Vilip I could not agree more with your opening comment. Keep going and don’t care about the trolls. You’re doing a great job both on UA-cam and with your genuine care and expertise with your customers. Speaking from experience on the latter 🙂
Good Day Team Audio Excellence Canada, I've subcribed your channel since a few years ago,watching all new videos,was shocked,those ,hearing what you said what some people said in their comments,you are completely right,those aren't welcome in the hi-fi family,greetings from Basel Switzerland
Glad to see cayin getting some love! Known about them for a while but it has always been more difficult to get their stuff from China. Glad to see someone recognizing the value they bring! Almost bought one of their lesser known 20 watt class a integrateds years ago. I still regret it. You guys only touched a little on their personal audio products. I think their line of players needs more coverage. And they also make excellent dacs, headphones amps that are not tube based (ha6). A terrific stack for folks into headphones! Hope you guys carry more of their lines! Thanks!
Excellent choice going for Cayin as an outstanding value tube amplifier. I've had Primaluna in the past and was underwhelmed by their performance, Cayin on the other hand very impressive.
I sold my CS55-A and instantly regretted it. I now have a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium with KT120 and it should sound way better than the little Cayin. But it doesn't. The only feature I love on the PL is the HT bypass which I use a lot. If only the Cayin had this feature!
@5.58, Vilip, you nailed it right in the middle. No one has the right or liberty to say anything wrong to anyone. And if they don't like it, they can go where the sun doesn't shine. You are a wonderful human. I love your videos. But, I have to give some feedback. Please do show off the equipment as well when you are discussing about it. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon.
Right on Vilip! You said what needed to be said. Always enjoy your content. Mel Brooks made satires on just about every movie genre and Blazing Saddles is probably my favorite.
I agree that tube amplifiers sound more powerful than their watt rating. I drove Bowers and Wilkins 803D2 model speakers very well with my modded Dynaco ST 70, 30 watt per channel in a room that measured 15 X 18 X 8 ft. to LOUD levels, and the sound was to die for!
@@ramsaybolton9099 I used the Triodeelectronics.com mods. Both their SDS power supply/bias boards and their driver boards. I also bought their clone kit with the larger power transformer so I could use the newer KT 120 tubes! It doesn't give me more power, just a bigger and more accurate soundstage.
Mel Brooks = Get Smart+++ Blazing Saddles... etc etc etc... Whats not to enjoy about Adrian and Villip.... and they know there audio too.. For real... VERY ENJOYABLE!!!! Beyond "good point" on your opening Villip!!! SPOT ON !!!!!!
Sounds like a PrimaLuna amp. I know you had the line when they were good value at the beginning. The sonic description of this integrated is what I have with the Dialogue series mono blocks.
I currently have a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium with upgarded tubes. Prior to this I had a Cayin CS55-A and to be honest I preferred the sound of the smaller, less expensive Cayin. The performance of the Cayin fed by USB to the internal DAC was simply outstanding .
Since you devote time to Magnepan during this video, I must ask: my space is 30 x 22 x 15 ft high, about 10,000 cu ft. Can I put 1.7i's on the long wall, about 3 ft out, 6-10 ft apart? Or will the excess space on both sides and above just swallow them up? I can't audition them in Maine so I need a dealer.
Vilip, you always bring great insights. I would have loved to hear more about equipment matching. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it paired well with the LRS but I know that's a heavy load. What speakers are you recommending matching to your clients?
Best quote of the entire video..."....an entire generation that has no clue...". It's actually, two. Such a pleasure watching smart guys, with great personalities, not trying to make bullsh*t political statements. I"m a musician looking for a nice stereo for my home, and have learned a lot from you guys. Well done, gentlemen! P.S. *You can't fix stupid...just ignore the *sshole's that are trolling. People that are so pathetic that they're going to audiophile videos to leave negative comments, don't deserve you reply. Let them stuew in their own misery, and insecurity.*
I just took delivery of a Cayin cs-55a today I will be comparing to my first Cayin amp A-300b MKII. I run a Facebook group search under Cayin. Cheers!🙂
1. My favorite Mel Brooks movie is The Producers. 2. I have a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated and love it. I also have a pair of Magnepan 1.7i on another system driven by a pair of Bryston 28B3 monoblocks. Vilip is correct. The Maggies need lots of power! The Brystons drive them no problem. The bonus is that I added a pair of REL T/9i subs to the Maggies and that made a huge improvement! They added sub bass and bass slam that the Maggies simply can’t provide as quasi ribbon speakers which don’t move air.
I got a decware zdac I think it's called. The tube cd player buffer stage. it was rubbish. It sort of worked on blues music but it zapped all the air from everything else. I found out later sll it does it overdrive one side of the frequency wave to round off some peaks to make things sound smoother Nice box but I could have built what is inside myself.
Really enjoy your channel guys and hope you continue to make videos for the foreseeable future! So this is not a troll question, but really a newbie or a lack of understanding question. I see comments frequently about how particular tube amps (like this one) do not impart a significant tube like signature in what is being listened to. (paraphrasing) If that's the case why would one perhaps consider going this route vs something solid state? Is it just the look or coolness factor of seeing the tubes vs. just seeing a black box?
It's still tubey - just not as much as some - still some warmth and euphonics - tubes are tubes - it is just the way Cayin voices their amps to try for better articulation and dynamic bass. The Cayin is a thoroughly modern tube amp.
Totally agree w/ Vilip that PrimaLuna is a solid unit but does not represent a good value. Would love a Cayin but I have no clue where I can get service in the USA. There is a current offering the Cayin CS-845A for just a few hundred USD more than the CS55A. How crazy is that ? Someday, when the US - Canada border re-opens, I will visit y'all in Markham !!!!
Love your videos guys! Thank you. I own a Cayin A-88T mk2(45 Watts*2, 4 KT88's - same as the CS-55A) and was wondering if it would have enough power for the Maggi .7's well at moderate volumes? Please help me understand the limitation. I L-O-V-E the sound of the Cayin on my box speakers. Cant wait to try them out with Maggies.
Would this amp drive KEF LS50 passives? If not, what speakers do you normally pair with Cayin tube amps? Subwoofer capable? Cayin CS845 available via audioexcellence?
Awesome! Finally a review of a product that I can actually afford and considering buying in the not so distant future! How does this compare to the Hegel H90 or H120? :D
Comparable. It is really not either or. You will like one better when you get a chance to hear them - it is more about preference. For me, I have always loved tubes. And now I also greatly enjoy Hegel. How do you choose - they are essentially equal but different. That's why I try to have multiple audio systems.
You have to consider your choice of speaker and room size. If the tube amp will work for you, you'll have more flexibility in your sound by changing tubes. But if bass is important, the Hegel may be a better choice.
@@vilipmak3973 if you have the focal aria 906 speakers would you get this or the Hegel H95 ? Used mainly for streaming (tidal) - playing ‘romantic’ music like Hey Laura. Thanks Vilip. Respect your thoughts.
@@MrAndrewChung The tube amp will definitely be a bit softer and more "romantic" with more warmth and forgiveness. So if you like "romantic" music, the Cayin will give you more of that.
I have a Leben CS600 and it has a very non tube like sound but the bass is punchy and not smooth , I was waiting for your comments on the bass of the Cayin but it didn’t happen .
The Cayin really doesn't exhibit that bloom in the midrange that is a bit of the classic tube profile. The bass is tighter and better defined and faster than most classic tube amps. It is a tube amp with no fat, or very little.
.7 or 1.7I? I'm looking for a pair of maggies for a small second system for 2 channel only. (I have a dedicated theater) How much better are the 1.7i's?
Significantly - richer low end, easier in presentation, and more effortless which make the big panel become even more transparent. I find the 1.7i more musical and less analytical than the .7i.
There was unboxing video of McIntosh MA252 by Jay in the past. How do you compare the sonic between Cayin CS-55A to McIntosh MA252. I know that one is pure tube integrated amp and the other is a hybrid, but I want to hear you guys opinion.
They don't really compare - but the MA252 with the right speaker is quite refined and sweet with a hint of tubes and that McIntosh relaxed smoothness and musicality. The Cayin is definitely tubey (small "t") but is also dynamically energetic and in ultralinear quite exciting and bouncy.
Top end is not bright as one of these reviewers states, mumbo jumbo (maybe his source is bright). The Cayin CS -55A is a beautiful sounding amp you will not be disappointed, there is nothing better for twice the price.
Cayin was almost my first tube integrated. I screwed up and bought Jolida instead. What a mistake that turned out to be. Cayin also makes really nice DAP's. Mel Brooks is hilarious! Butt-head body shamers are just a donut or two away themselves. Pay them no mind. I like who you are.
@@williamdwyer3856 Both. I have the JD502BRC. Sent back to Jolida 4 times for repairs. Not the most dynamic sounding IA nor the most involving. It's in the bedroom now and rarely gets powered up.
Just my opinion, but the Cayin CS55-A sounds much better with the KT88 tubes. A reasonable set of aftermarket tubes will sound much better than the supplied EL34's.
all those high end tube amps really sing with nos tubes even though they sound great to begin with ,nos will bring more air and less noise these are not subjective things these are the things that are common to better sounding amplifiers because a tube is actually an amplifier.ge for clarity brimar for warmth mullard for smoothness rca for kicks. there is a lot of misguidance online about tubes since modern amp makers don't really have a choice but using compromised somewhat random ,more noisy components compared to nos tubes which had to meet military standards(balanced plates high gain low noise full tonal spectrum ,durability those specs don't exist anymore since armies stopped buying tubes about 40 years ago). it's impossible to fool audiophiles about these things once they hear one proper nos tube that's it . but as long as you keep hiding the truth or saying that it's all subjective most of them will never know .when you sell an amp like this you have to point out it's full potential and you just can't get there with modern tubes.
I was minorly disappointed with this one guys. While you are always entertaining, this video being no exception, I would have liked to have heard more comparative information. Maybe the Cayin compared to a solid-state amp, especially because you said that it wasn't all that "tubey" sounding. Also if you would have mentioned which pre-amps might pair well with it. Also, Vilip, I doubt that any "serious" viewers here were involved in making those insulting comments. They were likely just trolls, in which case, your minute long comment pertaining to behavior would likely have no positive affect. It might actually encourage the bad behavior. I live by this credo: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That's just my take on it; of course everyone else is welcome to their own view. 🙂 Keep up the videos; I look forward to them all. I only wish that you were a dealer here in the states..... near me!
I don't read all the comments and I try to take the high road. And at the same time, despite the "trolling" aspect, there can be some very hurtful comments. I thought it an opportune time to make a declarative - there is no room for such behaviour, ever.
I greatly enjoy your videos, but I must make a correction about output transformers vs solid state/no transformers and their sensitivity to speaker impedance. You said that tube amplifiers are less sensitive to speaker load - this is not true, and in fact the reverse is true. The internal output impedance of the amplifier is what determines how sensitive an amplifier will be to the varying impedance of the speaker, and how much modulation of frequency response results from the interaction of the speaker impedance with the internal output impedance of the amplifier. This parameter is reflected in the damping factor specification. Solid state amplifiers have at least an order of magnitude less internal output impedance than any transformer can achieve. Generally, solid state (direct coupled to load) amplifiers also have quite a bit more negative feedback which lowers the effective internal output impedance; tube amplifiers have much less feedback, or none at all in the case of some class A tube amps. That said, my system is entirely vacuum tube but I run active crossovers with no passive crossovers in the speakers. This avoids the bulk of frequency response modulation from the output impedance of the tube amps.
@@entity279 I assume you mean tube output transformerless amps, and yes, they would be even worse and have a higher internal output impedance. Don't get me wrong; all my amps are tube, but I don't force them to drive speaker impedances which would cause frequency response irregularities. Tube amps are best used with speakers which present a relatively benign load to the amp.
What the heck is internal output impedance? The transformer is absolutely necessary in a tube amp - OTL designs excepted - a tube will not drive directly any speaker.
@@vilip119 Of course a tube amp needs an output transformer, but I think you're confusing the issue of source impedance of the amplifier with amp loading. Source impedance is the effective value of the output impedance of the output of the amplifier itself and is what is factored into determining damping factor. All amplifiers have some amount source impedance - its impossible to have zero. An amplifier with a higher source impedance will have more interaction with the varying impedance of the speaker load, and this will show up as frequency response errors. Solid state amps are typically .1 Ohm or less, where tube amps with output transformers sometimes have over 1 Ohm. A tube amp with 1 Ohm source impedance would have a damping factor of 8 with an 8 Ohm load, either a load resistor or a speaker. Transformers are worse simply because the wire in the transformer has some degree of resistance, along with typically lower or no global negative feedback. You just had the characteristics of solid state amplifiers and tube amplifiers reversed.
@@rammisframmis8588 Dude - from thetubestore.com: High voltage vacuum tubes have a high output impedance and require a transformer to decouple the high voltage DC from the much lower power AC music signal sent to the speakers. Speakers will not run on DC, they will melt. The output Transformer also changes the high impedance signal of many thousands of ohms to a low impedance signal in the 2 to 16 ohm range to match with the speakers you connect.
Hard to imagine people watching these great videos on audio gear would be so fucking ignorant and rude to make comments on someones appearance, well said Vilip..... and to whoever the troll is, let's see what you look like?
Vilip I could not agree more with your opening comment. Keep going and don’t care about the trolls. You’re doing a great job both on UA-cam and with your genuine care and expertise with your customers. Speaking from experience on the latter 🙂
Agreed. You are such a valuable contributor, Vilip. Ignore the haters.
Agree 100% with Eric
Really enjoy your honesty. It’s very refreshing to have honest opinions. Thank you!
These guys have a great sense of humor and a joy to listen to.
Good Day Team Audio Excellence Canada, I've subcribed your channel since a few years ago,watching all new videos,was shocked,those ,hearing what you said what some people said in their comments,you are completely right,those aren't welcome in the hi-fi family,greetings from Basel Switzerland
“High Anxiety” is my favorite Brooks film.
Hello from Red Deer. I'm anxiously waiting for my order to arrive from you guys. Great video as usual!
Glad to see cayin getting some love! Known about them for a while but it has always been more difficult to get their stuff from China. Glad to see someone recognizing the value they bring! Almost bought one of their lesser known 20 watt class a integrateds years ago. I still regret it. You guys only touched a little on their personal audio products. I think their line of players needs more coverage. And they also make excellent dacs, headphones amps that are not tube based (ha6). A terrific stack for folks into headphones! Hope you guys carry more of their lines! Thanks!
Using an N3Pro right now - quite a nice DAP - the dual output setup allows adjusting to the music and your mood. Highly recommended!
Excellent choice going for Cayin as an outstanding value tube amplifier. I've had Primaluna in the past and was underwhelmed by their performance, Cayin on the other hand very impressive.
I sold my CS55-A and instantly regretted it. I now have a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium with KT120 and it should sound way better than the little Cayin. But it doesn't. The only feature I love on the PL is the HT bypass which I use a lot. If only the Cayin had this feature!
I forgot to say the built in DAC on the Cayin CS55A is brilliant. I had a £1400 DAC prior to the Cayin and it sounded every bit as good
@5.58, Vilip, you nailed it right in the middle. No one has the right or liberty to say anything wrong to anyone. And if they don't like it, they can go where the sun doesn't shine. You are a wonderful human. I love your videos. But, I have to give some feedback. Please do show off the equipment as well when you are discussing about it. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon.
Right on Vilip! You said what needed to be said. Always enjoy your content. Mel Brooks made satires on just about every movie genre and Blazing Saddles is probably my favorite.
Young Frankenstein is my favourite!
We love you Phillip!!!❤️🙏🏼
They make great amps. Heard the Cs100A - amazing amp
I agree with your comments on Rogue. The best way I can describe the sound is it doesn't do anything wrong. You don't get drawn into the music.
Ding Ding Ding! Finally someone not overwhelmed by the hype.
I agree that tube amplifiers sound more powerful than their watt rating. I drove Bowers and Wilkins 803D2 model speakers very well with my modded Dynaco ST 70, 30 watt per channel in a room that measured 15 X 18 X 8 ft. to LOUD levels, and the sound was to die for!
What mods did you use? I’m modding mine using joe curcio mods.
@@ramsaybolton9099 I used the Triodeelectronics.com mods. Both their SDS power supply/bias boards and their driver boards. I also bought their clone kit with the larger power transformer so I could use the newer KT 120 tubes! It doesn't give me more power, just a bigger and more accurate soundstage.
The politest gentlemen....Well done!
1 up for the analytics. Good job guys.
Mel Brooks = Get Smart+++ Blazing Saddles... etc etc etc... Whats not to enjoy about Adrian and Villip.... and they know there audio too.. For real... VERY ENJOYABLE!!!! Beyond "good point" on your opening Villip!!! SPOT ON !!!!!!
I think the Wisentton R8 is a better deal though I love the Cayin fit and finish. Nice amp guys. It’s the REAL Prima Luna. 😉
Ignore the jerks, they're just mad because their home system sounds like "90's car trunk audio".
I've got a Primaluma preamp tube p3 which is built like a tank and sounds organic.
what tubes are you using? ive retubed one with nos mullards
Sounds like a PrimaLuna amp. I know you had the line when they were good value at the beginning. The sonic description of this integrated is what I have with the Dialogue series mono blocks.
Interesting - thanks for that tidbit.
I currently have a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium with upgarded tubes. Prior to this I had a Cayin CS55-A and to be honest I preferred the sound of the smaller, less expensive Cayin. The performance of the Cayin fed by USB to the internal DAC was simply outstanding
.
nice review ,thanks guys love your content video
Again nice talk!Keep up the good works!
I KNEW IT!! I knew there was something about Prima Luna I didn't like!
Since you devote time to Magnepan during this video, I must ask: my space is 30 x 22 x 15 ft high, about 10,000 cu ft. Can I put 1.7i's on the long wall, about 3 ft out, 6-10 ft apart? Or will the excess space on both sides and above just swallow them up? I can't audition them in Maine so I need a dealer.
I think I agree with some of your opinions. Have you heard any of the Pathos hybrid integrated amplifiers?
Generally good memories of their products. But they got expensive.
Vilip, you always bring great insights. I would have loved to hear more about equipment matching. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it paired well with the LRS but I know that's a heavy load. What speakers are you recommending matching to your clients?
Have you guys heard any of the Icon Audio tube gear? Do you have any thoughts on it?
love their amps - had mono blocks - but stupid expensive.
Best quote of the entire video..."....an entire generation that has no clue...". It's actually, two. Such a pleasure watching smart guys, with great personalities, not trying to make bullsh*t political statements. I"m a musician looking for a nice stereo for my home, and have learned a lot from you guys. Well done, gentlemen! P.S. *You can't fix stupid...just ignore the *sshole's that are trolling. People that are so pathetic that they're going to audiophile videos to leave negative comments, don't deserve you reply. Let them stuew in their own misery, and insecurity.*
I just took delivery of a Cayin cs-55a today I will be comparing to my first Cayin amp A-300b MKII. I run a Facebook group search under Cayin. Cheers!🙂
your thoughts on the Cayin cs-55a from personal experience?
@@MrAndrewChung join the fb group. I answer more there!
@@MrAndrewChung For the money basically very good amp. I replace all tube on amp with Gold Lion 12au7, 12ax7 & KT77!
1. My favorite Mel Brooks movie is The Producers. 2. I have a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated and love it. I also have a pair of Magnepan 1.7i on another system driven by a pair of Bryston 28B3 monoblocks. Vilip is correct. The Maggies need lots of power! The Brystons drive them no problem. The bonus is that I added a pair of REL T/9i subs to the Maggies and that made a huge improvement! They added sub bass and bass slam that the Maggies simply can’t provide as quasi ribbon speakers which don’t move air.
Hi RJ, is your PL not able to drive the Maggies? Have you tried?
What does Silent Jerry look like?
Nice one Vilip, your opinion counts a lot.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’m very interested in this unit. Do you have any experience with the Macintosh mha200? Wonder how they compare?
Good videos. Have you tried Decware tube amps? The company is from Illinois.
I got a decware zdac I think it's called. The tube cd player buffer stage. it was rubbish. It sort of worked on blues music but it zapped all the air from everything else. I found out later sll it does it overdrive one side of the frequency wave to round off some peaks to make things sound smoother Nice box but I could have built what is inside myself.
Really enjoy your channel guys and hope you continue to make videos for the foreseeable future! So this is not a troll question, but really a newbie or a lack of understanding question. I see comments frequently about how particular tube amps (like this one) do not impart a significant tube like signature in what is being listened to. (paraphrasing) If that's the case why would one perhaps consider going this route vs something solid state? Is it just the look or coolness factor of seeing the tubes vs. just seeing a black box?
It's still tubey - just not as much as some - still some warmth and euphonics - tubes are tubes - it is just the way Cayin voices their amps to try for better articulation and dynamic bass. The Cayin is a thoroughly modern tube amp.
You guys should try EAR/yoshino products !, Tim De Paravicini is a legend in the valve world ! ...many thanks .
It's good too but very expensive!
Totally agree w/ Vilip that PrimaLuna is a solid unit but does not represent a good value. Would love a Cayin but I have no clue where I can get service in the USA. There is a current offering the Cayin CS-845A for just a few hundred USD more than the CS55A. How crazy is that ? Someday, when the US - Canada border re-opens, I will visit y'all in Markham !!!!
Hello. I have a Cayin cs 55a with original tubes. Please let me know what tubes you recommend for upgrade. Thanks.
Thanks Guys , 3k isn't alot for a good built tube integrated !
Vilip, how would this compare with a hegel H95 (paired with Focal Aria 906)?
Love your videos guys! Thank you. I own a Cayin A-88T mk2(45 Watts*2, 4 KT88's - same as the CS-55A) and was wondering if it would have enough power for the Maggi .7's well at moderate volumes? Please help me understand the limitation. I L-O-V-E the sound of the Cayin on my box speakers. Cant wait to try them out with Maggies.
Would this amp drive KEF LS50 passives? If not, what speakers do you normally pair with Cayin tube amps? Subwoofer capable? Cayin CS845 available via audioexcellence?
Awesome! Finally a review of a product that I can actually afford and considering buying in the not so distant future! How does this compare to the Hegel H90 or H120? :D
Comparable. It is really not either or. You will like one better when you get a chance to hear them - it is more about preference. For me, I have always loved tubes. And now I also greatly enjoy Hegel. How do you choose - they are essentially equal but different. That's why I try to have multiple audio systems.
You have to consider your choice of speaker and room size. If the tube amp will work for you, you'll have more flexibility in your sound by changing tubes. But if bass is important, the Hegel may be a better choice.
I ordered one yesterday with KT88's. USD 1,666 shipped in Norway. A demo unit.
@@vilipmak3973 if you have the focal aria 906 speakers would you get this or the Hegel H95 ? Used mainly for streaming (tidal) - playing ‘romantic’ music like Hey Laura. Thanks Vilip. Respect your thoughts.
@@MrAndrewChung The tube amp will definitely be a bit softer and more "romantic" with more warmth and forgiveness. So if you like "romantic" music, the Cayin will give you more of that.
Apparently History of the World, Part II, is going into production.
There just jealous of you phil....pay no mind...you rock!!!
If only PEOPLE knew of the attractive of the big guys.. as big amps...
I have a Leben CS600 and it has a very non tube like sound but the bass is punchy and not smooth , I was waiting for your comments on the bass of the Cayin but it didn’t happen .
The Cayin really doesn't exhibit that bloom in the midrange that is a bit of the classic tube profile. The bass is tighter and better defined and faster than most classic tube amps. It is a tube amp with no fat, or very little.
@@vilip119 Thankyou Vilip
Whatever happened to the Goldenear Triton R1 speaker review?
Boxed up and waiting in our loading dock - going back to AQ.
Saw the Wilson n XLF interview...wow
Oops XVX
Hi, I'm newbie here, is it OK to pair cayin mt45 mk2 with b&w 603 S2 loudspeaker? The speaker has 30 to 200W range
Im definitely interested in this amp. I tried reaching out to you guys but couldn't get through. Guess do to covit maybe.
Space Balls!! Going to plaid!
I really miss Jay. the trio had really good SYNERGY. 😉
It feels like Harry potter story ended at last 😭
8:25 SHOTS FIRED!! SHOTS FIRED!!!
Could it pair well with the Olympica III’s
what tubes are they using?
.7 or 1.7I? I'm looking for a pair of maggies for a small second system for 2 channel only. (I have a dedicated theater) How much better are the 1.7i's?
Significantly - richer low end, easier in presentation, and more effortless which make the big panel become even more transparent. I find the 1.7i more musical and less analytical than the .7i.
@@vilip119 Thanks for the reply. Hope you guys are staying safe up there! Go Wings!
Vilup is the man!
There was unboxing video of McIntosh MA252 by Jay in the past. How do you compare the sonic between Cayin CS-55A to McIntosh MA252. I know that one is pure tube integrated amp and the other is a hybrid, but I want to hear you guys opinion.
They don't really compare - but the MA252 with the right speaker is quite refined and sweet with a hint of tubes and that McIntosh relaxed smoothness and musicality. The Cayin is definitely tubey (small "t") but is also dynamically energetic and in ultralinear quite exciting and bouncy.
Cary SLI-80?
Love to hear your impressions of the Supernait 3
Haven't had a chance yet but all the previous versions are great and of course the classic PRAT will not be diminished - Any Naim is recommended.
@@vilip119 Thanks Vilip, very much enjoy your reviews, as always. All the best.
Top end is not bright as one of these reviewers states, mumbo jumbo (maybe his source is bright). The Cayin CS -55A is a beautiful sounding amp you will not be disappointed, there is nothing better for twice the price.
Cayin was almost my first tube integrated. I screwed up and bought Jolida instead. What a mistake that turned out to be. Cayin also makes really nice DAP's. Mel Brooks is hilarious! Butt-head body shamers are just a donut or two away themselves. Pay them no mind. I like who you are.
just wondering ,, what was the problems you had with the jolida ? was it reliability or sound related?
@@williamdwyer3856 Both. I have the JD502BRC. Sent back to Jolida 4 times for repairs. Not the most dynamic sounding IA nor the most involving. It's in the bedroom now and rarely gets powered up.
I like who I am too - I was never thin - I accept who I am.
Just my opinion, but the Cayin CS55-A sounds much better with the KT88 tubes. A reasonable set of aftermarket tubes will sound much better than the supplied EL34's.
all those high end tube amps really sing with nos tubes even though they sound great to begin with ,nos will bring more air and less noise these are not subjective things these are the things that are common to better sounding amplifiers because a tube is actually an amplifier.ge for clarity brimar for warmth mullard for smoothness rca for kicks. there is a lot of misguidance online about tubes since modern amp makers don't really have a choice but using compromised somewhat random ,more noisy components compared to nos tubes which had to meet military standards(balanced plates high gain low noise full tonal spectrum ,durability those specs don't exist anymore since armies stopped buying tubes about 40 years ago). it's impossible to fool audiophiles about these things once they hear one proper nos tube that's it . but as long as you keep hiding the truth or saying that it's all subjective most of them will never know .when you sell an amp like this you have to point out it's full potential and you just can't get there with modern tubes.
Vilip at the start...current starved speaker status. 45 seconds in, mono blocks attached
How are you not gonna mention Spaceballs? 😄
I'm a Mog - that part man and part dog - I'm my own best friend!
Right on, I always knew you were a man of culture
Line Magnetic..... Try 'em
I was minorly disappointed with this one guys. While you are always entertaining, this video being no exception, I would have liked to have heard more comparative information. Maybe the Cayin compared to a solid-state amp, especially because you said that it wasn't all that "tubey" sounding. Also if you would have mentioned which pre-amps might pair well with it.
Also, Vilip, I doubt that any "serious" viewers here were involved in making those insulting comments. They were likely just trolls, in which case, your minute long comment pertaining to behavior would likely have no positive affect. It might actually encourage the bad behavior. I live by this credo: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That's just my take on it; of course everyone else is welcome to their own view. 🙂
Keep up the videos; I look forward to them all. I only wish that you were a dealer here in the states..... near me!
The Cayin is an integrated amp.
I don't read all the comments and I try to take the high road. And at the same time, despite the "trolling" aspect, there can be some very hurtful comments. I thought it an opportune time to make a declarative - there is no room for such behaviour, ever.
@@vilip119 I agree, I only felt that you were preaching to the choir. 🙂
@@vilip119 A mental lapse on my part, pertaining to the pre-amp comment. 😋
What about luxman?
Then, does Prima Luna offer low value products?
Prices have risen for Prima Luna - so as a value leader, really sort of not so much anymore.
Where is Jay?
Check out NBT Studios and SoundStage.
Gone it seems, thankfully
I greatly enjoy your videos, but I must make a correction about output transformers vs solid state/no transformers and their sensitivity to speaker impedance. You said that tube amplifiers are less sensitive to speaker load - this is not true, and in fact the reverse is true. The internal output impedance of the amplifier is what determines how sensitive an amplifier will be to the varying impedance of the speaker, and how much modulation of frequency response results from the interaction of the speaker impedance with the internal output impedance of the amplifier. This parameter is reflected in the damping factor specification. Solid state amplifiers have at least an order of magnitude less internal output impedance than any transformer can achieve. Generally, solid state (direct coupled to load) amplifiers also have quite a bit more negative feedback which lowers the effective internal output impedance; tube amplifiers have much less feedback, or none at all in the case of some class A tube amps.
That said, my system is entirely vacuum tube but I run active crossovers with no passive crossovers in the speakers. This avoids the bulk of frequency response modulation from the output impedance of the tube amps.
then what about OTL amps? They are even less adaptable to the load impedance
@@entity279 I assume you mean tube output transformerless amps, and yes, they would be even worse and have a higher internal output impedance. Don't get me wrong; all my amps are tube, but I don't force them to drive speaker impedances which would cause frequency response irregularities. Tube amps are best used with speakers which present a relatively benign load to the amp.
What the heck is internal output impedance? The transformer is absolutely necessary in a tube amp - OTL designs excepted - a tube will not drive directly any speaker.
@@vilip119 Of course a tube amp needs an output transformer, but I think you're confusing the issue of source impedance of the amplifier with amp loading. Source impedance is the effective value of the output impedance of the output of the amplifier itself and is what is factored into determining damping factor. All amplifiers have some amount source impedance - its impossible to have zero. An amplifier with a higher source impedance will have more interaction with the varying impedance of the speaker load, and this will show up as frequency response errors. Solid state amps are typically .1 Ohm or less, where tube amps with output transformers sometimes have over 1 Ohm. A tube amp with 1 Ohm source impedance would have a damping factor of 8 with an 8 Ohm load, either a load resistor or a speaker. Transformers are worse simply because the wire in the transformer has some degree of resistance, along with typically lower or no global negative feedback. You just had the characteristics of solid state amplifiers and tube amplifiers reversed.
@@rammisframmis8588 Dude - from thetubestore.com: High voltage vacuum tubes have a high output impedance and require a transformer to decouple the high voltage DC from the much lower power AC music signal sent to the speakers. Speakers will not run on DC, they will melt. The output Transformer also changes the high impedance signal of many thousands of ohms to a low impedance signal in the 2 to 16 ohm range to match with the speakers you connect.
Woot
I, too, Dont listen with headphones...
Hard to imagine people watching these great videos on audio gear would be so fucking ignorant and rude to make comments on someones appearance, well said Vilip..... and to whoever the troll is, let's see what you look like?
Every generation has no clue to what the next generation''s about, especially the handsome guy in the gray sweatshirt with the baseball cap.
Wow I can't believe body shaming or any duragetory comments would be made in this day in age!!! Wow 😔
25 minute video for about 3 minutes of review. Pretty annoying. No mention of the phone stage
The guy promotes Mel Brooks and then turns full woke on body shaming. 😂
Two totally different discursive purposes. Body-shaming is hate speech; Mel Brooks' comedy is satire.
Doge10?
Body shaming of Jay!!! Really?!
38 pound remote control.
Def gotta unsubrscribe from you guys now. Low blow bashing other companies because you don't sell them even if you did put it "nicely"
3,28 mins of movie trash. Can you do that on some other vid not a hifi component review?