Cayin T30

Mine did too at first. The odor was a sweet moth ball sort of smell. It has been a month and almost completely gone away. The sound just gets better-enjoy!

Velo-
I have only used the stock tubes to this point, so I can't comment on your kt-88's. Did you try the el-34? I am unsure how the kt-88 would effect the character.

I am using an unported sub to uphold the bass foundation of some small Dynaudio speakers. I notice the Cayin to have a different bass line than my SS. I live for the midrange, soundstage and overall presence I find the ta-30 produces. I am pretty sure it won't have the bass slam of your CJ which I think has something over 100 watts/channel.

I typically listen to late night vocal, acoustic music and classical, I like bass, but too boomy wakes wifepoo up and causes problems. I was playing Aretha Franklin gospel (Amazing Grace album from '72) last night, it had a huge bassline and I had to turn the sub off. I ended up plugging the rear bass ports to keep the sound from shaking her awake upstairs. I really like how this unit is working out, the complete sound is the best I have heard in my 'not the best acoustically' listening room. Of course, each room/ amp /speaker combo will react differently.

One thing I noticed about the ta was it showed limitation in the height of my room. It is a low ceiling (basement 7.5 ft) and I find the sound seems like it wants more room yet to expand. This I had never noticed before. The width of the room is 20 ft and it is 15 ft deep. Ideally I would reverse this with the spkrs at the far end to make the proper stage, but other reasons prevail. In a 12 by 12 room it might seem stifling especially since bass might take 20 ft to develop properly. Have you tried the ta in a larger room?

RW

Degabe,

I think it will depend on the speaker you are using, the music you listen to and the spl you require. With the right setup I would be certain of it's ability. I wish my room were larger...at least a higher ceiling.

I find the Cayin to have a very big sound albeit at somewhat less than earth shattering spl. It fills the room here like no other. My spkrs are not that efficient- I would guess only 86-87 db or so. I rarely run the volume higher than the 9 position, and most of my listening is at the 8 position. I may get a bit more room gain here and some reflections as the walls and ceiling are knotty pine.

My speakers are set a little wider than ideal at about 12' apart. This amp is the first one I found able to fill the center adequately. Especially the last amp tried (a pma 2000 80/160watts 8/4 0hm) left a gap in the center. It became obvious I did not need more power- just the right character from the power.

At the price of the Cayin I don't see how you could lose. I might avoid the sub out mod depending on your needs, but the focus mod, aural caps with bias adjust are very useful.

RW