Back in 2016, statistics from RIAA, the world’s most authoritative audio industry body, showed that sales of streamed digital audio had outpaced those of Compact CD Players, and growth has surged exponentially in recent years.

We once thought streaming was far removed from Hi‑Fi. In reality, driven by rapid advances in digital audio technology and internet speeds, plus new releases from established audio manufacturers and studio‑grade streaming services from various platforms, streaming has become an irresistible trend within the audiophile community.

Traditional Chinese audio manufacturers have kept pace with this shift. Some have launched dedicated digital players and streamers, while others build on their strengths by releasing premium DACs or integrating decoding functions into Compact CD Players, integrated amplifiers or preamplifiers to meet user demands. Shengya falls into the latter group. The brand introduced the fourth‑generation A‑203HD integrated amplifier with built‑in decoding back in 2019, which earned a warm market reception. In 2022, Shengya upgraded its tube preamplifier lineup and released the CV‑1HD, a tube stereo preamplifier equipped with digital decoding.

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Digital Section — Keeping Pace with Modern Trends

Let’s start with the digital audio section of the CV‑1HD. It features one input each for USB‑B, coaxial and optical. This is Shengya’s first tube stereo preamplifier with built‑in DAC functionality. Its decoding capability keeps up with modern standards and supports a wide variety of audio sources, catering to audiophiles with different preferences, especially digital streaming enthusiasts.

It adopts the popular XMOS USB receiver solution. The DAC chip is the flagship ESS9038Q2M, supporting PCM up to 32Bit / 384kHz and DSD512. Shengya selected components for this digital stage with meticulous attention to sonic synergy. Even the SMD capacitors on the PCB are premium audiophile‑grade parts, all chosen for superior sound reproduction.

Specifications of the CV‑1HD Tube Stereo Preamplifier with DAC

• Optical & coaxial digital inputs: up to 24Bit / 192kHz PCM, DSD64 (DOP)

• USB digital input: up to 32Bit / 384kHz PCM, DSD512

• USB compatible systems: macOS, Windows, digital audio players

• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.5dB)

• Rated output voltage: 2V (unbalanced)

• Maximum output voltage: 30V (unbalanced)

• Total harmonic distortion: <0.01% @ 1kHz, 2V

• Input sensitivity: 400mV (unbalanced)

• Signal‑to‑noise ratio: 115dB (balanced), 100dB (unbalanced)

• Input impedance: 47kΩ

• Dimensions: 446 × 142 × 415 mm

• Weight: 13kg

Dual‑mono architecture from the power supply onwards

The CV‑1HD adopts a fully balanced dual‑mono design. The two channels are completely isolated starting from the power supply, with a dedicated power transformer for each channel. Each transformer is housed in a custom shielding box to suppress hum. Combined with an FET‑servoed precision high‑voltage regulator, the design reduces crosstalk effectively for outstanding dynamic performance and refined tonality.

Balanced vacuum tube amplification topology

The amplification circuit is a mature fully balanced tube design developed by Shengya over years of research. An ECC83 (12AX7) vacuum tube handles the input voltage amplification. The second stage uses an SRPP topology with a 5814 tube instead of a conventional common‑cathode circuit. The signal then feeds into the output buffer stage built around an ECC82 (12AU7). This Class A tube buffer delivers up to 30V output without clipping and pairs effortlessly with a wide range of power amplifiers. All tubes are fitted into gold‑plated tube sockets. The result yields sweet, natural tonality and grand dynamic scale, showcasing the distinctive charm of tube amplifiers.

Premium audiophile‑grade components

A fine tube circuit alone requires high‑quality components to reach its full sonic potential. The CV‑1HD uses a large four‑gang high‑precision ALPS potentiometer from Japan for volume control, featuring minimal channel mismatch and long service life. It is populated with numerous audiophile‑grade parts: WIMA MKP non‑polarized film capacitors, Mcap oil‑impregnated foil coupling capacitors, high‑precision low‑noise resistors and more, elevating overall timbre performance to a high level.

▲ For digital audio, the CV‑1HD is equipped with one set each of USB‑B, coaxial and optical inputs. On the analogue side, it features two RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input. It also provides two RCA outputs and two XLR outputs.

No compromises on connection terminals:
Besides digital inputs, the CV‑1HD also offers two RCA and one XLR analogue input. It has two RCA outputs and two XLR outputs.
The RCA jacks are premium gold‑plated units, while XLR connectors are from Neutrik of Switzerland for superior signal transmission.
The AC inlet is a gold‑plated Furutech component, and the fuse holder uses parts from SCHURTER — all familiar reputable brands among audiophiles.

A substantial upgrade: Alongside the CV‑1HD delivered to our listening room was the Shengya PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary Fully Balanced Mono Power Amplifier. Weighing 36 kg per unit, it is truly a heavyweight piece of audio gear.

Many readers may wonder what distinguishes this anniversary edition from the standard PSM‑300T. The key difference is that the standard model runs in pure Class A up to 50 watts, while the 30th Anniversary version maintains Class A operation up to 100 watts. It also features upgraded tubes for the differential voltage stage and revised rear‑panel connectors. Drawing inspiration from the flagship PSM‑368 monoblock amplifier, Shengya carried over some of its technical refinements into the PSM‑300T Anniversary model. Let us go through its features one by one.

PSM-300T(30th) Specifications

• Output Power: 300W @ 8Ω / 600W @ 4Ω / 1100W @ 2Ω

• Class A Output Power: 100W @ 8Ω

• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.1dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤0.01% @ 1kHz, 1W

• Input Sensitivity: 1.1V (unbalanced)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 95dB (wideband)

• Input Impedance: 47kΩ

• Dimensions: 446 × 216 × 531 mm

• Weight: 36 kg

  
  

Pure Class‑A Output up to 100 Watts

The PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary monoblock amplifier also employs a fully balanced topology. The input stage uses Czech JJ ECC88 (6DJ8) vacuum tubes for differential voltage amplification, and its output stage consists of twenty‑four high‑power transistors.

The switch on the left of the front panel selects the operating mode. When engaged, the amplifier runs in pure Class A, delivering 100 watts into an 8‑ohm load. When the switch is off, the amplifier operates in Class AB; it still maintains Class A delivery below 100 watts and automatically switches to Class AB once the power exceeds 100 watts. Its rated output reaches 300 watts at 8Ω and 600 watts at 4Ω. For even lower impedance loads, it can deliver 1,100 watts into 2Ω. Few loudspeakers can challenge its driving capability.

Power Supply: The Foundation of Robust Sonic Energy A robust power supply is the cornerstone of any high‑end amplifier. For the PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary edition, Shengya adopted a premium 1500VA toroidal transformer. Filtering is implemented with audiophile capacitors connected in parallel, with a total capacitance of 120,000 microfarads. Besides this large total capacitance, parallel arrangement reduces inductance, achieving ultra‑low supply impedance to handle abrupt large transients, laying a solid foundation for the amplifier’s abundant power reserve.

▲ The PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary Edition is equipped with two sets of inputs: XLR and RCA. The XLR connectors are Neutrik from Switzerland, while the RCA jacks and speaker binding posts are gold‑plated terminals from WBT, Germany.

Designed to satisfy audiophiles’ pursuit of ultimate sound reproduction, the PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary Edition provides two input types: XLR and RCA, selectable via the front panel. This allows users to conveniently switch between two preamplifiers with different sonic signatures.

The XLR connectors are Neutrik from Switzerland. RCA jacks and speaker binding posts are premium gold‑plated WBT terminals from Germany. Internal signal wiring uses benchmark Kimber Audio cable from the USA to preserve clean signal transmission. 

The AC inlet is a gold‑plated Furutech from Japan, paired with a SCHURTER fuse from Switzerland. Every choice is aimed at delivering superior sonic performance.

This audition was conducted in our listening room. The Shengya CV‑1HD Fully Balanced Tube Stereo Preamplifier with DAC and the PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary Fully Balanced Monoblock Power Amplifier were used to drive a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Special bookshelf loudspeakers.

First, the CV‑1HD tube stereo preamplifier with DAC was connected via a coaxial cable to the Legendsound CD1Pro CD transport from Canada. I auditioned the album Blue City by The Three Blind Mice Jazz Trio.

The reproduction reveals rich multi-layered harmonics of the double bass. The tonal portrait of the three instruments is open and vivid, with precise positioning and excellent separation, as if the band is performing right inside the listening room. The presentation sounds expansive, with no sense of compression or restraint. Subtle hall reverberation is faithfully rendered, and even minor background noises captured in the original recording are reproduced intact. It demonstrates the impressive resolution of the Shengya CV‑1HD. Fine details are fully preserved without dynamic compression. The friction between the musician’s fingers and the double bass strings comes through distinctly. Even these faint signals are brought out clearly, alongside the inherent tape noise of this 1970s analogue recording.

Next came Round Up (Marlboro). Driven by the PSM‑300T 30th Anniversary monoblock amplifier, the Dynaudio Heritage Special delivered a wide soundstage that effortlessly fills the room, with forceful impact during large dynamic peaks. At high volume, it creates a grand sonic image, rather than a confined, shallow presentation trapped between the two loudspeakers.

The PSM‑300T Anniversary edition outperforms its predecessor, the PSM‑300 Class A power amplifier, in dynamic delivery, thanks largely to its higher Class A power reserve.