Tube electronics specialist Cayin completes its legendary Soul range, based on the impressive KT170 tubes, with the Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier and its Cayin Soul 170P power amp. This new duo embodies the synthesis of craftsmanship and technological research conducted by the brand for over thirty years. Combining a fully balanced preamplifier with a pure class A power block using four KT170 tubes, Cayin has created one of its most seductive sets to date.
Two prestigious electronics
From the outset, Cayin adopts a clear strategy: to offer a coherent tube system where the preamp and amp are designed to respond to each other with the same logic. Aesthetically, they retain the visual philosophy of the Soul range, with a precision-machined solid aluminum chassis, featuring a brushed front panel with subtle texture and perfectly chamfered edges, topped by hand-varnished solid walnut side panels. The tubes are protected by a removable steel grille and emit an amber glow through the perforations, creating the muted ambience characteristic of tube electronics. The device rests on four machined aluminum shock-absorbing feet, isolating the them from vibrations.
Behind this familiar luxurious presentation lie some real innovations, including, for the first time in the Soul series, a pure class A tube amplifier. Another highlight is the possibility for the user to adjust the sound signature via negative feedback switches on each of the devices (preamp and amp). This way, Cayin leaves room for the listener or integrator to fine-tune the character of the system to suit the speakers, the room or their personal taste.
Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier: the heart of the signal
The nerve center of the system, the Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier adopts a fully analog architecture and point-to-point wiring, guaranteeing impeccable signal purity. Cayin has opted for an eight-tube topology divided between gain, regulation and rectification stages, for exemplary stability and a smooth reproduction. The signal path begins with ECC83s for input gain, followed by 6SN7GTB tubes for tonal coherence and harmonic richness. Two 6CA7 tubes ensure voltage regulation, while a double pair of 17AX4GTs take care of rectification, for a perfectly clean and stable supply current.
This sophisticated architecture is served by a separate tube power supply and a hand-wound toroidal transformer, guaranteeing a constant energy reserve and exceptionally low background noise. Cayin has also integrated a Negative Feedback switch that lets you choose between two sound profiles: the more open and expressive
The Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier features four unbalanced RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input, plus two outputs: one RCA and one XLR. The volume is adjusted via an imposing metal potentiometer on the front panel, or remotely via the included aluminum remote control.
Key features
- Tubes: ECC83 ×2, 6SN7GTB ×2, 6CA7 ×2, 17AX4GT ×2
- Frequency response: 8Hz to 100kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
- 4x RCA line inputs
- 1x XLR line input
- 1x unbalanced RCA output
- 1x XLR balanced output
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 239 x 445mm
- Weight: 20kg
- Price: €4,990, available to pre-order
Cayin Soul 170P power amplifier: the engine of the system
Like its preamplifier, the Cayin Soul 170P power amplifier is entirely hand-assembled in the manufacturer’s factories. Operating in pure class A, a first in the Soul series, it uses four KT170 TUNG-SOL power tubes in push-pull configuration to combine power and harmonic richness. In ultralinear mode, the 170P develops 2 x 60 watts into 8 ohms, while in triode mode, it delivers 2 x 32 watts, giving priority to midrange density and smoothness. It can also be switched to bridged mono mode, doubling power to 120 watts on a single channel. This remarkable flexibility enables it to adapt to both demanding speakers and high-output models, while offering the listener the possibility of adjusting the sound to suit their preferences.
The signal stage is based on 12AU7 inputs and 6SN7 drivers, ensuring smooth voltage rise and precise control of the KT170s, powered by a 17AX4GT tube rectifier. The entire circuit is point-to-point wired, without printed circuit boards, for maximum transparency and consistency. Cayin has integrated a dynamic auto-bias system that adjusts tube polarization in real time, prolonging tube life and guaranteeing perfect stability over time. Power is supplied by a high-capacity toroidal transformer, backed up by two internally-wound wideband EI output transformers, ensuring a linear, powerful reproduction from 8Hz to 70kHz. Like its preamplifier, to which it can be connected via RCA or XLR, it features a feedback switch for customizing its sound signature to suit any system and any listener’s preferences.
Key features
- Stereo mode power: 32W RMS (triode mode), 60W RMS (ultralinear mode)
- Mono mode power: 64W RMS (triode mode), 120W RMS (ultralinear mode)
- Frequency response: 8Hz to 70kHz
- Tubes: 12AU7 / ECC82 × 2, 6SN7 × 2, 17AX4GT × 1, KT170 × 4
- 1x RCA stereo input
- 1x XLR stereo input
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 238 x 420mm
- Weight: 37.5kg
- Price: €7,990, available to pre-order
With the Soul 170C preamplifier and Soul 170P power amplifier, Cayin has created an exceptional duo for discerning audiophiles. Each device has been designed to work in perfect synergy with the other: the 170C shapes the signal with remarkable finesse and musicality, while the 170P gives it body and energy, without sacrificing the warmth of the tubes. Together, they offer a reproduction of rare coherence, with a wide soundstage, organic timbres and music that expresses itself without constraint.
