MAGAZINE
The Cayin CS-300A tube integrated amplifier has 300B output tubes, whose sound is highly valued, as its basis. The two directly heated triodes are powered in a single-ended configuration by a 6SL7 voltage amplifier stage with a downstream 6SN7 driver stage. Two GZ34 tubes are responsible for the channel-separated high-voltage rectification. Despite puristic single-ended circuitry, the Cayin CS-300A achieves 8 watts RMS per channel.
The pre-in input also offers the option to use the Cayin CS-300A as a pure power amplifier. Different taps for 4, 8 and 16 ohms allow for adjusting to the speakers in use.
An output transformer specially designed for this single-ended amplifier with separate winding taps for the headphone output additionally makes the CS-300A ready for operation with headphones.
An integrated measuring instrument for bias adjustment of the 300B tubes and a two-stage switch for individual adjustment of the negative feedback are also built into the amp.
The Cayin CS-300A is hand-built with point-to-point wiring. A soft-start circuit to protect the amplifier is said to provide longer life for the tubes as well as other sensitive components.
In addition, Cayin uses high-voltage fuses to protect the remaining components in the event of a tube failure.
All functions can be controlled via the included remote control, which comes in a metal housing.
In Germany, the Cayin CS-300A is available now for €3,980.
