Cayin - Soul 170C - Tube Pre-Amplifier

The Soul 170C is Cayin’s latest vacuum tube preamplifier, embodying over three decades of expertise in tube application. Designed to deliver exceptional musicality and precision, it is a 2-channel preamplifier that ensures superior channel separation and signal purity.

As a proud member of Cayin’s Soul Series, the Soul 170C continues the family’s design language. From its sharp silhouette to its meticulous craftsmanship, every detail echoes the aesthetic principles shared across the Soul lineup—delivering not just acoustic harmony, but visual unity with their latest power amplifier, the Soul 170P .

Tube Configuration

At the heart of the Soul 170C are carefully matched vacuum tubes, including:

• 2 × ECC83
• 2 × 6SN7GTB
• 2 × 6CA7
• 2 × 17AX4GT

To ensure pure and stable DC power, the Soul 170C adopts a full-wave rectification circuit based on the 17AX4GT rectifier tube, renowned for its high efficiency and low internal resistance.

The voltage regulation is implemented with 6CA7 tubes, which deliver a clean and consistent voltage supply to each channel independently.

The Soul 170C employs high-gain, high-linearity ECC83 and 6SN7GTB vacuum tubes for Line Amplification. This combination delivers clean, accurate signal amplification with low distortion, preserving the integrity and musicality of the original source.

Flexible Negative Feedback Settings

To shape the tonal character of the entire audio chain, the Soul 170C employs a carefully tuned Negative Feedback (NFB) circuit, an important function in determining how the preamplifier guides and controls the sound signature of the downstream power amplifier.

In Soul 170C, the NFB setting plays a perceptible role: optimising the linearity of the signal path, reducing harmonic distortion, and defining the sonic texture delivered to the next stage.

The Soul 170C offers two selectable NFB levels—High and Low—providing users with the ability to fine-tune the amplifier's tonal balance based on the sonic traits of their power amplifier and speakers.

• Low NFB: Delivers a more open, expressive, and emotionally engaging sound—ideal for systems that benefit from greater fluidity and naturalness.
• High NFB: Enhances precision, focus, and tonal discipline—well-suited for achieving tighter control and a more analytical presentation.

Full-Function Remote Control

The Soul 170C comes equipped with an infrared remote control, allowing users to access all functions—from input, NFB selection to volume adjustment—with ease. This ensures a seamless and comfortable listening experience, putting full command of your system right at your fingertips.

Connectivity

• Inputs: 4 × RCA (pairs), 1 × XLR (pair)
• Outputs: 1 × RCA (pair), 1 × XLR (pair)

This comprehensive connectivity ensures seamless integration into various audio systems, accommodating both single-ended and balanced configurations.

Component Selection & Internal Build

The Soul 170C is hand-assembled with point-to-point wiring, ensuring minimum signal loss and crosstalk. Key components include:

• Silver-plated internal wiring
• High-quality coupling capacitors
• ALPS motorised volume control
• In-house designed and hand-wound power transformer

Protective Features

• Soft-start circuit (approximately 60 seconds
• Equipped with easily-installed tube cover for protection

These features protect sensitive components and enhance the longevity of the amplifier.

Chassis & Design

• Anodised solid aluminum front panel
• Hand-finished North American black walnut side panels

The Soul 170C combines technical sophistication with aesthetic refinement, making it a centrepiece in any high-end audio system.

Specifications

• Maximum Output Voltage: 8V RMS (RCA) / 16V RMS (XLR)
• Gain: 17.5dB (NFB: LOW), 16dB (NFB: HIGH)
• Frequency Response: 8Hz–100kHz (±3dB, RCA) / 8Hz–35kHz (±3dB, XLR)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02% (2V RMS)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
• Input Impedance: 47kΩ (RCA), 25kΩ (XLR)
• Output Impedance: 380Ω (RCA), 700Ω (XLR)
• Channel Separation: 90dB
• Input Terminals: 1 × XLR (pair), 4 × RCA (LINE1–LINE4) (pairs)
• Output Terminals: 1 × XLR (pair), 1 × RCA (pair)
• Tube Complement: ECC83 ×2, 6SN7GTB ×2, 6CA7 ×2, 17AX4GT ×2
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 430mm × 445mm × 239mm
• Net Weight: 20kg
• Power Consumption: Max 75W