Cayin MT-45MK3 / Jazz 80 Tube Amplifier review - Liquid GOLD!

[@riccitone]

I don’t know if it’s the algorithm sending this my way due to looking at tube amps or not, but am so happy for this detailed review (from someone I trust) 🙏🏼

[@k4syx]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@pyrolusite]

Great review.....thank you. Just saw your notification that they are shipping for free now!

[@k4syx]

Yes that's the point, that's why I wrote it - free shipping is better than 50usd coupon (maximum you can usually get)!

[@IOSALive]

HiFi Zone, cool video you deserve more views

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@pnojazz]

Can you use an outboard preamplifier?

[@k4syx]

No there is no pre outputs, I don't count headphone connector here

[@Cash_Wednesday]

Great review on this unit! Just bought one of these without the Bluetooth features. Since I'm in the process of moving, I have not yet had time to listen to it yet.

[@k4syx]

It's superb, and it scales with better tubes. I have PSVane KT88-T II and KT88 Acme and these make this amp special!

[@Cash_Wednesday]

@@k4syx I might swap in some Gold Lions when I feel the need to start rolling tubes.

[@iancalim123]

On your interest in floor standing speaker you may consider Lil Song affordable and very good SQ

[@k4syx]

Thanks, I'll have a look. What would be your reference for comparison if you'd be comparing them (roughly of course) to some popular brands?

[@pnojazz]

I use Electrostats too!❤

[@k4syx]

@@pnojazz Best speakers ever! :) And headphones too!

[@michaelwright1602]

I keep wanting to pull the trigger on this little amp... I have its little brother, the EL84 unit, and it sounds so sweet, and so good. It presents just as good as amps costing much more. My Zu's love it.

[@k4syx]

@@michaelwright1602 this one scales very well with better tubes, it's actually amazing how good can it get for such a low price

[@juliancrun]

I have the Cayin cs55a with Gold Lion, very happy with it.

[@k4syx]

I have a set of different tubes for rolling (like 36 or 40 now, I know, I'm damaged) so expect some videos on tubes ;)

[@meedeenaka6153]

Hallo Hifi Zone, your way of reviewing Audio components is very useful and informative. Thank you very much. May i ask your opinion on the MUZISHARE X-7 tube amp ? Are you planning a review on this one in the near future ? Best regards.

[@k4syx]

@@meedeenaka6153 Thank you! Yes Muzishare is on my bucket list, the problem is it's more expensive than other things I've reviewed so I have to build budget for that

[@meedeenaka6153]

@@k4syx Thanks for your reply. I am going to purchase a MUZISHARE X-7 next year. I like the KT-88 sound and it seems to me that the X-7 offers the best value for it's price. It's built like a tank, it contains high quality caps and the latest version even offers one XLR input. It can also be used as a power amp since it has an input for a Preamp.

[@k4syx]

@@meedeenaka6153 That's why it's on my list! Hint: get the KT88-TII (Psvane Art Series), you'll be really happy! I also have ACME KT88 version, I have to do some serious listening session but Art is cheaper than Acme and really amazing

[@Cash_Wednesday]

Curious if you tested how headphones sound on this unit? As a person who sometimes likes to listen to loud music late at night when the rest of the house is sleeping, it's worth knowing. I know a lot of the time, the headphones are an afterthought for amp manufacturers.

[@k4syx]

Yes that was already mentioned in the comments, I need to do another one on using Cayin as headphone amp only :)

[@Lou-li3lb]

Can you do a comparison of the Psvane Art and Acme tubes with this amp? In the US, they are about the same price right now ~ $410-420.

[@k4syx]

@@Lou-li3lb Is there Art version for KT88? I thought there is only KT88-TII and then ACME in their lineup specifically for KT88? I have these two I mention and I'm planning on doing comparison video. In short: KT88-TII is way better than stock and then ACME is even better. I also have Linlai KT88-D but I haven't listened to them yet. But they have very nice box :)

[@Lou-li3lb]

@@k4syx It's a little confusing. On the psvane website, they have the KT88-TII on their Art series page, but the link address also says "tseries". I've seen some sellers refer to it as part of the Art series, while others do not. I emailed psvane and they said it's the same tube, just has different names in different places. I have the MT45MK3, and I tried Gold Lions KT88 and Electro Harmonix gold pin for the 12au7. It sounds great, but it also sounds identical to my solid state Yamaha A-S801...at least to my untrained ears. I'm hoping to find a combination that sounds a bit more "tubey". I'm looking at the Acme as well as Shuguang KT88-Z. But others have told me I will get a more noticeable difference by swapping the ECF82/6U8 preamp tubes. I just ordered some NOS Philips from the 80's and Sylania from the 70's, so we'll see how those sounds before spending the big money on more KT88s. Those Acme tubes look beautiful, though. The Linlai look nice too. Are they just a rebranded Acme?

[@Lou-li3lb]

@@k4syx It's a little confusing. In the psvane website, they show the KT88-TII on the Art series page, but the web address also says "tseries". Some sellers list the KT88-TII with reference to the Art series, and some don't. I emailed Psvane, and they said they are the same tube, just different names in different places. I have the MK-45MK3 with Gold Lion KT88 and Electro Harmonix gold pin for the 12au7. I sounds great, but also nearly identical to my solid state Yamaha A-S801, at least to my untrained ears. I just ordered sets of NOS ECF82/6u8 by Philips (1980s) and Sylvania (1970s) to try for the preamp section. I've heard others say the preamp tubes will make the most noticeable change in sound, so I'll wait and see before spending big money on more KT88 tubes. Although, the ACME tubes look beautiful. The Linlai look great too. Are they just a rebrand of the same Acme tubes?

[@k4syx]

@@Lou-li3lb Linlai is supposed to be run by guys who left PSVane so these are supposed to be same or better quality according to internet wisdom :) Yes pre tubes do make big difference and I have like 7 sets of NOS beauties to review. But also power tubes do change sound in a good way especially compared to stock Cayins. Which are ok for stuff that's included with the amp, but it shows what it's capable of with better stuff!

[@olefriesi259]

Isn't it a bit dangerous to switch it on, without having speakers connected?

[@k4syx]

New amps are not as sensitive to that AFAIK

[@Putridsight]

Can you please answer me regarding using headphone jack, are the speakers muted? Thanks. This is holding me back from purchase.

[@k4syx]

Hi! Yes, sorry, forgot to do that. It wasnt easy as currently I have limited access to Cayin front (new stuff burning in blocks all fronts in my regular setup) but I've done it for you :) Everything works as it should and connecting headphone jack immediately cuts speaker output. Cheers!

[@Putridsight]

Thank you!

[@csszabi8779]

What do you think? This amplifier has enought energy for big standing loudspakers? Thanks!

[@k4syx]

What's your speaker sensitivity in dB?

[@csszabi8779]

@@k4syx It's 93dB but I think the power is needed for this speakers (3 way system: 27mmtweeter, 16,5 cm midrange, 3x18cm woofers) I have a very good Kinki Studio EX-M1+ amplifier (2x200W 8Ohm) and I would buy either a tube or a pure class A amplifier (Pass, Accuphase...clone?). Or maybe a tube preamp. Thanks!

[@k4syx]

@@csszabi8779 these are 40W per channel max, but your speakers are highly efficient, so you'll be fine. Also, tube amps are current efficient and this helps with driving speakers. This amp will give you tube magic in spades, but without putting "warmth" detail masking blanket on your speakers. Class A is close, but not there yet in this regard so it's best to have two amps and just switch them when the mood comes.

[@pnojazz]

With 93dB sensitivity speakers any tube amp more than 10 watts will drive them easily!

[@GentielioGaming]

So did you have succes finding an EVA II ldr volume control as i mentioned? Tortuga audio has also ldr based volume control.

[@k4syx]

Yes I've seen it and it looks interesting, I may build one in the autumn (I should have more free time then) to try it :)

[@SamuelBarrPhotography]

Thank you for this review. I may have missed it but how was the bass response from this amp?

[@k4syx]

@@SamuelBarrPhotography very good, solid, not covering the mids. Feeling organic. No weaknesses here :)

[@SamuelBarrPhotography]

@@k4syx - Thank you, I truly appreciate your feedback.

[@LEGOBubuS]

Yepp.. a really nicely made tube amp! 🎉😊❤

[@k4syx]

Still have it, still love it, Ive build separate setup around it!

[@LEGOBubuS]

@@k4syx I listen to mine every day.. 😃 I have changed tubes on preamp..

[@k4syx]

@@LEGOBubuS I've changed all of them and it's like instant level up :) I love how it scales up with better tubes!

[@JC.LC.]

You didn't open it up...!?

[@k4syx]

I did, but I had to move it to another video as this was already too long. Looking inside took additional 26 minutes and I was approaching cinema movie lengths :)

[@JC.LC.]

Very nice looking amp

[@k4syx]

It is nice and what's most important it sounds very very good. Especially with better tubes which means that it scales nicely. I will do some vids on tube rolling and comparisons between different tubes as this is also fun :)

[@wmc79]

Is there a difference between the Cayin Jazz 80 and CS-55A?

[@k4syx]

Yes these are different animals. Jazz 80 is MT-45MK3.

[@seanhawley5367]

Is it better than your d5 Pro?

[@k4syx]

Same question same answer ;) Do you love more your brother or you sister? ;) Completely different schools of sound. I love and I will keep both. Cain has a "problem" being tube amp that its not able to drive my electrostats properly, but when I heard how does it sound with AK4499 DAC I've just built parallel setup around it.

[@onnonugteren2935]

200 Watts... mhmm. But you forgot to mention: is it on and off or .. is there a the main section transformer etc than you can leave on to get the best sound and the tubes off than of course. Like PS Audio does.

[@k4syx]

There's nothing that stays on, power switch is mechanical and it cuts all power completely

[@majtextwriter1794]

About sound - bass, mids, highs, soundstage. OK.,, but this is just half the story about sound. So, what about dynamic - makro and micro, or about quick transients. Depends on speakers, but there are significant differences between ultralinear and triode mode and between tube, classA amps and A/B class amps. I also have a clone class A amp JLH1969 which is very alive, open, dynamic and fast - the best mid-hi and airy higs by so far. For instance Cayin a50t amp is sounding in ultralinear mode like the system got morphine - not good at all. But in triode mode it becomes more alive, like jaccouzzie bath (the sound is big, embracing and quite coloured bath, but who cares) compared to rich, open refreshing shower with fine sprays of JLH's sound signature. So, what is with this aspects, comparations- this Cayin, or A1' clone or D5 Pro clone? And yes, all this is very obvius with sensitive and fast drivers - like fullrange drivers in Voigt pipe or folded VP designs. With some other spekers less or very much less so. Thank you.

[@k4syx]

Hi! You are absolutely right about that! Im not covering the whole story, theres no time for that here :( My Cayin review went for almost 1h, I had to drop internals because of that to another video. Some of that is part of detail and holography, these are ingredients, not only them of course. For me triode mode here was like everything got slower, like walking in gold mead (if that makes sense). Ultralinear - yes, morphine, but not for the amp but for me :) Everything was so packed with emotion, so moving and grabbingby the throat BUT without loosing detail that I was ready to sell my ss setup alontg wth Ascents and give up chasing the rabbit. I've cooled down a little since then, but this will stay with me as one of permanent setups (complete chain with AK4499 based DAC (voices!) and ML Motion bookshelfs ;) I loved reading your comment, thanks!

[@majtextwriter1794]

@@k4syx Yes, with Spendors A2 or some other speakers I also Liked ultralinear mode more, but with my Voigt pipes was triode surprisingly better sounding and more alive... and this is whats makes this hobby so interesting.. :)) just keep on with your presentations man! ;)

[@majtextwriter1794]

@@k4syx Sorry, but still you did not give just a short answer on my questions - comparing the dynamisc and the speed of the amplifiers you have tested.

[@k4syx]

@@majtextwriter1794 yes you're right I did not :) All three major ones (DartZeel, MF clones and Cayin) are fast: DartZeel being most dynamic one but closely followed by other two. I love the electrostats and this means I love fast precise sound: mellow amplifiers, slow and "musical" (in bad meaning of that word) are not for me. I need my amp (and whole setup) to raise hair on my neck. All of them are fast, detailed and dynamic: DartZeel being capable of biggest hard hitting dynamic swings. I hope this helps, give me a shout if I should elaborate more, ok?

[@majtextwriter1794]

@@k4syx Thank you! Kind regards.

[@MF175mp]

I have Martin Logan Electromotion ESL's and just ordered this with using some coupons. Which brand tubes you recommend to get?

[@k4syx]

For power that would be PSVane Acme or slightly cheaper kt88-ii. For phase inverters psvane art series. And for pre: that's where rolling fun starts :) Some good NOS tubes like Sylvania, RCA - that's for starters. Telefunken? Clear tops? I can turn this channel into soap opera about the tubes :D

[@k4syx]

And one more thing, warning actually. As I've said in the review, this amp being 2x40W was not able to drive properly my Ascents I for clean, airy treble (panel drops to 1.2Ohm in treble area and this may be a difficult load for tube amp). If you have Odyssey, this can end in similar fashion. This Cayin is excellent, EXCELLENT when driving my Motions - so much actually that I was seriously considering selling Ascents and associated equipment. The passion, the emotion this duo has is unbelievable.

[@MF175mp]

@@k4syx the previous owner had had a Luxman SQ-N100 with those Martin Logans that I also now have, he had it later setup with different speakers because I think the 10-12W power per channel was too little for them ML's

[@k4syx]

@@MF175mp @MF175mp way, way to little. These shine with lots of power on tap. 2x150W? 2x200W? The DartZeel clone that I've reviewed here in my channel is a very good choice for them. 2x40W is just not enough for my Ascents - and Odysseys are even larger.

[@MF175mp]

@@k4syx I think the minimum recommended by ML for those was 20W. Maximum like 200W.

[@maximgodunov7717]

Hi. Do you know what is the output power of this for headphones at 32 and 50 ohm? I want to use a speaker amp to drive hifiman he6 headphones (need at least 5W at 50 ohm).

[@k4syx]

@@maximgodunov7717 I have HE6SEv2, for these I really recommend using adapter for speaker taps - look for my review for such special balanced cable. This is the best way to drive these beasts!

[@maximgodunov7717]

@@k4syx Thank you I watched it now. Which amps do you prefer for he6se?

[@k4syx]

@@maximgodunov7717 MFA1 clone is my choice as I use my Cayin with speakers. MF is smallest, has more than enough juice and has stunning a class sound quality. And it's really affordable! Read the comments below the review!

[@maximgodunov7717]

@@k4syx Your channel is really interesting. I watched a lot of reviews today. Definitely subscribing. I already have aune s17 pro class a head amp with 7.5 watt at 32 ohm for 700$. But I wonder how a powerful tube/speaker amp sounds with some headphones like he6 and hd800 and maybe iems (no speakers) while being new to this topic, so I wouldnt want just a sidegrade. If I was to buy a one and done amp (mf a1 for example would be hard to sell), with biggest soundstage and best dynamics, which one would it be out of mf a1, dartzeel or cayin mt-45?

[@k4syx]

@@maximgodunov7717 Thanks! He6 and HD800 are very different beasts and HD800 is not that absurdly hard do drive as He6, so I would just use different devices for them (but thats the problem with chasing audio rabbit, you end up with piles of amps) MFA1 is cheap and souds very very good. Dartzeel for headphones would be a dangerous overkill, maybe except for HE6. Cayin is also great, but then it sounds even better with better tubes, and suddenly you go down the "tube rolling" rabbit hole. If I had to pick one, for headphones only (no IEMs - to powerfull for them) then I would go for MFA1. Best VALUE per each dollar spent.

[@demart28]

My daughter asks why there is a ‘ptashek’ on the table? :)

[@k4syx]

My secret weapon! ;)

[@matytinman]

Headphones sound?

[@k4syx]

Good point, completely forgot about that. Will do a video on using Cayin as headphone amp!

[@wmc79]

Does this amplifier comes with a remote?

[@k4syx]

Nope..

[@luciancosneanu7582]

Class A or Class AB ?

[@k4syx]

A according to specs

[@matthewtaylor7355]

These amps r as u know super cheap.. If u cut out the European distribution. Icon Audio amps are a very xpensive rip off in the uk

[@k4syx]

@@matthewtaylor7355 yes these are being sold in Europe for some crazy money. But still, honestly, this one is so good that I could pay full local price for it. So if I can get it for like 30prc of that price shipping included, then I'm not even thinking about it for longer than 5 seconds :)