Cayin Jazz 80 Tube Integrated Amplifier

Jazz 80

The Jazz 80 is the latest highlight from Cayin. A handmade tube amplifier that adds wireless music playback to the portfolio, but at the same time has been designed and manufactured to the highest Cayin standards. The Jazz 80 demonstrates high-quality workmanship with solid construction, and is made from carefully selected components.

Case and Tubes

The exceptionally crafted, deep gloss case is positively striking upon first observation. Whilst the metal enclosure is visually stunning, this provides the necessary protection for the sensitive electronics. Nevertheless, upon first glance the attention is likely to fall on the array of eight tubes, including four KT88 output tubes. These tubes provide the power amplification.

In the row in front of the KT88s are four similar looking, smaller glowing tubes. However, a closer inspection reveals that these are two different models: Two 12AU7s sitting on the outside and the two 12AX7s placed in the middle. While the 12AX7s act as preamp tubes and amplify the voltage level of incoming music signals, the 12AU7s serve as phase splitters and drivers for the KT88s.

In keeping consistent with the aesthetic theme, the engineers have placed emphasis on a cage that is finished in the same color as the cabinet. This provides a modern appeal and protects the high-quality tubes from damage.

The Jazz 80 proudly stands on four shock-absorbing feet.

Bluetooth / LDAC

In addition, a Bluetooth module is included, which emables this tube amplifier to communicate wirelessly with various sources such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or even the TV. This turns this Hi-Fi component into a modern audio center.

The connection setup is very simple: If the input source "Bluetooth" is selected, the small blue LED flashes. At the same time, the Cayin identifies itself as "Cayin HD BT" to its potential play partners. Now, a tap of the finger is all it takes to connect the external player and Jazz 80 wirelessly. The transmission is done via the LDAC codec. LDAC stands for "Low Delay Audio Codec" and allows the wireless transfer of high-resolution audio content at a maximum transfer rate of up to 990 kbps.

Ultralinear and Triode Mode

The Jazz 80 can operate in both Ultra-Linear and Triode mode.

This makes the amplifier even more flexible. Both modes each have their own unique sonic characteristics. With its pre-installed KT88 output tubes, the Cayin outputs 2×20 watts in Triode mode. In Ultralinear mode, a whopping 2×40 watts of power is delivered. The change is easily accomplished via a small toggle switch, which is placed directly in front of the two 12AX7 tubes.

In this context, an important, although not directly visible feature should also be mentioned: The power supply. Even if the sale price doesn't necessarily suggest it, Cayin engineers have made full use of their resources and have provided the Jazz 80 with an elaborately designed power supply including a filter choke.

Bias Circuit

Located on the top plate of the unite, there are three toggle switches. These help to control the correct bias setting.

This can be adjusted individually for each output tube via the trim potentiometer. The three levers are then used to check the changes made.

The center toggle switch turns the left VU meter into the control element for bias adjustment. The left lever (A1/A2) controls the tubes for the left channel and the right lever (A3/A4) controls the tubes of the right channel. All this serves for perfect control of each tube and for clean balancing of all channels.

Simple Operation

As usual from Cayin, the operation of this tube integrated amplifier is intuitive and user-friendly.

The Jazz 80 is powered on via a small switch in the left side panel. A gentle click and the the VU meter lights up revealing readiness for use.

Whilst the small LED indicator in the volume control is blinking, the soft start is running. This indicates that the Cayin amplifier is first warming up. When the LED is permanently lit, the system is ready to go. The input selection can now be made either via the rotary control on the left side of the front panel or via the input button on the high-quality aluminum remote control. The Jazz 80 is similarly simple when it comes to volume control. This can be done either via the level control on the right side of the front panel or via the infrared remote control.