Hello everyone,
I stumbled on this condensed review of the Cayin A88T ( there are more Cayin models if you go to the web page)while doing a search on a European search engine. I guess this confirms the German design origins of the Cayin, and their popularity in Europe.
This review appeared in the French audio mag Haute-Fidélité. It has been translated with an on-line translating software, so I decline any responsibility for errors !! In case you wish to check this out yourself go to http://audiophilefr.free.fr/amplis.php - There are many other Cayin amps reviewed as well as others. Here is the review:
CAYIN A-88 T
Origin : Germany / China
Integrated tube amplifier
Power : 2 x 50 W sous 8 ohms
Frequency response : 18 hz à 35 khz
Rapport signal / bruit : 90 db
4 high quality inputs
1 tape out
A new product CAYIN is always an event. It would even seem that CAYIN rather often renews its range. This product is manufactured in China as it is customary for this manufacturer, but designed entirely in Germany. This new model proves to be a absolutely superb product. It's polished aluminium frontage and gray color creates a beautiful effect and gathers a limited but adequate number of switches including a splendid volume potentiometer cut in solid aluminum and which includes in its center an LED showing operation, as well as a push button intended to select the 4 high level sources. Finally, another push button will make it possible to operate the A-88 T in triode or ultralinear mode. A small remote control controls all functions enumerated, with luminous recalls on the frontage of the amplifier. On top of the amplifier, one finds 2 pairs of KT 88 tubes. In the center-top of the amp, one will discover 2 x 6SL7 and 2 x 6NS7 tubes . Finally 3 colossal transformers share the tasks for power duties. At the back, we appreciate finding quality connecting ware (would they be from WBT?) and 8 speaker posts that are beautifully finished, as it is of habit in this manufacturer. It should be noted that these terminals allow for choosing between 3 impedances 4 - 8 - 16 ohms, which explains the number of terminals. In spite of a frame that may appear to be somewhat a bit thinner than usual, the realization of this A-88 T inspires confidence.
LISTENING
The listener will be able, according to its personal choice and its tastes, to choose a mode operation between ultralinear with a power of 2 X 50 Watts, or triode mode with half the power. It is in this configuration that this integrated was tested by the team of Haute Fidélité. Our specialists preferred this operating mode for its fluidity and its engaging sound. What first strikes the listener is the amp's immediate is the serious register: the feeling of control and depth is very impressive, without generating a particular magnifying effect. For example, the set of hands of a double bass player breathes authentically it. The sound impact is quite impressive. One will also appreciate the applause of the spectators, which are full and warm-sounding. The touch of the piano varies in intensity according to the play of the pianist, and percussion brushes are discrete behind plane, but remain clear and present. The accurate register offers a beautiful smoothness, supported by a luminosity which emphasizes it without making it aggressive. By listening to a symphony orchestra, one perceives subtleties of the various desks, underlining instruments without a threat of confusion. Brass instruments are brilliant and powerful. The soundstage is large, and front-to-back imaging is is good without exageration . In short, the CAYIN A-88 T is never tedious. It is simply musical! Test inspired of the report in Haute-Fidélité of 12/2002
Cost : 3350 ' Euros / 21975 FF (12/2002)
( That's 4,167.58 US dollars ! ?????? )
I stumbled on this condensed review of the Cayin A88T ( there are more Cayin models if you go to the web page)while doing a search on a European search engine. I guess this confirms the German design origins of the Cayin, and their popularity in Europe.
This review appeared in the French audio mag Haute-Fidélité. It has been translated with an on-line translating software, so I decline any responsibility for errors !! In case you wish to check this out yourself go to http://audiophilefr.free.fr/amplis.php - There are many other Cayin amps reviewed as well as others. Here is the review:
CAYIN A-88 T
Origin : Germany / China
Integrated tube amplifier
Power : 2 x 50 W sous 8 ohms
Frequency response : 18 hz à 35 khz
Rapport signal / bruit : 90 db
4 high quality inputs
1 tape out
A new product CAYIN is always an event. It would even seem that CAYIN rather often renews its range. This product is manufactured in China as it is customary for this manufacturer, but designed entirely in Germany. This new model proves to be a absolutely superb product. It's polished aluminium frontage and gray color creates a beautiful effect and gathers a limited but adequate number of switches including a splendid volume potentiometer cut in solid aluminum and which includes in its center an LED showing operation, as well as a push button intended to select the 4 high level sources. Finally, another push button will make it possible to operate the A-88 T in triode or ultralinear mode. A small remote control controls all functions enumerated, with luminous recalls on the frontage of the amplifier. On top of the amplifier, one finds 2 pairs of KT 88 tubes. In the center-top of the amp, one will discover 2 x 6SL7 and 2 x 6NS7 tubes . Finally 3 colossal transformers share the tasks for power duties. At the back, we appreciate finding quality connecting ware (would they be from WBT?) and 8 speaker posts that are beautifully finished, as it is of habit in this manufacturer. It should be noted that these terminals allow for choosing between 3 impedances 4 - 8 - 16 ohms, which explains the number of terminals. In spite of a frame that may appear to be somewhat a bit thinner than usual, the realization of this A-88 T inspires confidence.
LISTENING
The listener will be able, according to its personal choice and its tastes, to choose a mode operation between ultralinear with a power of 2 X 50 Watts, or triode mode with half the power. It is in this configuration that this integrated was tested by the team of Haute Fidélité. Our specialists preferred this operating mode for its fluidity and its engaging sound. What first strikes the listener is the amp's immediate is the serious register: the feeling of control and depth is very impressive, without generating a particular magnifying effect. For example, the set of hands of a double bass player breathes authentically it. The sound impact is quite impressive. One will also appreciate the applause of the spectators, which are full and warm-sounding. The touch of the piano varies in intensity according to the play of the pianist, and percussion brushes are discrete behind plane, but remain clear and present. The accurate register offers a beautiful smoothness, supported by a luminosity which emphasizes it without making it aggressive. By listening to a symphony orchestra, one perceives subtleties of the various desks, underlining instruments without a threat of confusion. Brass instruments are brilliant and powerful. The soundstage is large, and front-to-back imaging is is good without exageration . In short, the CAYIN A-88 T is never tedious. It is simply musical! Test inspired of the report in Haute-Fidélité of 12/2002
Cost : 3350 ' Euros / 21975 FF (12/2002)
( That's 4,167.58 US dollars ! ?????? )