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Cayin MT-12N EL84EH Integrated Amplifier

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Cayin MT-12N EL84EH Integrated Amplifier

Name: Cayin MT-12N EL84EH Integrated Amplifier
Brand: Cayin
SKU: cayin-mt-12n-el84eh-integrated-amplifier
Price: 479 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.894737 (19 reviews)

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Product Description

In the latest version of Cayin’s highly regarded MT-12N amplifier, components take center stage. The biggest stars are four EL84 power tubes from Electro Harmonix—one matched pair per channel—famous for their sweet and musical tone Read More

Customer Reviews

4.9

(19 reviews)

(17)

(2)

(0)

100% would recommend to a friend

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Fayne

2587

Mar 25, 2021

Verified Buyer

The Cayin arrived double boxed with the full original kit. This includes manual, fuses, and gloves for handling the tubes. Preamp tubes are Cayin branded 6N1 and 12AU7, likely produced by Shuguang in China. Driver/Power tubes are Electro Harmonix EL84EH made in the New Sensor (Reflektor) plant in Russia. The amp is clearly marked as 120v/60hz in original print. This does not appear to be a unit made for 220v/50hz and hand modified to work in 120v. Good starting sign. Additionally the unit is extremely heavy for the size and output wattage. I've not had a chance to give it a full testing, but my initial impressions are pretty good. My testing setup for this is Roon -> RopieeeXL (on RPI4) -> Topping DX7s -> Schiit Freya+ -> Cayin MT-12N -> JBL Studio 570. I've been on an Astropilot kick, so Emotional Palette was the logical choice of smoke test song. I can tell right away that this wasn't a bad purchase, no hum on the speakers until the knob is well over 70%. I'm assuming they're not driving the tubes terribly hard at all considering the base circuit on these is originally for 6P1 tubes, which max out at ~250v, plus we're only getting ~10w. Sound wise, yeah, I've heard variants of this circuit before. It isn't bad, bass extension could be a bit better, but the mids and treble are bloody sweet and about as detailed as you can expect with a push-pull. More will come as I spend time with it, but so far I'm digging it. Here are some pictures of the unit before it was cabled up and turned on:

And a few pictures of the amplifier in action:

Edit 1 (3 days in): I've been using this amp at night and it is working wonderfully. Why burn hours on the big/expensive tubes (with all the power draw that comes with that) when I'm likely to fall asleep when I can use this cute little guy which only draws ~80w and is full of dirt cheap (relatively speaking) tubes. Sound quality is still pretty great for stock tubes, but I'm very much so about to step it up a bit. I'm starting with the 6N1 because I have a huge pile of them and want to stick with the tubes the amp was designed for. I could absolutely use a 6922/6DJ8 in place of the 6N1, but I'd lose out on the excellent low noise characteristics of the 6N1 when that is pretty important in the phase splitter tube. So I spent a bit of time testing and labeling 20 Voskhod 6N1P-EV tubes from 1981 to find as good as a match as I could to replace the stock Cayin 6N1. I'd have tested more, but holy crap that is mind numbingly boring.

Tomorrow I plan to do the same with a pile of Reflektor 6P14P-EV that I've been sitting on for a long while, but have been rather loathe to break the neat looking Cold War era packaging on. They're probably made at the same plant as the stock Electro Harmonix EL84EH, but are the higher ratings and quality level variant made for use in military application. After that I'll probably stuff a JJ ECC802S in the V1 and call it a day. Still happy. 1 year and 6 months in: Still happy. If I had to do it all over again knowing what I do now, I'd still buy it. This amp still gets frequent use even though I have arguably better and higher powered tube amps. The tube loadout is cheap and it makes for an excellent lower powered amp for bedroom and night-time use, but still kicks butt when it is movie time. At this point my only real complaint is that it doesn't have a headphone jack, and that is just me nitpicking.

(Edited)

Recommends this product? Yes

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Fayne

2587

Feb 7, 2023

If you're looking for both speaker and headphone output, and don't mind more Chinese products, I'd suggest looking at the Muzishare i3 (link is to hifi-amplifiers, a Chifi store where I bought mine). The i3 uses a super basic push-pull with transformer coupled output able to deliver 12w to speakers and up to 6w for cans. It is an absolute monster, and sounds pretty darned good. It uses Russian 6N2P for gain and phase splitting, and Russian 6P1P or Chinese 6P1 for output driver. The 6N2P is very similar to a 12AX7 (a rather popular tube), and the 6P1P is electrically identical to 6V6 and 6AQ5 (both classics). The tubes it uses can be readily found and generally cheap ($3-10 a piece when buying small numbers), but for the most part are no longer produced. Doesn't have gain switch, but I found that most sensitive cans worked best on the single-ended 6.35mm TRS (which supplies much less power), and most planar and high Ω cans work best on the balanced XLR4 port. Cost plus shipping should be somewhere in the $600 USD range. Picture below (pardon the dust):

Another option also out of China is the Muzishare X3T (link to HiFi Exquis on AliExpress). This amplifier is a single ended tube rectified amplifier with transformer coupled outputs. It uses 12AX7 for input gain, EL84 for output, and 5AR4 for rectification. You'll get about 6w to the speakers with this unit and something around 1w max to the headphones. All three types of tubes are current production, but NOS for them can also be found for reasonable prices. Super sensitive cans may pick up some hum from the rectifier on this. Pictures (also pardon dust):

I suggest either of these Chinese amps because they have a fairly rare feature as tube amps go; the ability to flip a switch or turn a dial to select between speaker and headphone output. Plus they sound fairly good. If I had to pick between the two of them, I'd go with the i3. I'm a real sucker for the 6P1P tube (which is why I have 500 of them in my closet). I tend to only pull out the i3 these days when I'm using hard to drive planar and AMT cans, but that is not because it sounds bad, and more because I like my Schiit gear more. Picture related to my love of Schiit Products:

If you don't mind a hybrid approach, you could absolutely go with something like the Schiit Freya+ and Ragnarok 2 (links to Schiit site). I have a LOT of Schiit hardware, and have nothing but extreme <3 for it. It is all designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA, and built using high quality components. The Freya+ uses four 6SN7 (very classic tubes with sweet mellow sound) as a preamp, but can also be run in passive or solid state mode. The Ragnarok 2 is one of the best sounding solid state amplifiers I've run into, able to deliver up to 100w to speakers and 24w to headphones. Unfortunately this combo is fairly expensive, somewhere in the $2500 range. If you weren't looking for speaker amplification, I'd suggest checking the Schiit Lyr 3+. It is a hybrid headphone amplifier which uses a single 6SN7 tube and is able to deliver up to 9w into headphones. The unit packs a 64-step relay ladder volume control, and can be used remote controlled as a preamp. You could of course pair it with a solid state speaker amp. If you were looking for a DAC, I'd suggest checking out any of the multibit offerings from Schiit. Modi Multibit 2, Bifrost 2/64, Gungnir, or Yggdrasil+. I bought a Gungnir and immediately started considering giving my old daily driver SMSL and iFi DACs away to my friends. I bought the Bifrost 2/64 and turned that considering into actuality. Zero regrets. If you've got a bunch of cash to burn and wanted both headphone out AND the ability to drive biiiig speakers, I'd suggest checking out the PrimaLuna EVO series integrated amplifiers. I have one of their power amplifiers from a few generations back (Prologue 5), and that sucker absolutely nails it when it comes to raw tube amplification for speakers. They're amps are nearly unique as they come with a digital controller circuit which keeps the tubes biased. Unlike most amps which require you to have matched sets of tubes or to have to pull a multimeter out every few months to bias, the circuit in the PrimaLuna gear allows you to mismatch your tubes without worry (assuming they're one of the supported tubes). The amps are made in China at the same factory that makes Cayin gear, but are designed in the US and EU. If you've got even more money to burn, check out Manley Labs. They're a bit too rich for my middle-class blood, but they're extremely nice sounding amplifiers. A bit too much of art pieces for my taste, but they're rather top class.

HexCowboy

117

May 13, 2023

FayneExact info I was looking and hoping for. TY for sharing!

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Jefffeith

Sep 16, 2022

Verified Buyer

Hey Drop, thanks for this amazing little tube amp! I love it!

I bought the Cayin MT-12N to use with my Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. I was using a 75 watt solid state Marantz but wanted a tube amp. The Cayin did not disappoint and sounds better than the Marantz in every way. The first thing I noticed was how loud the Cayin played. Rated at 10 watts I was a little concerned about getting any volume out of it. It plays as loudly as the Marantz. Another improvement is how full and rich the bass sounds. Something that bothered me about the Marantz was how the bass ‘thinned out’ when I turned up the volume. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the Cayin not only sounded fuller and richer but the bass remains this way even at high volumes. The Cayin’s treble is super clean without any glare or grunge. It sounds much cleaner than the Marantz (which sounds a bit splashy). Vocals are fantastic and sound more organic and lifelike than the Marantz. In addition, the Cayin has a bigger, more dynamic sound. The amp is well packaged and looks gorgeous. The large knobs on the front feel good (the volume knob is stepped, not smooth) and overall it looks and feels like an expensive piece of gear. Even the binding posts in back look expensive. I do get an occasional crackle the first four or five minutes as the amp warms up but it stops once the music begins. I purchased another set of tubes and hope swapping them in will eliminate this - unless an occasional crackle is just part of living with a tube amp? When the amp is off it looks nice. When it’s on and the tubes are glowing it looks amazing! When I’m home the amp is almost always on playing music. I use an iPad as the source (Apple dongle DAC) running Apple Music Lossless. The live albums I love (James Taylor, Aimee Mann, Joni Mitchell, etc.) all sound like the musicians are in my room. Ella and Satchmo sound real. My children listen to Ed Sheeran and he sounds great too. Grateful Dead, Muse, Bee Gees, Holly Cole, Eva Cassidy, Bread, Bill Evans, Billy Joel, Boston, Fleetwood Mac and Hiromi (to name a few) all sound incredibly good on this system. Overall I love this little integrated amp. It looks beautiful and sonically it’s amazing.

(Edited)

Recommends this product? Yes

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rastus

1392

Nov 10, 2022

All the hardware goes away… 🎶

Soix828

Nov 14, 2022

JefffeithIf you want a very meaningful and cost-effective upgrade ditch the Apple dongle and get this lightning to USB converter… https://www.lavricables.com/cables/reference-silver-lightning-interconnect-cable-for-oppo-ha-2-centrance-mini-m8/ I did and got much more detail/refinement along with a significantly improved and expanded soundstage and better imaging within the stage. Not subtle. The Apple dongle/camera adapter is a toy and a joke by comparison. FWIW.

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JalapenoStu

May 2, 2023

Verified Buyer

A good upgrade over my previous amp

This is a nicely built good sounding amp. It does have multiple outputs for 4 or 8 ohm and a 3 channel input selector switch. I run a Fluance RT-85 into a Cambridge Alva Duo to the Cayin and out to Klipsch RP 280's. Of course the sound could be improved but to my ears, the horn heavy klipsches are nicely rounded out on in the high frequencies with some decent bottom end. Nothing earth shattering but it was a nice addition to my burgeoning setup and I've been impressed with the overall sound.

Recommends this product? Yes

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cash1489

Apr 14, 2021

Verified Buyer

Fun, well-built amp...perfect for secondary system or entry into tubes..

I'm loving this amp so far...its built well, silky smooth volume knob, smooth source selection knob. Love the sound, nice smooth highs and mids with great bass slam....9 w per channel go a long way...running 90db Triangle Genese Trios and I only turn the volume knob about a 1/4 turn to get them playing at a good volume...highly recommended!

Recommends this product? Yes

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cash1489

Nov 19, 2022

Hey...like the other Triangles, they can be a little spicy up top if you have the wrong amp...I really like the Cayin with them tho...the combination is really organic. The Comete EZ has better separation and detail than the Genese, but the Genese is more full range...hope that helps!

mindhead1

599

Nov 19, 2022

cash1489That helps a lot. I’m very happy with the Comete and my R8 tube amp. Need to fight the upgrade urge.

mel04426

May 12, 2023

Verified Buyer

Swings Above Price

I purchased this just out of curiosity more than anything. Have them hooked up to the Klipsch Heresy IV and it sounds wonderful. I did however have to upgrade the 12AU7 tube to a Brimar CV 4003 to eliminate the harshness in the upper midrange. Once that was done, I was smiling. If you are curious on what tubes are all about, this is a very good starting point. The unit is hefty, solid, and attractive. With auto bias on tap; you can't go wrong under $500 delivered. I have $650 in it with the Brimar 12AU7 upgrade and I'm very happy.

Recommends this product? Yes

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Californiastu

Feb 19, 2024

mel04426Just ordered the Brimar tube you recommended. I, too, noticed some harshness in the upper notes and I really hope the new tube works for me, also.

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Aka_maverick

Nov 7, 2022

Verified Buyer

Blown away by this little tubey wonder

I have been new to the hifi hobby. A few weeks ago I got my hands on some B&W 702 S2 and 705 S2 loudspeakers. I was driving the speakers with a Cambridge Audio CXA81 stereo amplifier. I thought they sounded nice. Then I received the Cayin's today. Man these things sound so sweet. Its like my speakers started singing to my heart now. I mostly listen to classic and contemporary Jazz/Blues and man this tube is revealing. I have on preorder the Decware UFO2.1 stereo amp and can'tr wait to see how these hold up. 100% recommend these.

Recommends this product? Yes

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mindhead1

599

Jun 12, 2023

IDK. I've never heard the Cayin. The R8 is probably tough to beat at this price point. It's the best sounding amp I've ever owned. I'm saving up for some 'better' tubes. Hopefully, it boosts performance even more.

BigRez

Dec 27, 2023

mindhead1The Willsenton R8 is a completely different beast. It's over twice the price, it's got 4X the power and it's got a completely different sound signature from it's KT88 tubes. I have KT88/KT90 amps and EL34 Amps. It's not right to compare them directly as you have done. One is a sports car and the other a truck. This is a nice looking little amp for $500 and I'm planning on trying it out.

Olds1959special

Apr 13, 2023

Verified Buyer

The Cayin MT-12N integrated tube amp sounds great

I have upgraded my tubes to Genelex EL84’s, Voskhod 6N1P’s, and the Tung Sol reissue 12AU7. The source is a Pacific Valve Fathom NOS DAC and I'm using solid silver interconnects. The amp is powering ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers. This is a high quality tube amp, the sound is holographic, detailed, and clear!

Recommends this product? Yes

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Umlaut

Apr 27, 2023

Olds1959specialMay I ask where you bought the tubes? And these are "plug and play", in that they are direct replacements for stock, right? Thanks! New to this!

BigRez

Dec 27, 2023

UmlautI have had an excellent experiences with Viva Tubes. They measure all the tubes they sell and match them up for you. I got a tube with noise in it and they sent me a replacement, no questions asked. Great tube source. They have a wide variety and great reviews form their experts. I AM NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY.

Backtocali

Aug 9, 2023

Verified Buyer

Highly recommended

Impressive sound and build quality in a compact package. I listen to various genres, and this amp effortlessly drives my speakers (KLH 6, Kef 103.2, Totem Arros, Klipsch KG4) in a medium size room. With certain speakers, I prefer the Cayin to my more expensive SS and tube gear. Just goes to show higher prices don’t necessarily translate to “better” sound. I upgraded the preamp tubes and use Canare speaker cables, Blue Jeans interconnects and a hospital grade power cable. Thanks to Drop for offering a great product at an incredibly fair price. This one is a keeper.

(Edited)

Recommends this product? Yes

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Californiastu

Mar 24, 2023

Verified Buyer

Great sounding little amp

This little amp is sweet sounding and more powerful than its low watt rating would indicate. I am using it with a four ohm, 87 db sensitive pair of speakers and it does great as long as I don't play very loudly. Sound staging and imaging is very good. Contrary to general expectations, it is not overly warm, but has a lively top end with plenty of detail. I love it!

Recommends this product? Yes

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Cackalacka

Mar 20, 2023

Verified Buyer

So much power, so much enjoyment.

Been looking for a tube speaker amp for a while. When this came up on drop, I instantly pulled the trigger. Was a bit worried that it was going to be underpowered... but that totally isn't the case. I knew I was going to be feeding this into some sensitive but large speakers (Klipsch KG 5.2 that are 94db). With those speakers, anything past 10 O'clock on the dial is uncomfortable loud. It's overkill for my needs. But extra headspace never hurts. I have some tube headphone amps and tube preamps, but this is my first tube speaker amp. So wasn't sure what to expect. Right now it is on my dedicated vinyl system. One thing that is apparent, the amp takes a while to warm up, and I didn't quite expect how long that takes. The first 10-15 minutes after power up result in a sound that is a bit harsh. After that, it settles into a beautifully warm sound. Maybe a bit lacking in bass, but very enjoyable. The amp really shines with vocals and acoustical music. Wanted to comment on one small QC issue. My input selector knob came a bit discolored... missing some black paint. Contacted Drop and they made it right. I only have 12 hours on the amp, but looking forward to more time with it.

Recommends this product? Yes

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