Cayin Soul 170C Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

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

As a proud member of Cayin’s Soul Series, the Soul 170C continues the family’s distinctive design language. From its sharp silhouette to its meticulous craftsmanship, every detail reflects the aesthetic principles shared across the Soul lineup—delivering not only acoustic harmony, but visual unity with the Soul 170P Power Amplifier.

Tube Configuration

At the heart of the Soul 170C is a carefully matched vacuum tube configuration:

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

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

Voltage regulation is handled by 6CA7 tubes, delivering a clean and consistent voltage supply to each channel independently.

For line amplification, the Soul 170C employs high-gain, high-linearity ECC83 and 6SN7GTB vacuum tubes. This combination provides clean and 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. This plays an important role in determining how the preamplifier guides and controls the sonic character of the downstream power amplifier.

The NFB setting helps optimize signal-path linearity, reduce harmonic distortion, and define the sonic texture delivered to the next stage.

The Soul 170C offers two selectable NFB levels—High and Low—allowing users to fine-tune the system’s tonal balance based on the characteristics of their power amplifier and speakers.

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

Full-Function Remote Control

The Soul 170C includes an infrared remote control that provides convenient access to all major functions, including input selection, NFB selection, and volume adjustment.

This makes it easy to take full control of the system directly from the listening position.

Connectivity

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

Comprehensive connectivity allows the Soul 170C to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of high-end audio systems, supporting both single-ended and balanced configurations.

Premium Component Selection & Internal Build

The Soul 170C is hand-assembled using point-to-point wiring to minimize signal loss and crosstalk. Carefully selected components include:

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

Protection & Reliability

• Approximately 60-second soft-start circuit
• Easily installed protective tube cover

These features help protect sensitive components while supporting long-term reliability and tube life.

Premium Chassis & Design

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

Combining technical sophistication with refined craftsmanship, the Cayin Soul 170C is designed to serve as both the sonic control center and visual centerpiece of a high-end audio system.