Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Cayin HA-1A MK3

Tube Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier

Where Music Finds Its Soul

Carefully Selected and Matched Premium Tubes

Four carefully selected vacuum tubes work together across the voltage amplification, driver, and power output stages, forming the foundation for the HA-1A MK3's warm, natural, and engaging sound.

• Two 12AU7/ECC82 Voltage Amplification and Driver Tubes:

  The HA-1A MK3 uses two 12AU7/ECC82 tubes for both voltage amplification and driver stages. Carefully selected and matched, they ensure consistent performance, stable operation, and balanced sonic characteristics.

• Two EL84EH/6BQ5 Power Tubes - Single-Ended Class A Operation:

  A matched pair of EL84EH/6BQ5 power tubes operates in a single-ended Class A configuration. They deliver a silky, natural, highly musical tube sound with the sonic warmth and harmonic richness characteristic of this circuit topology.

Pure Tube Architecture · Single-Ended Class A

The HA-1A MK3 consistently relies on a pure tube amplifier architecture with a single-ended Class A output stage. Cayin's engineers precisely optimized the operating points and load impedance of the power tubes to fully unleash the characteristic overtone spectrum and musicality of Class A tube amplification.

The sonic result is compelling, with full-bodied, rich mids, smooth, highly resolved highs, natural harmonic texture, and a wide, airy soundstage. Via the balanced 4-pin XLR output, the HA-1A MK3 delivers up to 2700 mW + 2700 mW - more than enough power reserves to drive even the most demanding over-ear headphones with confidence.

Custom Power and Output Transformers

Transformers are the heart of every tube amplifier. The HA-1A MK3 uses one power transformer and two output transformers, all designed and manufactured specifically for this model.

• Dual Output Transformers:

  Each channel is equipped with its own output transformer. Both feature a high-quality, wide-bandwidth EI-core design with precise hand winding and shielded housing. They are optimally matched to the impedance between the tube output stage and the headphones, offer an extremely wide frequency response and minimal transmission losses, and thus preserve signal integrity across the entire audible spectrum.

• Powerful mains transformer:

  The mains transformer is also based on a high-quality EI core and provides ample energy reserves along with absolutely stable, clean power delivery. Its fully enclosed metal housing with special damping effectively shields against magnetic interference, minimizes extraneous noise, and creates the foundation for distortion-free signal amplification.

Independent multi-stage power supply

A cleaner foundation for the audio signal

The HA-1A MK3 uses an independent, multi-stage power supply architecture with separate power supplies for the voltage amplification and output stages. Decoupling the circuits effectively prevents mutual interference and crosstalk. The result is a pitch-black, noise-free background, enhanced microdynamics, and exceptionally clear detail retrieval - even at very low volume levels.

Dual headphone outputs with impedance matching (High/Low)

For maximum flexibility when connecting various types of headphones, the front panel features two Neutrik-quality sockets: an unbalanced 6.35-mm jack output and a balanced 4-pin XLR output.

The integrated impedance selector (L: 8–150 Ω / H: 151–600 Ω) allows the amplifier to be perfectly matched to the respective sensitivity and load of the headphones. Combined with its powerful reserves, the HA-1A MK3 brings out the full sonic potential of every headphone - from easy-to-drive models to high-impedance studio classics.

Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier in One

The HA-1A MK3 is far more than a pure headphone amplifier: It also serves as a fully fledged, audiophile tube preamplifier. A toggle switch on the front makes it easy to switch between headphone operation and the preamp output.

• Two RCA high-level inputs (RCA 1 / RCA 2): Allow quick switching between various signal sources such as DACs, CD players, or streamers.

• Dedicated pre-out (RCA): Enables direct connection to separate power amplifiers or active speakers, bringing typical tube warmth and musicality to your home HiFi system.

Careful craftsmanship & thoughtful details

• ALPS RK27 Precision Potentiometer:

  A proven high-end volume potentiometer from ALPS’s RK27 series provides silky-smooth control and excellent channel tracking without level jumps or channel imbalances.

• Vibration-damping tube socket:

  A mechanically decoupled tube socket absorbs vibrations and footfall noise, protects against microphonic effects and guarantees trouble-free tube operation.

• Optimized internal layout with shielding:

  The internal assemblies are clearly organized by function. Highly sensitive small-signal paths and current-carrying lines run strictly separately, reducing interference and crosstalk to an absolute minimum.

• Point-to-point free wiring:

  Classic point-to-point hand wiring by experienced technicians at all circuit points relevant to the sound guarantees minimal contact resistance, clean signal flow and decades of durability.

• 50-second soft-start power-on delay:

  An integrated soft start gently preheats the tubes for around 50 seconds before enabling the output signal. This protects connected headphones from on/off pops and maximizes tube service life.

• Removable tube protection:

  The included tube cage can be attached or removed in no time. It protects people and equipment from contact and impacts without obstructing the thermal dissipation of heat.

Technical data

Headphone output

• Rated output power:

  • Unbalanced (6.35 mm STD): 2400 mW + 2400 mW

  • Balanced (4-pin XLR): 2700 mW + 2700 mW

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (-3 dB)

• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): 0.3 % (1 kHz, 200 mW; output power below 5 %)

• Input sensitivity: 1200 mV – 2000 mV

• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): 110 dB (A-weighted)

• Headphone impedance:

  • Low (L): 8 Ω – 150 Ω

  • High (H): 151 Ω – 600 Ω

• Connections: 1× 6.35 mm jack (unbalanced), 1× 4-pin XLR (balanced)

Preamp output (PRE-OUT)

• Maximum output level: 5 V

• Gain: 9 dB

• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): 0.1 % (2 V RMS)

• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): 105 dB (A-weighted)

• Input sensitivity: 750 mV

• Output impedance: 1.5 kΩ

• Input impedance: 23 kΩ

• Inputs/outputs: 2× stereo RCA input, 1× stereo RCA output

General data

• Tube complement: 2× JJ 12AU7/ECC82, 2× Electro-Harmonix EL84EH/6BQ5

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 240 mm × 240 mm × 140 mm

• Weight: 8.8 kg

• Power consumption: max. 62 W

• Mains fuse: ~ 220 V–240 V: T500mAL250V ; ~ 100 V–120 V: T1AL250V

• Ambient conditions (operation): Temperature: 0 °C – 40 °C | Humidity: 20 % – 80 %

• Ambient conditions (storage): Temperature: -20 °C – 70 °C | Humidity: 20 % – 90 %