I had been in the 'vintage'' tuners for the past 10 years. Owned many ''classics'' (the usual prospects from Kenwood, Sansui and the like, from $ 75.00 to over $ 600.00 ).
Lately, I came across this little unassuming tuner from Cayin, the 220i, and was given a lesson in all the detail I had been missing. Here's my take on it:
If you go with a tube amp (like me), you will get all the creamy butterscotch you need sound-wise with a modern tuner.
Once I let this slim little Cayin bugger warm-up, I gave it a listen, I switched stations VIA THE REMOTE CONTROL, until I found a terrific tune. The soundstage was huge, and I heard detail I never hear from ANY of my vintage tuners (one of which I purchased at a high price and was perfectly aligned) I told myself '' good enough for me, no way I'm going back to vintage tuners, game over''.
Lately, I came across this little unassuming tuner from Cayin, the 220i, and was given a lesson in all the detail I had been missing. Here's my take on it:
If you go with a tube amp (like me), you will get all the creamy butterscotch you need sound-wise with a modern tuner.
Once I let this slim little Cayin bugger warm-up, I gave it a listen, I switched stations VIA THE REMOTE CONTROL, until I found a terrific tune. The soundstage was huge, and I heard detail I never hear from ANY of my vintage tuners (one of which I purchased at a high price and was perfectly aligned) I told myself '' good enough for me, no way I'm going back to vintage tuners, game over''.