Cayin CS-845A Reference black

The Cayin CS-845A is a tube integrated amplifier operating in pure Class A, using a single-ended configuration. It delivers 2 x 24 watts of power with 845 tubes. This model combines traditional technologies with modern components selected for their technical characteristics. Its aluminum chassis, available in silver or black finish, features point-to-point wiring and large transformers. The CS-845A is designed to meet the expectations of users seeking tube amplification with balanced sound reproduction.

A Legendary Tube Architecture

At the heart of the Cayin CS-845A lies a prestigious tube configuration that inspires audiophiles around the world. The preamplification stage uses two WE6SN7 tubes, renowned for their linearity and natural musicality. These tubes then feed the famous 300B tubes, which serve as driver stage for the powerful 845 tubes in the output stage. This carefully orchestrated combination represents a true pinnacle in the world of tube amplifiers.

The single-ended pure Class A configuration ensures remarkably faithful sound reproduction, with a three-dimensional soundstage and strikingly accurate timbre rendering. Fans of acoustic music, jazz, or classical will be especially delighted by the CS-845A’s ability to recreate the atmosphere of a live performance with astonishing realism.

High-quality ceramic tube sockets provide perfect isolation and minimize unwanted vibrations, thus contributing to the purity of the audio signal. Every component has been selected with exemplary rigor to guarantee optimal performance and exceptional longevity.

Uncompromising Technical Design

The Cayin CS-845A makes no compromises on the quality of its components. Its large toroidal power transformer ensures perfect electrical stability while minimizing stray fields. The wide-bandwidth EI output transformers significantly extend the range of reproduced frequencies, allowing the CS-845A to offer an impressive frequency response from 10 Hz to 26 kHz (-3dB).

Inside, thick silver-plated signal cables maximize signal transmission without loss. The encapsulated Alps motorized volume potentiometer is a testament to the attention to detail, offering exceptional adjustment precision and outstanding durability. Carbon film resistors and audiophile-grade capacitors complete this set of high-end components.

The anodized aluminum chassis, weighing 37 kg, is not only aesthetically elegant but also functional, efficiently dissipating the heat generated by the tubes. This structural robustness helps eliminate unwanted vibrations that could affect sound quality.

Sound Customization and Practical Features

The Cayin CS-845A stands out for its versatility and sound customization options. One of its most remarkable features is its adjustable negative feedback circuit, which can be set between 0 dB and -3 dB directly from the front panel or via the remote control. At 0 dB, the amplifier favors sound openness and richness of detail, while at -3 dB, it offers a softer and warmer sound. This flexibility allows you to precisely tailor the sound signature to your listening preferences and the acoustic characteristics of your room.

The amplifier is also equipped with an easily accessible bias adjustment system, with a built-in meter on the top cover. This feature allows you to optimize the performance of the 845 tubes without the need for external equipment. Similarly, the hum adjustment for the 300B tubes is easily done using potentiometers accessible on the top of the device.

Tube protection is ensured by a Soft Start circuit, which significantly extends their lifespan by avoiding electrical shocks when powering on. This attention to detail reflects a design philosophy focused on long-term durability and reliability.

Extensive Connectivity and Versatile Use

The Cayin CS-845A offers generous connectivity, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into various audiophile setups. Its three line-level RCA inputs can accommodate a wide range of sources, from CD players to network streamers and preamplified turntables.

A dedicated Pre-In input allows you to bypass the preamplification stage, thus turning the CS-845A into a power amplifier. This feature is particularly useful for integration into a home theater system or for use with a specialized external preamplifier.

Separate speaker terminals for 4 and 8 ohm impedances ensure optimal matching with virtually any speakers on the market. This flexibility allows you to precisely adjust the damping factor according to your speakers’ characteristics, ensuring perfect control and faithful sound reproduction.

A 6.35 mm jack headphone output on the front panel completes the package, allowing you to enjoy the CS-845A’s unique sound signature even during nighttime listening sessions. This output benefits from its own output transformer with a winding specifically optimized for headphones, ensuring exceptional listening quality with most models available on the market.

The Cayin Sound Experience

Listening to the Cayin CS-845A is characterized by an immersive musicality that transcends mere technical specifications. The soundstage it creates is remarkably wide and precise, allowing you to pinpoint each instrument with surgical accuracy while maintaining the overall coherence of the musical ensemble.

The 845 tubes, renowned for their ability to reproduce the midrange with unparalleled richness, give vocals a strikingly realistic presence. The highs are crystal clear without ever becoming aggressive, while the bass, though not reaching the power of a high-powered transistor amplifier, stands out for its articulation and definition.

Dynamics are one of the CS-845A’s strong points, capable of reproducing the subtlest nuances as well as the most intense fortissimos without perceptible compression or distortion. This ability to faithfully reproduce dynamic contrasts greatly contributes to the sense of realism and emotional engagement the listening experience provides.

The characteristic warmth of tube amplifiers is certainly present, but never at the expense of precision or neutrality. The CS-845A achieves that delicate balance between analytical accuracy and musical seduction that defines the best audiophile electronics.

Technical Specifications

General Overview

• Integrated tube amplifier, single-ended Class A
• Output power: 2 × 24 W RMS at 8 Ω
• Available finishes: black or silver
• Vented chassis in anodized aluminum
• Handcrafted construction with high-precision point-to-point wiring

Architecture and Tubes

• 845 triode output stage architecture
• Tube configuration:
  • 2 × 845: power stages
  • 2 × 300B: driver stages
  • 2 × WE6SN7: preamplification stages
• Ceramic tube sockets
• Single-ended Class A amplification with 845 tubes

Connectivity and Features

• Inputs:
  • 3 × line inputs (RCA)
  • 1 × Pre-In input (use as power amplifier)
• Outputs:
  • 1 × Tape Out (connection to recorder or external headphone amplifier)
  • Speaker terminals with separate 4 Ω and 8 Ω outputs
• Remote control included with volume adjustment
• Memory of last state after power-off
• High-voltage delay function

Adjustments and Customization

• User bias adjustment for 845 tubes
  • Displayed on the integrated VU meter on the top cover
• Hum balance adjustment for 300B tubes
  • Easily accessible via top-mounted control
• Front panel negative feedback switch:
  • 0 dB: open, airy sound, rich in detail
  • -3 dB: smooth, fluid, musical sound
• Soft Start circuit
  • Protection for sensitive components
  • Extends tube lifespan

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 26 kHz (-3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.3% (1 W / 1 kHz; 5% at rated power)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB
• Input sensitivity:
  • 300 mV (integrated mode)
  • 1300 mV (Pre-In input)
• Input impedance: 100 kΩ
• Output impedance: 4 Ω, 8 Ω

Quality Components

• High-quality Alps motorized potentiometer
• Audio-grade capacitors
• Carbon resistors
• Toroidal transformer for stable power supply
• Two wide-bandwidth EI output transformers
• Thick silver-plated signal cables

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 430 mm (W) × 445 mm (D) × 240 mm (H)
• Weight: 37 kg
• Maximum power consumption: 380 W

Operating Conditions

• Operating temperature: 0 °C ~ 40 °C
• Operating humidity: 20% ~ 80%
• Storage temperature: -20 °C ~ 70 °C
• Storage humidity: 20% ~ 90%

Package Contents

• CAYIN CS-845A amplifier
• Main fuses (2 pieces)
• Power cord
• Remote control
• AAA 1.5 V batteries (2 pieces)
• User manual
• Easy-to-install tube protection