Cayin Soul 170i
In 2018 Cayin developed its 25th anniversary model A-845PRO which received a great response and amazing feedback from the market making note of its sensational sound performance mated to its elegant cosmetic design.
With the success of this model, Cayin has been working to expand the range and offer a new reference line of products. Thanks to Tung-Sol and New Sensor Corporation announcing the all new KT70 flagship tube, this has now allowed Cayin to bring to market a revolutionary amplifier design. This is how the Soul 170i was born.
KT170 Tube Based Masterpiece
Soul 170i is designed on the basis of the Tung-Sol KT170 power tube. It outputs 130 watts power in ultra-linear mode or 75 watts power in triode mode per channel. Designed in class AB push-pull, Soul 170i utilises two pieces of powerful KT170 tubes per channel. All tubes are integrated with the 22DE4 tube rectifier for the power supply, ECC83S for the voltage amplification stage, 6SN7 for the driver stage, and KT170 output tubes.
The design of the Soul 170i allows two operation modes to be offered: Triode and ultra-linear. As evident from these two different modes, the output power varies. However it is much more than that. Change the output mode and you will experience a different sound signature instantly. Triode mode is tender and rich in harmony, while being smooth and soft. Ideal for vocals and instrumental music. Ultra-linear mode provides power and extension. Clean with energy. Ideal for music with punch and dynamics, and has the ability to provide excellent control.
Three line RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input and one pre-in input is located on the rear panel of the amplifier. Different from other inputs, the pre-in offers the possibility to connect another preamplifier or AV receiver (HT bypass) so that you can use the Soul 170i as a power amplifier. One sub output is located on the rear so that if you want to obtain more bass you can use this connection for your subwoofer system. Speaker terminals for 4 and 8 ohm speakers are located on the rear panel of the amplifier also.
User bias controls for KT170 power tubes have been included for bias adjustment and one meter has been added to the top plate to allow you to monitor bias with ease. Anodised aluminium front plate, fully vented chassis with a luxurious finish provide you with a product that is a work of art. Soul 170i, like other products from Cayin employs point to point wiring. The entire circuitry including the signal path is painstakingly hand wired with heavy-gauge cable by craftsman. Soft-start circuit and high voltage delay are implemented to protect the amplifier for extended life of sensitive components. High voltage fuses are used in the amplifier for protection which are located on the top plate close to the power tubes. In case of a tube failure the fuse will react first so that you can easily know where the issue is.
Premium Parts Are Used Throughout:
- Alps volume control
- Porcelain tube sockets
- Audio grade capacitors
- Carbon film resistors
- In-house toroidal based transformers for the power supply
- In-house wide bandwidth EI output transformer
Output transformers are the most important part of any tube amp. They determine how low the bass will reach and how high the top end goes. Cayin's massive output transformers are custom-designed and wound in-house. Cayin has employed complicated multi-layer winding and multiple impedance outputs to ensure a perfect match with different system requirements. A carefully matched output will sound balanced, natural and realistic across the complete audio spectrum.
The custom designed toroidal power transformer provides strong power production and extremely low hum levels, which in turn provides reliable performance and extraordinary control. The Soul 170i comes standard with a remote control, and can memorise the last operation of the unit once switched off.
Key Features
- KT170 tube based unit - 130 W ultra, 75 W triode
- 4 x KT170, 2 x ECC83S, 2 x 6SN7, 1 x 22DE4 tubes
- All handmade silver point to point wiring
- Custom in-house high current output power transformers
- Premium parts throughout
- On-board bias meter for easy adjustments
- Inputs: 1 x XLR, 3 x RCA, 1 x Pre-in (HT bypass)
- 2 x subwoofer output connections
- Premium satin black finish
- Remote control included
- Designed and tuned in Germany
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 238 x 448 mm
- Weight: 39 kg
| Specifications | |
| Power Output | 130 W x 2 Ultra-Linear, 75 W x 2 Triode |
| Tubes | 4 x KT170, 2 x ECC83S, 2 x 6SN7, 1 x 22DE4 |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz ~ 50 kHz (-3 dB) |
| S/N Ratio | 97 dB |
| THD | 0.2% (1 kHz) |
| Output Impedance | 4 Ω, 8 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity | 420 mV (Integrated) / 1300 mV (Pre-In) |
| Input Impedance | 100 kΩ |
| Input Terminals | XLR, Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Pre-In |
| Power Consumption | <680 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 430 x 448 x 238 mm |
| Weight | 39 kg |
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