Cayin HA-1A MK3 Type UK Headphone Amplifier
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Product Overview & Specifications
The Cayin HA-1A MK3 is a compact Class A vacuum tube headphone amplifier and dedicated preamplifier, delivering pure valve tone within a space-saving 240 x 240 mm footprint. Built on Cayin's extensive tube amplification heritage, the HA-1A MK3 employs a hand-assembled circuit featuring twin JJ 12AU7 / ECC82 driver valves paired with two Electro-Harmonix EL84EH / 6BQ5 power tubes. This Class A topology is supported by custom-designed EI power and output transformers, delivering up to 2.7W + 2.7W of output power across headphones ranging from 8 Ω to 600 Ω.
Equipped with both a 6.35mm single-ended headphone jack and a 4-pin XLR balanced connector, the HA-1A MK3 features selectable low and high impedance matching modes to optimize current drive for low-sensitivity planar magnetic cans and high-impedance dynamic headphones alike. Signal levels are adjusted via an ALPS volume potentiometer, complemented by two stereo RCA inputs and a dedicated RCA preamplifier output supplying up to 5V output for driving active speakers or external power amplifiers.
KEY FEATURES & PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES
- Pure Class A Vacuum Tube Topology: Driven by twin JJ 12AU7 / ECC82 driver tubes and dual Electro-Harmonix EL84EH / 6BQ5 power output valves for smooth, harmonic-rich playback.
- Custom In-House Transformers: Features custom-wound EI power supply and output transformers to maintain low noise, high bandwidth, and stable load driving.
- Balanced & Single-Ended Headphone Connections: Delivers up to 2,700 mW per channel via a 4-pin XLR balanced output, and up to 2,400 mW per channel through a 6.35mm single-ended output.
- Selectable Output Impedance Matching: Dual low/high impedance settings accommodate a wide variety of headphones from 8 Ω to 600 Ω.
- Dedicated RCA Preamplifier Output: Functions as a high-quality line preamplifier supplying 15 dB gain and up to 5V maximum output to external power amplifiers or active monitors.
- Precision Volume & Compact Chassis: Incorporates a smooth ALPS volume potentiometer housed in an 8.8 kg anti-resonant aluminum chassis available in Black or Silver.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Class A Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier |
| Brand / Model | Cayin — HA-1A MK3 |
| Amplifier Circuit Class | Pure Class A |
| Vacuum Tube Complement | 2x JJ 12AU7 / ECC82 (Driver Stage) | 2x Electro-Harmonix EL84EH / 6BQ5 (Output Stage) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1x 4-Pin XLR Balanced, 1x 6.35mm (1/4") Single-Ended |
| Balanced Output Power (4-Pin XLR) | 2,700 mW + 2,700 mW |
| Single-Ended Output Power (6.35mm) | 2,400 mW + 2,400 mW |
| Headphone Impedance Matching | Selectable Low & High Impedance Modes (Supports 8 Ω – 600 Ω) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (-3 dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.5% @ 1 kHz / 200 mW | < 5% at Rated Output Power |
| Headphone Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 100 dB (A-Weighted) |
| Audio Inputs | 2x Stereo RCA Line Inputs (47 kΩ Input Impedance) |
| Line Input Sensitivity | 200 mV – 2,000 mV |
| Preamplifier Output | 1x Stereo RCA Pre-Out (10 kΩ Output Impedance | 5V Max Output | 15 dB Gain) |
| Preamplifier Performance | THD: 0.1% @ 2V RMS | SNR: 100 dB (A-Weighted) | Sensitivity: 200 mV |
| Volume Attenuation | ALPS Rotary Volume Potentiometer |
| Power Supply & Fuse | Custom Power Transformer | Fuse Rating: T500mAL250V |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 65 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 240 x 240 x 140 mm |
| Net Weight | 8.8 kg |
| Available Finishes | Black / Silver |
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Cayin HA-1A MK3 Type UK Headphone Amplifier
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