Cayin HA-2A
Cayin HA-2A
The new HA-2A from Cayin sets new standards in audio performance as a balanced tube headphone amplifier with selected NOS tubes.
Cayin HA-2A
Single-ended Class-A tube headphone amplifier with selected NOS tubes
This masterpiece combines the unique warmth and smoothness of vintage NOS vacuum tubes with state-of-the-art engineering to deliver breathtaking detail, a wide soundstage, and outstanding musicality. Equipped with a selected pair of Amperex 17BF11 NOS dual pentodes and a matched pair of Amperex ECF82/6U8 NOS tubes for power and voltage amplification—plus an RCA 17AX4GT NOS rectifier—the amplifier promises a truly exceptional listening experience.
Thanks to Cayin’s innovative single-ended Class-A circuit, the characteristics of the chosen tubes are fully exploited. Multi-stage filtering, low-noise FET voltage regulation, and a custom EI output transformer with a Z11 core ensure ideal control over headphone loads—creating a balanced, warm presentation with rich harmonic character.
The HA-2A offers three settings (High / Mid / Low) to optimally match the headphone outputs to the impedance of connected headphones, reaching up to 1000 mW per channel. Transformers play a crucial role: high-quality, wide-bandwidth EI transformers were developed specifically for the HA-2A, providing ample power with high efficiency and extremely low distortion.
Versatile connectivity—three headphone outputs (two balanced and one single-ended) and two analog inputs (XLR and RCA)—offers flexibility for a wide range of audio sources. Like all Cayin tube amplifiers, the HA-2A is handcrafted with point-to-point wiring, ensuring the shortest signal path and improved fine-detail retrieval.
The HA-2A integrates seamlessly with Cayin’s i-8 components, enabling a visually cohesive compact desktop system with the iDAP-8 digital streamer and iDAC-8 DAC. Despite its compact dimensions and a weight of only 10 kg, the HA-2A delivers outstanding audio performance and harmonious aesthetics. Thanks to extensive metal finishing and resin sealing, it remains in excellent condition even after intensive use.
A power-on delay circuit minimizes turn-on pops and ensures the tubes are properly warmed up before playback begins.
Technical Specifications
| Inputs | XLR ×2, RCA ×2 |
| Output tubes | Amperex 17BF11 ×2 |
| Driver tubes | Amperex ECF82/6U8 ×2 |
| Rectifier | RCA 17AX4GT |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 270 mm × 215 mm × 143 mm |
| Weight | 10 kg |
| Power fuse | ~220V–240V: T500mAL250V ~100V–120V: T1AL250V |
| Output tube fuse | T125mAE250V |
| Power consumption | 60 W |
| Environmental conditions | Temp: 0°C~40°C; Humidity: 20% – 80% |
| Output power per channel | 4-pin XLR (BAL): 800 mW (L); 900 mW (M); 1000 mW (H) 4.4 mm (BAL): 200 mW (L); 300 mW (M); 270 mW (H) 6.35 mm (SE): 330 mW (L); 550 mW (M); 750 mW (H) |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz~50 kHz ± 3 dB |
| Distortion (THD) | 0.2% (1 kHz, 100 mW) |
| Input sensitivity | 450 mV~600 mW |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 100 dB (A-weighted) |
| Selectable headphone impedance | L: 8~64Ω; M: 65~250Ω; H: 251~600Ω |
| Headphone outputs | 4-pin XLR ×1, 4.4 mm ×1, 6.35 mm ×1 |
