Cayin
HA-1A Mk3
Cayin launches HA-1A Mk3 headphone amplifier and preamp
The HA-1A Mk3 is the third generation of Cayin’s HA-1A series. It comes with a protective tube cage and a choice of silver or black front-panel finishes.
Georg S. Kuklick
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Cayin has launched a new tube headphone amplifier with preamplifier functionality. The Cayin HA-1A Mk3 uses a single-ended Class A circuit and launched in China on 9 September 2026. Its German retail launch was scheduled for 14 September 2026.
The amplifier uses internal point-to-point hand-wiring, with two JJ 12AU7/ECC82 tubes providing voltage gain and two Electro-Harmonix EL84EH/6BQ5 tubes serving the output stage. Custom output transformers form part of the circuit. Separate power-supply rails feed the voltage-gain and power stages, with a high-voltage regulated supply for the output stage.
Headphone connections comprise a 6.35 mm jack and a four-pin XLR connector, with rated outputs of 2,500 mW and 2,800 mW per channel respectively. Switchable impedance matching provides a Low setting for headphones rated from 8 to 150 ohms and a High setting for those rated from 151 to 600 ohms. The specified frequency response is 20 Hz to 24 kHz, ±3 dB, while total harmonic distortion is specified at 0.3% at 1 kHz and 200 mW. The headphone signal-to-noise ratio is specified at 110 dB A-weighted.
Rear RCA connections accept analogue line-level signals, and an RCA preamp output supports connection to an external power amplifier or active speakers. The preamplifier section has a specified gain of 9 dB and an output capability of 5 V. Its signal-to-noise ratio is specified at 105 dB.
A turn-on mute circuit operates alongside an approximately 50-second delayed start. Internal shielding separates circuit sections. The amplifier weighs 8.8 kg and measures 240 × 240 × 140 mm.
Key specifications
Product type | Tube headphone amplifier and preamplifier |
|---|---|
Circuit topology | Single-ended Class A |
Internal wiring | Point-to-point hand-wiring |
Voltage-gain tubes | 2 × JJ 12AU7/ECC82 |
Output tubes | 2 × Electro-Harmonix EL84EH/6BQ5 |
Headphone output power | 6.35 mm: 2 × 2,500 mW; four-pin XLR: 2 × 2,800 mW |
Headphone impedance matching | Low: 8–150 ohms; High: 151–600 ohms |
Frequency response | 20 Hz–24 kHz, ±3 dB |
Total harmonic distortion | 0.3% at 1 kHz / 200 mW |
Headphone signal-to-noise ratio | 110 dB, A-weighted |
Preamp signal-to-noise ratio | 105 dB |
Preamp gain | 9 dB |
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