Any KT above KT66 tends to go in a boring (slightly dry) direction for me personally, however this KT150 in triode mode grabbed me, very pleasant sound and exciting to think of the harder to drive speakers it opens up to tubes. Triode sound slows things down a touch and allows you to be drawn into the magic, very impressive.
Love it Thomas! Of all the TH-cam hifi reviewers your evolution as a listener is really front and center. I went from I don't get this guy with his high powered solid state amps and ultra detailed speakers a few years ago to I really dig this guy with his tube amps and musical speakers!
A good explanation of me as a consumer too, maybe not so much the speakers. On my 2nd Primaluna in 18 months, now using their most expensive combination amp.
@@beagle7622 I have been running a prima Luna prologue one exclusively for the past five years. Love that little amp! Speakers are spatial audio open baffles with a set of REL subs and a nice turntable and tube phono pre. Five years I've been living with this system and zero motivation to change a single thing!
22DE4-this brought back memories of old tubed TV's-the 22DE4 was used as a damper tube in the horizontal out stage as a damper tube.Did two things in a TV-suppresed oscillation from the deflection yoke and derived the B+ boost voltages. Then KT family of tubes-their ancestor was the good 'ol 6L6 derived by Cunnigham Electronics during WW2.The 6L6 made for compact and efficient audio amps for aircraft-tank radios!
Thomas, may i commend you on the execution of your delivery in these recent videos. It really is impressive and looking more and more professional each time. It's a joy to hear you speak about our passion and i look forward to receiving notifications of your videos more than any other channel i subscribe to on YT.
Nah, we have a few theory me and Sean but regardless, if channels like Darko and Andrew are doing really good, it means the problem is with me and I need to improve.
@@ThomasAndStereo I wouldn't be too concerned over viewings Thomas. you are a different type of reviewer to the likes of Darko and Andrew. Your viewers are more seasoned audiophiles with more knowledge on the subject. I can't vouch for everyone but I'd say we come to your channel for your in depth analysis and feedback given by your friends not to mention the fascinating stories you have to tell. We don't come to channel looking for a review on the latest Chinese wonder DAC under 500€. Keep this différenciation and you'll be good. Nothing wrong with your production and delivery. Anyway that's my opinion.
Thomas, THANKS for educating me about this wonderful Cayin CS-150 Tube Amp that you and your friends have shared and reviewed. What fun you have all have had!!!👍🏼...except for the lifting! 🏋️
thank you Thomas for this video, very fair, concerning the Cayin CS150A amplifier, what I can say is that this new amplifier was quite lively in the medium / high frequencies, sorry for my language, because I am French, but after several weeks of wear of the electronic tubes, the sound is excellent in the medium / high register, almost perfect, a great dynamic, the 6NS7 Tung Sol tubes of the preamplification stage need some time to set the tone. better. this is arguably my best amplifier. however, there is also a Cayin preamplifier, the SC 6LS MK2. a marvel to discover, exceptional quality, coupled with a professional Yamaha PX8 power unit on Cabasse Clipper M1, it's woaw ... the components of the preamp SC6lsmk2 are of quality, resistors takman, nichicon, real cap etc etc etc magnificent! the sound, transparent, detailed, deep, dynamic. :)
Great review. Thanks Thomas. I call the Cayin CS150 and the Concept 500s my own and couldn‘t be happier-it‘s a great combination. But I upgraded the capacitors in the preamp stage of the Cayin and replaced them with Jupiters which further improved the mid-bass of this combination, adding even more punch and realism.
th-cam.com/video/P6epslSRKYE/w-d-xo.html - QAcoustics Concept 500 speakers shown in this video that I have reviewed th-cam.com/video/XgJ78-DlO4c/w-d-xo.html - Synthesis tube amp video that cost about the same as this Cayin CS150 The official price is USD 5399 for the CS-150A. In Canada, it is $6800. Cayin website: en.cayin.cn/products_info?itemid=128 Non-affiliated link for the CV181 TII tubes: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/psvane-vacuum-tube-electron-valve-c-32/psvane-t-series-cv181-tii-collection-version-hifi-amplifier-vacuum-tube-a-pair-p-1205
You are so right. I still, even 40 years later would stand by my feeling that a 20w Macintosh valve amp sounded and felt much louder than a 100w Luxman integrated amp of the day. And thank you so much for the a/b listening to the UL vs Triode mode. I definitely think the triode mode suits my ears better.
You're like an audio reviewing god, I see your subscribers are growing and it is very well deserved. This amp sounds like a beast! Definitely a good match with some really high end towers!
@@ThomasAndStereo I’ve learnt in life you’re only as good as those that surround you, and humans are just better when they work as a team. You sir, have a great team
Triode connected KT- tube amps are truly a special breed. The best of both worlds! Especially when driven by 6SN7 tubes. I have ASL Hurricanes, and they're within an inch of my SET amp in transparency and detail, also very close to my SS amps in dynamics. I really wanna hear this Cayin now, great review! Especially with some MJ. I hear you about the weight though...
Thank you Thomas for all you do. The reason I like to watch you is because of your story-telling skills and I just simply like you. I know everyone on here wants to get you to compare amps and so I will throw in my suggestion. Do you have any experience with Music Reference? Designer Roger Modjesky passed away several years ago but the company is keeping his products alive and in production. He was so underrated as a designer and his products have become legendary. I have heard of some owners not having any problems for 20 years or more including tubes! I would be fascinated to get your take on his offerings. Thanks again for the great videos.
@@ThomasAndStereo I have not heard the 170 soul yet. But this is my first tube amp and i think this is a good starting point. Thank you for all your great reviews, i have been following your channel for a long time :)
Hi Thomas, what you describe seems to be a typical feature of the KT150. I have a tube amplifier from lab12 company. With kt88 the sound is ok, but with KT150 it's fantastic. Better than my previous transistor amps !
Good day sir. I have been a subscriber for a while and I must say that I appreciate that you are so enthused about your topics. And I like that you speak in a manner that I can understand. A lot of the equipment you review are far out of my price range like the Cayin. But I still really like the reviews nonetheless. The Amp is beautiful and I'm sure it must sound amazing. Looking forward to your next review. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for this, Cayin and Line Magnetic have been on my radar for awhile! If you're interested there is a LM distributor in Calgary at Grant Fidelity.
@@DBravo29er rachel at grant fidelity also sells line magnetic "analogue sound" equipnment: integrated amps, pre-amps, and other goodies. i'd love to see thomas reviewing units from this line.
I have the Line Magnetic LM-150ia and I use the Cv181 psvane instead of the stock 6sn7. The preamp tubes are psvane 12ax7. It’s a lot like how you describe. Tube Pre with SS power. Not bright at all. Huge sound stage and the tube holographic! They have better control of my Elac Adantes than any other solid state amp I have tried. Billie Jean is a track that I have been using for auditions for a long time. It’s handy back in the day when dealers only had CDs and MJ was a common artist. One more interesting thing about Billie Jean is that in a very good system, you will be able to clearly notice and count how many times he snaps his finger through our the song. Do try and share.
Cayin amp is very good amp punching above its price point. Those cs-88a or a-kt88mk2 combo with decent 90db++ speaker in a treated mid size room with near field setup will get you deep bass+ wide and deep soundstage..
Tube amps tend to sound more powerful than similarly-rated solid-state amps because the clipping characteristics of most tube amps are less harsh. This is not always the case, though. I have heard some vintage solid-state amps (typically Marantzes) that can visibly clip on an oscilloscope while still sounding amazingly clean. It's really surprising when that happens.
Not necessarily true. Classé DR3 for instance sounds like a hundred watt amp and when it clips you hear it easily. There are other factors at hand and the one you mention is overstated.
Saludos, me encantan sus pruebas, test, análisis, propuestas de verdaderos equipos de Alta Fidelidad, gracias por compartirlos, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia....
I love your reviews! You just don't say stuff is good you clearly explain what stuff sounds like! Like I was seriously thinking about getting a Prima Luna preamp but I watched one of your videos where you explain that their stuff doesn't have that "tubey" sound and that it basically sounds like solid-state.
Thanks yeah because everything sounds good today. What is good? Prima Luna preamp, I guess you can try as I never heard one. The more recent gear I heard is EVO 400. We did try tube rolling with it but I wish it sounded had a bit more tube sound. It is still a good amp.
@@trekjudas But go listen to the Prima Luna EVO anyways. All my friends love the Doge 8, I have yet to seriously listen to it yet but it seems to be a winner.
@@ThomasAndStereo you know what's frustrating as hell? The acoustics at my local dealer's store is fantastic and totally different from my living room at home. I can listen to the exact same gear at the store and it will sound TOTALLY different in my home!!
Thanks, Thomas keep doing the NON-mainstream thing! 👍 Just got to the sound demo part of this video and had to mention that the triode mode of this amp (with those speakers) sounds way better to my ears., smoother and noticeably less bright.
Tubes excel at transistioning from soft to loud faster than bipolar transistors and mosfets. Although those solid state amps designed by Tom Evans back in the 1990s came close to being tube like in transitioning from soft to loud.
Hey Thomas, any chance at reviewing any Line Magnetic tube amps or DACs any time in the future? I’m curious how there KT150 amp stacks up to this one. Great videos!!
I don't think so since I made too many videos on Cayin. I am even thinking of making a video of their cdplayer since I have one but that is really too many Cayin videos.
I know the MP301 can run KT120, I did not know it can run KT150! You should double check with Garry if the amp can handle the extra power requirement. KT120 is pretty good already.
Love the video. Im thinking about buying a CS-150 with SF Sonetto III, but at the same shop they have a Cayin Soul 170i with with 35 hours of playing time, but is 200 Euro cheaper.
Hi Thomas, I been enjoying the KT150 since 2017 with PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated. Using Focal Aria 936 and what a Perfect match. What is nice about PrimaLuna Premium are "8" Power Tubes 4 each channel KT150, "6" 12AUX7's "2" each side L&R Driver tubes and "2" 12AU7's front Grain tubes. If you are using speakers with a tweeter that is Hot...Swap out the 2 Gain tubes with "Mullard" and the tweeter is tamed...Have a tweeter that can use a boost...install a pair of Brimar or Radiotechnique. Thank You and I enjoy your video's.
KT150's in my Jolida 3505p Amp just sound incredible. Id your running KT88's or KT120's, the 150 are the way to IF approved by the designer/manufacturer. Excellent Video again Thomas.
It has been awhile since I wanted to get the Aune S8, you review of the Aune S8 came just in time. Then I think I have watched too many tube videos of yours, I end up spending the money on the cayin valve amp.
I listened to a Dared KT 150 amp at a work coleages house. It is the only time i have ever heard bass reverberate around the hall in a recording. It is super to listen to. I borrowed it but my crappy speakers could not reproduce that sound. And I have never heard that again
Hi Thomas. Another great video review that has me hooked. Your likes and dislikes match up pretty much with mine. I am anxiously waiting for Mr. Cantor impression of this amp with the Sopra 2’s, as I have the same speakers. And,like you, am concerned the the top end might be to bright. Hope he gets back to you soon with the verdict. Thanks for all the great reviews.
i have the ps audio pre amp and ps audio bhk 250 amp of which both have tubes on the front. they sound fantastic especially the vocal ranges.i wouldn't go to digital ever..
Thomas, this is what I'm looking for. I will seriously considering this. Looks like a very good match with the Q Acoustics Concept 500. Thanks for the review.
The only thing when pairing with the Concept 500, bass is not fat so it is on the lean side but very punchy and nuance. I added a sub to add some warmth but it is ok without.
Frankie, I do want to say, when you go audition the Cayin, make sure you also audition the CS100, the difference is the CS100 sounds more like a tube amp where the notes seem to linger a bit longer. It is more airy and less 'dry' on the top end. Bass and dynamics might not be as good as the CS150 but with the Concept 500, the CS100 sounds really good especially if you are chasing more after the tube sound. I did have to change the tubes because it was on the bright side.
Thanks for making your videos! I wonder how this amp stacks up against a McIntosh mc275. I understand the mc275 when bridged to mono actually sounds better than when in stereo mode. Keep up the good work!
I have the Mcintosh MC275 IV. Not for the same audience. Mcintosh has more emotions, softer and smoother sounding amp than this Cayin CS150. So Mcintosh would be more like a comfortable sedan while this Cayin is a fast sportcar. In terms of Dynamics, it is a league above.
Thomas, I would love to see a video about different tubes and the sound signature they provide. E.g. if I would like to tune the sound to be a little bit softer and less harsh at the top end, which tubes do you recommend. If my speakers are too smooth at the top end, what tubes do you recommend, and so on, you see what I would like you to talk about. This will really help your viewers to choose which tubes that best would match their speakers.
It is just that a tube under the right circumstance is capable of massive dynamic range. A small double triode used in a microphone front end for example will out perform any device simply because of it's intrinsic properties, swinging much higher voltages along with its high impedance etc. 140db dynamic range is easily within reach and was indeed part of reason why those valve mikes were so extraordinary and did measure this well. Output stages have a much harder time reaching anything like that range, and of course they can't - with limitations coming from earlier in the circuit raising hum and noise and power limitations..I guess if you were really careful....but you would always be 40db 'ish' behind a small signal device considering the same care taken there. I have never heard a solid state preamp worth using. (Full stop) The SP8 was my favourite for many years, and the next best thing was no preamp at all...Though it didn't help my record player doing that. On a different note.. Did anyone out there ever try the Aurex electret condenser cartridge? It came with a little energiser/ phonostage amplifier and was amazing but there seems to be nobody else remembering it. Being a Toshiba it made me start looking and I found something I had not seen since the Philco magic light of the 40s. The Toshiba C-100 photoelectric cartridge..I would love to talk to those Toshiba Aurex engineers, they were crazy! The C-100 has serious promise. Edit: Even if it did have a pair of photo transistors..I doubt you could accommodate a pair of photo tubes...
@@ThomasAndStereo it has been discontinued replaced by a lower power model the CTA 407 with the improvements of real time monitoring of tube health and allowing for tube rolling but optimized for KT88
The reason I am considering this is almost all the tube integrated amplifiers require a separate phono stage; I want a one box solution. This has a built in solid state phono with excellent specs for both MM and MC …hint hint to you
Wow, that tube is like the size of my head! They said 60w with moderate setting and 170w with crazy setting. You probably want to run it in moderate setting to conserve tube life....imagine how much it cost to change the tube!
Thank you for saying... watts from tubes seem to be stronger than class ab. Watts from class ab seem to be stronger than class d. Regardless of the numbers, subjectively I agree 100%!!!
This is not subjective........for the same given max wattage , tube amps play really louder because they put out MORE watts before clipping and saturation do their nasty job with semi conductors......NO secret , NO magic !
@@ThomasAndStereo Due to the different distortion profile as the amp approaches its max power, tube amps can be driven harder before distortion becomes subjectively annoying. In other words there is more headroom available.Nothing that cannot be compensated cheaply and easily by using more powerful solid state amps. That’s all there is to it.
I've listerned it yesterday in a shop and I didn't get over it !!! wouhaw awsome. Let me tell you : I wanted Klipsh RF7 III for my home cinema because everyone say that these speakers are not the best for aufiophilie. ( Sonus Faber was my choice, Sonetto V ) The seller told me that these Klipsh work very well with only one thing : tubes ! and that with that kind of amp, you'll have chills ! Nothing to do with a transistor amp And he was right ! One of the best experience of my life. About half an hour, we change the speakers for Sonetto V, wich are supposed to be very good speakers. And what ??? it was sooooo flat, so close, good speakers but no emotionnal. nothing. Particulary on Alive And Kicking, live version, by Simple Minds. The drumm, the voice of the female at the end, with Klipsh we were at the concert. The combo RF7 with Cayin is amazing. I will buy this and nothing else.
You should listen the Cayin Soul 170i or the Galion TS120SE one day if you were impressed with the CS150. RF7 yes, it has a more lively and color sound and I bet the Sonetto has a more neutral sound. That is why I always say to people who want neutral sounding gear because they can hear what the artist intended, 'becareful what you wish for'.
Hi Thomas Please keep reviewing the obscure products so so good always like your take btw the Carver Crimson 275 uses 4 KT 120’s rated at 70 watts per channel but more like 90
We used some Telefunken and Mullard NOS and 6550 SEC cwing. I didn't get a chance to try Russian Harmonia tubes but I was told it is less bright by Mr Kanta.
Hi Thomas thanks for the review. The cayin amps now are x2 the prices of Williston since the distribution changed. At least here in Oz. Undoubtedly they are great but is a Cs55a worth the same as a R800i ?? me wonder
I think both are capable making nice amps but each country tend to voice it differently. I would love to check out some British amp. I have tried Italian, japanese, canadian tube amps, just missing British.
Thanks. Its also to mask the reflection on the studio light I use. Else the reflection will be more distracting than what is on the tv. I can give it a try and will use different camera angles to get around that problem.
Thank you for this quick and clear answer. I hope you don't find it too inquisitve when I tell you I can buy the 150 for exactly the same price as the Doge 10 in my country and renew my question, because I understand that the price tag plays an important role and double the price in Canada can certainly not outweigh the highlight in only one respect (dynamics).
Thomas, I'd love to see you audition the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III. Now the stock tubes aren't quite as good as the Cayin, but obviously you could tube roll. And the Rogue is able to put out 60 watts in Triode and 100 watts in ultralinear using ONLY 2 KT120 tubes per channel. I'd be really curious what you think of the Rogue. I'm currently going to borrow one to audition on my home setup and I haven't been this excited in a long, long time. Thanks as always!
Dual binding posts speakers try a 0.2uF - 0.4uF with a non-inductive 20 ohm resistor in-line, across the terminal, the resistor has to be the other side of the capacitor the resistor connected to negative terminal. should help with your top end sparkle reducing it. ps tyre polystyrene capacitor the band has to go to towards the negative terminal I'll say your liking this amplifier how much does it go for?
Any KT above KT66 tends to go in a boring (slightly dry) direction for me personally, however this KT150 in triode mode grabbed me, very pleasant sound and exciting to think of the harder to drive speakers it opens up to tubes. Triode sound slows things down a touch and allows you to be drawn into the magic, very impressive.
Love it Thomas! Of all the TH-cam hifi reviewers your evolution as a listener is really front and center. I went from I don't get this guy with his high powered solid state amps and ultra detailed speakers a few years ago to I really dig this guy with his tube amps and musical speakers!
Much appreciated! Really means a lot to me.
A good explanation of me as a consumer too, maybe not so much the speakers. On my 2nd Primaluna in 18 months, now using their most expensive combination amp.
@@beagle7622 I have been running a prima Luna prologue one exclusively for the past five years. Love that little amp! Speakers are spatial audio open baffles with a set of REL subs and a nice turntable and tube phono pre. Five years I've been living with this system and zero motivation to change a single thing!
Those listening rooms of your friends are gorgeous. Thank you everyone participate in this great review.
Yeah, they inspired me to build my listening room.
22DE4-this brought back memories of old tubed TV's-the 22DE4 was used as a damper tube in the horizontal out stage as a damper tube.Did two things in a TV-suppresed oscillation from the deflection yoke and derived the B+ boost voltages. Then KT family of tubes-their ancestor was the good 'ol 6L6 derived by Cunnigham Electronics during WW2.The 6L6 made for compact and efficient audio amps for aircraft-tank radios!
Thomas, may i commend you on the execution of your delivery in these recent videos. It really is impressive and looking more and more professional each time. It's a joy to hear you speak about our passion and i look forward to receiving notifications of your videos more than any other channel i subscribe to on YT.
Really appreciate the encouragement. Recently my views have gone down a lot and it is a bit depressing, this help lift my spirit.
@@ThomasAndStereo any analysis of reasons for dip? Products, interest, topics
Nah, we have a few theory me and Sean but regardless, if channels like Darko and Andrew are doing really good, it means the problem is with me and I need to improve.
@@ThomasAndStereo I wouldn't be too concerned over viewings Thomas. you are a different type of reviewer to the likes of Darko and Andrew. Your viewers are more seasoned audiophiles with more knowledge on the subject. I can't vouch for everyone but I'd say we come to your channel for your in depth analysis and feedback given by your friends not to mention the fascinating stories you have to tell. We don't come to channel looking for a review on the latest Chinese wonder DAC under 500€. Keep this différenciation and you'll be good. Nothing wrong with your production and delivery. Anyway that's my opinion.
@@ThomasAndStereo TH-cam algorithm has changed... not your fault Thomas. Need to look into it to find ways to level up again 👍
Thomas, THANKS for educating me about this wonderful Cayin CS-150 Tube Amp that you and your friends have shared and reviewed.
What fun you have all have had!!!👍🏼...except for the lifting! 🏋️
My pleasure! I need to go lift weighs if I want to continue doing this.
thank you Thomas for this video, very fair, concerning the Cayin CS150A amplifier, what I can say is that this new amplifier was quite lively in the medium / high frequencies, sorry for my language, because I am French, but after several weeks of wear of the electronic tubes, the sound is excellent in the medium / high register, almost perfect, a great dynamic, the 6NS7 Tung Sol tubes of the preamplification stage need some time to set the tone. better. this is arguably my best amplifier. however, there is also a Cayin preamplifier, the SC 6LS MK2. a marvel to discover, exceptional quality, coupled with a professional Yamaha PX8 power unit on Cabasse Clipper M1, it's woaw ...
the components of the preamp SC6lsmk2 are of quality, resistors takman, nichicon, real cap etc etc etc magnificent! the sound, transparent, detailed, deep, dynamic. :)
It’s definitely more fun when you talk about stuff nobody else talks about like I love videos like this keep doing you buddy you’re the best.
Great review. Thanks Thomas. I call the Cayin CS150 and the Concept 500s my own and couldn‘t be happier-it‘s a great combination. But I upgraded the capacitors in the preamp stage of the Cayin and replaced them with Jupiters which further improved the mid-bass of this combination, adding even more punch and realism.
That is so awesome. As I mentioned in the video, I wish bass could be a bitter 'fatter' and you solved the problem.
th-cam.com/video/P6epslSRKYE/w-d-xo.html - QAcoustics Concept 500 speakers shown in this video that I have reviewed
th-cam.com/video/XgJ78-DlO4c/w-d-xo.html - Synthesis tube amp video that cost about the same as this Cayin CS150
The official price is USD 5399 for the CS-150A. In Canada, it is $6800.
Cayin website: en.cayin.cn/products_info?itemid=128
Non-affiliated link for the CV181 TII tubes: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/psvane-vacuum-tube-electron-valve-c-32/psvane-t-series-cv181-tii-collection-version-hifi-amplifier-vacuum-tube-a-pair-p-1205
You are so right. I still, even 40 years later would stand by my feeling that a 20w Macintosh valve amp sounded and felt much louder than a 100w Luxman integrated amp of the day. And thank you so much for the a/b listening to the UL vs Triode mode. I definitely think the triode mode suits my ears better.
Would love to see house sound comparison with Line Magnetic and Opera Consonance
Yes those as well
I still have Cayin's first tube amp. After a decade, I am surprised thier amps still voice the same, strong bass and bright treble.
Thomas who is the artist at the end of video?
those amps really look amazing!
I think so too!
You're like an audio reviewing god, I see your subscribers are growing and it is very well deserved. This amp sounds like a beast! Definitely a good match with some really high end towers!
Thanks Rob, I got a great circle of audiophile friend to help me.
@@ThomasAndStereo I’ve learnt in life you’re only as good as those that surround you, and humans are just better when they work as a team. You sir, have a great team
Triode connected KT- tube amps are truly a special breed. The best of both worlds! Especially when driven by 6SN7 tubes.
I have ASL Hurricanes, and they're within an inch of my SET amp in transparency and detail, also very close to my SS amps in dynamics.
I really wanna hear this Cayin now, great review! Especially with some MJ. I hear you about the weight though...
Thank you Thomas for all you do. The reason I like to watch you is because of your story-telling skills and I just simply like you. I know everyone on here wants to get you to compare amps and so I will throw in my suggestion. Do you have any experience with Music Reference?
Designer Roger Modjesky passed away several years ago but the company is keeping his products alive and in production. He was so underrated as a designer and his products have become legendary. I have heard of some owners not having any problems for 20 years or more including tubes! I would be fascinated to get your take on his offerings.
Thanks again for the great videos.
Wow, they also output 100w with 4 KT88! I did not think it was possible.
Bought one a few days ago and are awaiting it to arrive at my hifi supplier. Cant hardly wait!
Did you also check out the Cayin Soul 170 amp I reviewed?
@@ThomasAndStereo I have not heard the 170 soul yet. But this is my first tube amp and i think this is a good starting point. Thank you for all your great reviews, i have been following your channel for a long time :)
Hi Thomas, what you describe seems to be a typical feature of the KT150. I have a tube amplifier from lab12 company. With kt88 the sound is ok, but with KT150 it's fantastic. Better than my previous transistor amps !
Thanks for sharing! This is my first KT150 so I have no idea.
Thomas has the most back breaking job in the entire world, no sarcasm
Good day sir. I have been a subscriber for a while and I must say that I appreciate that you are so enthused about your topics. And I like that you speak in a manner that I can understand. A lot of the equipment you review are far out of my price range like the Cayin. But I still really like the reviews nonetheless. The Amp is beautiful and I'm sure it must sound amazing. Looking forward to your next review. Keep up the good work.
Much appreciated
Ultralinear mode had a better soundstage on my system and maybe my first insight into the tube world. Thanks for the videos Thomas!
🤗 WOW …what a DIFFERENCE …
PLEASE KEEP HAVING FUN 👍 and broadening our experience 🤔 THANKS AGAIN😍😍😍
Great review. It'd be great to if you could start to enter into the Line Magnetic rabbit hole too.
Yeah I heard so many good things about them.
Thanks for this, Cayin and Line Magnetic have been on my radar for awhile! If you're interested there is a LM distributor in Calgary at Grant Fidelity.
I am very interested!
The LM805IA is the one to test! 👍
@@DBravo29er rachel at grant fidelity also sells line magnetic "analogue sound" equipnment: integrated amps, pre-amps, and other goodies. i'd love to see thomas reviewing units from this line.
I have the Line Magnetic LM-150ia and I use the Cv181 psvane instead of the stock 6sn7. The preamp tubes are psvane 12ax7. It’s a lot like how you describe. Tube Pre with SS power. Not bright at all. Huge sound stage and the tube holographic! They have better control of my Elac Adantes than any other solid state amp I have tried.
Billie Jean is a track that I have been using for auditions for a long time. It’s handy back in the day when dealers only had CDs and MJ was a common artist. One more interesting thing about Billie Jean is that in a very good system, you will be able to clearly notice and count how many times he snaps his finger through our the song. Do try and share.
Thanks !! Yes the finger snapping is something I also use to test systems. Thanks for sharing.
Cayin are seriously great stuff! Keep on talking about things nobody else does! Great talk man! Cheers!
Really appreciate your enthusiasm :-)
Cayin amp is very good amp punching above its price point. Those cs-88a or a-kt88mk2 combo with decent 90db++ speaker in a treated mid size room with near field setup will get you deep bass+ wide and deep soundstage..
Great video. Thanks for introducing us to these high value brands that we wouldn't otherwise hear about. Keep up the great work, Thomas.
Tube amps tend to sound more powerful than similarly-rated solid-state amps because the clipping characteristics of most tube amps are less harsh. This is not always the case, though. I have heard some vintage solid-state amps (typically Marantzes) that can visibly clip on an oscilloscope while still sounding amazingly clean. It's really surprising when that happens.
Not necessarily true. Classé DR3 for instance sounds like a hundred watt amp and when it clips you hear it easily. There are other factors at hand and the one you mention is overstated.
Thanks Thomas for your review. The KT family is the sound I want. I hope you will review the KT-170 soon.
Great video as usual. Keep up the good work.
Saludos, me encantan sus pruebas, test, análisis, propuestas de verdaderos equipos de Alta Fidelidad, gracias por compartirlos, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia....
gracias
As always. Great review.
Great review Thomas, thanks for the tube heads up from China HiFi.
My Wilsenton R8 shipped on the 15th. They are busy and are in a larger facility.
His spoken vocabulary is what makes him effective.
I always enjoy watching your video Thomas. They are always fun , and informative..
Glad you like them!
Very nice review, Thomas.
I love your reviews! You just don't say stuff is good you clearly explain what stuff sounds like! Like I was seriously thinking about getting a Prima Luna preamp but I watched one of your videos where you explain that their stuff doesn't have that "tubey" sound and that it basically sounds like solid-state.
Thanks yeah because everything sounds good today. What is good? Prima Luna preamp, I guess you can try as I never heard one. The more recent gear I heard is EVO 400. We did try tube rolling with it but I wish it sounded had a bit more tube sound. It is still a good amp.
@@ThomasAndStereo yes, they’re gear is renowned but I know I want that velvety smooth chocolatey goodness that tubed CAN offer but don’t always.
@@ThomasAndStereo I should probably just get the Schiit Freya and call it a day.
@@trekjudas But go listen to the Prima Luna EVO anyways. All my friends love the Doge 8, I have yet to seriously listen to it yet but it seems to be a winner.
@@ThomasAndStereo you know what's frustrating as hell? The acoustics at my local dealer's store is fantastic and totally different from my living room at home. I can listen to the exact same gear at the store and it will sound TOTALLY different in my home!!
Thanks, Thomas keep doing the NON-mainstream thing! 👍 Just got to the sound demo part of this video and had to mention that the triode mode of this amp (with those speakers) sounds way better to my ears., smoother and noticeably less bright.
I personally prefer triode mode too.
Tubes excel at transistioning from soft to loud faster than bipolar transistors and mosfets. Although those solid state amps designed by Tom Evans back in the 1990s came close to being tube like in transitioning from soft to loud.
Hey Thomas, any chance at reviewing any Line Magnetic tube amps or DACs any time in the future? I’m curious how there KT150 amp stacks up to this one. Great videos!!
Great shows Thomas. Do you dare talk about various tube manufactures ? cheers.
Great review.
Another great review on a product I wasn't aware of.
Thanks for watching!
Great review!!! Thank you for bringing up the fact...all wattage output ratings from the various class amps are not the same.
I've been revisiting a lot of your old videos because your perspective has explained a lot about this hobby. Thank you
I sure hope to see a thorough review of the CS88 as there is a vacuum of this on TH-cam!!! I am considering buying it...
I don't think so since I made too many videos on Cayin. I am even thinking of making a video of their cdplayer since I have one but that is really too many Cayin videos.
@@ThomasAndStereo Love tube gear!
KT150 sounds great. I use it on my little Musical Paradise MP301-MKlll and absolutely love it. The sound is fuller and airier.
I know the MP301 can run KT120, I did not know it can run KT150! You should double check with Garry if the amp can handle the extra power requirement. KT120 is pretty good already.
@@ThomasAndStereo I did checked with Gary, it supports both KT150 and the new Kt170. Gary prefers Kt77. KT150 are my favorite, gorgeous sounding tube.
That is such a beautiful amp!!! 😍
Love the video. Im thinking about buying a CS-150 with SF Sonetto III, but at the same shop they have a Cayin Soul 170i with with 35 hours of playing time, but is 200 Euro cheaper.
170i is way better.
Would love to hear how does this beast perform in the triod mode..
Hi Thomas, I been enjoying the KT150 since 2017 with PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated. Using Focal Aria 936 and what a Perfect match. What is nice about PrimaLuna Premium are "8" Power Tubes 4 each channel KT150, "6" 12AUX7's "2" each side L&R Driver tubes and "2" 12AU7's front Grain tubes. If you are using speakers with a tweeter that is Hot...Swap out the 2 Gain tubes with "Mullard" and the tweeter is tamed...Have a tweeter that can use a boost...install a pair of Brimar or Radiotechnique. Thank You and I enjoy your video's.
Thanks Joe for the tip. I have Mullard and Brimar tubes but not Radiotechnique tubes.
It would be fun to hear your impressions of the Cayin with KT120's.
Love your stuff. You inspire me to do my own videos.
Glad to hear it! I went to check your website and nice class D monoblocs
@@ThomasAndStereo Glad you like them. You got some game I don't have yet. But I'm learning. Thanks for looking. Keep up the videos.
KT150's in my Jolida 3505p Amp just sound incredible. Id your running KT88's or KT120's, the 150 are the way to IF approved by the designer/manufacturer. Excellent Video again Thomas.
Oh nice. Let me know how it sounds with KT150.
It has been awhile since I wanted to get the Aune S8, you review of the Aune S8 came just in time. Then I think I have watched too many tube videos of yours, I end up spending the money on the cayin valve amp.
I listened to a Dared KT 150 amp at a work coleages house. It is the only time i have ever heard bass reverberate around the hall in a recording. It is super to listen to. I borrowed it but my crappy speakers could not reproduce that sound. And I have never heard that again
Hi Thomas. Another great video review that has me hooked. Your likes and dislikes match up pretty much with mine. I am anxiously waiting for Mr. Cantor impression of this amp with the Sopra 2’s, as I have the same speakers. And,like you, am concerned the the top end might be to bright. Hope he gets back to you soon with the verdict. Thanks for all the great reviews.
He thought it was nice but with the Sopra 2, he wants to have a bit more punch! He is crazy.haha.
@@ThomasAndStereo I currently have the Willsenton R8 and love it with my Sopra 2's. How does the Cayin C150 compair?
i have the ps audio pre amp and ps audio bhk 250 amp of which both have tubes on the front. they sound fantastic especially the vocal ranges.i wouldn't go to digital ever..
Thomas, this is what I'm looking for. I will seriously considering this. Looks like a very good match with the Q Acoustics Concept 500. Thanks for the review.
The only thing when pairing with the Concept 500, bass is not fat so it is on the lean side but very punchy and nuance. I added a sub to add some warmth but it is ok without.
Frankie, I do want to say, when you go audition the Cayin, make sure you also audition the CS100, the difference is the CS100 sounds more like a tube amp where the notes seem to linger a bit longer. It is more airy and less 'dry' on the top end. Bass and dynamics might not be as good as the CS150 but with the Concept 500, the CS100 sounds really good especially if you are chasing more after the tube sound. I did have to change the tubes because it was on the bright side.
@@ThomasAndStereo thanks Thomas, appreciate your hard work and sharing.
Cayin makes beautiful products! I'm still searching for my HA-300 to pop up on the used market.
Good music needs to be felt carefully, and good products need to be produced carefully. We are all people with our hearts.
Absolutely 1st Class Review
Thanks for making your videos! I wonder how this amp stacks up against a McIntosh mc275. I understand the mc275 when bridged to mono actually sounds better than when in stereo mode. Keep up the good work!
I have the Mcintosh MC275 IV. Not for the same audience. Mcintosh has more emotions, softer and smoother sounding amp than this Cayin CS150. So Mcintosh would be more like a comfortable sedan while this Cayin is a fast sportcar. In terms of Dynamics, it is a league above.
Ok, I have come to the realization that every serious audiophile should have a solid-state amp AND a tube amp!
Thomas, I would love to see a video about different tubes and the sound signature they provide. E.g. if I would like to tune the sound to be a little bit softer and less harsh at the top end, which tubes do you recommend. If my speakers are too smooth at the top end, what tubes do you recommend, and so on, you see what I would like you to talk about. This will really help your viewers to choose which tubes that best would match their speakers.
Yeah, that kind of video would need someone like my friend Mr Vintage to make. 50+ years of experience.
It is just that a tube under the right circumstance is capable of massive dynamic range. A small double triode used in a microphone front end for example will out perform any device simply because of it's intrinsic properties, swinging much higher voltages along with its high impedance etc. 140db dynamic range is easily within reach and was indeed part of reason why those valve mikes were so extraordinary and did measure this well.
Output stages have a much harder time reaching anything like that range, and of course they can't - with limitations coming from earlier in the circuit raising hum and noise and power limitations..I guess if you were really careful....but you would always be 40db 'ish' behind a small signal device considering the same care taken there.
I have never heard a solid state preamp worth using. (Full stop) The SP8 was my favourite for many years, and the next best thing was no preamp at all...Though it didn't help my record player doing that.
On a different note..
Did anyone out there ever try the Aurex electret condenser cartridge? It came with a little energiser/ phonostage amplifier and was amazing but there seems to be nobody else remembering it. Being a Toshiba it made me start looking and I found something I had not seen since the Philco magic light of the 40s. The Toshiba C-100 photoelectric cartridge..I would love to talk to those Toshiba Aurex engineers, they were crazy! The C-100 has serious promise.
Edit: Even if it did have a pair of photo transistors..I doubt you could accommodate a pair of photo tubes...
The Copland CTA 408 integrated also uses 4 KT 150 tubes; it has a built in phono stage that is solid state; have you heard it?
Not yet.
@@ThomasAndStereo it has been discontinued replaced by a lower power model the CTA 407 with the improvements of real time monitoring of tube health and allowing for tube rolling but optimized for KT88
The reason I am considering this is almost all the tube integrated amplifiers require a separate phono stage; I want a one box solution. This has a built in solid state phono with excellent specs for both MM and MC …hint hint to you
@@mahasidha9 Lol, got it. I remember the CS55 Cayin phono stage was really good.
Great review...Ever do a comparison to the Quicksilver Audio KT mono amplifier?
Great review. I actually prefer reviews of less known brands.
It is a very nice amp. One of the first i have seen in europe.
Great review Thomas.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thomas, Great Review. interested to hear your input compared to Lumin Amp that you reviewed previously. Keep up the good work.
Sadly I did not AB test them. This one should be more dynamic, the Lumin is smoother and more fluid and have more instant torque.
Try NOS RCA bottom getter 6sn7 tube. Smooth high, warm mid, full bass, good sound stage and could work very well with this amp
Any idea of power rating of those monster GM100 tubes used by NAT?
Wow, that tube is like the size of my head! They said 60w with moderate setting and 170w with crazy setting. You probably want to run it in moderate setting to conserve tube life....imagine how much it cost to change the tube!
His observations (micro dynamics, etc) are why so many prefer good tube amp designs.
Thank you for saying... watts from tubes seem to be stronger than class ab. Watts from class ab seem to be stronger than class d. Regardless of the numbers, subjectively I agree 100%!!!
Yeah I wish someone can explain it.
This is not subjective........for the same given max wattage , tube amps play really louder because they put out MORE watts before clipping and saturation do their nasty job with semi conductors......NO secret , NO magic !
@@ThomasAndStereo Due to the different distortion profile as the amp approaches its max power, tube amps can be driven harder before distortion becomes subjectively annoying. In other words there is more headroom available.Nothing that cannot be compensated cheaply and easily by using more powerful solid state amps. That’s all there is to it.
Beautiful Machine!
KT150 is a great tube but the hidden gem most people don't know about is the 833. THAT is the most dynamic tube out there. 170w SET tube.
Any USA distributors? I was looking for the CS-170.
I've listerned it yesterday in a shop and I didn't get over it !!! wouhaw awsome. Let me tell you :
I wanted Klipsh RF7 III for my home cinema because everyone say that these speakers are not the best for aufiophilie. ( Sonus Faber was my choice, Sonetto V ) The seller told me that these Klipsh work very well with only one thing : tubes ! and that with that kind of amp, you'll have chills ! Nothing to do with a transistor amp
And he was right ! One of the best experience of my life.
About half an hour, we change the speakers for Sonetto V, wich are supposed to be very good speakers. And what ??? it was sooooo flat, so close, good speakers but no emotionnal. nothing. Particulary on Alive And Kicking, live version, by Simple Minds. The drumm, the voice of the female at the end, with Klipsh we were at the concert.
The combo RF7 with Cayin is amazing. I will buy this and nothing else.
You should listen the Cayin Soul 170i or the Galion TS120SE one day if you were impressed with the CS150. RF7 yes, it has a more lively and color sound and I bet the Sonetto has a more neutral sound. That is why I always say to people who want neutral sounding gear because they can hear what the artist intended, 'becareful what you wish for'.
Hi Thomas
Please keep reviewing the obscure products so so good always like your take btw the Carver Crimson 275 uses 4 KT 120’s rated at 70 watts per channel but more like 90
Thanks, I will try to introduce unknown stuff as much as I can.
Hey Thomas, At the end of the video you make us listen to which piece of music. Thank you in advance for your answer
It's in the description.
The Willsenton R8 got me into tubes. I just upgraded faster than a normal human might.
It is a good start.
@@ThomasAndStereo It's a great amp! The Unison Research S6 is even better though. If I wasn't so poor I would have BOTH amps!
Thomas, thanks for another great Cayin amp review. Any preamp tube recommendations for the Cayin C55A to reduce some of the brightness on top end?
We used some Telefunken and Mullard NOS and 6550 SEC cwing. I didn't get a chance to try Russian Harmonia tubes but I was told it is less bright by Mr Kanta.
Great video, Thomas! You gotta try the line Magnetic LM805IA integrated. 48wpc SET amp!!
Thanks for the tip!
Thomas can the cs150 drive the magnepan lrs? How does this compare with the cs88?
Hi Thomas thanks for the review. The cayin amps now are x2 the prices of Williston since the distribution changed. At least here in Oz. Undoubtedly they are great but is a Cs55a worth the same as a R800i ?? me wonder
Thomas I‘d love to see you review a tube integrated from Icon Audio. To see how made in Britain Tube Amps compare to Our beloved Chi-Fi brands
What’s wrong with beautiful made Chinese amps.
F the British amps
@@welshrarebit9238 that’s a pretty strong opinion, plus I didn’t say there is anything wrong with these Chi-Fi products
Yeah, that would be interesting. I almost got one actually.
I think both are capable making nice amps but each country tend to voice it differently. I would love to check out some British amp. I have tried Italian, japanese, canadian tube amps, just missing British.
Love your channel, looks like great amps, do you get the Ming-Da amps in Canada? Would like to hear your view on the Cavatina mono blocks.
Thanks, I did try a pair of Ming Da monoblocs at one point. I never shop for a Ming Da so I don't know. Cavatina mono blocks? Let me check them out.
Thomas another well thought out review, but please turn your tv off it’s very distracting and adds nothing to the review
Thanks. Its also to mask the reflection on the studio light I use. Else the reflection will be more distracting than what is on the tv. I can give it a try and will use different camera angles to get around that problem.
Great review Thomas! You showed a Pathos integrated during, Have you done a review on it?
Not yet. Maybe later.
How do i reach u Thomas? I need ur help in final decision on cayin models.
Did you already conduct your review of the KLH Model 5 yet and I missed it?
No, in July.
Thank you for this quick and clear answer. I hope you don't find it too inquisitve when I tell you I can buy the 150 for exactly the same price as the Doge 10 in my country and renew my question, because I understand that the price tag plays an important role and double the price in Canada can certainly not outweigh the highlight in only one respect (dynamics).
Yes outside north america, you can get Cayin for cheap. we have a proper distributor support system so it is more expensive over here.
Rogue Stereo 100 -I'd love for you to get that in with it;s KT120's.Also their RP5 or RP7
Thomas, I'd love to see you audition the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III. Now the stock tubes aren't quite as good as the Cayin, but obviously you could tube roll. And the Rogue is able to put out 60 watts in Triode and 100 watts in ultralinear using ONLY 2 KT120 tubes per channel. I'd be really curious what you think of the Rogue. I'm currently going to borrow one to audition on my home setup and I haven't been this excited in a long, long time. Thanks as always!
Dual binding posts speakers try a 0.2uF - 0.4uF with a non-inductive 20 ohm resistor in-line, across the terminal, the resistor has to be the other side of the capacitor the resistor connected to negative terminal. should help with your top end sparkle reducing it. ps tyre polystyrene capacitor the band has to go to towards the negative terminal
I'll say your liking this amplifier how much does it go for?
Around $6k :( I can't afford it.
@@ThomasAndStereo build your own then! They sale the 845 for 7 smackeroonies I did check this amplifier seen it for £4000 new
How would you compare the Pahos to the CS 150?