Cayin has launched a new preamplifier called the Soul 170C. The Soul 170C features a tube circuit and is intended as the perfect companion to the Soul 170P, a stereo power amplifier announced about a month ago. Together, they create a high-end music system.
Cayin Soul 170C
The Soul 170C is Cayin’s latest tube amplifier, built on over thirty years of experience in tube technology. As a two-channel preamplifier, the Soul 170C offers, according to the manufacturer, excellent channel separation and signal purity for musical precision and vibrancy. As part of the Soul series, the Soul 170C continues the series’ signature design: clean lines, meticulous craftsmanship, and a harmonious appearance that perfectly complements the also new Cayin Soul 170P power amplifier .
The Soul 170C features a total of eight tubes, four per channel. Each channel is equipped with the following tubes: ECC83, 6SN7GTB, 6CA7, and 17AX4GT. The power supply uses high-quality rectification with a 17AX4GT tube, which ensures a stable DC voltage with low internal resistance. Channel-separated voltage regulation is achieved via 6CA7 tubes, ensuring a clean, consistent power supply.
Highly linear ECC83 and 6SN7GTB tubes are used for line amplification. This combination ensures precise signal amplification with minimal distortion, preserving the musical character of the source. The specified frequency response is 8 Hz to 35 kHz for XLR and 8 Hz to 100 kHz for RCA. The S/N ratio is 100 dB (A-weighted).
Cayin Soul 170C: flexible negative feedback
The Soul 170C features a precisely tuned negative feedback circuit that significantly influences the soundstage of the entire system. Two selectable negative feedback stages allow the sound to be precisely tailored to the characteristics of the power amplifier and speakers. The Soul 170C offers two options:
- Low negative feedback: opens up the sound space and creates more expression and naturalness, according to the manufacturer ideal for a more emotional listening experience, or
- High negative feedback: improves precision and control and provides a focused and analytical sound.
Like the power amplifier, the Soul 170P, the preamplifier is hand-wired with point-to-point connections, minimizing signal loss and crosstalk. High-quality components such as silver-plated terminals, premium coupling capacitors, a motorized ALPS volume control, and a hand-wound transformer emphasize the quality standard.
Price. €4,500
