Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Cayin MT-12N EL84EH Integrated Amplifier
$479
$853

Cayin MT-12N EL84EH Integrated Amplifier

bookmark_border
$479
$853
Ready to Ship
Members who purchase earn
479
Drop Rewards
Frequently bought together:
add
Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones
add
Xduoo TA-03S Tube DAC/Amp
add
Cayin MT-35MK2 Tube Integrated Bluetooth Amp

Customer Reviews

4.9
(18 reviews)
5star
(16)
4star
(2)
3star
(0)
2star
(0)
1star
(0)
100% would recommend to a friend
search
close
Mike333
1
Feb 14, 2024
checkVerified Buyer
Just received this little amp... And it is a keeper.
It is the amp that is pictured folks, no wood. Well packaged, no issues there, I ordered on Friday, and had it on Tuesday, it ships out of NJ via UPS. She sounds incredible with the stock Cayin tubes after breaking in at say around 15 or so hours. Everything the reviews below say are true, this little amp is a gem at this price point. I also purchased a suite of tubes, four of the Gold Lion matched EL-84 power tubes and one Gold Lion 12AX7 preamp tube, along with two NOS Voskhod 6N1P-EV tubes. The new tubes are installed, I can only see them getting better as they settle in. And I am not dismissing the Cayin tubes, there is nothing wrong with them, I could be perfectly happy with them. So, do not feel you are purchasing an inferior product here due to the stock tubes, you are not. The Cayin tubes are very very good, there are no issues with them that I discovered. They are well matched to the amp. My gear... I am using a PS Audio Stellar GainCell DAC/Preamp to feed the Cayin with the WiiM Pro. I use an LHY 5v linear power supply to feed power to the WiiM. I have Blue Jeans LC-1 cables feeding the Cayin. The speakers are the latest Zu DW6 Supremes. Speaker cables are Worlds Best Cables Mogami 3082 coaxial wire. The little Cayin creates a very good soundstage, and is dynamic in its presentation with the Zu's. The power, the 10 watt Cayin will take the Zu's to concert level with ease, not how I listen, but it is there if I feel the need. Do not let the wattage fool you, as it is very robust in the power department. And yes, the manual is where the amp is listed as 10w x 10w, it is not 9w as others have suggested. I am very happy with this purchase, especially at this price point. If you are on the fence, just do it. This is a perfect starter tube amp for most folks, and I am including myself in that statement. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what this bargain of an amp can do, I know I am. ;-)
search


(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
UncleFreddy
2
Sep 29, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Great value and quality
I've had this amp for several months now so it's pretty well burned in. The fit, finish and quality are excellent, regardless of the price. I've had it running through Wharfedale Linton speakers and it gets plenty loud for its 10 watts. Just started running it through more sensitive Klipsch RP 600M II speakers and it's even louder. I replaced the stock 6N1 tubes with Svetlanas but not sure if it made a big difference. But the sound is nice and mellow, similar to an old Dynaco SCA-35 amp that I used to own (also with EL84 tubes). No regrets with this purchase. Just wish it had a headphone jack.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
jpstereo
1
Sep 20, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Stunning value! Sweet sounds!
What can I say.? Sweet, sweet sounds
search
search
driving Triangle Borea BR02s. Do not worry about power - more than enough on tap to make beautiful music! Stunning build quality and value. Do it!
Recommends this product? Yes
Backtocali
6
Aug 9, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Highly recommended
Impressive sound and build quality in a compact package. I listen to various genres, and this amp effortlessly drives my speakers (KLH 6, Kef 103.2, Totem Arros, Klipsch KG4) in a medium size room. With certain speakers, I prefer the Cayin to my more expensive SS and tube gear. Just goes to show higher prices don’t necessarily translate to “better” sound. I upgraded the preamp tubes and use Canare speaker cables, Blue Jeans interconnects and a hospital grade power cable. Thanks to Drop for offering a great product at an incredibly fair price. This one is a keeper.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
mel04426
12
May 12, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Swings Above Price
I purchased this just out of curiosity more than anything. Have them hooked up to the Klipsch Heresy IV and it sounds wonderful. I did however have to upgrade the 12AU7 tube to a Brimar CV 4003 to eliminate the harshness in the upper midrange. Once that was done, I was smiling. If you are curious on what tubes are all about, this is a very good starting point. The unit is hefty, solid, and attractive. With auto bias on tap; you can't go wrong under $500 delivered. I have $650 in it with the Brimar 12AU7 upgrade and I'm very happy.
Recommends this product? Yes
Californiastu
5
Feb 19, 2024
mel04426Just ordered the Brimar tube you recommended. I, too, noticed some harshness in the upper notes and I really hope the new tube works for me, also.
JalapenoStu
8
May 2, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
A good upgrade over my previous amp
This is a nicely built good sounding amp. It does have multiple outputs for 4 or 8 ohm and a 3 channel input selector switch. I run a Fluance RT-85 into a Cambridge Alva Duo to the Cayin and out to Klipsch RP 280's. Of course the sound could be improved but to my ears, the horn heavy klipsches are nicely rounded out on in the high frequencies with some decent bottom end. Nothing earth shattering but it was a nice addition to my burgeoning setup and I've been impressed with the overall sound.
Recommends this product? Yes
Olds1959special
11
Apr 13, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
The Cayin MT-12N integrated tube amp sounds great
search
I have upgraded my tubes to Genelex EL84’s, Voskhod 6N1P’s, and the Tung Sol reissue 12AU7. The source is a Pacific Valve Fathom NOS DAC and I'm using solid silver interconnects. The amp is powering ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers. This is a high quality tube amp, the sound is holographic, detailed, and clear!
Recommends this product? Yes
Umlaut
10
Apr 27, 2023
Olds1959specialMay I ask where you bought the tubes? And these are "plug and play", in that they are direct replacements for stock, right? Thanks! New to this!
BigRez
3
Dec 27, 2023
UmlautI have had an excellent experiences with Viva Tubes. They measure all the tubes they sell and match them up for you. I got a tube with noise in it and they sent me a replacement, no questions asked. Great tube source. They have a wide variety and great reviews form their experts. I AM NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY.
Californiastu
5
Mar 24, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Great sounding little amp
This little amp is sweet sounding and more powerful than its low watt rating would indicate. I am using it with a four ohm, 87 db sensitive pair of speakers and it does great as long as I don't play very loudly. Sound staging and imaging is very good. Contrary to general expectations, it is not overly warm, but has a lively top end with plenty of detail. I love it!
Recommends this product? Yes
Cackalacka
15
Mar 20, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
So much power, so much enjoyment.
Been looking for a tube speaker amp for a while. When this came up on drop, I instantly pulled the trigger. Was a bit worried that it was going to be underpowered... but that totally isn't the case. I knew I was going to be feeding this into some sensitive but large speakers (Klipsch KG 5.2 that are 94db). With those speakers, anything past 10 O'clock on the dial is uncomfortable loud. It's overkill for my needs. But extra headspace never hurts. I have some tube headphone amps and tube preamps, but this is my first tube speaker amp. So wasn't sure what to expect. Right now it is on my dedicated vinyl system. One thing that is apparent, the amp takes a while to warm up, and I didn't quite expect how long that takes. The first 10-15 minutes after power up result in a sound that is a bit harsh. After that, it settles into a beautifully warm sound. Maybe a bit lacking in bass, but very enjoyable. The amp really shines with vocals and acoustical music. Wanted to comment on one small QC issue. My input selector knob came a bit discolored... missing some black paint. Contacted Drop and they made it right. I only have 12 hours on the amp, but looking forward to more time with it.
search


Recommends this product? Yes
Chrisou
12
Mar 6, 2023
checkVerified Buyer
Nice match with Focal Chora 806
Just a quick review after a few days of listening through my Chora 806s. I am streaming hi-res audio files from Qobuz on my Mac or iPad through a DAC (using both the Drop Topping DX7s and an old HRT Musicstreamer II). Really like the sound, very rich and full bodied. Only qualification is that my specific combination really highlights any issues with the source recording, and some stuff does not sound as good here as my other system. If the source recording is sibilant/kind of sharp on the high end, it does not sound as good. However, I am absolutely loving the sound from a wide range of genres, electronic, jazz, alt-rock, classical. I plan to try the Cayin with a few more sets of speakers I have at home, but wanted to share what I experienced so far in case it helps someone make their decision. Overall, really enjoying the Cayin and I do recommend it. I am using it both near field and in a mid-sized room and it sounds great in both positions. Cheers
search
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
BigRez
3
Dec 27, 2023
ChrisouI'm repeatedly reading that the mids and highs are sharp. These reports are from people who have not broken the tubes in. That may go away in time. If not, roll out the tubes to get the desired sound signature. I own two EL34 amps, a KT88, a 300B and two others with obscure tubes. Breaking them in and rolling the tubes makes some a fairly substantial differences in the sound.
Showing 14 of 48
keyboard_arrow_up
Newest
48 OF 48 POSTS
keyboard_arrow_down
Oldest