I have a Muzishare X7 I recently purchased, and quite honestly I like the sound of this better. I'm pairing it with Klipsch Heresy IIs and I can't even go more than half way on the volume before it gets too loud. I also have a Little Bear T11 preamp in the loop which is great sounding but noisy, so I'll need to do some mods. Also, I noticed some hum when wiring in my SMSL M500 DAC so I put a cheap InstallGear ground loop isolator on that line and the problem cleared right up. Also, do yourself a favor and plug a DMP like the Hidisz AP80 Pro-X into it for some mind-blowing sound. AC/DC never sounded so good. Just DO NOT miss out on this run of amps. I'm going to purchase another. I just bought the MT-35 which just came available again on DROP. These Cayin products are top notch, and the factory tubes are great if not the tiniest bit harsh on the top end, so I'll be rolling. My only wish would have been for a headphone jack on the MT-12, but I'll live, and I could care less about the Bluetooth on the MT-35, so I wish they had just left it off and sold the cheaper version.
CAYIN MT-12N EL84EH is one of my best audio purchases.
With the sturdy packaging there was no worry about damage. This is a beefy little devil, and the design, fit and finish are excellent. This is my first tube amp and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it easily exceeded all of my wishes. The 10 watt rating is no limitation so far for me, and I was surprised when the first notes came out of my Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 speakers, as the bass was rich and full and the best I've heard out of them. It amazes me that the sonic difference between tubes and solid state can be so pronounced. I came here looking for headphones and found them, but also luckily found this lovely integrated amp, Thank you Drop!
ChristoLJThe amount of power these things put out is amazing. I was truly surprised. And it's clean sounding all the way to the top. I'm going to be rolling tubes as well, but like you said, the stock tubes are great. I just want to see if I can make it even better.
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. ;-)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!