After an extended search for an integrated amp, I figured I should post this.

Over the past year and a half, I listened all the top lines available in the immediate area, and came down to a few finalists - the Ayre AX-7e, Simaudio I-5.3, Marantz PM-11S1, and the McIntosh MA2275. All were superb, and had their own signature sounds. The Marantz in particular has been overlooked by the audio press, which is puzzling - a fascinating product, relaxed, highly detailed and musical.

I eventually arrived at the Analog Room in San Jose, an audiophile-friendly establishment with a hand-picked inventory of the very best products. I listened to a variety of impressive high end systems, then wandered over to the Cayin. I was curious, but not particularly hopeful - I had heard other Chinese products which hadn't been all that remarkable.

Holy crap. Was I wrong. This amp blew the doors off everything I had heard up to that point. The sound was deep and warm, yet highly detailed with a perfect tonal balance across the spectrum. It handled everything - electronica, rock, jazz, acoustic, soul, vocals, classical. The low watt rating was deceptive, as it effortlessly drove a pair of demanding speakers. I returned with my money in hand the very next day.

If you are in the market for a new integrated amp, check this out. You'll be amazed.