Cayin HA-3A
The Cayin HA-3A is a feast for the eyes and ears: visually, the headphone amplifier scores points with its glowing tubes, shiny housing and attractive aluminum front, while the analog flair is underlined by the pointer-armored VU meters. Acoustically, excellent transformers and transformers as well as the puristic two-stage amplifier circuit in Class A operation and single-ended design ensure extremely clear, clean, dynamic and powerful amplification with ample reserves.
Why we recommend it
Tube sound with a true balanced output stage, point-to-point wiring and a build quality you normally find much further up the price ladder. Drives even demanding planars with authority. The amplifier we recommend when it has to be the one tube amp for everything.
See all recommendations →Also available as a set
-
Planar & Tube: Hifiman Arya Stealth + Cayin HA-3A
together with Hifiman Arya Stealth
€2,449.00€2,099.00 You save €350.00 View set → -
Planar & Tube, Large: Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled + Cayin HA-3A
together with Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled
€4,198.00€3,499.00 You save €699.00 View set →
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Cayin HA-3A
Tube headphone amplifier with true balanced outputs
The Cayin HA-3A tube headphone amplifier stands out with carefully selected components and a comprehensive feature set.
The chassis and the three transformer housings go through 14 meticulous manufacturing steps. The result is exceptionally premium build quality, reflected in a fine paint texture and a deep, glossy finish.
Another build highlight: all modules are hand-wired using point-to-point wiring.
Two 12AU7/ECC82 driver tubes amplify the voltage level of the incoming audio signal, allowing the 6V6S output tubes to operate with a highly linear signal level.
The 22DE4 rectifier tube minimizes interference during conversion to DC and supplies the amplifier circuit with clean power.
Two 6V6S output tubes drive a pair of proprietary output transformers that support both single-ended and balanced headphone outputs. The secondary winding provides an alternate phase, creating a true balanced output. Voltage is supplied by Cayin’s premium custom toroidal power transformer.
Headphone impedance can be selected in three steps, ensuring suitable sensitivity for virtually any headphone:
- L: 8 Ω – 64 Ω
- M: 65 Ω – 250 Ω
- H: 251 Ω – 600 Ω
For hassle-free compatibility with common headphone connections, the HA-3A provides three headphone outputs:
- 6.35 mm single-ended
- 4.4 mm balanced – optimized for high-sensitivity headphones
- 4-pin XLR balanced
To ensure the signal reaches your headphones without compromise, volume control is handled by a high-quality ALPS potentiometer.
Technical Specifications
| Inputs | XLR ×2, RCA ×2 |
| Tubes | Output tubes: JJ 6V6S ×2 Driver tubes: JJ 12AU7/ECC82 ×2 Rectifier tube: RCA 22DE4 ×1 |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 306 mm × 260 mm × 170 mm |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Power consumption | 80 W |
| Output power | 4-pin XLR (balanced): 600 mW (L); 750 mW (M); 850 mW (H) 4.4 mm (balanced): 230 mW (L); 350 mW (M); 400 mW (H) 6.35 mm (single-ended): 400 mW (L); 600 mW (M); 700 mW (H) |
| Frequency range | 18 Hz – 30 kHz ± 3 dB |
| Distortion (THD) | 0.2% (1 kHz, 200 mW) |
| Input sensitivity | 300 mV – 480 mW |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 100 dB (A-weighted) |
| Selectable headphone impedance | L: 8–64 Ω; M: 65–250 Ω; H: 251–600 Ω |
| Headphone outputs | 4-pin XLR ×1, 4.4 mm ×1, 6.35 mm ×1 |
