With the Jazz 70, Cayin is introducing a relatively affordable tube integrated amplifier to the German market. Four EL34 output tubes deliver either 2 x 17 or 2 x 35 watts. Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD, a headphone output, and the included remote control are designed to make classic tube technology suitable for everyday use.
Tube amplifiers are considered by hi-fi enthusiasts to offer appealing sound quality, but they often require their owners to make compromises. They frequently lack power, convenience, or modern connectivity options—and sometimes even a reasonably affordable price. The new Cayin Jazz 70 is designed to overcome these hurdles, at least in part.
At 1,598 euros, it’s certainly not a bargain when compared to other amplifiers in general. However, in the world of handcrafted tube integrated amplifiers, the Jazz 70 represents a comparatively affordable entry point.
Seven tubes in a push-pull configuration
The preamp stage uses three 12AU7 (or ECC82) dual triodes. The Class AB1 push-pull output stage utilizes four carefully selected EL34 tubes. Cayin uses classic point-to-point wiring and combines it with a handcrafted toroidal power transformer and broadband EI output transformers.
Separate speaker terminals for 4 and 8 ohms are designed to ensure the best possible compatibility with different speakers. However, even Cayin can’t work miracles: 35 tube watts are certainly sufficient for most practical applications, but particularly power-hungry or low-efficiency speakers remain a challenge even for the Jazz 70.
At 30 centimeters wide, the amplifier is more compact than standard hi-fi components, which typically measure 43 centimeters. With a depth of 33.8 centimeters, a height of 19 centimeters, and a weight of 15.6 kilograms, it is nevertheless anything but a lightweight.
Between Triode and Ultralinear
A switch on the top panel allows you to change the operating mode of the power tubes. In ultralinear mode, the Cayin delivers 35 watts × 2. This operating mode is said to offer greater dynamics, control, and power reserves.
In triode mode, the output power drops to 17 watts per channel. In return, Cayin promises a more refined, smoother, and more intimate sound. The Jazz 70 thus offers not only two power settings but also two distinct sound signatures for different speakers, music genres, and personal preferences.
Tube enthusiasts who like to experiment can also try tube rolling. In addition to the standard EL34, Cayin lists compatible types such as the 6CA7, 6L6, and 5881. After changing tubes, the bias can be adjusted separately for each power tube.
Two VU meters with dual functionality
The two illuminated needle meters on the front panel aren’t just there to give the tube amplifier a classic look. During normal operation, they indicate the level of the two channels. They also help monitor and adjust the quiescent current—known as the bias—of the four output tubes.
A removable metal guard to protect the hot glass tubes is included with the product. This makes the Jazz 70 a good choice for households where curious children or pets might get closer to the tubes than the owner would like.
The volume is controlled by a motorized Alps potentiometer. This allows you to adjust it not only directly on the amplifier but also using the included remote control.
Bluetooth 5.1 with ESS DAC
The integrated Bluetooth receiver serves as a modern counterpart to the classic amplifier circuit. Cayin uses a Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset and relies on an ESS ES9018K2M for digital-to-analog conversion.
In addition to the standard SBC codec, the Jazz 70 supports AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and LDAC. Owners of compatible Android smartphones can use these to stream music at higher bitrates. As usual, Apple devices are limited to AAC.
However, this doesn’t turn a tube amplifier into a network player. Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Google Cast, or a streaming app are not part of the design. USB, HDMI, and coaxial or optical digital inputs are also missing. Anyone who needs more than Bluetooth will have to connect an external streamer or D/A converter.
Three analog inputs, but no phono input
The Jazz 70 features three stereo RCA inputs for conventional playback devices. A turntable can only be connected to it via an external phono preamp. Given the target audience of analog enthusiasts, a built-in MM input would have been a logical choice.
There is also a 6.3-millimeter headphone jack on the front panel. According to Cayin, the headphone output is designed for models with impedances between 16 and 300 ohms.
The specified frequency response ranges from 8 hertz to 60 kilohertz, with a roll-off of 3 decibels. Cayin specifies the A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio as 100 decibels and the maximum power consumption as 240 watts.
Price and availability
The Cayin Jazz 70 is now available with a black or silver front panel. The suggested retail price for both models is 1,598 euros, including VAT.
Here, traditional tube technology meets just the right amount of modernity to ensure a comfortable everyday listening experience. In particular, the combination of a switchable power amplifier, a high-quality Bluetooth receiver, a headphone output, and a remote control sets the Jazz 70 apart from many more minimalist entry-level models. Whether it actually “jazzes it up” with delicate triode tones or prefers to “rock out” in ultralinear mode is something a listening test would have to determine.
For more information, visit the official Cayin Jazz 70 product page.
