Cayin CS-845A SET Integrated Valve Amplifier

The new single-ended Class A integrated amplifier Cayin CS-845A claims to redefine the scale in the tube array. The elaborately constructed, with silver-plated signal cables freely wired heir apparent moves the limits of the reproduction quality for tube amps even further towards high end.

The CS-845A has been significantly improved over existing concepts in many respects. Its EI output transformers have an extreme bandwidth to extend the transmission range even further. The power supply now draws its supply voltage from a large-sized toroidal transformer – a design that stands for low stray fields. But the heart of the CS-845A are its selected tubes: The voltage gain takes over the classic WE6SN7. The towering 300B works as a driver tube for the 845 tube anchored in the type designation. This combination guarantees homogeneous music reproduction in conjunction with highest resolution.

For individual sound tuning according to personal perception, the negative feedback factor between 0 dB NFB (negative feedback) and -3 dB NFB can be freely selected. Thus, the CS-845A adapts more or less in the damping factor to the respective speakers to allow perfect control. Another example of the extensive detail work is the trouble-free rumble adjustment of the 300B by easily accessible arranged on the top potentiometer. The same applies to the bias setting with feedback from the integrated meter. Best of all, all functions, including adjustment of the negative feedback factor, can be controlled via the remote control. For volume control Cayin uses a high-quality encapsulated Alps potentiometer with motor drive. A pre-amp input also allows the CS-845A to operate as a pure power amp. After all, he lifts 24 watts per channel to the gold-plated speaker terminals.

For a long-lasting enjoyment of this exceptionally powerful and sophisticated integrated amplifier, the CS-845A has a tube-friendly soft-start on-delay for the high voltage power supply.

Overview

The CS-845A has been significantly improved over existing concepts in many respects. Its EI output transformers have an extreme bandwidth to extend the transmission range even further. The power supply now draws its supply voltage from a large-sized toroidal transformer – a design that stands for low stray fields. But the heart of the CS-845A are its selected tubes: The voltage gain takes over the classic WE6SN7. The towering 300B works as a driver tube for the 845 tube anchored in the type designation. This combination guarantees homogeneous music reproduction in conjunction with highest resolution.

At around 37 kilos, the CS is a true heavyweight in the hi-fi class. This is mainly due to its generously dimensioned toroidal transformer with solid iron core, which reduces the spread of the three transformers. Those tower in the back of the case while the tubes are in front of them. The voltage gain is implemented by the WE6SN7, the 300B work as a driver tube. They drive the eponymous final-stage pistons 845, which are about 15 cm up and designed for single-ended operation. The combination of the tubes ensures a broadband reproduction. The A at the end of the name comes from the fact that the amplifier is running in Class A mode.

The 300B valve has authority, Bass is deep, but in total balance with the rest of the spectrum, and is controlled and easy-flowing.The 300B involves the listener at a level rarely experienced with sweetness in the midrange that totally envelops and takes you away.

SET (which stands for Single-Ended Triode) amplifiers and the tubes used in them (45s/2A3s/300bs) have attained cult-like status because they reproduce certain aspects of music in a special and unique way. SET amplifiers such as this Cayin produce gorgeously dense tonality and timbres with all instruments and voices, as well as stunning realism and immediacy with vocals. Additionally, these amplifiers have sweet and airy treble, with decays that were crystal clear, and they render all images with 3D density and solidarity. Lastly, this amp gives the impression that anything between you and the music is stripped away, creating a sense of purity that allowed the music to effortlessly float into the room.

The new single-ended Class-A amplifier Cayin CS-845A comes to market and redefines what the 845 valve is capable of !

Meticulously designed, point-point hard wired with heavy gauge silver-plated signal cables, it really pushes the limits of reproduction quality for tube amps even further towards the ultimate high end.

The CS-845A has significantly moved the bar in this sector.

The power supply now draws its supply voltage from a over-engineered toroidal transformer, with a ‘soft start’ switch on delay design- a type which is the beating heart of the CS-845A.

The chosen tubes are of immense quality: with all being hand picked and matched.

As for the driver tubes then uber high quality 300B’s with porcelain bases are the order of the day, this combination guarantees homogeneous music playback in combination with the highest possible resolution.

For individual sound tuning to suit your personal needs, the negative feedback factor between 0 dB NFB (negative feedback) and -3 dB NFB allows the perfect ‘dial-in’ for the discerning customer, thus, the CS-845A offers the perfect hum-free openness and balance of the 300B and this fits perfectly to offer an adjustable damping factor to the respective speakers to allow the absolute control and tonal character to be truly world class.

Another example of the extensive and detailed work carried out by the Cayin engineers can be seen by the easily accessible and placed potentiometers located conveniently on the top panel. The same applies to the bias setting with feedback via the integrated Bias Meter.

All functions including the adaptation of the feedback factor can be controlled via the remote control. For the volume control Cayin uses a unique quality encapsulated Japanese ALPS potentiometer with the ability to allow a preamp input for operation of the CS-845A as a pure power amplifier.

The 24w of Pure Class A power are supplied via a exquisite set of gold-plated speaker terminals.

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