Summary: Interesting...........I can sell this amp for more than I paid for it?
It would be a foolixh thing to do though.
Do yourself a favou, check these out
Overall rating 5 stars
Value rating? -------for what it cost?.......11***********
Strengths: layers and layers, incredible low end base control. Imaging, yadda, ayadda, yadda. Check them out!!!!
Terminations on the back of the amp are superb.
Weaknesses: heavy and awkward to mount in a rack due to weight.. I do wish it had a phono section
Similar Products Used: Bryston, Perreaux, audio research
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Summary: Just a follow up to my review. The amp just keeps getting better, cleaner, more open. Get off your duff and go audition this amp. Or if you want, go spend more money for less. Your choice.
BTW.I spoke about cables (Chinese) in my last review. I am very happy to say I can now obtain them direct from the manufacturer at a significant savings.
Strengths: Clean, clean clean , open, deep wide soundstage. Vocals and instruments float.
Weaknesses: none
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Summary: Where to start? I first noticed this amp on Audio Web. I was looking for a used integrated and had many to choose from, but this amp was advertised with a picture and I had to admit the build quality was what drew my attention.
However I was unable to find out much information on the net and precious few reviews. I did find a distributor in Hamilton and made the appointment to audition the amp. I made the trek during a snowstorm ( dedication) and listened and was unimpressed. Looking around the audition room however I was struck by the poor room design. I told the salesperson I wanted to audition the amp in familiar surroundings. Ok by him. Brought it home and was still unimpressed. And yet something about the amp kept drawing me back. Nuances not heard before on my system were revealed. The best way to describe what I was hearing was "clinical" My brother who is even more into the lifestyle came over and brought a few more interconnects and cables than I have and we played switch. We took some of the Kimber interconnects out and brought in some Cardas. Well, what can I say? If you want an integrated with layers and layers, If you want a revealing presentation, If you want an amp that can drive speakers without breaking down and if you want an amp that is gorgeous without breaking the bank and delivers, you want the Cayin 265Ai.
I decided to purchse from the distributor rather than purchase the used one from the fellow on Audio Web simply because of the exchange rate the shipping, customs brokerage and duties. I spent a little more but had piece of mind.
My system prior to the Cayin consists of the EAD T100 transport, EAD Series III DAC, Classe' CP40 preamp Perreaux PMF2350 amp Focus Signature series 78's and assorted interconnects and cables.
The build quality of the Cayin is undisputed. Yes you can pay more but my personal opinion is you are paying more for the name not the sound.
Strengths: Balls,looks,sound. I could use all the superlatives and adjectives. Those three suffice.
Weaknesses: Be prepared to experiment with cabling. One day on Ebay I noticed a pair of high end Bi-wired speaker cables for sale brought back from China and unavailable anywhere here. The askg price was $100.U.S. and no bids. With more money than brains I bought them. I can tell you they are as good as the Cardas golden cross I own, If not better. Why we keep paying huge dollars for gear is beyond me. I have since asked the gentleman who has obliged, to bring back another set for me from China. Stunning in detail, they make me ill when I compare them to cables costing ten to fifteen times as much. On the asthetics side they take a back seat to no other manufacturer.
Similar Products Used: I have mostly been involved with separates and I must say that I've heard a lot of integrateds elsewhere but not one stands out in my mind as being superior. All amps have distinctive characteristeics. Cost wise? Go audition this for yourself. Bring one home and LISTEN. I'm sure you will find it an intriguing amplifier
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Summary: Well, this is one fine amplifier. When I first took it out of the box, I was amazed at the overall look and finish. Exceptional. This amp is built like a tank. Weighs 50 lbs...in large part, Im sure, due to the massive heat sinks employed on each side...necessary since this is a Class A amplifier and can get quite hot.
I bought this amp unseen/unheard after reading a glowing review on line. After listening to it over the past six months, all I can say is that I am very happy with the performance. Voices jump out and there is a sense of realism in the music that I have never heard before. There have been many occassions where I swear the musicians were in the room playing...especially string instruments. Dynamics are superb and this really shows up when listening to vocals.
I immediately noticed details showing up on my CD's that I never knew existed in the recordings. The bass is also outstanding. When I first hooked up the amp with the rest of my system and began listening, it took some time for me to realize that I had failed to connect my subwoofer. And it wasn't from the listening, it was because I saw the cable laying on the floor, disconnected from the sub.
Note - the price paid was in Canadian dollars.
Strengths: Build quality
Bass
Dynamics
Detail
Weaknesses: None at this price.
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Summary: This thing is stupid-good for the money. Forget for the money, it's just a great amp! I've owned many high dollar (up to $10,000) tube and solid state amps, and I prefer this one, that I paid less than $1000. for. And it's an integrated! The sound is vivid and immediate. Tonal shadings and edge definition is the best I've heard for solid state. It images like a tube amp, with lots of layering, solid imaging, and a black background. Instruments and performers are clearly separated, each playing in their own space. It's very musical, yet still produces lots of detail. This thing is also built like a tank. Everything functions perfectly. High-end companies need to worry about this one.
Strengths: Imaging, neutrality, dead quiet, features, convenience, build quality, micro and macro dynamics, looks, PRICE!!!
Weaknesses: It's so cheap, no one will believe it's world class. Some competitor or retard who heard this in an audio shop or show is going to blast it, and people will believe it because of the price, because it's Chinese, and because it's unknown in this Country. Too bad, because you'll spend way more, and get way less. Read the review at http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/cayin-265ai-integrated-amplifier-3-2004.html .
It's accurate, if not understated. Only thing I can hear is that it may not be as smooth or grain free than the mega dollar tube amps....but it's sooooo close. And it does many things as good or better. It's 40W full class A, so it's a hotty!
Similar Products Used: Wytech Opal 572, Edge NL10, Antique Sound Labs Hurricanes (modified), many more. Similar products....a Creek 5350SE. The Cayin smokes it. the Creek is very good, but the Cayin is an a different class.
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5 of 5
5 of 5
