The Cayin Jazz 80 tube amplifier uses the key elements of the best-selling Cayin CS-55A in a new, even more appealing version equipped with VU meters and an HD Bluetooth module. It uses either KT88 or EL34 tubes to give music warmth and harmonic richness. But what can we really expect from a tube amp sold for under €2000? How does it differ from its transistor counterparts?
Presentation
KT88 or EL34 tubes
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Asian manufacturer Cayin, who has been striving to make tube technology accessible for three decades now. This commitment is embodied in a wide range of stereo amplifiers, with one model in particular that stands out: the Cayin CS-55A KT88. The latter has become the brand’s best-selling amp thanks to its unbeatable value. The Cayin Jazz 80 promises to provide the same excellence as it uses the same amplification.
Read: Review: Cayin CS-55A KT88
Like its counterpart, the Cayin Jazz 80 has an impressive weight of 17kg, notably due to its three huge transformers: one input transformer and two output transformers. The latter are combined with a total of eight high-quality tubes. There are two 12AX7 preamp tubes coupled to two 12AU7 tubes that act as phase splitters to control the power tubes.
Like many of the manufacturer’s amplifiers, the Cayin Jazz 80’s output stage allows you to choose between KT88 and EL34 power tubes. This choice affects not only musicality, but also power output, with a capacity of 2 x 40W for the Cayin Jazz 80 KT88 and 2 x 36W for the Cayin Jazz 80 EL34. While this may seem insignificant compared to transistor models, the way tube amps work ensures far greater efficiency, giving the impression of dealing with a much more powerful amplifier.
Triode and ultralinear modes
Like many of the brand’s models, the Cayin Jazz 80 has a dedicated switch to choose its operating mode: triode or ultralinear. These modes determine the number of electrodes used by each tube. In ultralinear mode, the almost all tube capacity is utilized, offering a more energetic, dynamic and powerful reproduction that’s also more generous in the lows. In triode mode, the amp favors warmth, texture and amplitude. The transparency is better, the lows are more nuanced and the stereo image is more well-defined. The soundstage is also deeper and the highs sound more natural. The bandwidth is extended, offering a full harmonic range. The only drawback is a drop in power to 20W for the KT88s and 18W for the EL34s. However, this is still more than enough to provide a dynamic and balanced reproduction with sufficiently sensitive speakers (ideally 88 dB or more).
VU meters
The Cayin Jazz 80 has a magnificent design, with a chassis made entirely of aluminum that gives the amp a robust, premium look. The front panel comes in black or silver and features two VU meters at its center. The latter can be used as a bias meter to facilitate tube adjustment, or as a sound level meter during listening sessions. With their orange backlighting, they are very elegant and give the amp a vintage charm. Unfortunately, however, the brightness can’t be adjusted. As a result, they stand out much more than the tubes in a dark room.
While the Cayin CS-55A has its triple power transformer proudly on display, the Cayin Jazz 80’s transformer is completely hidden behind a protective grille. Although the latter makes the amplifier look slightly bulkier, it makes it a lot easier to keep clean, as dust can’t get in between each transformer. Moreover, the design of this metallic grille has been renewed, and has a more contemporary silhouette. It also serves as a Faraday cage to block out any interference in an environment exposed to high levels of electromagnetic waves.
Simple operation
Tube amplifiers can sometimes be off-putting due to the adjustments required when replacing tubes in the future. With the Cayin Jazz 80, the manufacturer makes this process accessible for both beginners and more experimented users. Four potentiometers, which can be adjusted with a flathead screwdriver, are integrated into the top of the unit to quickly modify the bias of the power tubes. To ensure that the settings are accurate, a switch allows the VU meter to be used as a bias meter, a tool usually reserved for professionals. A guide mark on the latter indicates the correct setting for each output tube. The process is quick and intuitive!
On its front panel, the amplifier features two large metal potentiometers, the front of which is covered with glass plates. The first is dedicated to source selection, while the second controls the volume. Without notches, it ensures smooth, precise adjustment. It is motorized to adjust its position when the volume is set using the remote control. Made entirely of aluminum, the remote control not only controls volume, but also lets you select the source, the operating mode (triode or ultra-linear) and turn the amp on or off. However, you have to really point it at the amplifier for it to work properly, and the buttons feel slightly loose in the notches. Nevertheless, it remains handy.
RCA inputs and Bluetooth
The Cayin Jazz 80 can be connected to a network player, a CD player or a DAC thanks to its three RCA inputs. In addition to the speaker terminals, the amplifier features a 6.35mm jack headphone output so that you can enjoy your music with a pair of headphones or in-ear monitors.
The Cayin Jazz 80 differs from many other tube models with its integrated Bluetooth 5.0 controller. The latter allows you to listen to music streamed wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Thanks to the aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, it is possible to enjoy high-quality sound, with low signal compression. Furthermore, the aptX Low Latency codec is also supported to avoid any lag between the sound and picture when the amplifier is connected to a TV. At the output of this module, the Cayin Jazz 80 uses an ES9018K2M DAC to precisely convert the digital signals before attacking the tube preamplification stage. This configuration ensures very satisfactory Bluetooth sound. However, it is still preferable to use the wired inputs or to connect a network player to fully benefit from the harmonic richness and dynamics of the tubes.
Listening conditions
The Cayin Jazz 80 amplifier doesn’t take long to set up once the protective polystyrene has been removed from the tubes. The latter are already mounted on the amp, so all you have to do is connect it to the mains and the sources to start listening to your music right away. Note that it’s best to let the amplifier warm up for 10 to 20 minutes before starting playback. This will limit wear on the tubes.
For our review, we listened to the Cayin Jazz 80 in its KT88 and EL34 versions to compare the benefits of the different tubes. We connected it to the B&W 707 S3 and Q Acoustics 5020 bookshelf speakers, as well as the Sonus Faber Lumina III and Elipson Prestige Facet 14F floorstanders. We used the Bluesound Node network player as our source.
Listening impressions
Whether it was equipped with KT88 or EL3 tubes, the Cayin Jazz 80 amplifier needed to warm up to reveal its full potential. While it offered excellent performance after the first 15 minutes, it was only after an hour’s use that its qualities became fully apparent. The soundstage became more spacious, with a wider and denser reproduction. The sound became three-dimensional, with almost holographic instrument placement.
The EL34 version of the Cayin Jazz 80 amp was rich and smooth, without becoming excessive or artificially unctuous, as can be the case with some tube amps. The sound remained clear, straightforward and transparent, ensuring perfect reproduction of the various nuances and harmonics. The midrange benefited from physical texture, while the highs retained their finesse without ever tending towards aggressiveness. Dynamics were excellent, attacks clean and the rhythm well sustained, making every musical performance palpable and vibrant. This ability to juggle smoothness and dynamics to suit each track is the real strength of the Cayin Jazz 80 EL34.
With the KT88 tubes, the Cayin Jazz 80 amplifier made the sound fuller, favoring a reproduction that highlighted the softness and emotional richness of the midrange. Dynamics were slightly attenuated, as was high-frequency clarity, resulting in a suave reproduction with even denser, richer textures. The bass gained in extension, with voluptuous, well-defined lows. On Sade’s album Diamond Life, the KT88 tubes effectively accentuated the singer’s voice, underlining every detail with delectable warmth and smoothness. Every timbre was perfectly textured, with a mellow, bewitching quality. The richness of the midrange enhanced the realism of the saxophone.
Cayin Jazz 80 vs Cayin CS-55A
The Cayin Jazz 80 and Cayin CS-55A use the same amplification, with the ability to mount either EL34 or KT88 tubes for the power stage. Consequently, the musical performance is very similar, with the same advantages for either tube. The difference between these two models lies in the connectivity, with a phono input and a 24-bit/192 kHz USB-compatible DAC for the Cayin CS-55A. The latter can therefore be connected directly to a computer for digital file playback. On the other hand, the Cayin Jazz 80 remains the most attractive, with its two VU meters and slightly revamped design.
Should you opt for the Cayin Jazz 80 KT88 or EL34?
Although the pre-amplification stage remains the same, the use of different power tubes offers two very distinct sonic signatures. The version equipped with KT88 tubes excels with its greater roundness and smoothness, proving particularly appealing to music lovers with a passion for jazz, acoustic recordings, live performances or world music. This configuration enchants with its rich, unctuous midrange, featuring a velvety texture that delicately coats every note. It is also particularly well-suited for use with speakers that tend to be bright or cold, offering a more balanced, natural sound.
For its part, the Cayin Jazz 80 EL34 is a more versatile solution thanks to its ability to adapt to all music genres. With less coloration, it impresses with its exemplary transparency, exceptional clarity and more pronounced dynamism. As a result, it is perfect for music lovers looking for a clear, vivid reproduction without any harshness.
Conclusion
With the Cayin Jazz 80, the Asian manufacturer remains true to its ethos of offering a highly musical model at a moderate price. Marketed at under €2,000, this tube amplifier holds its own against much more expensive transistor models. It offers a rich exploration of the musical spectrum, reproducing every nuance with tremendous richness and texture. Thanks to its incredibly wide harmonic palette and consistent control, it is the ideal amplifier for any pair of highly sensitive speakers. Whether it’s for listening to velvety jazz tracks, spirited rock records or the most majestic classical compositions, this Cayin amp knows how to adapt. However, it’s best to use its RCA inputs to get the very best performance. Its Bluetooth receiver is practical but, in our opinion, should be reserved for occasional use.
We liked:
- The rich tones
- How smooth the KT88 version was
- The clarity and transparent sound of the EL34 version
- The exemplary musicality of both models
We would have liked:
- To have been able to adjust the brightness of the backlighting
- A phono input
- A high-quality remote control
