Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 black

The Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 amplifier masterfully combines meticulous handcrafted construction with contemporary features such as Bluetooth connectivity. Capable of delivering 2 x 40 watts in ultra-linear mode or 2 x 21 watts in triode mode, this device will appeal both to seasoned audiophiles and to music lovers looking to discover the magic of tube amplifiers in a relatively compact format.

Exceptional Handcrafted Expertise

The Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 is a testament to a deep commitment to high-quality audio craftsmanship. Each unit is hand-assembled with meticulous attention to detail. The point-to-point wiring, a demanding assembly technique renowned for its acoustic benefits, minimizes the path of the audio signal. This method reduces interference and preserves signal purity at every stage of amplification.

The robust metal chassis and solid aluminum front panel give the device an elegant, timeless look, available in silver or black finishes. The all-metal controls provide a high-quality tactile feel that reinforces the impression of solidity and durability. This attention to detail is not merely aesthetic: it directly contributes to the amplifier’s acoustic performance by minimizing unwanted vibrations.

The Sonic Richness of Premium Tubes

At the heart of this amplifier lies a carefully designed configuration of eight high-quality tubes. The output stage uses four KT88 tubes in a push-pull configuration, while the preamplification stage combines one rectifier tube and three American-made 5BK7A NOS (New Old Stock) tubes. This blend of vintage and modern tubes gives the sound a particularly rich and refined texture.

KT88 tubes, renowned for their ability to combine power and finesse, enable the Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 to deliver sound that is both precise and warm. Unlike transistor amplifiers, which can sometimes sound clinical, this device brings an organic dimension to music, highlighting the natural harmonics of instruments and voices with remarkable fidelity.

Two Distinct Sonic Personalities

A notable feature of the Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 is its ability to operate in two distinct modes: triode or ultra-linear. This sonic flexibility, rarely found in integrated amplifiers, allows you to tailor the sound reproduction to your listening preferences or musical genre.

In triode mode, the amplifier delivers 2 x 21 watts into 8 ohms, favoring a warm sound texture and a wide stereo image. This mode excels in reproducing vocals and acoustic instruments, with enviable smoothness and naturalness.

Switching to ultra-linear mode transforms the device’s behavior, increasing power to 2 x 40 watts and extending the response in the bass range. This configuration brings more dynamics and control, ideal for more energetic musical genres or complex recordings that require greater authority.

Hybrid Connectivity for Every Use

The Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 stands out for its versatility in connectivity, combining analog tradition with digital convenience. Its three RCA line inputs allow you to connect various sources such as a CD player, network player, or preamplified turntable.

The integration of a CSR8670 Bluetooth receiver is a significant asset for this tube amplifier. Compatible with SBC and AAC codecs for universal compatibility, it also supports aptX for high-bitrate transmission with near-CD quality. This feature lets you wirelessly enjoy music and podcasts stored on smartphones, tablets, or computers, while benefiting from the distinctive tube sound signature.

The robust screw terminals accept various types of speaker connections: thick-gauge cables, banana plugs, or spades. This versatility ensures optimal compatibility with virtually all audiophile speaker cables on the market.

Uncompromising Audiophile Design

The Cayin MT50 Plus KT88’s sound reproduction quality owes much to its carefully selected internal components. The power supply is based on a toroidal transformer specifically developed to limit noise and interference. This design optimizes sonic transparency and contributes to amplification stability, even during the most demanding musical passages.

Two wide-band output transformers enable the amplifier to deliver linear and balanced reproduction over an exceptionally wide frequency range, from 10 Hz to 50 kHz. This feature ensures faithful reproduction of upper harmonics and a three-dimensional soundstage.

The use of Takman carbon resistors, components prized by audiophiles for their neutrality and precision, reflects Cayin’s uncompromising approach. These elements contribute to the acoustic transparency and tonal coherence that characterize this amplifier.

Appreciable Ease of Use

Despite its technical sophistication, the Cayin MT50 Plus KT88 stands out for its user-friendliness. The user interface remains simple and intuitive, with direct mechanical controls that provide authentic tactile pleasure. The source selector, volume control, and triode/ultra-linear mode switch are all easily accessible on the front panel.

A particularly appreciated feature for audiophiles is the integration of a bias measurement system directly on the front panel. This feature greatly simplifies the adjustment and maintenance of the tubes, an operation that usually requires external equipment. Users can thus keep their tubes in optimal operating condition with ease.

Ease of use also extends to Bluetooth connectivity, with quick and stable pairing for instant access to your digital music libraries. This combination of traditional and modern technologies offers a seamless user experience, rare in this segment of audiophile equipment.

Technical Specifications

General Design

• Type: stereo tube amplifier
• Manufacturing: handmade
• Power supply:
  • Separate unit with toroidal transformer
  • Dual output transformer
• Features:
  • Simple bias adjustment
  • Triode / ultra-linear mode
  • Built-in Bluetooth receiver

Tubes and Components

• Tube configuration:
  • 4x KT88
  • 1x RCA 25AX4GT
  • 3x 5BK7A

Audio Performance

• Output power (4 & 8 ohms):
  • 2 x 21 W (triode mode)
  • 2 x 40 W (ultra-linear mode)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 1% at 1 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB
• Input sensitivity: 300 mV
• Input impedance: 100 kΩ

Connectivity

• Audio inputs:
  • 3x stereo RCA line inputs
  • Screw terminal speaker outputs
• Bluetooth:
  • Built-in receiver
  • Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX
  • Range: approximately 10 m

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 360 x 180 x 330 mm
• Weight: 16.5 kg