Cayin CS-55A
The CS-55A is the most recent advancement in tube amplifier technology created by Cayin. This state-of-the-art machine boasts forty watts per channel by using 4 KT88 tubes in Class AB ultra-linear push pull amplification. The CS-55A consists of four pairs of input: one Phono, a USB port, and two line inputs giving a wide range of options for any listener.
The CS-55A comprises of a fully anodised aluminium front, a vented chassis with a gorgeous finish, the finest hand-made point-to-point wiring, and a soft-start circuit to enhance the life of the toroidal power transformer and output transformers. Combined with audio grade capacitors, carbon film resistors, and ceramic tube sockets, this is one amplifier every audiophile should have in his/her collection. Speaker output impedance can be swapped between 4 ohms and 8 ohms. Similarly to the A-88T, the CS-55A comes with a handy remote control.
Transform your music system! Extraordinary value and performance best describes the Cayin Audio CS-55A Integrated amplifier. As the centre piece of any system, the unit is at home with both analogue or digital formats. CS-55A includes a built in MM phono section to accommodate turntables and a built-in high resolution DAC for use with computers. Via the 2.0 USB input, the DAC is capable of covering digital audio signals up to 32bit | 384kHz. This combination of a high end DAC and tubes makes for a rich and detailed soundstage.
The output stage can be switched between triode and ultra-linear mode and either KT88 or EL34 tubes can be used for the maximum amount of flexibility. A headphone jack on the front completes the unit and makes this one of the most versatile and compelling products on the market.
Key Features
- KT88 tube based unit - 40 W ultra, 22 W triode
- 4 x KT88, 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AX7 tubes
- All handmade silver point to point wiring
- Can run KT88 or EL34 tubes via switch
- Phono MM preamp built in
- USB DAC 32 Bit 384 kHz built in
- On-board bias meter for easy adjustments
- Silver finish
- Remote control included
- Designed and tuned in Germany
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 360 x 180 x 334 mm
- Weight: 17 kg
04/05/2023 - Reviewed by Gee
Wow! Wow!.... End game/drop mic moment from the minute I turned it on. Purchased the Cayin CS-55A (running KT88) from the team at Space Hifi.
I'm coming from solid state and very curious to try out a proper tube amp as I always felt there is something missing in my system. My jaw dropped when I turned it on as I was getting an emotional connection to the music. I was getting all the highs, mids and lows without having to turn up the volume.
It was "missing piece" to my jigsaw that I was seeking. Best bang for buck spent on improving my system. The B&Ws 702 S2 now sounds their price tag.
Gear used - Blusound Node, RME ADI-2 DAC, Cayin CS55A, B&W 702 S2.
