New Cayin Integrated Amp in the house

[two dot]

One of my main "audio goals" for 2010 was to get my office system sounding, looking and working better.

Well, over the weekend, I took the first step... and bought a used Cayin SP- 10A Integrated Tube Amplifier. It is running on a new matched Quad of SED Winged C 6L6GC's

The Scott 299 sure sounded nice but not having a remote in the office just was TOO inconvenient. The Peachtree NOVA sounded great, had a great DAC built in, had a great remote... but, the modern look just didn't jive with my retro Barzilay cabinet.

So while surfing the web one night, I came across just what I was looking for. It is a 6L6 tube based integrated, with very simple "classic" almost Luxman style lines. Its 30 watts of tube power feed the Altec drivers the little extra power that they were missing with the Scott. Definitely a little weight in the bottom end which helps makes the office system much more enjoyable.

Next up will be an inexpensive phono stage, a quality DAC and my office system should be set!

[Face]

Looks like a great match!

For inexpensive phono stages, check out the Cambridge 640P and the Jolida JD-9a.

FYI, you could use your Nova as a standalone DAC for the time being.

[two dot]

Face...

That a great idea... why didn't I think of that.

Do digital from Sonos to NOVA then RCA out to Cayin? Is that right?

[jdandy]

Stephen.......That Barzilay cabinet is looking so rich, and 30 watts of tube power on the duplex Altecs has got to be sounding very nice.

[Face]

Originally Posted by two dot

Face...

That a great idea... why didn't I think of that.

Do digital from Sonos to NOVA then RCA out to Cayin? Is that right?

Correct, just be sure to use the line level out.

[two dot]

Thanks guys...

My big hold up, for a long time, has been wanting something with a good DAC and PHONO.

Finally deciding that if I wanted an elegant package, I would need to use off board DAC and Phono Stage.

The perfect thing about the Barzilay is that it will allow me to "hide" both off board units and all cableing in the "left" compartment...

I am really excited to get a phono stage hooked up.... keep the recommendations coming.

[JT3]

That cabinet is gorgeous, would love to know the history behind it.

['cisco]

two dot......everytime I see that Barzilay cabinet of yours...I

[two dot]

JT3,

The Barzilay Furniture Co made stereo cabinets like this for years. They sold them as kits or fully assembled.

Mine was bought in 1964, as a kit I am pretty sure. I have all of the original documentation.

The top lifts up to reveal a LINN AXIS TT, in the compartment originally designed for a TT of some sort. I do not know what type of equipment this unit once held, but it was not unusual for these unit to hold very fine Tube and SS gear. Often McIntosh, Fisher, Scott and the like.

I have used this console to house many amps... starting with an MA6300/201 Combo, then a 402, then a MC240, then a Peachtree NOVA, then a Scott 299.

I think I have finally arrived at a place where I am pleased by the looks with the center door open, more than satisfied by the sound the Altec 817 A drivers produce. The Cayin amp really sounds great and I am sure can only get better with a little tube rollin'. I will be ordering an inexpensive phono stage today, so I get the the TT up and running.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 'cisco

two dot......everytime I see that Barzilay cabinet of yours...I

Stephen,

What 'cisco said, plus one!

Pete