The Pearl 30i 30th Anniversary Tube Amplifier is an integrated amplifier housed in two separate units: an Amplifier Unit and a Power Supply Unit. The Power Supply Unit features four power transformers—two dedicated to the left channel and two for the right channel—ensuring each channel has its own high and low voltage power supplies.
Each channel’s power supply consists of 800 watts for high voltage and 200 watts for low voltage, delivering a total of 2000 watts to ensure optimal dynamic and transient response during playback.
The Pearl 30i employs separate power supplies for different amplifier stages, providing stable and linear analog power. Both units are built with rigid chassis structures and feature advanced vibration damping to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and minimize magnetic interference. These units can be placed side by side or stacked vertically.
Custom power cables connect the Amplifier Unit and the Power Supply Unit, with the left and right channels using four cables made from 6N copper, silver-plated wire.
Designed around the Tungsol KT170 power tubes, the Pearl 30i delivers 230 watts per channel in Ultralinear mode and 145 watts per channel in Triode mode. The Class AB push-pull design utilizes four powerful KT170 tubes per channel for optimal performance.
The amplifier integrates the CV4004/12AX7 for voltage amplification, 6SN7 for the driver stage, and KT170 output tubes.
The Pearl 30i offers two operational modes—Triode and Ultralinear—each providing a unique sound signature. Triode mode offers a tender, smooth, and harmonious sound, perfect for vocals and instrumental music. Ultralinear mode provides power, energy, and extended frequency response, ideal for dynamic, punchy music.
The Pearl 30i also allows users to choose between two timbres: Dynamic and Soft, achieved by adjusting the operating current of the KT170 power tubes.
The output transformers are crucial components in any tube amplifier, influencing bass and treble performance. The Pearl 30i’s custom-designed output transformers are made in-house from Z11 audio-grade silicon steel, minimizing signal loss.
On the rear panel, the amplifier features four line inputs, one balanced input, RCA Pre-In, and XLR Pre-In options, providing versatile connectivity with various audio systems. The Pre-In input also allows the Pearl 30i to function as a power amplifier when connected to an external preamplifier.
A Sub Output is available for users wishing to add a subwoofer for enhanced bass, and the amplifier includes speaker terminals for 4 and 8 ohm speakers.
The Pearl 30i utilizes an Auto-Bias Design for the KT170 power tubes. This system automatically adjusts the bias when tubes are changed, ensuring precise matching, increased reliability, and extended tube life.
The amplifier’s front is crafted from anodized aluminum, with a fully vented chassis and wood decoration, making it a visually striking piece of equipment.
Like other Cayin products, the Pearl 30i features Point to Point wiring, with all circuits, including the signal path, meticulously hand-wired using heavy-gauge cable.
The amplifier also incorporates several protective features, including a 60-second time delay during startup, a soft start circuit, and a Bias Monitoring Indicator (BMI) that monitors the tube's operating state. If the bias is abnormal, the BMI triggers a protective shutdown.
A JRC MUSES 72320V electronic volume controller ensures low noise, low distortion, and 106-step linear volume control.
Premium components such as Alps potentiometers, JRC MUSES72320V digital volume controllers, AudioCapX PPFXS coupling capacitors, Nichicon audio-grade filter capacitors, porcelain tube sockets, and carbon film resistors contribute to the Pearl 30i’s high-quality performance.
Silver-plated signal wires guarantee stable signal transfer, reducing attenuation and interference.
The Pearl 30i comes with a remote control and features memory that recalls the last setting upon power-up. The available front finish is black.
Specifications
Output Level
- Single-ended: 2.3Vrms (Standard Level), 4.6Vrms (High Level)
- Balanced: 4.6Vrms (Standard Level), 9.2Vrms (High Level)
Frequency Response
- Single-ended: 20-20kHz (±0.1dB, Fs=192kHz)
- Balanced: 20-50kHz (±0.2dB, Fs=192kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- Single-ended: 0.0007%
- Balanced: 0.0005%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) (A-weighted)
- Single-ended: 126dB
- Balanced: 127dB
Dynamic Range
- Single-ended: 125dB
- Balanced: 126dB
ACR (A-weighted)
- Single-ended: 110dB
- Balanced: 110dB
USB Input
SPDIF Input
Clock Input
- BNC Terminal
- Impedance: 50Ω
- Frequency: 10MHz (Selectable via remote controller)
- The device uses an ultra-low phase noise reference clock and can function independently without relying on an external clock. However, for optimal performance, using a higher-performance external reference clock is recommended. It's advised to use the same reference clock across the entire digital audio system.
Clock Output
- BNC Terminal
- Impedance: 50Ω
- Frequency: 10MHz or other frequencies (Selectable via remote controller)
Using the remote controller's CLOCK key, you can select between external input clock (10MHz), thermostatic crystal clock (10MHz), or other frequency clocks to output to other devices. It's recommended to use the same reference clock across the entire digital audio system for optimal performance.
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