The Star is Reborn
Work hard and dig deep with 20 years of impeccable track record.
Pushing the envelope of tube amplification to deliver practicality, performance, and refinement.
The Tube Amplifier Holy Grail
The Pursuit of Direct Heated Triode (DHT)
DHT refers to triode tubes that use the cathode as the filament, directly heating the cathode.
A minimalist approach that offers stellar dynamics, transient response, and transparency, highly appreciated by audiophiles.
A challenge for headphone applications due to low tolerance for shock and vibration, and sensitivity to hum/interference.
The Irresistible 300B
The 300B is the most renowned and sought-after DHT due to its dreamy tonal characteristics.
The HA-300MK2 uses a matched pair of Gold Lion Genelex PX300B low-noise audio triodes as power output tubes.
• Endured and passed the toughest reliability tests
• Natural, sensible, and realistic sound signature
• Impressive frequency extension
Purist’s One-Way Ticket
Less is More
The Single-Ended Triode (SET) Amplifier uses a single triode vacuum tube to produce amplified output without splitting the musical signal into parts.
A 2-stage amplification process, where a pair of driver tubes amplify the signal voltage to ensure the 300B output tube performs at a very linear condition.
Simplified circuit design. Let the beautiful tone of your vacuum tubes shine without any cancellation.
Single-Ended Driver Stage
Cayin has developed many 300B-based SET amplifiers, and the 6SN7 is always the first choice for the driver tube.
The HA-300MK2 uses a matched pair of Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB to complete the two-stage SET amplification.
• Low noise, high price-performance, and highly reliable
• Super linear and natural sounding
• A classic tube combination adopted in many Cayin SET amplifier implementations
Tube Regulated Power Supply
2-Box Design
The outboard power supply minimizes ripple effects and offers clean, low-noise power to the amplification circuit.
A multi-stage tube-regulated power supply circuit feeds power to the different amplification stages independently.
Input Connectors
- Inputs:
- XLR x 2 (Balanced)
- RCA x 2 (Single-ended)
Tubes
- Output Tubes: Genalex PX300B x 2
- Driver Tubes: TUNG-SOL 6SN7GTB x 2
- Rectifier Tubes: RCA 22DE4 x 4
Physical Dimensions
- Amplifier Dimensions: 286 mm x 368 mm x 210 mm
- Power Supply Dimensions: 150 mm x 345 mm x 210 mm
Weight
- Amplifier: 19 kg
- Power Supply: 10 kg
Power Supply
- Fuse:
- 220V-240V: T1.6AL250V
- 100V-120V: T3.15AL250V
- Output Tube Fuse: T100mAE250V
- Power Consumption: 185 W
Working Conditions
- Operating Temperature: 0°C - 40°C (20% - 80% Humidity)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C - 70°C (20% - 90% Humidity)
Headphone Output Specifications
Rated Output (per channel):
- 4-pin XLR (BAL): 2000 mW (L); 2400 mW (M); 6000 mW (H)
- 4.4 mm (BAL): 1400 mW (L); 2200 mW (M); 5400 mW (H)
- 6.35 mm (SE): 1200 mW (L); 2200 mW (M); 5000 mW (H)
Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 45 kHz ± 3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): 1% (1 kHz)
Sensitivity: 200 mV - 650 mW
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): 100 dB (A-weighted)
Headphone Impedance Settings:
- Low (L): 8-64 Ω
- Medium (M): 65-250 Ω
- High (H): 251-600 Ω
Headphone Connectors:
- 4-pin XLR x 1
- 4.4 mm balanced x 1
- 6.35 mm single-ended x 1
Speaker Output Specifications
- Rated Output: 8 W + 8 W (Class A)
- Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 40 kHz ± 3 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): 1% (1 kHz)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): 95 dB (A-weighted)
- Input Sensitivity: 400 mV
- Output Impedance: 4-8 Ω
- Input Impedance: 50 kΩ
This detailed breakdown provides an overview of the amplifier's inputs, tubes, physical characteristics, and its performance specifications for both headphone and speaker outputs.
New Old Stock (NOS) Rectifier Tubes
The HA-300MK2 incorporates four NOS RCA 22DE4 rectifier tubes, considered among the finest versions of the 22DE4 available in the tube market.
These tubes convert the incoming power source to DC current, delivering the cleanest power with minimal interference to the amplification circuit.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Unlike output tubes, rectifier tubes do not endure heavy loads and can last for years without deterioration.
- Ease of Replacement: No matching is required, allowing for individual tube replacement as needed.
Premium Vacuum Tubes
- Driver Tubes: Matched pair of Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB
- Output Tubes: Matched pair of Genalex PX300B
- Rectifier Tubes: Four NOS RCA 22DE4
Transformer-Coupled Design
Balanced Drive from a Single-Ended Triode Amplifier
The 300B SET output powers a pair of proprietary output transformers, supporting both headphone and speaker outputs.
The secondary winding provides a balanced output phase, enabling balanced drive from a single-ended triode (SET) amplification circuit.
Both single-ended and balanced headphone outputs are "original" outputs directly from the transformers.
In-House Designed and Wound Transformers
Equipped with EI transformers, the HA-300MK2 achieves natural and realistic sound reproduction across the frequency range.
- Custom Design: Cayin’s in-house transformer design allows for total freedom in specifications and winding instructions.
- Material & Craftsmanship Control: Ensures consistent quality and performance.
Impedance-Matched Headphone Outputs
The HA-300MK2 optimizes its outputs to accommodate headphone loadings across three impedance settings:
- Low (L): 8Ω–64Ω
- Medium (M): 65Ω–250Ω
- High (H): 251Ω–600Ω
Matching the headphone impedance ensures a natural sound and well-defined bass reproduction, differing from traditional gain control in solid-state amplifiers.
Planar headphones are particularly sensitive to impedance matching, but users are encouraged to experiment with settings.
Carefully Optimized Headphone Outputs
Three headphone outputs cater to various use cases:
6.3mm single-ended
4.4mm balanced: Optimized for a wide range of headphones, including high-sensitivity portable models.
4-pin XLR balanced: Full-output configuration for demanding headphones.
4.4mm Output Features: Lower power output, reduced noise, and level-matching to suit portable headphones.
At low headphone impedance, the 4.4mm output delivers approximately 70% of the 4-pin XLR’s output.
Powerful and Effortless
The HA-300MK2 blends purity, performance, and dynamic authority:
- Single-Ended Triode Amplification: Celebrated for its unparalleled tonal qualities.
- Dreamy 300B Sound Signature: Revered for its warm, natural presentation.
- Dynamic Control: Up to 6W per channel to drive a wide array of headphones, from portable-friendly dynamics to power-hungry planar models.
Precision and Professionalism
The amplifier features a high-end JRC MUSE72320V electronic-controlled resistor ladder volume controller, often found in premium preamps and streamers:
- 4-Channel Controller: Ensures precise operation and zero channel imbalance.
- ALPS Balanced Potentiometer: Provides 41-step intuitive control.
User-Friendly Interface
- Quick-Release Connections: Aviation-grade copper connectors with silver-plated Teflon umbilical cables securely link the outboard power supply to the amplifier.
- Dual Inputs: Supports both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) sources. Balanced inputs merge into a single-ended signal via input transformers.
- Speaker Output: Toggle between headphone and speaker outputs with 8W per channel of Class A power, capable of driving high-sensitivity or bookshelf speakers in small spaces.
Enhanced Listening Experience
- Anti-Interference Design: Custom silica gel shock absorbers and reinforced shielding minimize microphonics and interference.
- Startup Delay: A 60-second delay circuit protects the amplifier and reduces startup noise.
- Safety Cage: A removable vacuum tube shield protects users from accidental contact with hot tubes.
Refined Design and Craftsmanship
- Durable Black Finish: The 13.5mm brushed aluminum-magnesium alloy front panel is anodized for enhanced durability and scratch resistance.
- Meticulous Chassis Crafting: A proprietary 14-step process ensures a refined, glossy finish while protecting the amplifier for long-term use.
Efficient Power Supply
The outboard power supply features a high-inductance toroidal transformer, designed and wound in-house by Cayin.
- Low-Leakage Design: Ideal for headphone applications.
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