sixsigma Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I'm working on my new to me 2-channel system. I set out to build a good sounding 2-channel system without falling into the expensive black hole of high end audio equipment. I wanted to keep this all-in under $2500. I started with a really good set of 1977 La Scalas that I had Bob Crites rebuild the crossovers (great job and highly recommended). For the amp I chose the Yaqin MS-30L with EL34B tubes. The Yaqin has surprisingly good build quality and weighs over 50 pounds. The power transformers are Japanese with claimed 'audio grade' materials. I chose the MS-30L model because it has a few higher quality components, has a remote control, tube protection circuit, and offers user-selectable Ultralinear or Triode modes. Ultralinear mode provides 50 watts power and Triode mode offers 25 watts. The turntable is Audio-Technica LP120. I'm using the supplied cartridge and built-in SS phono stage (RIAA standard). Not an expensive turntable but very good quality and has a lot of high end features. I really like it for the money. The sound is overall amazing. It sounds very broad and wide, lots of dynamic range. I was worried that the bass may be weak with the La Scalas but that is not the case. It seems to have a very solid low end. Maybe not vibrate the walls deep but I don't hear that I'm missing much in most of the music I listen to (rock, primarily). I find myself wanting to keep turning it up, which is a sign that it sounds good. I thought I might like the Triode mode better as it drives the tubes a little harder, but I think I like Ultralinear mode a little better as it seems to have slightly more punch and depth. The difference is subtle though, and I think depends on the specific track. I like that I can switch between modes to experiment. The LS are very directional though and I am still trying different speaker angles and sitting positions for best sound. I'll update more later as I get some more experience with the Yaqin and system. I'll add a CD player later and I have a feed from streaming digital audio as well. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixsigma Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share Posted August 9, 2017 (edited) Here's a better pic of the amp. I set the bias on each of the EL34s to .45 volts, as indicated in the manual. Yaqin included a handy little Torx type driver for the bias adjustments. Edited August 9, 2017 by sixsigma 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Let me say this, I don't know if it sounds good but it sure looks good. Enjoy. Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Me Loves Khorns Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Nice looking rig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Chi-town Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Very Nice.....Two ears, two speakers is all thats needed INMHO.... Best regards, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rxonmymind Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 16 hours ago, sixsigma said: Here's a better pic of the amp. I set the bias on each of the EL34s to .45 volts, as indicated in the manual. Yaqin included a handy little Torx type driver for the bias adjustments. Dumb question. Being as I'm a newbie what exactly is bias adjustment? I've read some are automatic? Is this something you have to do with every tube amp? Does bias come "loose" after repeated on/off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixsigma Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 The bias on a tube regulates the idle current. The bias setting can vary by tube model and even within a batch of same model tubes. There are a few ways it can be done in circuit design, and most of that is over my head. On this Yagin, it uses an adjustable fixed bias, where each tube has +/- multimeter contacts and a bias pot to adjust. Only took a few seconds to complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvs1670 Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 Man that sure looks like a nice amp. What are the differences and how does it compare to the Yaqin MC-13s? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixsigma Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, jvs1670 said: Man that sure looks like a nice amp. What are the differences and how does it compare to the Yaqin MC-13s? Thanks! The MS-30L has a remote control (motorized volume control), automatic delayed start tube protection circuit, selectable Ultralinear and Tripole modes, EL-34B power tubes, and higher quality transformers. It is about $100 more than the 13s which I thought was worth it for the upgrades. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from a Chinese brand, but am actually really impressed. The remote control is a single machined block of aluminum. The amp itself is made from high quality materials and is very heavy (>50 lbs). It sounds incredible, lots of depth and punch, and it drives the LaScalas cleanly into painful territory. The amp gets very hot though. I could prob heat the room it is in! Here's a pic with the cage removed. Edited August 10, 2017 by sixsigma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvs1670 Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 Seems like all those upgrades are easily worth $100 extra, I'm guessing you bought it online...where did you get it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Morbius Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Your system looks great and that amp, just wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogk Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Been looking at Yaqin & Cayin tube amps. Looks sharp. Where did you order/buy yours from?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixsigma Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 I ordered the amp on Amazon, with Prime shipping. Since it weighs ~55lbs the free Prime shipping was a nice benefit. The turntable I got on sale at my local Best Buy who had it for less than anyone online. I got the LaScalas off Ebay from a semi-local seller, so I could pick them up myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogk Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I ordered the amp on Amazon, with Prime shipping. Since it weighs ~55lbs the free Prime shipping was a nice benefit. The turntable I got on sale at my local Best Buy who had it for less than anyone online. I got the LaScalas off Ebay from a semi-local seller, so I could pick them up myself. Thanks I'll have to check amazon. Seems both Cayin & Yaqin are pretty solid amps. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W27 Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Amp looks cool, but where are the speakers?! We've gotta see the whole setup. I'm on the app, so excuse me if they're just not showing up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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