Cayin Jazz 70 Brings EL34 Valve Amplification And Bluetooth Together

At the upper end of the price range that we like to cover at Starting Out, Cayin has added the Jazz 70 to its integrated amplifier range, combining a traditional EL34 valve output stage with Bluetooth for listeners who want classic amplifier design without giving up easy wireless playback.

An integrated amplifier combines source selection, volume control and the power needed to drive passive speakers in one box. The Jazz 70 is now the entry point to Cayin’s Jazz series and is available with a black or silver front panel.

Quick Reference

• Product: Cayin Jazz 70 integrated valve amplifier
• Power: 35 watts per channel in Ultralinear mode; 17 watts per channel in Triode mode
• Inputs: three analogue line inputs and Bluetooth 5.1
• Speaker outputs: separate connections for 4-ohm and 8-ohm speakers
• Headphone output: for headphones rated from 16 to 300 ohms
• Price: €1,598; available now

Power And Valve Modes

Four EL34 output valves work in a Class AB push-pull circuit, with three 12AU7/ECC82 valves in the preamplifier stage. The listener can choose between two operating modes from a switch on the top panel.

Ultralinear mode produces 35 watts per channel and is the more practical choice when extra volume and control are needed. Triode mode lowers output to 17 watts per channel. That can still be plenty with efficient speakers in a modest room, but buyers should check speaker sensitivity and room size rather than comparing wattage alone.

Analogue And Wireless Sources

Three RCA line inputs can accept sources such as a CD player, streamer or external phono stage. There is no built-in phono input, so most turntables will need a separate phono stage unless one is already fitted inside the turntable.

Bluetooth 5.1 provides the only built-in digital connection. It uses a Qualcomm QCC5125 receiver and an ESS ES9018K2M converter, with support for LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC. A computer or streamer that needs a wired USB, optical or coaxial connection will therefore require an external DAC.

Controls And Practical Details

The two illuminated front meters show signal level during listening and also help when setting the bias for each output valve. Bias is the electrical adjustment that keeps a valve working within its intended range. Cayin also supplies a remote control and a removable metal cage to protect the valves.

The amplifier measures 300 by 338 by 190mm and weighs 15.6kg. A front headphone socket is specified for headphones between 16 and 300 ohms, while the rear panel provides separate speaker terminals for 4-ohm and 8-ohm loads.

Price And Availability

The Cayin Jazz 70 is available now for €1,598, with a choice of black or silver front panel. Pricing and availability in other countries will depend on the local distributor.

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