About The Cayin MT-50 Plus Stereo Valve Amplifier
With the Cayin MT-50 Plus you get a rather curious mix of technologies because this old school valve amplifier can be used to wirelessly stream your music from a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The Bluetooth interface accepts popular audio formats, including SBC, MP3, apt-X and the AAC codec used by Apple for iPhone and iPad. This handmade amplifier with point-to-point wiring achieves a wide bandwidth with its EI output transformers. The power supply uses a generously sized toroidal transformer. The MT-50 Plus uses a selection of valves including a 22DE4, three 5BK7A's and a quartet of KT88 output tubes operation in Class AB.
Simple Bias Adjustment can be set by the user and there is a front mounted power meter and a triode/ultra linear mode switch. The high-quality Alps potentiometer ensures exact volume control. A valve guard, handy for keeping kids and cats away from hot valves, is included with the Cayin MT-50 Plus. The Cayin MT-50 Plus is a step up from the great value for money MT-35 and offers higher output through the use of KT88 valves compared to EL34's used in the MT-35.
At its reasonable price it offers a great place to start if you want to dip your toe into the world of valve amplification. The inclusion of Bluetooth to complement the three analogue inputs is a very welcome addition. Designed and tuned in Germany. Proudly owned and manufactured in China by enthusiasts.
We think the MT-50 Plus is remarkable value for money, offering a timeless design coupled with the modern convenience of Bluetooth music streaming. As with the rest of the range it comes with handmade silver point-to-point wiring and wide bandwidth EI output transformers to provide that much needed current to your speakers.
The MT-50 Plus sports a superb Alps volume-control (no remote), convenient onboard bias adjustment and weighs in at a not inconsiderable 16.5 kilos (thanks to the quality transformers). It has a valve complement of one 22DE4, three 5BK7A's and a quartet of KT88 output tubes operating in Class AB.
This gives quite a healthy 40 Watts in Ultra-Linear mode and, very conveniently, the MT-50 Plus has the option of switching to Triode mode for a very pure sounding 21 Watts, perfect for tranquil late night listening.
Valve/Tube Rolling
Unlike transistor amps where the output transistors are soldered in, most valves are fitted to valve sockets, which allow the valve to be easily changed, either for a replacement, in the case of failure, or for a different type of valve. This practice of swapping valves to different models or different versions of the same valve is known as valve/tube rolling and allows you to fine tune the sound of the amplifier to your liking. Some of our customers have a host of valves they regularly change depending on their mood or the music they are playing. Of course you do need to be careful to only use the types of valves the manufacturer suggests – in the case of the MT-50 Plus you will find that the supplied KT88 Pentode Output Valves are available from many different manufacturer's and interestingly they all sound a little different. Feel free to explore the opportunities.
Valve vs Solid State
The whole Valve (UK)/Tube (USA) or Solid-State dilemma is not as complicated as you might think. Once you accept the reality that a valve amp and a solid-state amp are very different in how they operate, you'll perhaps better understand that each have their own qualities.
The biggest difference between them is that a solid-state amp is driven by current through the output devices and a valve is driven by voltage. Voltage alone can't drive a speaker, hence the reason for needing output transformers. You'll notice most stereo valve amps have 3 large, heavy objects, typically at the rear. They are a power transformer and two output transformers (one for each channel) that convert the voltage from the output valves to current at the speaker connections. A solid-state amp typically has a single power transformer and no output transformers. However, a solid-state output transistor and a valve basically do the same thing. One doing it in silicone with current and the other doing it in a glass vacuum with voltage.
Do they sound different? Yes, they do. However, some valve companies make their valve amps sound more solid-state like (for power) and some solid-state products can sound very valve-like. A key difference is that a valve product will require a small amount of upkeep and maintenance. For most who desire the benefit of valves, it's a small price to pay. Others just don't want to maintain an amp once installed.
Back to the sound. First, let's squelch the myth that valve amps don't have strong or controlled bass. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Let's also put aside the thought that solid-state amps aren't smooth. Like any product from any manufacturer, all amplifiers have a certain inherent sound signature which will attract different people. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, but one must weigh each depending on what you are looking to achieve in your audio system both in terms of sonics and upkeep as well as taking the rest of the system into consideration.
So, what are the benefits of each? Generally speaking, valves offer a greater sense of bloom, more texture and realism to vocals and instruments and a richer midrange. Solid-state usually offers more watts per dollar, faster sound and greater detail. Once again these are generalizations. If you have a system that overall is a bit harsh or fatiguing, chances are you could greatly benefit from a valve amp. On the other hand, if your system is flat, sluggish, or too soft sounding, perhaps a quality solid-state amp is the way to go. Other factors of particular importance are speaker load. Some speakers (although few today) require lots of power and very low impedance driving capabilities. In that scenario, a solid-state amp may do better. But, if your speakers have a moderate impedance curve (6 to 8 Ohms) and are of average efficiency (86dB or above), a valve amp can redefine your definition of what a great audio system can sound like.
Our Take
You probably already know whether a valve amp is for you. They have an old school charm about them that appeals to some, but not to everyone. It's the same kind of allure that has attracted people back to vinyl. They're a little more hands on, a little more involving and that warm glow in low light sure does set the mood. Don't be fooled into thinking though that valve amps only work well with record players. Oh no, in fact you could almost say that digital music played back from music streamers or CD players provide the perfect match for a valve amp. Valve amps seem to have a certain richness to their sound that perfectly complements the clarity of digital.
The MT-50 Plus allows you to try the world of valve amplifiers at a very reasonable price. Although the functionality is basic, the sound is solid and similar in character to its bigger brothers. Use it in a medium sized room, pair it with easy to drive, reasonable efficient speakers and don't expect to listen at concert levels. Then sit back and simply start listening and you may well find that a valve based system has a strange way of getting under your skin and allowing you to enjoy music in a relaxed fashion you're not accustomed to.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Integrated Valve Amplifier with Bluetooth
- Designed & Tuned in Germany
- Power Output
- 40 Watts per channel (Ultra-Linear) at 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
- 21 Watts per channel (Triode) at 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz (-3dB)
- Signal to Noise (S/N) Ratio: 90dB
- THD: 1% (1kHz)
- Output Impedance: 4 Ohms - 8 Ohms
- Construction: Hand-made construction with silver point-to-point wiring
- Transformers: Two wide bandwidth EI output transformers
- Power Supply: Specially designed toroid transformer for the power supply
- Power Supply & Input Stage Valves: One 22DE4 and three 5BK7A's
- Output Stage Valves: Four KT88 valves used in a Class AB1 push-pull output stage
- Bias Adjustment: Easy onboard valve bias adjustment
- Line Level Inputs: Three stereo line level inputs
- Phono Input: None - You will need to add a stand alone Phono-Preamp to one of the Line Level inputs or use a turntable with a built in phono stage
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 wireless audio streaming
- Please Note: This is a non-remote-control design
- Cover: An easily removed cover is provided for protection from hot valves
- Speaker Binding Posts: Accepts Banana plugs or spade terminals
- Power Consumption: <270 Watts
- Power Cord: Standard IEC that can be easily upgraded.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 180 x 330mm
- Net Weight: 16.5 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years Electronics, 6 Months Valves
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.