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Cayin Soul 170C and Soul 170P – New Flagship Tube Amplifiers with Class A Power

With the Soul 170C preamplifier and Soul 170P power amplifier, Cayin introduces two new flagship components designed for uncompromising musical performance. Both units combine fully symmetrical circuitry, pure Class A amplification and premium craftsmanship rooted in traditional tube design. The result is a pairing that bridges timeless audio culture with modern engineering precision.

Story Highlights
  • Cayin introduces the Soul 170C preamplifier and Soul 170P power amplifier – the new Class A flagships of the Soul Series. Handcrafted with symmetrical circuitry, dynamic bias control and premium materials, they embody modern high-end tube design.

Cayin has long been synonymous with fine tube amplification that blends traditional sonic character with advanced engineering. Behind the brand stands Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co. Ltd., one of China’s leading high-end audio manufacturers since the 1990s, known for designing and building amplifiers that marry craftsmanship and innovation. With the new Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier and Cayin Soul 170P power amplifier, the company introduces the latest and most ambitious representatives of its Soul Series – a duo that embodies the full potential of Class A tube design, symmetrical architecture and meticulous hand assembly.


Key Facts – Cayin Soul 170C and Cayin Soul 170P

  • New flagship preamplifier and power amplifier in the Cayin Soul Series
  • Soul 170P: Class A push-pull power amplifier with up to 120 W RMS in bridged mode
  • Soul 170C: fully balanced tube preamplifier with eight carefully selected tubes
  • Dynamic Auto Bias servo circuit for consistent performance and tube longevity
  • Point-to-point wiring, ALPS motorized potentiometer, silver-plated signal wiring
  • Handcrafted build with aluminum front panels and walnut side panels
  • Soul 170C: € 4.480,-
  • Soul 170P: € 7.500,-

Pure Class A Power – The Cayin Soul 170P

At the heart of the new Soul 170P power amplifier lies a fully Class A topology, marking a first within Cayin’s Soul lineup. Four TUNG-SOL KT170 tubes operate in a push-pull configuration, providing 2 × 32 watts RMS in triode mode or 2 × 60 watts RMS in ultralinear mode. When bridged, output power rises to 120 watts RMS, ensuring ample drive for even the most demanding loudspeakers.

Two selectable feedback stages allow fine-tuning of the tonal balance, while Cayin’s Dynamic Auto Bias circuit automatically maintains optimal operating points for maximum consistency and tube protection. A soft-start circuit and comprehensive protection system safeguard the amplifier during operation. Tube replacement is effortless thanks to automatic bias adjustment.

Symmetry and Control – The Cayin Soul 170C

Designed as the ideal partner to the Soul 170P, the Cayin Soul 170C is a fully balanced tube preamplifier combining precision, musicality and flexibility. It provides one balanced XLR input alongside four RCA inputs, with balanced XLR outputs ensuring ideal signal integrity to the power amplifier.

Inside, eight carefully matched tubes across four types are employed, each serving a specific amplification stage. Variable feedback control enables subtle sound adjustments and can be operated conveniently via remote control – allowing listeners to compare sonic nuances between settings from their listening position.

Design and Craftsmanship

Both Soul 170C and 170P exemplify Cayin’s commitment to artisanal manufacturing. Each unit is hand-wired point-to-point, using silver-plated internal cabling, a premium ALPS motorized volume control, and removable tube protection covers. The front panels are crafted from brushed aluminum, complemented by side panels in solid North American walnut, blending technical precision with natural warmth. The design language remains unmistakably Cayin – clean, functional and enduring, built for decades of musical enjoyment.

Price and Availability

The new Cayin Soul 170C and Cayin Soul 170P will be available from November 2025 in matte black finish with walnut side panels. The Cayin Soul 170C preamplifier will retail for € 4.480,-, while the Cayin Soul 170P power amplifier will be priced at € 7.500,-.

Conclusion

With the Soul 170C and Soul 170P, Cayin reaffirms its position among the leading names in tube-based high-end audio. The combination of pure Class A amplification, symmetrical design and handcrafted build quality showcases how traditional tube technology continues to evolve in the modern era. For those seeking musicality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence in perfect harmony, the new Cayin Soul duo represents the pinnacle of contemporary tube amplification.

ProductCayin Soul 170C and Cayin Soul 170P
PriceCayin Soul 170C € 4.480,-
Cayin Soul 170P € 7.500,-

Technical Specifications

ProductCayin Soul 170CCayin Soul 170P
TypeFully balanced tube preamplifierClass A push-pull power amplifier
Tube configuration8 tubes, 4 types4 × TUNG-SOL KT170
Power outputStereo: 2 × 60 W (ultralinear), 2 × 32 W (triode); Mono: 1 × 120 W (ultralinear), 1 × 64 W (triode)
Inputs1 × XLR, 4 × RCAXLR / RCA selectable
OutputsXLR and RCASpeaker terminals, stereo/mono
CircuitryPoint-to-point, Dynamic Auto Bias, Soft-StartDynamic Auto Bias, protection circuit
Dimensions (W × D × H)430 × 445 × 239 mm430 × 420 × 238 mm
Weight20,0 kg37,5 kg
FinishMatte black with walnut sidesMatte black with walnut sides
BrandCayin Audio
ManufacturerZhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co. Ltd.
DistributionCayin Audio Distribution GmbH
More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG

Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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