Cayin CS55A vs CS88A vs CS100A vs CS845 tube integrated amp. Loic's impression. (reupload)
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
- #hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Integrated #tubes #Cayin
en.cayin.cn/pr...
Gear used in this video
Cayin CS-55A
Cayin CS-88A
Cayin CS-100A
Cayin CS-845A
Verity audio Fidelio encore
Prima luna Dialog two
Furutech power cable
Rega P6
Benz Micro S Mc LO cartridge
Rega phono stage
Linn interconnects
Mcintosh D150
Audioquest interconnects
KT 88 tubes
6550 tubes
EL34 tubes
845 tubes
300B tubes
I thought that was great. Good humor and your assistant did a nice job.
Forget Loic, get his daughter a channel ASAP! She clearly knows what she’s talking about!
You witness her youtube debut here at Thomas and Stereo! Not sure I agree with her on the best channel!🤣🤣🤣
@@ThomasAndStereo better make her sign very reasonable "10% gose to me" deal now.
Loved this video. Collaboration was effective and fun. Keep on keeping on Thomas. Merry Christmas to all.
Happy holidays!
Lol love Ron for his GR speakers and being willing to review plenty of open baffle systems. All you guys are great. Thomas you are awesome! Would be lost without you outlining the topography of the HiFi world. ☺️👍
Much appreciated!
Went back to this to get a sense on all the amps. Thanks Loic for your time and effort on this - it was very helpful.
Brilliant! Loved this vid. Merry Christmas Loic :)
Happy holidays!
Loïc has a wonderful sense of humour. Great insightful video.
Natural in front of the camera and a good balance of humour to information... Perhaps a glimpse at another generation of Audiophile.... Nice roundup👍🏻
Thanks for the encouragement, it is not easy to film ourselves infront of a camera and for his 2nd video, its pretty good.
Steve has the best shirts, Sean has the best hats, Thomas has the best voice, Jay gets the best haircuts, and Ron has the best sound demos.
And I am glad we all are able to contribute creating this audio community.
Did Ron do the jazz robots voice?
300B+805 based or 300B+845 based Single Ended Triode amps are very enthusiastic and inviting sounding. Part of that has to do with the holographic soundstage more so over KT88/EL34 AB push pull design. Vocals just stand out. If you think the 845 is too sweet or you need more power, choose the 805 design, which is more authoritative. There are three 805 based amps available now, Line Magnetic LM508IA, Willsenton R-800i and Muzishare R100. I have heard the LM508IA, wonderful amp.
Thanks for the info! I did not know the difference.
These were 12 minutes very well spent. 😂 Thank you all very much!
Great review. Thanks Thomas. Which model of Cayin can pair with B&W 702 S3 perfectly?
I understand Loic's impressions very well.
I had the Yaquin MC-13S (EL-34 based tube amp) wich was nice, but then I've got the Line Magnetic LM-508IA (300B-805 tube amp), upgraded some caps and internal parts and tubes. All I can say is WOW. Sweetness, power, dynamic and big and surrounding soundstage all together!
On the Line Magnetic line, the LM-508IA is prefered over the LM-518IA wich is a 845 based tube amp.
Yes it seems the 805 tube is preferred over the 845 from what I read online. It even has more power right?
@@ThomasAndStereo yes. 805 tube amps have about twice the power of their 845 brothers or more.
In the LM line there are several 845 amps and two (I believe identical) 805 ones.
Most people that have heard the cheapest 845 vs one of the 805 (about the same price), prefer the latest, wich has more grip and dynamics and is more suitable with harder to drive speakers.
In Line Magnetic, the 805 amps can be a little rugh of harsh with the wrong speakers, but with upgraded caps and the right tubes, you can tame that and get an "incredible" amp, sweet and dynamic. It aint cheap, but you get the best of both worlds.
great review Loic, same city, same speaker brand, even same glass.😄 Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your feedback on all the amps.
I experienced wrap around sound for the first time with crown xls 2502 and Tekton double impacts. Preamp was NAD C 658.
thx Thomas & mr Loic informative and entertainment in one package curious about Loic's final thoughts between the Doge 10 vs Cayin 845a, or did I mist that
Hi Thomas, watched this a couple times and really enjoyed it. I got a question for you: I own a Wilsenton R8, which I quite like and bought it under a CAD1000. There is the Cayin CS88A, at Audio Excellence Canada for CAD 2800. Would the Cayin offer me that much more in SQ to justify the price difference? The R8 has some flaws in electronic engineering which I will have to address, so your answer will be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot, Iosif
A really fantastic video. Now, I am at the brink of buying a new integrated amp but still can't wrap my mind around wheter I should go for the Musical Fidelity's MS6si or now the Cayin CS88A. Both of them appeal to me strongly but I am still uncertain...
What choice did you make eventually and how do you like it? These are also two amps I'm interested in. And what speakers do you pair it with?
@@wiskundenerd Well, after contemplating for some time I did actually buy the CS-88A at the end of 2020 with black front. The Cayin remote has a much better built quality compared to the cheap plastic one that so much reminds me of a $99 DVD player. Also, those two tiny slide switches on the back of the M6si did not appear to reflect the price point of that unit. Of course, this is all nitpicking but that's what it boiled down to me. I have been using it almost daily from Monday to Friday in my office for 6-8 hours each. So far, only one 6SL7 tube went out after about 6 months, likely due to a defective heater. I called the official dealer here in Germany where I bought it and got a free replacement tube within days. That's what I call great customer care, so no regrets whatsoever. Still using the KT88 stock tubes, btw. For future replacements I have three quads of KT88 JJ Red Labels with me, great tubes! They just went up by about 10% but a matched quad can be still had for under €180.
The overall sound of the CS-88A it something I would describe as natural and pleasing with no overemphasis in any register. Ideal for long sessions with no risk of suffering from listening fatigue whatsoever. If you like a more lean sound signature, you can switch to triode mode. Ultralinear is more punchy with stronger upper frequencies, but overall more neutral. The difference is very, very easily noticeable. I have been using the Cayin with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 225 and the amp has coped with them quite nicely even at just 87 dB sensitivity. With those, I definetely prefer Ultralinear mode. I am now waiting for a pair of Buchardt's S400 MKII to hopefully arrive next month, have been waiting three extra months to get them in rosewood finish.
Two more things to maybe take into consideration: The M6si will be cheaper to use in the long run as there should not be anything to replace anytime soon. The CS-88A does generate some heat and it does make a difference in my office. During hot summer days I'll usually run one of my smaller solid state vintage amps instead. To me, that's not a deal-breaker, to others it might be. It might be also an idea to look out for a used unit. Those will usually sell for roughly half to 2/3 of current retail prices. Hope this helps in making your decision.
@@phonatic Thank you very much for your answer!
What a great video. Humour and insights. Cute daughter as a bonus. Congrats Thomas, you've found your co-reviewer!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video! Trying to match for Thiel CS 2.3 I was going to buy the DOGE 10 and waited 9 months, so I passed. Thinking of the Cayin 88 or 100. Any thoughts?
So, is Loic taking over for Thomas's 'sabbatical'? Really great job - no, really really great job. And a great assistant - although clearly distracted by the cat at 11.29! - It was the cat yes??
I will get a few people to help me while I am away. Hopefully it will keept he channel alive for a while.
love his humour! he needs to do more videos!
Love your laid back, humourous delivery Loïc. I can see why Thomas is more than happy to use you for reviewing his gear. Hopefully you'll be able to pick up the reins when Thomas takes his sabbatical. ;0)
Thanks James, I am sure he will be happy to read this.
Well I just watch the whole video you are a natural for this Thomas you should be very scared someone’s taking over your job LOL keep up the good work hope to see many more videos from you and that little girl is just the cutest little princess ever
Hopefully there will be a future evaluation of the 170i Soul.
Hehe! Best video ever! Thomas, don’t you leave fingerprints on tubes! And lend the man the right bit for the drill, he’ll sweat with that little screwdriver! 🤣
hahahah🤣🤣🤣
Cuanto cariño le pone al limpiarlo, quiero uno como ese ❤️❤️😘
Hi Thomas I don't know where to post this question so forgive me for doing it here. Maybe everyone can pitch in with some pointers. I am considering an upgrade for either speakers or power amp. I am looking for more dynamics I guess I would like the music to be more involving without having to crank it too much. My system consists of Martin Logan Motion 40, Jeff Rowland Capri, Bel Canto REF500S, Bryston BDA-1/BDA-1, and analysis plus cables. The room is 12'W x 18'D x 8'H. Can you give me some pointers on what I am missing? In starting to achieve what I am looking for where should I start?
what tubes on the cayin are a great pair with Dali Epicon 2? ...i like movies and musicality...
Your daughter's impression of Ron was spot on! LOL
P.S. Just wondering how the CS100A got on with the M30.1. Was the synergy good? Did it wake up them up and make them more energetic? Thanks!
Yeah it was cute. I dont' know if he tried the CS100A with the Harbeth because I think he got it later.
Thomas, I just read a six moons review on the Cayin A88T which is around $1800 US and gets a stellar review... do you have any idea whats different compared to these Cayin CS designations???
No I don't. I would say pay attention to what kind of tubes they use.
Was having so much fun watching Loic and his daughter I wasn’t listening. Great review:)
Haha, she stole the show!
@@ThomasAndStereo she’s got the Ron impersonation down:)
would the CS88 and the buchardt s400 mk2's be a good amp/speaker pairing?
Fun and interesting vid.👍
Do you/anyone have ,have recommendations for 12ax7 and 12au7 equivalent valves I could try in my Prima Luna EVO 100 ?
I have not long since installed 6L6 GC Abrahams retro valves{quad matched}, which I bought from a well known supplier that claims to run the most vigorous testing in the world .
SO; My second question is. Do you think that a really vigorous testing regime can shorten brake in time on new valves?
I am delighted with my sound so "Tube rolling" is just for fun.(And to maximise top end separation and clarity).
Like Loic I am into sound stage as much less desirable systems already give you a lovely sound but sound stage and instalment separation comes with quality gear .
Listening to "Boy Harsher" a duo who use sound stage as one of there tools in recordings ,I have heard music behind my head. and on another track the experience was best described as being in a Faraday cage, an extraordinary experience.
Thank you for another great video. Quick question - do you have any information about difference between previous and current versions of cayin cs-88a ? I was made a good offer for the used cs-88a in previous design..
Sorry I don't.
😂🤣🤪😳😳😳
OMG five seconds into the video I’m already laughing wiping off Thomases fingerprints too funny good one👍👍💪💪
Gotta love those Verity speakers. His room is perfect for them. I think it is the main reason why he can enjoy these amps.
If you put these Cayin amps on a regular 2-8k b&w speaker, it would not sound nearly as good. (been there done that) The funny thing is that, if you put some better Mcintosh integrated transistor amps on those Verity around ma8000 model, then it would sound horrible. I just think that Cayin is a good match for this guys system.
Yeah, all about synergy. Although we can make educated guess, we never know until you try it.
@@ThomasAndStereo Jup that is right. I by the way tried MC transistor amp on Verity, sounds generally really bad, like oil/water trying to be friends.
But still both of those brands sound good in other interesting combinations.
Merry x-mas and a great new year.
His room is very tastefully done. Wow
Yeah, he build it and also the diffuser + absorption panels too.
Great discussion Loic. But less then 12 min!!!. We need more to taste delicious Cayins... Dear Thomas; because of these reviews, probably I'll have more than one Cayin amp, so need "deeper" comparation of these amps before your short break.....
Oh no, watching Thomas and Stereo is dangerous to your wallet. I asked him to keep it around 10 mins.
Hi i have 2 questions, have YOU test the Spark 734.? Cayin and Spark are the same?
No we have not.
This is by far the best review, even you say it isn't a review...From the list of reviewers I would pick Loic and assistent....love the humour...great
Glad you find it entertaining.
I loved this video... not so much for the CHI FI (though the amps look beautiful) but for the humor and presence of Mr. Loic. Would like to see more in this style. Thanks. I just bought the Denon 110 Integrated and loving it. But as most people who bother doing blind and double blind testing will tell you, an amp is an amp.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Whoa, don’t say that! I have to justify the four different amps that have cycled through my house in the past six months.
The Ron impression was funny. Thanks for this.
Glad you enjoyed it
Should I connect my 6 ohms speaker to 4 or 8 ohms on CS-55A?
Were those Loïc's Verity's up on Cam recently?
How each one of those compares versus your prima Luna?, would you replace your Prima Luna with any of those four???
I know he would only with the 845 or Doge 10 but it is a question of taste. Depends which prima Luna.
You and your assistant should do more reviews with Thomas. Nice one! Merry Christmas to you all.
Happy holidays to you all too!
Hi I'm newbie here is Cs55a able to drive b&w 603 S2 standing loudspeaker? The speaker recommended amplifier range of 30w to 200w,but cayin is only 20w or 40w which is at the lower range of it
I carry B&W and Cayin in India.
I have tried the combo cs55+603 - it works between low to low-mid volumes. Ideal is cs100A. The difference becomes night n day
Damn, being friends with Thomas means having "Friends with Benefits." 😀 On another Note Loic has a great personality, loved his commentary. In the sequel hope he decides which he prefers.
Yeah, they all have to work for me 🤣🤣🤣🤣 so I don't have to work so hard reviewing gear!
@@ThomasAndStereo Great idea!💡 While you're gone, maybe Loic and your buddies can add their spice to your channel. Merry Christmas 🎄
im not sure if to get a new cayin or a second or third hand prima luna or jadis.
Are those IKEA pegboards as diffusers behind Loic?
I think he made all his diffusers.
@@ThomasAndStereo My comment was hearted by Thomas himself!! That’s all I need for Christmas!
To the left and the right of the wooden diffuser are what look like two white pegboards. After seeing a video about using Ikea pegboard as an economical alternative to “proper” diffusers, I put some up myself and they look just like that. I was skeptical they were effective but if he’s using them too I don’t feel so goofy believing a “hack” from UA-cam.
so which one should I get for the warmest sound?
Interesting. The most musical amp ever heard at CES was the Mastersound Evolution 845 which used 4 845 output tubes. They also wind their own output transformers. Now 20 years since introduction.
Was loic able to sound test between cayin and doge..?? any final impressions??
He bought the Doge 8 finally. Long story and I will make a video one day.
The Cayin CS100a is a beast and built very well ! Aww the lil one is adorable , Ron is the Best ??? Ron-E-Day ! 😆
Haha...which Ron? The real one or the one in this video.🤣🤣
Truly a feel good video!
I'd be interested to hear if Loic has any experience with headphones and the Cayin HA-300?
Nope, all his Cayin experience is through me. They have asked me to review it, maybe later.
Loved the Ron impression 🤣
I have never listened to a tube amp, and likely never will. It’s all too fancy and mysterious for my simple ways.
Having just bought my first one here's my view. Not at all difficult or hard to use, biasing is simple as brushing your teeth, you do not need to be a mechanical engineer. Lush, warm sound....Meh. No. My decent solid state amp sounded no different in that respect. I think a lot has to do with the music source. Compressed highly EQ'd music will sound shit on any system. Where the tube amp does differ is in the presentation of the music. Feed it some quality music (jazz, acoustic, vocal) and the tube sounds a little more airy, palpable. Again, there are lots of variants that will affect sound, speakers especially. Also, if you listen to heavy rock or EDM with loads of bass valve amp is probably not for you. I am not saying a $300 tube amp can sound better than a $3000 solid state amp, it's all relative.
Ironic considering the best tube amps are actually way more simple than transistor amps in terms of circuitry... many dont even use a Pcb!
Once, Thomas/s son walked through a video. Does he ever listen to any of these equipmeht trials and render any opinion?
Few hours every night!
Are you using the REL T7i or T9i ?
T7i
what happened?
Made a mistake in the photos. So edit and reupload.
So the Cayin 845A doesn't sound as warm as Cs-55a?
Very nice episode,i would like your opinion also on cayin la34...witch is really affordable.thanks
Oh, we would need to test it to know. Maybe next year when they lend me the one with KT150.
Dorj 10?
it's a nice collab u have here w Loic
Merry Christmas 🎅
Same to you!
Awesome guys!
He was rubbing it in a bit with the fingerprint thing. I always wear the black gloves personally.
I knew it ! I just knew it !
cs88a is delicious !
I'm so getting one :)
Even the Cayin distributor told me the CS88A sounds the best. Interestingly, it uses the same tubes as the Willsenton R8.
The remote is on the record!!!!!!!!!
I would like to know why Loic sold his PrimaLuna DiaLogue Two, which is a highly regarded amplifier? Was it because he heard the Doge 10 or Cayin and was blown away? Was it because he simply fancied a change? I'd be interested to hear his thoughts on the PrimaLuna compared with the Doge, Cayin's etc.
He fancied a change. Dialogue 2 is good.
Great comparaison!
Now is your turn.
Cs88 v Cs100 would depend on the speakers. Harder to drive, obviously there’s only one choice.
Thinking about getting the audio note otto se signature silver integrated amplifier and their speakers an-e what have great specs 98db efficient I'm hearing some great things about it a Giant Killer at about £5,000 for both. have you had any of their equipment. I mean there amplifier best in the world
Never heard that combo. Audionote is well respected from what I remember. Let us know if you do get it.
@@ThomasAndStereo all audio note equipment advises to use their own speaker for best results since Peter took over production of the speaker
Well well well I'd like to say Big Up and Bless to you both Ron and Thomas...
This was a brilliant brilliant review you're getting good at this Loic, I have nothing to add only that I look forward to you reviewing and comparing the CS 845 vs the Doge 10 Mark II that would be very interesting very interesting indeed however I would like to see you perhaps change your speakers for Alta range as they're known for their are great soundstage imaging, depth, detail, and extended frequency response both in the Bass and treble while offering life like Windows of a vivid view midrange, dynamics along with Air, and a vanishing /disappearing act.....
Sad this is, you are one day going to have to settle up, and that devil 👿 Thomas already has your soul 😂 😂 😂 💯, I loved the review...
Eventually when he gets his Doge Mk2. I did send it to Ron from New record day before I post it and he thought it was funny too!
@@ThomasAndStereo 😂 😂 😂
It just goes to show just how much how important synergy is when putting together a system the sad thing is you can't listen to every single speaker amplifier etc that's out there however, however, however when you think you are done and settled with a system someone like YOU Thomas throws in curveball just when you think you have a nice system and that curveball adds something that brings out a unheard unrealised nuance that changes the audio presentation of the recording/recorded sound again... Especially if you get it right like how he did with the Doge 10 amplifier, and then again not just a manufacturer but the range of the manufacturer hence why they name the sequence of a particular product a "range" as each product within that range brings out a certain aesthetic to the 🔊 sound...
But again there will come a time when Loic has settled and I'd love to be the devil 👿 grinning at Loic tempting him over a glass 🍸 of the finest Red wine 🍷 (of course it would be red duh) and a cigar of the Manley Neo Classic SS /PP 300B Mono blocks that Ron from New Record Day Reviewed....Or shall I nudge Loic with the Raven Audio Range, While poking the fire 🔥 😂 😂 😂...of you know by now I took Ron's soul 😂 😂 😂 😈
Thomas is the best, followed by Thambar, and British audiophile.
The video is very good, and the product looks very beautiful, just like ours. ha-ha
Very nice
pls review the Muzishare R100
One day next year!
How much?
$3k to $5k
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks. I’m considering this and Prima Luna.
They all look alike!
Yes they do!
New youtube star is born :D
Loic or her daughter?🤣🤣🤣
@@ThomasAndStereo I thought about him :) She is way to youg for this kind of success and fame :D
Go Ron, must be the cardy
Hello Thomas, another excellent video! I hope your hiatus will be fruitful. You will be missed.
Would you PLEASE (I have searched) where I might find the CD you use to test bass. "HiFi Immensity master quality recordings"
TY!
Thanks, for that cd I found it on Ebay. I just checked and there is no more.
@@ThomasAndStereo thanks for checking. I'll keep my eye out:)
Yes
All reviewers are the best, they take their time to create a video for all of us to enjoy, can't ask for more.
Yes, the amount of work and love we all put into making videos is a lot. Glad you appreciate it.
That's a good way to treat your vinyl.... Tut tut tut
Yeah, I meant to ask him. I would guess he took some garbage ones and use it just for 'decoration' for the video.
I am bemused by the fact that this guy is freaking out about fingerprints on tubes, but has no issue with placing the power control on top of a vinyl lp.
🤩👍🏽
no RED HOOD?............
??!🙄
300Bs, expensive for a reason I guess.
Nice drill
Specially made for biasing.🤣
@@ThomasAndStereo Good Video, Nice One.
ua-cam.com/video/ptFegqTOYYc/v-deo.html
I worked on this LP, Check da Tune ua-cam.com/video/kTjPwij-Xso/v-deo.html
@@metatron-007 Nice, I just checked it out.
Dont pick.. have both on a switched output.
Just because someone has a lot of gear doesn’t really correlate with good reviews. I personally like hearing your reviews Thomas. I own some fairly high-end exotic cars and have done some racing... however it doesn’t mean I’m good at reviewing. Sorry but your reviews are more meaningful than your guest reviewers.
Ah give him time, this is his 2nd video and he did amazing. My 2nd video was so bad I cannot even watch it!
@@ThomasAndStereo I even like your old videos.
Umm, I'm a vinyl guy. You lost me with the unprotected records lying on your table with the spiral wire from a notebook and a remote control lying on top of overlapping records. Why did you do that? How can you spend so much money on a stereo and then do that with your records? I realize that the polishing of the tubes was a joke, but it added insult to injury over the record abuse.
Geez, I don't know how he can listen to anything with all the stomping and banging going on upstairs.
No, there was no issue when I was there. You can go for 'floating ceiling," this is a known fix for basement if you want to go the whole 9 yards.
Where are your parents .....YOU HAVE THE REMOTE LAYING ON THE LP RECORD ... SHAME ON YOU!!!!! YOUR GROUNDED !!!!