewed the cs150 and I agree, very dynamic and the bass is incredible.
I know exactly what you say about 845. That said now I'm astonish every day with my old, Antique sound Lab mono block AQ1006 with a 211 tube; No come back. (and it's also a heater). good fun video.
Would be interesting to see a review of the Triode JUNONE 845S and the Line Magnetic LM 845iA to see how you enjoy the three.
Cayin CS-845A is really fantastic.
👍 SOMEDAY I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT YOU AND MR. JAZZ AND GET A TASTE OF YOUR SYSTEMS 😋👂🏻
Like with food every dish and recipe are unique and delicious 😍😍😍
I have to listen to all these tubes before I die. 😂
If you want a dynamic 845 with tight bass have a listen at Cayin M845i, I was shock with what I heard at the show room partnering monitor audio PL300. The drums, percussion and cymbals sound so real.
Great review Thamas as always. I would like to ask You about pathos logos , You are using. I couldn't have found review of it on You channel. This amp always had been the subject of my interest.
Tnx
Lukas
I can say it sounds fantastic. It does have a nice tube sound. The poweramp section is only 100w so with some speakers, it does sound a bit 'thin'. I sometimes use it with an external amp to drive hard to drive speakers and it sounds really good. Had 2 of my friends tried it and they all agree it does have that 'high-end' sound.
Nice sound
845 tubes-Used these in two peices of gear-Altec Lansing A287 power amps.Used two 845 in PP you could get 250W RMS from this easily.They came from a drive in movie theater-the A287 drove the outside speakers you put in your car.And the A287 had a 120V sec winding on the output transformer-was fun running small motors from the amp as a tube "VFD"fed from a signal gnerator.Next peice of gear-500KW Continental Electronics 420A 500kw Short wave transmitter-used the 845 as low level grid modulators for the PA stages.4 of them as cathode followers and these driven by another 845 as a voltage amp.807 drove the 845.These transmitter are gone nowReplaced by newer CEMCO 419F.The spare 845 tubes we had was a case of Shugang 845! Now they are souvenirs on desks!
Hi Thomas, what is you number one track you use to review imaging depth holograph separation?
I also own a 300b amp (cayin ha300) with the 6S7N also. My current fav combo are the Shuguang Black Treasure 300B-Z and with the 6SN7, Shuguang WE6SN7, Shuguang CV181-Z and Psvane CV181 MKII. Very rewarding to tube roll, but very expensive indeed.
Best to try it out with Omega speakers!
Nice, I regret selling my Omega speakers.
we talk about 845 tube,first is full body,second time and space for the notes,then the women voice is angelic, only 211 is better,with bass is depent of speakers,some older folks for more bass drive the 845 with pentode tubes.Sorry for my bad english dear friend Thomas and please continue the good job,thanks
Hey Thomas, it would be great if you could review some China-fi hybrid amps, like the BADA PURER. Can you get your hands on the product? Keep up with the great content!
Hopefully if they reach out to me.
I had old fisher cx500 , dumortier el 84, several audio research classic 60, each sounding different, also sansui au111 , each sounded different so dependent on tubes , best was an old rogers with el84 tubes!!!!
Hi Thomas, just one question have you listened to the Cayin C840A-pro, if so when do you think? THANKS
Great
Thomas...just getting into tube amps. I’m a Klipsch speaker person. Let me ask you at this point. Based on your past year of reviews...what amp would you pick for around a $1K price point if you only had one choice. Thanks!
Probably the Willsenton R8 but I am getting more amps in that price in for review.
I borrowed my friends Cayin CS845 and I'm really enjoying it with my Klipschorns. It was a drop bright until I rolled in Elgrog 300B's and now I really want one. I would really appreciate opinions on comparisons between Cayin CS845, Willsenton 800i 845, Line Magnetic Lm845 amps. Without getting them onto my system, its really hard to choose. Sound and build quality are both import.
Nice, well for one thing, the R800i midrange is not as linear but it is way more dynamic.
@@ThomasAndStereo Is that because its the 805 and not the 845? Maybe the 800i 845 would be more similar to Cayin.
Thomas review elekit tu8600 or any elekit amp. They are great.
Hi Thomas ,first to congratulate you once again on your videos, hands down the most interesting and well explained opinion of all audio rewiewers. I really love your videos, they are addictive. I would like to know your opinion of what the 845 would sound like with my Elysian 4. I Currently have them with a Cayin CS-88a and they sound really good. I also listen to them with a CS-300a and I really love that combination, although I think there is something missing power for the Elysisian, not too much. Would you change the cs88 for the 845? I listen to quiet music, vocal jazz, quiet pop, pianos ,,,, not too rock like when I was young
thank you very much and congratulations. Ah, a recommendation, if you have the chance, listen to some Lii Audio Silver 10, it will surprise you a lot, something totally different and magical. Thanks for you time and keep on
Nah, I would not go that direction. You have to know what you are missing. Is it bass control? Or is it the linear midrange or euphonic midrange. Why do you say missing power? Meaning there is not enough kick with the bass?
@@ThomasAndStereo not enough kick with the bass is what I notice most, compared of course, with a solid state of 200w, but that is normal and assumable, since I am not a great man of bass, although I do like to have it, but controlled. The truth is that I am a great lover of tubes amplifiers , even more now that I have discovered triodes, and I do not know exactly which way to take to get everything out of the Elysian, or if they are already well now.As I understand the 845 are more powerful and that's why I thought I could get that sweetness and atmosphere that the triodes have and that extra punch for the bass.Thanks for you help, you are very friendly :)
Good to see so many interesting products from China, but wondering if you will ever do a Decware tube amp review? Regards
Sure, if they reach out to me but Steve already made a few videos on it so I rather explore things people don't talk about.
Hi Thomas - Thanks for the excellent review. As a Cayin A-88T MK 3 owner I have some familiarity with their products. Or I thought I did until your review of the CS845. Given the tubes used I assumed this would be a very warm-sounding amp. That's not what I think you heard, at least not in the way I would have expected it. It just goes to show you how expectations can sometimes be wrong. I get that you feel this is a very speaker-dependent amp. Those speakers that can be forward and tend to lean to the cool side might not be the best match for the CS845. I was considering this amp as a possible upgrade from my Cayin A-88T. I'm not so sure now. Maybe this is where a good honest dealer earns his or her money?
Well, it is on the cool side I think due to the tubes. When the highs are slightly tilted up, I noticed that characteristic and not just Cayin. So once you change the tubes (No need 845), I am sure you can get that extra midrange warmth. The A88-T you are talking about probably have similar sound to the CS88 and it is really for a difference crowd. For example, CS88 has nice vocal after tube rolling, but not exactly like the 845) If you can, go listen to the 845 and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Hi Gary,
How do you like this amp. Thinking on buying the Mk2 version. Looks similar to the cs 55a
Audio Space as- 3i please review it Thomas . My X8 I hope is on its way. John
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for another great review.I had the Cayin CS 88-A for a year or so but found it to be a bit underwhelming.I was curious about the amps that Denis uses to drive his Tyler Acoustic pd30.I have the same speakers but can't seem to find the right amp to bring out the speakers potential.
Thank you.
Were you using stock tubes? Also, what was missing? What did you wish there was a bit more?
@@ThomasAndStereo
Yes I know I should have tried different tubes. Lol
I found the smp was not dynamic enough.It was great for vocals and acoustic instruments but needed a bit more slam for rock music.Waiting for my Doge 10 to come in. I think it will have the right balance for me.
I noticed that Denis had a few Crown amps as well as Conrad Johnson and I think a Hegel intergrated. Does he use his class D the control thise large 15" woofers ?
Hi ! Presently i use a crown k1 , but thomas lent me a XTZ Edge a2 300 amp and really did a great job its a bit better than crown xls in the upper mid high and treble. The other advantage is if one ´s not enough you can bridge another amp . It has a small footprint and no fan. But the xls is very silent. The K1 is on the neutral side. Hopes that helps. If you have other questions feel free :)
@@planchernewfinish Thank you Denis.I tried a few tube amps with the Tyler speakers but felt the bottom end was a little loose. Ii had the best results with a small class D 50 watt amp.Have you tried the Hegel with the Tyler speakers.I hear they match up well with the LRS speaker witch are hard to drive.
Thanks.
You have reviewed several Cayin amps. I enjoy each as they all are fair, balanced in positive, and non-positive evaluations.
Have you ever listened to or know about the Cayin 688r integrated amp. Not much is on any site and being you have some very good insight into this manufacturer it would be interesting. It is an older model and VAS, Inc. had one for sale.
Like the wide width of your reviews.
Thanks, I never heard their older models and not sure they have the same 'house' sound as current models. Mcintosh for example, the older Mcintosh does not sound anything like the newer ones.
@@ThomasAndStereo I watched your Cayin videos and was able to visit VAS locally in NJ to compare the 845, 100, 88, and 55’s going through B&W’s, Vandersteen’s, and Focal’s, all through VPI’s top tables (they both are in the same industrial complex). He had a deal on the 688r and it was New in box with upgraded tubes. He still has one and as you demo many of these, it would be interesting to have him send you it for a complete round up of their prior and existing models. VAS is a distributor and a long time tube/cartridge repair company.
vasnyinc.com/cayin/
Thanks for the quick reply. Nice work each time.
I'm not sure but i think i saw a Fostex Speakers in one of your last video (it was just a picture) ? Can you tell me what you think about this speaker. Thank you 😀
I don't remember owning a Fostex speaker. Maybe a look alike.
i heard that amp in a show with some open baffle speakers i don,t remember brand i like it only problem it haves to many lights for my taste in the front panel green .red, blue i prefer valve amps having 1 or 2 lights in front panel and better in max 2 colors .
Is cayin 9084d monobloc good tube amp why there no review
Hey Thomas - I heard you mention the CS - 88A as an amplifier that would work well for a lot of people. I can not find much information on this amp, and no reviews.
Any insights into the CS - 88A, and how the sound compares to the CS 55A. Thank you !
I remember the CS88A has more weight and stronger bass.
Good 845 tubes don't have to cost $2000 per pair. A really good Psvane or Shugang costs between $450 - $1000 per pair. 845 tube amps are my favorite. I own a Triode Corporation 845 integrated amp that sounds better than any amp I've ever owned and I've owned a lot in my 66 years. It seems like the Cayin sounds different than mine which is more balanced than what you describe. There is s a buttery smooth midrange and vocals are also very buttery smooth. Big soundstage. Rich with a lot of girth. And, they drive my Tannoy Cheviots like a champ. 845 tube amps rule.
Nice, thanks for sharing.
What about reviewing some E.A.R and Jadis or maybe the cheaper Tubeguru?
I need a connection to them else I can always buy it to try.
Now that you are reviewed tube amp I suggest you listen to Graaf GM50B
Have you heard about keces? The make a hell of a lot awesome solid state power amps for not so high prices.
I see, thanks for the suggestion.
Hello Thomas, I would like to ask you for your opinion because you know the Cayins well, I would like to know your opinion to associate with the Klipsch Cornwalls 4 which of the Cayin models would you choose? thank you in advance, truthfully yours
You have to be careful because the higher end model can sound a bit bright that requires tube rolling. Their house sound tend to be on the bright side.
yes I know, that's why I was asking for your opinion on a model... I have the opportunity to buy a C 845 A pro and I was wondering if it could go with the Cornwalls 4...?
How about reviewing some of the Line Magnetic amps? They would seem to be good competitors to the Willsenton, Cayin and Doge amps you've given a lot of attention to.
Would love to and hope they reach out to me.
"The heavier it is, the better it is". Probably true since I think it would imply larger power transformers, which will be important for current (bass).
i agree weight in alot of cases.can help you determine build quality.
This isnt necessarily true. Some tranformers are heavily potted and filled with extra stuff simply to reduce EMI and inherent hum. Heavier doesnt mean high quality windings. Cheap chinese tube amps are certainly scrimping on the output transformers which are the single most important aspect of any valve amp
Hey Thomas, whats a good integrated amp for computer speaker set up?
It doesn't have to be the best,but just something good in the $500 range.
Gave my $150 smsl little amp to my nephew and like to get something little better.
I believe you reviewed the Yamaha WXA-50, I just cant that find the review right now.
I'm considering it but just like to know your opinion...
Wait for my BC acoustique EX214 review. The WXA50 I mentioned in 2020 gear that surprised me.
@@ThomasAndStereo definitely
Small tip if anyone got this. Replace coupling capacitors (you might need to roll different ones top nail the sound). NOS 845 not worth it really if you measure it in sound difference/improvement terms. Too bad it's solid state rectification, so you can't play around with rectifier tubes that do make a difference in SET amps (voltage drop = "sag" aka speed).
Better pair it with speakers that have "light" drivers and with stable impedance curve (just to get that efficiency and suit low damping factor of the amp).
Nice, thanks for the tip.
I do agree. I replaced the coupling capacitors in the preamp stage of my Cayin CS150a with Jupiter Copper Foil caps which made a huge difference. To my best knowledge all Cayin amps across the range share the same relatively cheap Chinese RealCap coupling capacitors which tend to make the amps sound rather lean in the lower midrange. I am very happy with the results and am sure that new caps would also vastly help improve the sound quality of the SET amp tested here. Sound stage also vastly improved. It’s like listening to a completely new amp. Worth a try.
Try using Serge Forte'- Funky Oscar as a reference track!
I wonder how CS845 compares to the Old Chen (Lao Chen) 845 and the Line Magnetic LM-219IA.
I am curious too.
I suspect that the Cayin 845 would work very well with LARGE SPEAKERS for example the "Tannoy Arden"
Hello Sir. Would you think this amp will work well with the wharfedale Elysian 4 or maybe too much smoothness? Regards
Oh it will not be too much smoothness at all. It is actualy a bit sharp. I think it should work well with the Elysian4 actually.
👍👍👍
Would it sound good with the wharfedale evo 4.4? But like you said the tube is like $2k forget it lol. I am very happy with muzishare x7 with gold lion KT88.
Yeah, if you like the x7, probably an upgrade would be to the CS88a or Doge 10.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas. Got a question on rca connection. Does it matter what rca we use between poweramp and the preamp? Is audioquest golden gate any good? Or you have a better suggestion?
I preferred demo No.1, seems a lot of money when I've heard your demo's before sounding better with a cheaper amp. Would love you to try and review a fellow Canadian RUclips presenter who makes his own valve amps under the the name of Fluxion.
I did ask him to send me a review sample at the beginning of the covid shutdown but he told me maybe later.
@@ThomasAndStereo What a shame, I've learnt much watching his videos, purchased my first valve amp and it wasn't until later I came across Fluxion. Thank you for your reply Thomas and keep up the good work.
is there rectifier tube?
Do you think this amp used for say $2700 usd paired with the silver line sonata Mk3 or tekton perfect set 15 would be a good pairing?
It should but that assumes you like the class A linear sound.
Bonjour Mr ,comme j’ai enceinte JMlad Supra n*2 ,d’après vous est ce que se marie bien avec CAYIN CS 845 ou bien avec tube 805 merci me reponse.
Le Sopra 2 a besoin de puissance pour faire ressortir la microdynamique. Regardez ma dernière vidéo sur le Cayin 170i soul.
@UCMVtSHXafOEcFN10FYygDTA sorry for a little off topic, but I'm just going to modify my Doge 10..what do you think 27pf or 30pf, for opening the range of speakers that go well with the amp?
I would say 30pf to be safe. 27pf, you get 90% of the air but it is still slightly tilted up while 30pf is warm.
Will you review anything from Line magnetic in the near future?
Nothing in for review, hopefully they will reach out to me.
@@ThomasAndStereo they have very interesting company history .. and their equipments looks really well built ...but what are the sonics like? that is the question ..hopefully they can reach out to you or I will just have to find a dealer here in Montreal like coup de foudre .I will go visit them as soon as the quarantine is lifted .. thanks very much for your reply and i really love your channel!! cheers !
Hey if you can review that Pathos Logos integrated amplifier please!
In August, they might lend me something to review.
Hey Thomas will you be trying the Muzishare X7 so we have a comparison for the average mans tube amp?
No I will not be unless china Hifi request if I could.
@@ThomasAndStereo I will have to send me LEE an email. 😊
805 tubes have become the new trend recently, because of double the power of 845, which means more dynamic and more control in the bass, and they pair better with more speakers. There are now three 300B-805 Single Ended Triode models available: Willsenton R-800i, Muzishare R100, Line Magnetic LM508ia.
Yes, definitely one of those 'I must try before I die' kind of tubes.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thomas, will you be getting the Willsenton R-800i 805? I was looking at this after your Willsenton R8 review but I don't know anything about tubes but wanna try them. Apparently the 805/845 tubes use much higher voltage plates which are more dangerous for the user and as stated in this review, 805 tubes are not as ubiquitous as el34/kt88/120/150 tubes in Canada. I'm trying not to spend Primaluna Evo money!!
@@dennis9455 There are no plans but I think Jay has a review sample.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas!
This is a myth... the 805 doesnt sound any better in the bass than the 845 given good circuit design. The power isnt alot more at maybe upto another 3db of volume tops. If you do your research the consensus is the easier a big triode like these are run (ie at lower power rather than pushed to the max) the better the bass is... Audion Black 845 take a bow here.
Furthermore after much listening the 805 valve generally sounds nowhere near as good as an 845 which itself is slightly beaten by the 211 valve for overall timbre. The 805 is timbrally not good imo.
Hello. I have the possibility in Chile to buy the Cayin mt50 with kt88 tubes or the line magnetic LM34 with EL34 tubes. Which one would you recommend?
Sorry, I have never heard both but you have to decide if you like the KT88 sound or EL34 sound.
@@ThomasAndStereo And regarding cayin MT50 vs line magnetic LM34, wich one do you think is better? Sorry my english.
Question.do valva amplifier got built in bluetooth.or sound surround?
Some do have bluetooth. Like the Cayin M35 for example.
haha something funny.i was totally out of the loop of audio gear for years.for a while i was wondering where did this focal bunch come from.hahaha i knew them by their old name.jm lab. i just the other day realized that.
Hi Thomas can I assume that the cs845 is great for jazz
I only remember the lifelike vocal, I don't remember it exceling with Jazz. Unless I listen again, I can't say for certain.
@@ThomasAndStereo that's understandable I agree on that thank you
How accurate to the actual speaker sound is the youtube playback?
Not accurate at all, more for entertainment purpose.
@@ThomasAndStereo thanks for clearing that up. I'm too lazy to try it myself. hah
Hi Thomas, came across your blog. Could you help me pick up tube amps to go with my Linn Klimax 350 passive speakers? I would really appreciate your help.
It really depends on your speaker and the sound you are looking for. Old Romantic tube sound? New tube holographic sound? Fast and dynamic or soft and smooth. Take a look at this video where I address some questions you might have. ruclips.net/video/2CKey_opnmE/видео.html
@Thomas & Stereo thank you for replying back. I am more soft smooth and old romantic tube sound. I am trying to figure out what amps I can pair with Linn speakers that I blindly bought and I am stuck with them.
@@ajayr8781 Since I never heard Linn, I would be blindly giving you advice. I am going to assume you find it to revealing? Too analytical? Too aggressivg? Too modern sounding and you are trying to tame it down a bit to add some softness to it so it sounds more musical?
cayin la34 plz
I realize I'm not gonna have as much gear as Thomas BUT I must have both a tube amp and a solid-state amp.
Yup, once you go tube, hard to go back. You need both!
@@ThomasAndStereo The Odyssey is the best solid-state amp I have ever owned but I NEED that SET magic!
I recently got a Pass Labs amp. New the Pass Labs INT-150 is $7000, I got it for 3! I figured such an expensive amp would blow my mind. It did not.
It's a super high-quality amp but the sound wasn't to my liking at all.
@@trekjudas I made one of those little 5 watt camp amps. It was the most icy cold grainy transistor sound I have ever heard.
That experience has turned me completely off class A transistor designs. And I used a proper supply for one of the bigger first watt amps. So no excuses
Thanks Thomas ,
i'm the same way the heavier the integrated/amp the better theirs some truth to that !!!! I have had my eye on the Cayin CS 100-A that thing is a beast ! Around 5k !but I Love me 52 pound Yammy though powerful deep Bass midrange tubbiness which i think the heavy
el transformer and mosphetes help alot with warmth , And the top end richness ohh my with some real meat on the bone ! And the Yammy dynamics peaks are outstanding and build quality (Japenese gold ) I dont have to worry about reliabilty, I can leave the Yammy on for days sometimes weeks at a time 😃 Cant wait to compare to me Doge 10 when it comes in , close in price point for us in North 🇺🇸 ! Thanks again Thomas !!! Appricate ya alot !
One last thing burson v6 dual Classic sounds great with me Aunex8 paired with Yammy integrated Polk703/Triangle Comete /Audiolab cdt6000 setup
Time for work of course ! One weekend a month off from work isnt enough !!!!!!!!
Yeah, the cs100 is nice but 8 tubes! Glad you are having fun with the opamps.
@@ThomasAndStereo yeah i watched the 'blueglow Electronics channel ' video of the Cayin Cs100a ! Looks powerful ! That guy at blueglow cracks me up ! Love ro review the tube amp he built looks solid!
Difficult to see how this amp can survive whilst the Willsenton 800i 845 exists? For less than 1/2 the price.
You can listen to the Cayin in a store while you have to take a chance on the Willsenton. Also, you have dealer support for Cayin if your Cayin breaks. Finally, the Willsenton uses 12Au7 and 5U4G in the signal path so sound wise, will be different. I can tell you already the this amp will beat the 805 Willsenton in some aspects. I do look forward one day to hear the Willsenton 845 to compare both.
@@ThomasAndStereo actually the Willsenton has 12ax and 2x 6sn7 front stage and is tube rectified, which I don't think the cayin is. On paper, the Willsenton looks to have a really strong spec and more "pure" implementation. Other reviews rave about it (although most are on the 805 version). I haven't heard the amp myself, but if my Lm518ia ever bites the dust, this would be a great contender. I think at $5000, the cayin has too much competition. Your review wasn't exactly glowing on this amp and the opinions of the other guys in your circle seemed mixed. I'm just saying that at $5000, you'd expect something a bit more special, especially from a Chinese brand.
A very deep library of diverse amps you offer. Why more emphasis on amp side? Why not more so emphasize line stage tube preamps? Amps are so hard to change out due to their weights, a major project.
I think comparing amp differences, compounded by diverse human views, is kinda like sampling ice cream flavors at your local baskin Robbins. Not sure what to make of all these amp critiques. Not all sprinkles are meant for all flavors. Matching gear to speakers is a less than special
What are ur thoughts on emotiva t2+ speakers?
Still trying to figure it out.
@@ThomasAndStereo looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them..
I'm on the fence about buying a pair, but I don't want to get stuck with them if they are not what I'm looking for.
I was going to buy the Q Acoustics 3050i but read some reviews and they called out that the bass was muddy. Awaiting your review of the T2 and a better alternative if so. I'm looking forward something with good off axis listening (probably a dome tweeter?). And a sparkly top end with good midrange. I'm currently using an old pair of Klipsch towers with 8's and there's no midrange whatsoever. However, I do like how deep these 8's can go at my volume level of listening which is low to moderate. I'm looking for detail over volume. My front end is a Bluesound Node 2i to Denafrips Ares ii into a Version 1 Nad 316 bee.
Did anyone try this amp with Klipsch Cornwall or Forte 4?
Late to reply but I heard it on Cornwall 2 & 4, and Forte 3. Cornwall 4 was clear winner but all were pretty great. We compared the Cayin 845 to Horning tube amp and Pass XA25. My friends and I all preferred the Cayin 845
Allow me... a CS845 owner to chime in here. Speakers are Tannoy Kensington GR. Source is Luxman D06 sacd player. I will keep it simple... the amp sounds better than my old Yamaha AS3000 (not good), better than my Ming Da Cavatina Dynasty power and MC300 pre seperates (noisy, buzzy and didnt sound great) better than a Pathos Logos Mk2 (slow soft bass) BUT.... sounds not as good as my 15 yr old Unison Research S8 845 (more life, air and colour) and is vastly trumped by Icon Audio MB845 mk2 (best power amps ive heard) with Icon LA4 preamp. It sounds no better than the Cayin 845 Pro i bought (and hate as they have been shockingly unreliable). Its a very good sounding amp this CS845A with great alround sound if not being a master in any one area although bass is better than you would expect and is great by any standards imo, let alone tube amp standards. Also to its credit, for the first 18 months it was the quietest SET 845 amp ive ever known and this is no mean feat because they are often noisy - buzzing and humming things - at idle. So would i buy one again???
NOOOOOOO. Not now anyway.
Let me explain.... Cayin imo are well built on the outside but badly put together circuit wise.... i have had insane problems with my 845 Pro amps (both just eat valves and fuses... 1 per listening session i kid you not!). The CS845a in fairness gave me 18mths of reliable use until just the other week the problems started with this too...at first the bias meter led failed... no biggy. A few days later i could detect strong burning plastic smell... but no weird noises... then the amp shut down, blew its mains fuse and i discovered at the minimum that a nichicon cap has blown and the LH output transformer has overheated massively (i pray its not damaged itself).
Take my advice....
DO NOT BUY CHEAP 845 AMPS. These are highly specialist and clearly need to be very well thought out to not be problematic. All my old Icon Audios were flawless... the Ming Da were abit dodgy, buzzed alot and ran out of bias adjustment (lol)... my two old Unison Research amps however never missed a beat depsite being slightly noisier than the CS845 by design.
But i wouldnt touch another Cayin as long as i breathe and getting my dealer to take them back is not proving easy.
Thanks for your honest feedback. Chinese amps have great price points, but I've wondered about the quality of the parts used inside, reliability, etc. Sounds like you get what you pay for.
i want that Sonata´s so so bad... but in Europe its so hard to find... Thomas, never sell them !
I have got some sonatina III shipped from Seattle to France .... I had to have them best speakers I’ve heard.
Damm, I want one.
How is the bass? Is it bloated
Not at all. It has decent control. I would say less bloated than the R8 with stock KT88 tubes.
In my room it was. Deep and tight.
No Cayin designs their 845 amps to have a pacier bass than many ive heard with very good refinement. Where they are beaten is for soundstaging which is not as holographic as other 845 tube amps. Icon Audio's simpler 845 designs sound far more open and airy... i just wish they did 845 SE instead of parallel SE for a smidge more refinement but many feel they need more than 25 watts!
Can the Chinese 6n2p tube be replaced with an El34?
Sorry I don't know.
Different tubes would change the sound so hard to review a tube amp just with the tubes that come with it. I understand why you review as it comes but that limits what it could do with some small changes.
$5K for click n pray chifi..?
17:16 speakers sound muffled
£5000 in china u can build 10 houses .... Price of one amp ???
Depends where, did you know houses in many places in China are more expensive than North America now.
Tubes, old school obsolescence. You get to fix it till you get to fix it again. That might be OK if you have money to blow and the tubes weren't expensive.
"Ceramic tube sockets"?......why, teflon or beter!@5k$..........the sec one "Emotiva ".......its for me
Hi so many different things can be different speakers .room an person listening In my opinion almost impossible you would have to you would have to be in the same room and experience it for yourself My opinion I do not consider myself a professional
Please record at a higher level. I can barely here you at full volume.
Yeah,I forgot to boost the volume in post.