Cayin 15A and 17A Review


I bought the Cayin 15A dual tube cdp about 1 year ago, used from a fellow Audiogonner, who even mentioned that he was abit reluctant to sell, and couldn't figure out what his reason was for selling. My gain, for it does in fact deliver a neutral(ie very low distortion) sound stage/image. I like to use the word fidelity, in describing like-like sound equipment.
The 15A was used with a Jadis Orchestra Reference with the Seas Thor's, a MTM, Mid bass monitor + Tweeter + Midbass monitor. The seller of the Cayin had replaced the stock russian 6922's with Bugleboys. As I say, a very nice cdp.

Now arrived today, the Cayin 17A , which has a 4 tube out, stock russian tubes. I plan to upgrade the tubes when Richard Grey gets his shipment in.
The unit as has a regular patch cord hook up, which I use., And it also has several other outs , a digital out and another opitical outs, neither which I understand how they are used.

Listening to classical(Schonberg) and pop (Faith Hill), I notice that each instrument is given in greater detail, the music is thus presented as more "complex", which is a improvement over the 15A. I did notice on one section of the Schonberg where the chorus sings softly, and the 15A presents a more unified whole, IOW the chorus is more hushed and intergrated sounding. The piece is Jacob's Ladder with Nagano conducting.
With either cdp you can't go wrong, but I'm gald to have the additional 17A , with the 15 going on a second future system.
So for price, durablility, sound I give both very high ratings. Both are hefty and are built "like a tank".

The 17 was shipped from China via DHL, took exactly 7 days (you may get in in 5, as mine was during the 4th holiday).
Thanks Jian.
I'll post another note when the new tubes arrive, about 2 weeks.
bartokfan

Showing 1 response by oldpet