Cayin CS-88A User manual

User's Manual
Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier
CS- A88
POWER
ON OFF
VOLUME
MIN MA X
SELECTOR
TR UL
PHONO PRE- IN
LINE1LINE2
A1A2A3A4
BIAS SELECTOR

Table of Contents
Thanks for choosing CAYIN CS-88A Vacuum Tube Amplifier and please read the user's manual
carefully before installation and operation.
In order to prevent damage during transportation, the amplifier is packed with protective foams surrounding
the tubes. Before installation and operation, please remove these foams to avoid any risks.
Integrated
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………… 1
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
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……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
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………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Small Tips …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………15
………………………
Package Contents
Product Features
Safety Precautions
Specifications
Warranty Service
Precautions
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Top Panel
Remote Control
Installation
Tube Replacement
Audio Connection
Speaker Connection
Turning on
Troubleshooting
1

Please carefully check the package first and then open it.
Package contents include:
1. CAYIN CS-88A 1 piece；
2. Main Fuse 2 pieces；
3. Power cord 1 piece；
4. Remote Control 1 piece；
5. (AAA) Battery of 1.5V 2 pieces；
6. User's Manual 1 piece；
Please make sure local voltage level is matched with the input level of the amplifier,which indicates on the rear
panel. Too low or too high voltage may cause problem. Please contact our company or our local agent if you've
found improper voltage.
Recommendation:
Keep all packing materials for future use .
CAYIN CS-88A Vacuum Tube Amplifier is designed and manufactured with our original parts and
reaching the best results. We are not responsible for problems and damages caused by non-original parts
replacement in the amplifier.
Integrated
NOTE:
2
Package Contents
All other parts except above are not included.
NOTE:

1. Unplug the power cord if you are not going to use the product for an extended period of time.
2. The machine will become hot after working for a long time. Please keep the unit's ventilation open and install
the amplifier at a well-ventilated place to avoid troubles and fire hazard.
3. Forbidden to operate when the output is open or shorted.
4. Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Opening the cover may expose you to dangerous voltage or
other hazards.
5. We are not responsible for any problems caused by checking and opening without permission of our
company. For service, Please contact a qualified service technician.
6. Do not place any objects filled with liquids such as vases or some others on the top or around.
7. Clean only with dry cloth.
8. Please move the amplifier carefully not to drop the unit or be subject to other strong shocks.
3
◆ Hand-made construction with the finest point-to-point wiring.
◆ Two EI output transformers with wide bandwidth are applied.
◆ Specially designed toroid transformer for power supply.
◆ Two 6SL7 and two 6SN7 tubes are used in the preamp stage.
◆ Four KT88 tubes are used for AB1 push-pull amplification.
◆ Triode and Ultralinear selection.
◆ External user Bias Adjustment is accessible with the BIAS meter for monitoring on the top of the amplier.
◆ External Tube Selection Switch between EL34 and KT88 on the rear panel for easy tube replacement.
◆ Equipped with remote control.
◆ Can be used as a Power amplifier.
◆ Soft start function (about 30 seconds).
◆ CS-88A can memorize last operation of the unit once turned off.
◆ High-quality Japanese ALPS motor potentiometer.
◆ Thickly silver-plated signal cable has been used.
◆ Equipped with easily-installed tube cover for protection.
Product Features
Safety precautions

4
27W+27W (RMS Triode mode)
48W+48W (RMS Ultralinear mode)
10Hz~42kHz (-3dB)
1% (1kHz)
93dB
300mV (Integrated)
1000mV (Pre-IN)
100kΩ
4Ω，8Ω
2、6SN7 2、KT88 4
Temperature °C °C Moisture
Temperature °C °C Moisture
280W
420×382×195mm³
28kg
0 40 20% 80%
-20 70 20% 90%
Input Sensitivity：3mV
Input impedance：47kΩ
RIAA Errors：Lower than ±0.25dB
Total Gain：40dB
S/N ratio：68dB
6SL7× × ×
~ ~
~ ~
Specifications
◆ To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover.
◆ No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
◆ To reduce the risk of fire or electronic shock, do not expose
the unit to rain or moisture.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product's enclosure that may be of a risk shock to persons.
The exclamation point is intended to alert user to the presence of important operation and maintenance
(servicing) instructions accompanying the appliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
CAUTION
DO NOT OPEN
Power Output
Frequency Response
THD
S/N Ratio
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
Output Impedance
Tube
W D H
Net Weight
Working Condition
Storage Condition
PHONO
Max Power Consumption
× ×

Warranty Service
1.This product is warranted for a period of twelve months beginning from the date of purchase.
2.The defective product must be returned to your dealer or our company for repairing when your dealer or our
company accepts your requirement.
3.The warranty doesn't extend to any product that has been opened by you without permission of our company.
NOTE:
◆
◆
Use the soft dry cloth to clean up the chassis regularly.
Do not use any chemicals for cleaning.
Maintenance
5
The information in this manual is subject to change
without further notice.
NOTE:
POWER
ON OFF
VOLUME
MIN MA X
SELECTOR
TR UL
PHONO PRE- IN
LINE1LINE2
A1A2A3A4
BIAS SELECTOR

Precautions
YALIDA YN-401
◆ Connect the power only after finishing other connections.
◆
◆
◆
It is normal that power transformer becomes hot for extended period of operation.
Unplug the power cord if you're not going to use the product for an extended period of time.
Please make sure corresponding voltage is the same as required. We are not responsible for damage caused
by misuse of unsuitable voltage.
6
Connection of power cord:
Connect the speaker cables and signal cable first and then insert the power cord into the power socket.
Connected to AC Input
NOTE:
Connected to the power socket
CS-88A
ZHUHAI SPARK EL ECTRONIC EQUIPMENT C O., LTD. T3.15AL250V
TUBE SEL.
EL34
KT88
PRE IN
PHONO LINE1LINE2

7
Front Panel
1. Power Switch
Used to switch on/off the amplifier.
2. Power indicator
When starting up, the indicator light.
3.Bias Selector Switch(A1、A2、A3、A4)
Used to select corresponding tube for bias
adjustment.
4. Working State Indicator/Mute Indicator
Used to indicate the working state. The indicator will
be on when it is working normally. The indicator will
flicker for 30 seconds when it delays to work. The
indicator will keep flickering when it is at mute state.
5.Volume Knob
Used to control volume
6. Input Selection Indicator
You can hear sound from PHONO when PHONO
indicator is on.
You can hear sound from LINE1 when LINE1
indicator is on.
You can hear sound from LINE2 when LINE2
indicator is on.
You can hear sound from PRE-IN when PRE-IN
indicator is on.
7. Triode/ Ultralinear Indicator
When the TR Indicator is on: Triode working state
When the UL Indicator is on: Ultralinear working state
8.IR Remote Sensor
Used to receive the code of remote control.
9.
Cayin CS-88A has memories and it will default last
operation state when turning on.
Input Selector Knob
Used to select four kinds of audio sources.The input
selection indicator will be on according to the input
audio sources.This function can be operated on the
remote control.
Cayin CS-88A can be used as a power amplifier and
you can control volume by connected Pre-amplifier.
CS-88A has memories and it will default last selection
when turning on.
5
12346789
POWER
ON OFF
VOLUME
MIN MA X
SELECTOR
TR UL
PHONO PRE- IN
LINE1LINE2
A1A2A3A4
BIAS SELECTOR

8
Rear Panel
1. Signal Input Terminal
Used for audio source input.
2.Tubes Selection Switch
Used to select tube EL34 or KT88.
3. Right Channel Output
Used to connect with the right channel of speaker.
4. Left Channel Output
Used to connect with the left channel of speaker.
5. Power Socket with Main Fuse
Main fuse is located just below the power socket.
Replace the fuse with the same type as indicated.
Power tube replacing:
1. Refer to the "Tube Replacement" on page 11, find
out what types of tubes you can use for replacement.
2. Tube Sel. on the rear panel must be turned to
position KT88,if you are going to use KT88 series
of tubes for replacement.
3. Tube Sel. on the rear panel must be turned to
position EL34,if you are going to use EL34 series of
tubes for replacement.Bias adjustment methods
please refer to page 9.
CS-88A
ZHUHAI SPARK EL ECTRONIC EQUIPMENT C O., LTD. T3.15AL250V
TUBE SEL.
EL34
KT88
PRE IN
PHONO LINE1LINE2
5
1234
2

Top Panel
9
45
12
3
A
Diagram 5
Bias meter during working
Note: When working normally,
the pointer should stay within
the A zone, still , it would move
for the voltage fluctuation.
Diagram 4
Bias meter when not working
NOTE
◆ Be careful of the high temperature of the tubes during operation.
◆ Please replace the power tubes after switch off in 20 minutes, and follow the suggetion to unplug the
inset the tubes.
◆ Power tubes must be matched for well function.
◆ Forbidden to make the pointer of the bias meter out of the A zone when adjusting the power tube.
◆ Make sure the supply voltage is 230V before bias adjustment.
◆ Even under normal working state, the point of the bias meter could move for the voltage fluctuation.
Bias adjustment for the power tube:
Turn the Bias Selector Switch to its opposite direction
without releasing it, adjust the corresponding Bias
Adjustment Swith with flat screwdriver, and inspect the
Bias Meter on the top panel to make sure the pointer
keeps in the certer. Bias adjustment for A1.A2,A3 and A4
are the same.After all have been djusted, do it one more
time to make sure all the bias level of A1,A2,A3 and A4
are the same.
Sample of bias adjustment for power tube A1:
1. Turn the Bias Selector Switch A1 to its opposite
direction without releasing it.
2. Adjust the corresponding Bias Adjustment Switch A1
with flat screwdriver until the pointer of the bias meter
keeps in the center. The same for A2, A3 and A4.
1. V2、V4:6SN7
2. A1、A2、A3、A4:KT88/EL34
Turn the Tube SEL. to position KT88 on the
rear panel, if you are going to use KT88 Tube.
Turn the Tube SEL. to position EL34 on the
rear panel, if you are going to use EL34 tube.
3. V1、V3:6SL7
4. Bias Adjustment (A1、A2、A3、A4)
Used to adjust bias of corresponding power
tube(A1、A2、A3、A4)
5. Bias Meter
Used to monitor the working current of the
power tube.

◆ Don't drop the remote control. Keep the remote control dry.
◆
◆
◆
◆
Replace the batteries timely.
Don't mix new and old batteries together and use
the batteries with the same specification.
Take out the batteries if you don't use the remote control
for an extended period of time.
Batteries with high quality are recommended.
10
Remote Control
Installation
1. Place the remote control right-side up. Screw the rear
cover open with the attached hexagon screwdriver.
2. Pull out the (AAA)battery case carefully (do not break
the wires connected).
3. Put in the batteries with correct polarity.
4. Push in the battery case and screw the rear cover close.
Effective Distance：about 6m
1. Triode/Ultralinear Selector
2. Audio Source Input Selector
3. Mute Button
4. Volume Control Selector
NOTE:
POWER
ON OFF
VOLUM E
MI N MA X
SELECTOR
TR UL
PHO NO PRE- IN
LIN E1LIN E2
A1A2A3A4
BIAS SELECTOR

Carefully read and follow the manual for installation:
◆ Do not place the machine near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers or other products that produce
heat.
◆ In order to avoid being overheated please keep the unit's ventilation open.
◆ Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
◆ Keep the amplifier in a certain distance so that it can be easily connected.
◆ Amplifier should install steadily and make sure all four feet are on the same level.
◆ Keep the amplifier over 15cm's distance to the surrounding walls.
Installation
Please make sure local voltage level is matched with
the input level of the amplifier, which indicates on the
rear panel. Too low or too high voltage may cause
problems or shorten the amplifier's life.
Tube Replacement
11
NOTE:
Tubes for the Machine Tubes Replacement
6SL7
6SN7
KT88
EL34
6SL7GT、6H9C、ECC35、6N9P、5691
6SN7GT、6H8C、ECC32、6N8P、5692
KT90、K T8 8、6 55 0、6550A、6550EH
EL34EH、6CA7

12
Audio Connection
Connection method of CAYIN CS-88A with other audio equipments Take pictures below for your reference.
•
•
•
•
•
Pleace refer to the manuals of other connected
equipments during the installation.
Do not insert the power cord into the main socket
before all other equipments are well connected.
R refers to right channel while L represents left
channel.
Please take the right guidance for connection as
wrong connection may cause noise, low-grade
function or damage.
Do not fasten signal cable together with power
cable and speaker cables. It will worsen the
acoustic fidelity.
Wrong connection
Right connection
NOTE:
CS-88A
ZHUHAI SPARK EL ECTRONIC EQUIPMENT C O., LTD. T3.15AL250V
TUBE SEL.
EL34
KT88
PRE IN
PHONO LINE1LINE2

Speaker Connection
13
Attach the positive from your speaker to the 4 or 8
ohm terminal and the negative to the 0 ohm
terminals separately. If your speakers are 6 ohm, 4
ohm or 8 ohm (recommended) terminal is
preferential and it would not cause damage to the
amplifier.Connecting the left and right speakers
according to the guidance can make sure of the
acoustic fidelity.
Connect the speaker cables with the amplifier after it is
well connected with the speakers.
Connect both of the speakers to make sure of the
acoustic fidelity.
Please notice the signal direction indication of the
cables.
Do not mix up the positive and negative ends of speaker
cables or it will cause short circuit.
•
•
•
•
1. Unscrew the terminal knob
2. Insert the speaker cable
3. Screw the terminal knob
Check the impedance of your speakers:
NOTE:
Connection of speaker cables:
BLACK
RED
BLACK
RED
speaker（Left）speaker（Right）
Banana plug Normal plug
CS-88A
ZH UH AI S PARK E LE CTRONIC EQUIPMENT CO., LTD. T3.15AL250V
TUBE SEL.
EL34
KT88
PRE IN
PHONO LINE1LINE2

14
•
•
•
Turn on the amplifier, the power indicator will be on and
the working indicator will keep flickering.
The working indicator will be on after 30 seconds. It
means that the amplifier is working normally. If the
working indicator is off, please turn off the power and
contact with our local agent or our company.
Select the right audio source channel, adjust the volume
to a certain position and then you can enjoy themusic
you prefer.
Turning On
Before turning on the amplifier please make sure all connections are right and power supply is stable.
1. When the audio system is under working state, don't
unplug the signal cable or speaker cables, or it will
cause damage to the amplifier and other equipments.
2. It should at least takes 2 minutes before you turn on the
power again, or it will cause damage to the vacuum
tubes.
NOTE:
Read the Manual—— Please read the user's manual carefully before installation and operation.
Keep the Manual——Please keep the manual for future reference.
Warning Signs——Don't tear off or rub off the serial number.
Operation——Do the operations as you are instructed in the Manual.
Parts—— If you are going to use parts not supplied by our company like power cord, fuses etc please
make sure that parts you used are compatible with the safety requirements. Or it will cause fire or electric
shock.
Placement——Put the amplifier on a level place. Make sure that it doesn't bring damage to the children,
adults and the amplifier itself.
Power——Please make sure the local voltage is the same level as indicated on the rear panel.
Overload——If the power socket is overloaded with other equipment, it will cause fire or electric shock.
Warranty Service——Do not open the product and change the components inside yourself. Opening
the cover may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. The warranty doesn't extend to any
product that has been opened by you without permission of our company.
Troubleshooting——If any problems when you are using the product, please check according to
following tips to look for the exact reason. Please contact with our company if you can't solve the
problem.
Sm all Ti ps

15
Please follow the instruction in the manual in order to keep the amplifier work in its best state. If wrongly
operated and you thought that would be troubles please check according to following tip to look for the exact
reason.
NOTE: is the registered trademark of Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd.
Problem Cause Remedy
NO OUTPUT
Power is OFF.Indicator
Power is ON.Indicator
Sound Distortion
Noise output
Sound field Positioning
is not so good.
Power cord is not well-connected.
Main fuse is out.
Troubles of inner parts or components.
Volume is at ZERO.
NO signal input.
High input signal level.
Ground of input signal cable is open
or bad contact of the input signal
cable.
Components or circuits are in trouble.
Signal input cables or speaker
cables are wrongly connected.
Check power cable connection
or power outlet connection
Replace with the same type
and value fuse.
Please contact with local
agents or our company.
Turn up the Volume.
Check the function of the
sound source.
Check the input selection and
switch to the proper input.
Turn down the volume to
suitable position.
Replace the input signal
cable with a new one.
Please contact with local
agents or our company.
Reconnect it as suggested in
the manual.
Malfunction of Remote
Control.
Be disturbed.
Low Battery.
Obstacles between the amplifier and
remote.
Keep away from the source of
disturbance. Turn off and restore.
Replace with new batteries.
Remove the obstacles.
Troubleshooting