Cayin C9: Dual Nutube, Fully Balanced Class A/AB Portable HeadAmp

[Andykong]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I am considering specifically the Primaluna Evo 100 Integrated AMP. It has an integrated headphone AMP and 6.3mm output.

https://www.primaluna-usa.com/primaluna-evo-100-tube-integrated

The speaker output is not important to me right now. The primary reason I am considering the EVO 100 is because I was so stunned by the pairing of the EVO 100 tube DAC and EVO 400. That is over kill for my needs, so I wanted to see how good the EVO 100 integrated AMP is relative to the Forge and Pendant SE. All of these AMPs are in the $2250-2750 price bracket.

If speaker output is not important and you buy this amplifier primarily for VC, I would say the Pendant or ampsandsound are your first choice. Zack is a tube amp. collector, in one of the Axpona show at Chicago (Hometown for ZMF), he bought his whole collection to the show, it was a very impressive line up and his preference to ampsandsound is something you must consider if ZMF VC is your main headphone.

On the other hand, Cayin HA-6A has similar tube topology as EVO100 but we offer 3 impedance setting for both balanced and single-ended output, this should be a more versatile option if you want a tube amp that can drive most of your full sized headphones, current and future included.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

If speaker output is not important and you buy this amplifier primarily for VC, I would say the Pendant or ampsandsound are your first choice. Zack is a tube amp. collector, in one of the Axpona show at Chicago (Hometown for ZMF), he bought his whole collection to the show, it was a very impressive line up and his preference to ampsandsound is something you must consider if ZMF VC is your main headphone.

On the other hand, Cayin HA-6A has similar tube topology as EVO100 but we offer 3 impedance setting for both balanced and single-ended output, this should be a more versatile option if you want a tube amp that can drive most of your full sized headphones, current and future included.

Where are you US dealers for this AMP? I would love the hear it.

edited to note: I see that MusicTeck carries it. I agree that the specs look like it better fits my need than the Evo 100. I've been wanting to visit Andrew in New Jersey. Only problem is Newark Airport is undergoing some required renovations and lots of flights are getting cancelled.

The PrimaLuna tube amps don't have much flexibility in impedances. I am only considering it because I was so blown away by the 400.

 

[Andykong]

What to conclude from my reviews is up to the viewer. It's not me who is going to be spending money on it.

I appreciated your review, it is more for someone that does not already have a C9, well at least for me, as everything you covered I knew well already. The C9 is great for my use case as I do not use any desk top style hardware. My Thummim and C9, love it.

I for one am grateful to Currawong's C9 review. He provides a very thorough walkthrough of C9 design and operation, this is very helpful to potential customers, especially to new comers of this hobby who didn't have first hand experience with portable amplifier or stacks. If you are looking for mix and match impressions, written reports probably will be more efficiency. Video based review has a different strength, and the video presentation in this Youtube review is a good example of that.

 

[srinivasvignesh]

Its great pairing.

Hi, thanks, what configuration do you use it with? Do you mind sharing more impressions?

 

[Whitigir]

I tested the preamp/bypass output into the C9. It suffered once again the overwhelming warmth and compromises in details and imagings. I do not know why but in my honest opinions, I don’t recommend the C9 to pair with M8 and M30 specifically. Not that it is because of the double amplifications or not a true line out kinda things, but I just don’t find it enjoyable. However, I do love M8 and M30 preamp out into the other systems such as my large stereos and mini Dynalo amplifier

 

[antdroid]

I posted my review of the Cayin C9 tube amp here on Head-Fi and on my Audio Discourse blog.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I posted my review of the Cayin C9 tube amp here on Head-Fi and on my Audio Discourse blog.

Interesting pairing. Mojo/Poly + C9 + Susvara. I am going to read the review. Wondering if there is enough power to drive it properly.

 

[antdroid]

Interesting pairing. Mojo/Poly + C9 + Susvara. I am going to read the review. Wondering if there is enough power to drive it properly.

I unfortunately was only able to test with 3.5mm single-ended as that's the only cable I had with me this week. My 4.4mm balanced cable is at work and I haven't been into work for a number of reasons in over a week. I have XLR balanced cables but I don't have an XLR to 4.4mm adapter (ironically, I have 4 adapters going the other direction). If I have time, I'll grab my 4.4mm cable from my work office early this week, and update my review on balanced. Due to work travel, I wanted to get this out on a timely basis, since the unit needs to be shipped out.

 

[Whitigir]

I have made a decision to list my stack up for sale, so I can better focus my resources into other needs. You can find the classified here. Thank you

 

[Nostoi]

I have made a decision to list my stack up for sale, so I can better focus my resources into other needs. You can find the classified here. Thank you

There are other needs?

 

[Whitigir]

There are other needs?

Always are lol

 

[DaYooper]

I have made a decision to list my stack up for sale, so I can better focus my resources into other needs. You can find the classified here. Thank you

Good luck with that sale. Actually I think you're selling too cheap but that's just my opinion. And if I didn't have most of that stuff it would be gone already

 

[Whitigir]

Good luck with that sale. Actually I think you're selling too cheap but that's just my opinion. And if I didn't have most of that stuff it would be gone already

Thank you! This is the setup that brings the C9 to it prime atm. I am hoping to move it quickly

 

[DaYooper]

This is the setup that brings the C9 to it prime atm.

Totally agree. I have to say though that the N6ii-Ti straight out to the Denon A9200 is pretty sweet.. I haven't been able to tear that one off my ears yet.

 

[antdroid]

i did try the susvara on balanced 4.4mm with the C9. I got it plenty loud at 11 oclock on the dial on high gain. For me personally, there are better pairings than these two, as I did find the low end to be too bloomy and mushy and lacking a little bit of control for my liking.

It works well with my other gear though, and i wasnt too surprised i didnt like sus synergy. i do want to try out the cayin iha6 one day as a relatively cheap amp for planars. its on my to try lists but i havent had an opportunity yet.