Cayin Tube Amp Class A 35W Triode/ Ultralinear KT88 and 12AU7 Premium Integrated Amplifier MT45 MK2
RM2,590.00
Cayin MT-45 MK2
The Cayin MT-45 MK2 is a Chinese-built integrated tube amplifier known for strong value, solid transformer quality, and classic EL34 / KT88-style tube warmth depending on configuration. It became popular among audiophiles wanting an entry into serious tube amplification without paying premium Western-brand pricing.
Its biggest strengths are musicality, midrange richness, and surprisingly good construction quality for the price class. The amplifier uses point-to-point style internal wiring, substantial transformers, switchable triode/ultralinear operation, and manual bias adjustment.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Integrated tube amplifier |
| Output Tubes | KT88 variants |
| Driver Tubes | 12AU7 |
| Power Output (Triode) | Approx. 18W–20W per channel |
| Power Output (Ultralinear) | Approx. 35W–40W per channel |
| Frequency Response | Approx. 8Hz – 50/55kHz |
| Output Impedance | 4Ω / 8Ω |
| Inputs | Multiple RCA line inputs |
| Weight | Approx. 16.5kg |
| Features | Triode/Ultralinear switch, manual bias adjustment |
Sound Quality Review
Midrange
This is where the MT-45 MK2 performs best. Vocals sound lush, dense, and smooth with strong harmonic richness. Female vocals, jazz, acoustic instruments, and strings have a relaxed, analog-like presentation.
Treble
Treble is soft and forgiving rather than ultra-detailed. It avoids harshness and pairs well with revealing or brighter speakers.
Bass
Bass is rounded and musical, though not extremely tight compared to high-end solid-state amplifiers. In ultralinear mode, bass gains noticeably more punch and control.
Soundstage
The amplifier creates spacious imaging with good depth layering, especially with efficient bookshelf or horn speakers.
Triode vs Ultralinear
| Mode | Character |
|---|---|
| Triode | Sweeter, warmer, more intimate |
| Ultralinear | More dynamic, tighter bass, higher drive power |
The switchable modes are one of the amp’s biggest strengths because they noticeably change presentation style.
Build Quality
The MT-45 MK2 is respected for:
- Heavy transformers
- Solid steel chassis
- Clean internal wiring
- Easy tube bias adjustment
- Reliable mechanical construction
For its price tier, build quality is considered above average.
Best Speaker Pairings
Works best with:
- Harbeth
- Spendor
- Tannoy
- Klipsch
- vintage British monitors
- high-efficiency bookshelf speakers
It particularly complements speakers with natural midrange voicing.
The Cayin MT-45 MK2 remains one of the better-value tube integrated amplifiers in the affordable audiophile category. It delivers the classic tube sound people look for — warmth, body, holographic vocals, and musicality — without sounding overly soft or slow.
For vocal, jazz, classical, and acoustic listeners, it performs far above its price class when matched with suitable speakers.
