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Cayin, Line Magnetic, and Willsenton with 805 Feedback

I am considering one of the following integrated amplifiers and I'm looking for feedback from others familiar with these amplifiers or have experience with the brands. We listen to a wide variety of music but classic rock and jazz are at the top of our listening list and our speakers are vintage JBL L100s. I'm familiar with the PrimaLuna 300i so any comparisons to it will be appreciated. I am interested in how well it sounds, it's build quality, reliability, and anything else you think is noteworthy. The manufacturers are Cayin, Line Magnetic, and Willsenton so do you have feedback on them?

The amplifiers are:

  • Cayin CS-805A
  • Line Magnetic LM-805ia
  • Willsenton R800i with 805 tubes

Thanks in advance for your help.

bannon

Showing 2 responses by helomech

helomech
1,824 posts
 

Can’t speak for LM or Willsenton, but Cayins are indeed excellent. In fact I wouldn’t hesitate to pit Cayin performance against the likes of VAC and Audio Research. 

I had an original Cayin A88T that was built in 2006. I was at least its second owner—owned it for about 6 years between 2017 and 2023. It never gave me any issues other than a failed preamp tube, and is/was built like a tank. 
 

The Rogue Cronus Dark is also around your price range and sounds excellent. 

helomech
1,824 posts
 

I should also add that the Cayin A88T is the quietest tube product I have ever encountered, that goes for amps and preamps alike. Thing was dead, dead quiet. Can’t even say that about some solid state preamps I’ve owned. 

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