Cayin Jazz 80

Description

The Cayin Jazz 80 is a powerful Bluetooth valve amplifier with 2 x 40 watts (KT88) or 2 x 36 watts (EL34).

The Jazz 80 is Cayin's latest novelty. A handmade valve amplifier that adds wireless music playback to the portfolio, but at the same time was developed and manufactured to Cayin's highest standards. The Jazz 80, with a consistently high-quality finish and manufactured from selected components, has an elegant design and is aimed at high-end beginners with modern demands. This is thanks to intelligent fine bias trimming and an integrated Bluetooth module with LDAC transmission. .

The excellently crafted and deeply glossy casing is probably the first thing the viewer notices positively. This metal coating looks good and at the same time provides the necessary protection for the valuable electronics. However, the first thing that catches the eye is the total of eight valves. In the rear area there are four KT88 or EL34 output valves. They guarantee power amplification.

In the front row are four smaller, identical incandescent bulbs. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there are two different models: two 12AU7s on the outside and two 12AX7s in the middle. Whilst the 12AX7 acts as preamplifier valves and amplifies the voltage level of the incoming musical signals, the 12AU7 serves as a phase splitter and driver for the KT88. To achieve this, the developers placed emphasis on a cage painted the same colour as the casing. It looks a little more modern than the competition and protects the high-quality valves from mechanical damage. As if all this were not enough, the Jazz 80 rests on four shock-absorbing feet.

Specialist off-roader

As is typical for Cayin, the Jazz 80 is also a highly specialised all-rounder. This means it is engineered in such a way that it pushes every speaker to its maximum performance. The current output power is displayed in a classic manner by two orange back-lit VU meters. No matter which sound transducer is connected, the user always experiences the same neutral and precise Cayin sound signature. To ensure this in every room and with every speaker, the Jazz 80 is tuned to provide both 4-ohm and 8-ohm loads with sufficient power. The Cayin features solid gold-plated screw terminals on the rear that accommodate spade lugs, banana plugs and bare wire. Music signals reach the Jazz 80 via three analogue inputs. A 6.5 mm output on the front is used for audio transmission to headphones.

Bluetooth/LDAC

There is also a Bluetooth module, thanks to which this valve amplifier can also communicate wirelessly with compatible players such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or even televisions. Thus, the hi-fi specialist becomes a modern audio centre. Establishing the connection is very simple: if the input source «Bluetooth» is selected, the small blue LED flashes. At the same time, the Cayin identifies itself to its potential playing partners as “Cayin HD BT”. Now all you need is a tap of your finger to connect the player and the Jazz 80 wirelessly. Transmission here is via the LDAC codec. LDAC stands for «Low Delay Audio Codec» and enables the wireless transfer of high-resolution audio content up to a maximum transfer rate of up to 990 kbit/s. This should be particularly pleasing to owners of smartphones with the Android operating system version 8.0 or higher.

Ultralinear and triode modes

To truly meet all requirements, the Jazz 80 can operate in both ultralinear and triode modes. This makes the amplifier even more versatile. Each operating mode has its own distinctive sound characteristics. With its pre-fitted KT88 output valves, the Cayin delivers 2×20 watts in triode mode.

In ultralinear mode, however, there is a whopping 2×40 watts of power. With the EL34 valve, the output is 2×36 or 2×18 watts. The switch is easily operated using a small toggle switch located directly in front of the two 122AX7 tubes. In this context, it is also worth mentioning an important feature, albeit one that is not immediately visible: the power supply. Although the retail price might not necessarily suggest it, the developers at Cayin have made the most of it and equipped the Jazz 80 with an elaborately designed power supply that includes a choke filter.

Bias circuit

There are three more switches right next to it, one on the left and two on the right. These help to control the correct bias settings. This can be adjusted individually for each output tube using a trimmer potentiometer. The three levers in question are then used to check the changes made. The central toggle switch converts the left-hand VU meter into a bias setting control. The left-hand toggle (A1/A2) controls the tubes in the left-hand channel and the right-hand toggle (A3/A4) controls those in the right-hand channel. All of this serves to precisely control each tube whilst simultaneously balancing all channels cleanly.

Easy to use

As is customary with Cayin, this integrated valve amplifier is intuitive to use and self-explanatory. The Jazz 80 is switched on using a small switch on the left-hand side panel. A soft click and the VU meter lighting up indicate that it is generally ready for use. Whilst the small LED indicator on the volume control is flashing, the soft-start function is active. The Cayin is then warming up first. Once the LED remains lit, you’re ready to go. You can now select the input using the rotary control on the front left-hand side or via the input button on the high-quality aluminium remote control. The Jazz 80 offers equal flexibility when it comes to volume control. This can be adjusted using the level control on the right-hand side or via the infrared remote control. .

Technical specifications for the Cayin Jazz 80 Bluetooth valve amplifier

AMPLIFIER:

• Output power (RMS) at 4 and 8 ohms:
  • KT88: Ultralinear 40W+40W, Triode 20W+20W.
  • EL34 Ultralinear, 36W+36W Triode 18W+18W.
• Frequency range: 8 Hz–60 kHz (-3 dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.21 TP3T (1 W/1 kHz)
• External voltage signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB (A-weighted)
• Input sensitivity: 300mV
• Input impedance: 100 kiloohms
• Tube configuration: 2x 12AX7 • 2x 12AU7 • 4x KT88 or EL34
• Headphone output impedance (Ω): 16Ω–300Ω
• RCA inputs: 3x line, Bluetooth
• Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height): 30 cm x 38.5 cm x 19 cm
• Speaker impedance: 4Ω, 8Ω
• Weight: 16.8 kilos
• Maximum power consumption: 280W

BLUETOOTH

• Bluetooth version: V5.0
• Bluetooth chip: QCC5125
• DAC chipset: ES9018K2M SABRE32
• Bluetooth standards: UAT, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, SBC, AAC
• Range: 10M
• Bluetooth model: Cayin HD BT
• Operating environmental conditions: Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C; Humidity: 20–3% to 80–3%
• Storage under ambient conditions: Temperature: -20°C to 70°C Humidity: 20–30% to 90–30%