Cayin MT-12N Review - AmpReviews

The junior model of the amplifier from the Chinese Hi-Fi brand, as conceived by its creators, should attract novice tube adepts with a classic approach to construction, design, and most importantly, sound.

The Cayin brand belongs to the Chinese company with the long name Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd – it was founded in 1993. In order to stand out among many similar compatriot firms, the management decided to focus on lamp technology, not to stay in the traditional way, but to combine classical design solutions and modern engineering findings.

It can be said that Cayin is obsessed with tubes: the developers use them not only in amplifiers, but also in the output stages of their CD players, external DACs, and even in-pocket portable audio devices. As befits an analog high endodele, the company maintains an image of a solid manufacturer and constantly emphasizes that most of the operations, including the winding of transformers, are done by hand.

Naim Nait XS 3 review

The Cayin MT-12N (EL84EH) amplifier is far from new to the market. The model is considered initial and, by the standards of the company, not at all expensive. This is a time-tested AB-class solution with a pre-amplification section on three double triodes: two 6N1 tubes and one 12AU7 tube. The output stage is assembled on four EL84EH pentodes.

In the classical tradition, the lamps are symmetrically located on the front of the rectangular body and covered with a removable protective grill, and behind them are neat parallelepipeds of transformer casings. They didn’t let me unscrew them, but they explained that under one there is a power supply transformer, and in the other two there are broadband output transformers with an E-shaped core.

If you think that the form should fully correspond to the content, then I advise you to take a closer look at the classic design version with a shiny steel front panel, framed by an overlay made of some “precious woods”. The image is complemented by a pair of nostalgic round knobs, where the right one switches the line inputs, and the left one controls the volume using the Japanese ALPS potentiometer.

You May Like: Rotel RAP-1580MKII Review

I got a version with a black matte panel and neat round handles for the test. This is no longer vintage, but a stylish neo-retro that will fit into most modern setups. On the rear panel, there are three pairs of input linear RCA connectors and two unbalanced outputs for acoustics.

Beginner Aesthete Kit

Before the test, I tried to imagine a potential owner of the Cayin MT-12N – let it be a music lover who wants to assemble an analog setup at a reasonable price (although not frankly cheap) and get a classic sound with those same “even harmonics” that create acoustic comfort and a special atmosphere.

It is believed that buyers of tube equipment prefer instrumental genres, classic rock, blues, and jazz. And so I assumed that the DALI Oberon 3 bookshelf speakers, which proved themselves well in these musical directions, would make a worthy company for the amplifier here.

To more reliably reveal the character of the amplifier, let’s try it with another bookshelf acoustics – ELAC Debut Reference DBR62, which showed a universal neutral character with good detail in tests.

We decided that all components should be relatively close in price, and among the turntables, the Swiss-Dutch Lenco L-87 with an Audio-Technica cartridge turned out to be the one at hand. Looking ahead, I’ll say that the capabilities of the amplifier deserve a better and more expensive source – at least you can’t do without an upgrade of the pickup head.

Dominant character

As I expected, vocal-instrumental compositions, blues, and jazz turned out to be absolutely winning genres for demonstrating the talents of the amplifier. For example, Miles Davis’ trumpet sounds very lively and natural, the musicians are visually placed on a three-dimensional stage, and all the instruments are carefully coordinated and balanced.

The trumpet of ELAC bookshelves sounded a little sharper and more piercing with a cleaner and more transparent overall pitch, while DALI presented this instrument more juicy, velvety and, I would say, more imposing.

The Cayin MT-12N’s interpretation of the rock classic of the 70s has found its former uncombed liveliness and rebellious spirit, which many modern digital setups strive to make sterile and sleek. For example, the composition “Iron Man” from Black Sabbath, recently listened to on the same acoustics with a budget digital source, now seems to have acquired additional nuances and volume, becoming “fatter” and fuller.

Both pairs of speakers showed a very good balance of instruments and vocals and managed to convey the original drive. ELAC sounded more transparent, with good guitar and voice, while DALI emphasized coherence and emotionality with nice soft bottoms. But, as before, the overall presentation remained similar, and it was felt that the amplifier dominated here, and not the acoustics. The same impression was left by the compositions of Deep Purple and Uriah Heep.

Cayin MT-12N a close look to power button

In some rock genres – like grunge, “alternative” or Neue Deutsche Härte – the amplifier delivers not so well. The guitars of Muse and Radiohead in this setup sometimes stray into a heap of sounds, and Rammstein completely turns into an indistinct aggressive roar. This can be partially corrected by changing the source, and an expensive refined “digit” like the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ network player would have helped out here, but we have different goals and budgets.

The Cayin MT-12N also has a special relationship with classical music. Small chamber groups of several musicians in the interpretation of the amplifier sound very lively, natural, and comfortable, with a voluminous and well-drawn scene. Again, ELAC speakers pay more attention to the instruments, and DALI forms an integral musical image – but these are just the nuances that are distinguishable in a direct comparison of acoustics. But in general, the lampovik again forms a similar musical presentation in acoustics that are initially different.

But large-scale symphonic and opera canvases are clearly not a priority for this amplifier. He conveys the emotional message of the work well, but there is no need to speak about the detail, the elaboration of individual instruments, and the arrangement of performers on the big stage.

Actually, the Chinese company did not plan to cover all musical genres in the initial model – for this, it has devices four times more expensive, which managed to win a positive reputation from the expert community. Cayin MT-12N is designed to work with a limited range of tasks, but it does it conscientiously and emotionally.

conclusions

If you are looking for that same old-school comfortable sound to listen to the good old jazz, blues, and rock classics under a cozy blanket with something hot (or intoxicating) in your hand, then the Cayin MT-12N in the company with an analog source and suitable speakers will be a very interesting option.

He has a pronounced “tube” feed, which is perceived as very lively and natural. However, you should not look for high detail and analytics here – this is, of course, Hi-Fi, but the emphasis here is more on emotions and drive than on the search for micro nuances.

Pros and Cons Cayin MT-12N

Pros:

Warm, Analog Sound: The Cayin MT-12N provides a rich, warm sound signature thanks to its EL84 tube design, which enhances vocals and midrange details.
High-Quality Build: The unit is solidly built with a vintage aesthetic, featuring a robust chassis and premium materials, giving it a classic tube amp feel.
Compact Design: Its relatively compact size makes it easier to integrate into small spaces without sacrificing quality.
Great for Midrange Clarity: The MT-12N excels at producing clear and warm mids, making it ideal for acoustic, vocal, and jazz music.
Affordable Entry into Tube Amplification: It offers a good price-to-performance ratio, especially for those looking to experience tube amplifiers without breaking the bank.
Easy Tube Rolling: Tube rolling is simple, allowing users to experiment with different tubes to customize the sound further.

Cons:

Limited Power Output: With a rated output of 9 watts per channel, the Cayin MT-12N may not be suitable for driving less efficient speakers or for use in larger rooms.
No Remote Control: The amplifier lacks a remote control, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Limited Inputs: It offers only two RCA inputs, which may be restrictive if you have multiple sources.
Bass Performance: While the mids and highs are detailed, the bass performance can feel somewhat lacking in depth and impact, especially at lower frequencies.
No Phono Input: If you plan to connect a turntable, you’ll need an external phono stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Cayin MT-12N

1. What is the Cayin MT-12N?

The Cayin MT-12N is a compact tube amplifier designed to deliver warm and natural sound, ideal for audiophiles looking for an affordable introduction to tube amplification.

2. What is the power output of the Cayin MT-12N?

The Cayin MT-12N delivers 9 watts per channel at 8 ohms. It’s suitable for driving efficient speakers, but it may struggle with less sensitive models or in larger rooms.

3. What type of tubes does the Cayin MT-12N use?

The MT-12N uses EL84 power tubes and 12AX7/12AU7 preamp tubes. These tubes contribute to the amplifier’s warm, vintage sound and allow for tube rolling if you want to customize the audio.

4. Can I use the Cayin MT-12N with a turntable?

The Cayin MT-12N does not have a built-in phono stage. You will need to use an external phono preamp if you plan to connect a turntable to the amplifier.

5. Does the Cayin MT-12N support remote control?

No, the Cayin MT-12N does not come with a remote control. All operations, including volume control, must be done manually.

6. How many inputs does the Cayin MT-12N have?

The MT-12N has two RCA inputs, allowing you to connect two stereo audio sources such as a CD player, DAC, or streaming device.

7. What kind of speakers work best with the Cayin MT-12N?

The Cayin MT-12N works best with efficient speakers (high sensitivity, typically 90dB or higher) due to its modest power output. Pairing it with an efficient bookshelf or floor-standing speakers will yield the best results.

8. Is tube rolling possible with the Cayin MT-12N?

Yes, the Cayin MT-12N supports tube rolling, allowing you to swap out the stock tubes for different ones to tailor the sound to your preferences.

9. How does the Cayin MT-12N sound?

The MT-12N offers a warm, analog sound with a focus on clear mids and smooth highs. The sound is particularly enjoyable for genres such as jazz, classical, and acoustic music.

10. Is the Cayin MT-12N suitable for large rooms?

With its 9-watt power output, the Cayin MT-12N is more suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. It may not provide sufficient power for large spaces or for driving demanding speakers.

11. How much does the Cayin MT-12N cost?

The Cayin MT-12N is considered an affordable tube amplifier, typically priced around $600 to $800, depending on the retailer and region.

12. Does the Cayin MT-12N require special maintenance?

Like most tube amplifiers, the MT-12N may require periodic tube replacements depending on usage, as tubes wear out over time. It’s also recommended to allow proper ventilation to avoid overheating.