• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Exchange a Yaqin tube amp for a Yamaha CA1000mk2

Z

zenilygy

New Member
Hi Guys,

I have a question:

I have a very nice sounding Yaqin MC-10L Tube amp with EH6CA7 tubes on it.

Someone wants to exchange it with me for a Yamaha CA-1000 mk2.

Is it a good upgrade? is it's sounds better?

I think the overall quality build en components are lot better on the Yamaha than the China Yaqin.
 
Register to hide this ad
OP, please bear in mind that a number of posters here will almost always recommend vintage over new. Is there any way you can listen to both and then decide?
 
Listen to both and let your ears decide. Personally, don't give a damn about resale value. I buy audio gear for the sound. As investments goes, audio gear is lousy for that purpose. I hardly ever sell but have got a few bargains from those chasing the dragon.
 
DChen said:
Listen to both and let your ears decide. Personally, don't give a damn about resale value. I buy audio gear for the sound. As investments goes, audio gear is lousy for that purpose. I hardly ever sell but have got a few bargains from those chasing the dragon.
Click to expand...

I agree completely--it only matters if it sounds good to YOU. Resale value--yeah, that doesn't matter much either--I've made money on stuff and lost my a** on some stuff, but this hobby is not the basis for my retirement package. I have "chased the dragon" for a few decades and know what it costs or profits.
 
That's a tough call. The Yamaha is cool, but the Yaqin is a very nice amp. I owned the MC-30 and never felt the sound or build quality was lacking. In fact, the Yaqin weighs significantly more than the Yamaha, and the power supply is much beefier as well. Has the Yamaha been serviced recently? You're always taking a chance with old gear. The caps are likely old and tired. If they haven't been replaced by now, it probably sounds and performs differently than it did when new.

Also, my MC-30 came with a remote. Not sure if yours does. That's a nice plus. I'd probably keep the Yaqin if it were me. But sometimes its fun to try different things. If you don't like the Yamaha, it will be easy enough to sell it and get something else.
 
That's a choice that you'll have to make. I haven't heard the Yaquin but if you like the sound I doubt the Yamaha is going to resemble it much. Also if the Yamaha hasn't been serviced you are probably looking at more money sooner or later.

I'd definitely recommend a long listening session before making any decisions. If it's a friend maybe trade for a week and see how you feel by the end.
 
Rex81 said:
That's a tough call. The Yamaha is cool, but the Yaqin is a very nice amp. I owned the MC-30 and never felt the sound or build quality was lacking. In fact, the Yaqin weighs significantly more than the Yamaha, and the power supply is much beefier as well. Has the Yamaha been serviced recently? You're always taking a chance with old gear. The caps are likely old and tired. If they haven't been replaced by now, it probably sounds and performs differently than it did when new.
Click to expand...
That's the thing. There are a lot of possible variables here, particularly wrt condition.

IF the Yamaha is comprehensively refurbished and the work is competent and documented, I'd be swayed that way.
 
JoeESP9 said:
OP, please bear in mind that a number of posters here will almost always recommend vintage over new. Is there any way you can listen to both and then decide?
Click to expand...

And a select few industry types always recommend new over vintage. Since I am not an industry advocate, I could go either way on this one.
 
OK--I'll throw this onto the pile.

The Yammie is still around and functioning. Where will be the Yaqin at that age?--in a landfill?--most likely. I am not a "pro" tech, but I do a lot of work on gear. I have not worked on that specific Yaqin amp, but IME with Chi-Fi, even the ones that advertise and do implement high quality components (ALPS pots, Nichicon, ELNA and WIMA caps, and film resistors), the components are being run right at (or even over) their rated values, with no physical room to upgrade values. I just don't see the longevity in all that.
 
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Is your system built around the amp? If your happy with your system don't trade because you may have to change things like inter connects or speaker cables or both to get the sound your seeking with the Yamaha. Tubes and solid state do not sound the same.
 
SoCal Sam said:
And a select few industry types always recommend new over vintage. Since I am not an industry advocate, I could go either way on this one.
Click to expand...

Nor am I an industry advocate. Check the gear listed in my signature. I merely pointed out how some here will always choose vintage over just about anything else. For the record, I did ask the OP if he could audition both devices.
 
I and apparently the OP are concerned about the sound and not the cost of periodic tube replacement. The difference in sound, if any, is why he started the thread.
 
savatage1973 said:
OK--I'll throw this onto the pile.

The Yammie is still around and functioning. Where will be the Yaqin at that age?--in a landfill?--most likely. I am not a "pro" tech, but I do a lot of work on gear. I have not worked on that specific Yaqin amp, but IME with Chi-Fi, even the ones that advertise and do implement high quality components (ALPS pots, Nichicon, ELNA and WIMA caps, and film resistors), the components are being run right at (or even over) their rated values, with no physical room to upgrade values. I just don't see the longevity in all that.
Click to expand...

Part of this concern might be that Chinese tube amps are typically rated for 110v and we're running 120+ in the USA, right? (My household current is typically 123-124v.) Unless you have a bucking transformer in the mix (I bought an APC Line-R power conditioner for next winter) your tubes may be running well over their specified voltages. NB: I don't know the specific Yaqin amp under discussion here, but what I've said is true of the Chinese tube amps I currently own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom