Cayin MT-35 BT EL 34 rörförstärkare

About The Cayin MT-35 MK2 BT Stereo Amplifier

The Cayin MT-35MK2 BT Valve integrated amplifier takes over from the LA-34 and takes things to the next level. At its low price it offers a great place to start if you want to dip your toe into the world of valve amplification. The inclusion of Bluetooth and a headphone socket are very welcome additions. Designed and tuned in Germany. Proudly owned and manufactured in China by enthusiasts.

The Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Company (cool name) was founded in Guangdong, China in 1993 and is devoted to the design and production of great sounding high-end audio equipment under the brand name Cayin.

And before you write this fine company off just because it designs and manufactures its products in China, please be aware of a couple of points: firstly, nearly all the products we stock from established audio companies, such as Cambridge Audio and NAD, are manufactured at state of the art facilities in China or Taiwan. The second point is that the Chinese domestic market is huge and there are many audiophiles who not only buy home grown products (like Americans who buy McIntosh) but also own and operate serious audio companies such as Cayin. Cayin was specifically set up to supply the quality end of the audio market and specialise in valve amplifiers based on the iconic Saul B. Marantz Models 7 and 8 of the 1960's which were famous for their sweet, natural and exceptionally musical sound.

A Closer Look

Although the MT-35MK2 BT is the entry into the comprehensive Cayin valve amplifier range, it has two great new convenience features missing from the earlier LA-34, the ability to stream music via Bluetooth 5.0 and the option to listen through headphones. As with the rest of the range it comes with handmade silver point-to-point wiring and wide bandwidth EI output transformers to provide that much needed current to your speakers.

The MT-35MK2 BT sports a superb Alps volume-control (no remote), convenient onboard bias adjustment and weighs in at a not inconsiderable 13.5 kilos (thanks to the quality transformers). It has a valve complement of one 12AX7 and two 12AU7’s in the preamp & driver stages and four EL34’s providing power in the output stage. This gives a quite healthy 35 Watts in Ultra-Linear mode and, very conveniently, the MT-35MK2 BT now has the option of switching to Triode mode for a very pure sounding 18 Watts, perfect for tranquil late night listening.

Valve/Tube Rolling

Unlike transistor amps where the output transistors are soldered in, most valves are fitted to valve sockets, which allow the valve to be easily changed, either for a replacement, in the case of failure, or for a different type of valve. This practice of swapping valves to different models or different versions of the same valve is known as valve/tube rolling and allows you to fine tune the sound of the amplifier to your liking. Some of our customers have a host of valves they regularly change depending on their mood or the music they are playing. Of course you do need to be careful to only use the types of valves the manufacturer suggests – in the case of the MT-35MK2 BT you will find that the supplied EL34 Pentode Output Valves are available from many different manufacturer’s and interestingly they all sound a little different. Feel free to explore the opportunities.

Valve vs Solid State

The whole Valve (UK)/Tube (USA) or Solid-State dilemma is not as complicated as you might think. Once you accept the reality that a valve amp and a solid-state amp are very different in how they operate, you’ll perhaps better understand that each have their own qualities.

The biggest difference between them is that a solid-state amp is driven by current through the output devices and a valve is driven by voltage. Voltage alone can’t drive a speaker, hence the reason for needing output transformers. You’ll notice most stereo valve amps have 3 large, heavy objects, typically at the rear. They are a power transformer and two output transformers (one for each channel) that convert the voltage from the output valves to current at the speaker connections. A solid-state amp typically has a single power transformer and no output transformers. However, a solid-state output transistor and a valve basically do the same thing. One doing it in silicone with current and the other doing it in a glass vacuum with voltage.

Do they sound different? Yes, they do. However, some valve companies make their valve amps sound more solid-state like (for power) and some solid-state products can sound very valve-like. A key difference is that a valve product will require a small amount of upkeep and maintenance. For most who desire the benefit of valves, it’s a small price to pay. Others just don’t want to maintain an amp once installed.

Back to the sound. First, let’s squelch the myth that valve amps don’t have strong or controlled bass. Today, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s also put aside the thought that solid-state amps aren’t smooth. Like any product from any manufacturer, all amplifiers have a certain inherent sound signature which will attract different people. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, but one must weigh each depending on what you are looking to achieve in your audio system both in terms of sonics and upkeep as well as taking the rest of the system into consideration. 

So, what are the benefits of each? Generally speaking, valves offer a greater sense of bloom, more texture and realism to vocals and instruments and a richer midrange. Solid-state usually offers more watts per dollar, faster sound and greater detail.  Once again these are generalizations. If you have a system that overall is a bit harsh or fatiguing, chances are you could greatly benefit from a valve amp. On the other hand, if your system is flat, sluggish, or too soft sounding, perhaps a quality solid-state amp is the way to go. Other factors of particular importance are speaker load. Some speakers (although few today) require lots of power and very low impedance driving capabilities. In that scenario, a solid-state amp may do better. But, if your speakers have a moderate impedance curve (6 to 8 Ohms) and are of average efficiency (86dB or above), a valve amp can redefine your definition of what a great audio system can sound like.

Our Take On The Cayin MT-35 Stereo Amplifier

Let’s face it. You either 'GET' valve amps, or you don’t. It’s the same kind of allure that has attracted people back to vinyl. They’re a little more hands on, a little more involving and that warm glow in low light sure does set the mood. Don’t be fooled into thinking though that valve amps only work well with record players. Oh no, in fact you could almost say that digital music played back from music streamers or CD players provide the perfect match for a valve amp. Valve amps seem to have a certain richness to their sound that perfectly complements the clarity of digital.

The MT-35MK2 BT allows you to try the world of valve amplifiers at a very reasonable price. Although the functionality is basic, the sound is solid and similar in character to its bigger brothers. Use it in a small to medium sized room, pair it with easy to drive, reasonable efficient speakers and don’t expect to listen at concert levels. Then sit back and simply start listening and you may well find that a valve based system has a strange way of getting under your skin and allowing you to enjoy music in a relaxed fashion you’re not accustomed to. 

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Integrated Valve Amplifier with Bluetooth
• Power Output
• 35 Watts per channel (Ultra-Linear) at 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
• 18 Watts per channel (Triode) at 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 8Hz - 55kHz (-3dB)
• Signal to Noise (S/N) Ratio: 89dB
• THD: 1% (1kHz)
• Output Impedance: 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
• Construction: Hand-made construction with silver point-to-point wiring
• Transformers: Two wide bandwidth EI output transformers
• Power Supply: Specially designed toroid transformer for the power supply
• Pre-Amplifier: One 12AX7 and two 12AU7 valves in the preamp stage
• Output Stage: Four EL34 valves are used in Class AB1 push-pull output stage
• Bias Adjustment: Easy onboard valve bias adjustment
• Line Level Inputs: Three stereo line level inputs
• Phono Input: None - You will need to add a stand alone Phono-Preamp to one of the Line Level inputs
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 wireless audio streaming - SBC DAC chipset ES9018K2M SABER32 circuit
• Headphones: Front panel 6.35mm (¼”) headphone socket
• Cover: An easily removed cover is provided for protection from hot valves
• Speaker Binding Posts: Accepts Banana plugs or spade terminals
• Power Consumption: <270 Watts
• Power Cord: Standard IEC that can be easily upgraded.
• Dimension (WxHxD): 326 x 184 x 272mm
• Net Weight: 13.5kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years Electronics, 6 Months Valves