The Chinese-based manufacturer Yaqin has an impressive reputation for making quality stereo tube amps, and the MC-84L is the perfect example. Touting high-end features, this amplifier produces crystal clear sounds so it will make an excellent addition to your sound system.
Premium Grade Construction at a Fair Price
It’s difficult to find supreme tube amps that cost less than $1000. But the Yaqin MC-84L proves that you can have the best of both worlds.
The amp, which is crafted using top-notch components, comes at a surprisingly low pricing. A majority of its elements that are of audiophile grade, are made by some of the best companies in the industry such as Solen, Siemens and Philips.
When it comes to size, the MC-84L weighs a hefty 22.6 pounds. Its dimensions are 12.6 inches long, 11 inches wide and 6 inches high. So while the tube amplifier is a little heavy, it occupies a very small area in case you’re limited on storage space.
A key highlight of the MC-84L amplifier is the push-pull circuitry. While similar guitar amps in its price range come equipped with the inferior single-end circuits, this one boasts a push-pull model.
In case you’re unfamiliar with these terms, a push-pull amplifier simply means that it has an output stage channeling the current in either direction through the load. A typical push-pull amplifier usually has two identical transistors. While one transistor sources current through the load, the other is used to sink current.
The prime advantage of push-pull circuit is that it has low distortion, high efficiency and high output power. A single ended amplifier, regardless of how well it’s designed, will have some sort of distortion.
Another feature that helps to minimize distortions from the MC-84L tube amp is the inclusion of Srpp preamp circuit. This particular circuit helps to enlarge the frequency response- an aspect that lowers distortions.
Impressive Sound
In terms of sound, the Yaqin MC-84L is a dream come true for many audiophiles. It produces such a crisp and clear sound thanks to the features that help to reduce distortion. Regardless of how much you push it, the tones remain clean and warm, enabling you to hear every detail. You’ll get all this for under $500.
It’s worth pointing out that another aspect that enables the production of excellent sound is the fact that the tube amp is equipped with superior magnet wire. This comprises oxygen-free enameled copper, which the manufacturer uses for the windings of the transformer cores.
There’s also a 0.35-mm Japanese audio-specific steel sheet. This is used in constructing the laminated stacks that surround the core windings. All these features work nicely together to improve the amplifier’s acoustic quality.
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Specifications
- Output power: 12 watts
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 11 x 6 inches
- Frequencies between 6 hz – 90 khz
- Signal to noise ratio: less than 80 decibels
- Item weight pounds and shipping weight pounds
- Comes with:
- 1 MC-84L tube amp
- 1 user manual
- 1 hexagon screwdriver
Pros
There are a couple of advantages you’ll get from investing in the Yaqin MC-84L Tube Amp. The greatest is that you’ll save a ton of money.
Tube amps have a bad rep for being overly pricey compared to their solid state counterparts. Their vintage look and features drive the price of most valve amps high. Interestingly, the MC-84L is super affordable, meaning even those on a limited budget can purchase it.
Another advantage of the 84L is the quality of its build. The manufacturer has used nothing but the best components available. For instance, the MKP capacitor, which is responsible for reducing AC to DC voltage, comes from Philips- one of the largest electronic brands worldwide.
Similarly, most of the other components are made by Yaqin. It’s safe to say that this audio company has become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the manufacture of tube amplifiers. As such, their audio parts are not only highly-efficient but also durable.
Of course, the star of any tube amp has to be the quality of its sound and the MC 84L doesn’t disappoint. After numerous hours of listening, we can conclude that the amplifier produces an impressive sound. The bass is rich and deep, and glows to your ear while the trebles are clear without being splashy.
Cons
Yaqin MC-84L can do with a couple of improvements, especially when it comes to warranty. Based on one buyer’s review, you won’t get a replacement if some of the parts fail. A component like the output transformer- which is sold at a premium price- is not covered. So if it malfunctions, you’ll have to replace it at your own expense.
Another area where Yaqin can improve is the user manual. If you’re not well-versed with audio equipment, you might have a difficult time understanding the instructions, and subsequently, assembling the unit.
What Customer Reviews Say
There are several things that customers like about the Yaqin MC-84L, the most important being its decent pricing. Some tube amps cost well over $1000 so the fact that this amplifier goes for less than $500 is a huge plus, and makes it one of the most popular high end tube amps in the market.
Another aspect that customers commend the manufacturer for is the quality shipping. Despite being a heavy piece of equipment, the tube amp arrives in a pristine condition. The manufacturer employs double-boxing technique for maximum protection.
They also liked the sound generated by this machinery. Customers particularly like the bass, which is prominent but still well-balanced.
Conclusion
Do you have a limited budget but want to invest in a quality tube amplifier, the Yaqin MC-84L is a worthy investment. It sports advanced features like the Srpp push-pull circuit that helps to widen the frequency response. It’s also equipped with a Philips AC capacitor that quietens background noise. And, the amplifier comes with a user manual to help you get started.
