Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Cayin (Spark) TA-30 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by raindances

Model:	TA-30
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$799
Description:	30 x 30 watt EL34 tube integrated
Manufacturer URL:	Cayin (Spark)
Model Picture:	View

Review by raindances ( A ) on October 09, 2003 at 12:44:33
IP Address: 38.136.14.150

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for the TA-30

I purchased this amp with some trepidation as it is unknown in the USA. It was not a mistake!
The amp is a beauty. Very well made indeed. The sound does improve with some run in (30 hours or so). I found the bass excessive and the treble rather coarse for the first few days, but it is now sounding wonderful. At this point, I strongly prefer the sound with the 12AX7LP's that came with the unit. The original 12AU7's are also not bad.
The unit uses 2 x 12AX7's with both triodes paralleled on the front end and 2 x 12Au7's for phase splitters. Outputs are EL 34 x 4.

The amp has the ability to make voices and instruments literally jump out of the speakers and into the room. Imaging - finally I know what it means... The midrange is fantastic. Female vocals just soar. I can finally stand the sound of strings. Oh, and the channel balance is dead on. I was concerned about not having a balance control, but that is no issue with this amp.

The stock (Valveart) EL34's are not bad at all. It is a no-brainer to change tubes. The bias adjustments can be done with the amp on its side, bottom removed, measuring across four ten ohm resistors that are quite easy to find (there is a mod available that puts the bias measurement points on the outside of the unit). Let the amp warm up, set for 0.35V DC across each resistor, done. Check again after a few days to confirm. It came from the factory set up perfectly. While you do this, look at the wiring. A masterpiece (and I have been in electronic R&D for 20 years).

Oh, and the amp is the quietest tube amp I have ever heard. NO HUM at all even with 90dB per watt speakers. Don't waste your time trying it on your Maggies, though - I did and it doesn't do a good job. With my Axiom M-40's, it kicks butt.

In all, I am very satisfied with the amp and think it is the best bargain in audio I have yet found. Try one! I am not a dealer or even associated with one.

Product Weakness: No preamp output for a subwoofer. A mod is, however, available to add a passive output direct from the volume pot.
No phono input.
Product Strengths: Exceptionally well made, above average imaging and midrange abilities.
No hum with efficient speakers.
An absolute bargain.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	N/A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DCM-370
Speakers:	Axiom M-40Ti
Cables/Interconnects:	Not a believer... Radio Shack Gold if you have to know...
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Progressive Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 10 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	2 inch acoustic foam partially covering one side wall and rear wall, carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	couple of weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Adcom GDA-500 DAC
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner