Cayin has officially launched the HA-1A MK3, the third generation of its long-running HA-1A tube headphone amplifier. The new model combines EL84 output tubes, single-ended Class A operation and transformer-coupled outputs in a compact design intended for modern desktop headphone systems.
While much of today’s headphone market is moving toward high-power solid-state amplifiers and integrated DAC/amp designs, the HA-1A MK3 takes a deliberately traditional approach. Vacuum tubes, dedicated output transformers and point-to-point wiring form the basis of the amplifier, which Cayin officially launched in China on September 9.
EL84 single-ended Class A amplification
The voltage amplification stage uses two JJ 12AU7/ECC82 tubes, while the output stage is built around two Electro-Harmonix EL84EH/6BQ5 tubes. The EL84 tubes operate in single-ended Class A, with the internal circuitry assembled using point-to-point hand wiring.
Cayin has also developed dedicated output transformers specifically for the HA-1A MK3. Separate power supplies are used for the voltage and power amplification stages, while the output stage employs a regulated high-voltage supply. Internal shielding between functional sections is intended to reduce interference and improve operating stability.
Cayin positions the design around the harmonic character, tonal density and natural presentation traditionally associated with tube amplification. As the product has only just reached the market, independent listening assessments will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about its sonic character.
Up to 2.8W and support for 8 to 600 ohms
The front panel provides both a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output and a 4-pin XLR output. Rated output is 2.5W+2.5W from the 6.35mm connection and 2.8W+2.8W via 4-pin XLR.
Two impedance ranges can be selected: Low for 8–150 ohms and High for 151–600 ohms. This allows the amplifier to accommodate everything from relatively low-impedance headphones to high-impedance dynamic designs.
Frequency response is specified at 20Hz–24kHz ±3dB, while headphone signal-to-noise ratio is rated at 110dB A-weighted. The amplifier also incorporates power-on muting and an approximately 50-second delayed startup sequence.
Also functions as a tube preamplifier
The HA-1A MK3 is not limited to headphone use. An RCA line input is joined by an RCA preamplifier output, allowing the unit to drive a separate power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
The preamp section delivers a maximum output voltage of 5V with 9dB of gain and a 2k-ohm output impedance. This gives the HA-1A MK3 additional flexibility in compact desktop or two-channel audio systems.
Compact dimensions, substantial weight
The chassis measures 240 × 240 × 140mm, making it relatively compact for a transformer-coupled tube amplifier, although its substantial transformers contribute to a weight of 8.8kg. Maximum power consumption is rated at 60W, with black and silver finishes available.
European pricing is set at €1,298. Within Cayin’s current tube headphone amplifier range, the HA-2A is priced at €1,598 and the HA-3A at €1,998, positioning the HA-1A MK3 as an entry point into the company’s full-size tube headphone amplifier lineup.
The HA-1A name also has history within Cayin. The original model was itself an EL84-based tube headphone amplifier, later followed by the HA-1A MK2. The new MK3 continues that lineage while increasing output capability, broadening headphone compatibility and adding preamplifier functionality for contemporary personal audio systems.
Official site : https://cayin.com/produkt/cayin-ha-1a-mk3/?v=dcf0d7d2cd12