HA-3A

When Exquisite Design Meets First-Class Engineering

When aesthetics are supported by rigorous craftsmanship and production, the result is a masterpiece.

The HA-3A vacuum tube headphone amplifier invites you to experience your favorite music with headphones or earphones in a dedicated, immersive, and indulgent retreat.

Though compact and seemingly simple, the HA-3A embodies Cayin’s legendary engineering expertise, decades of audio equipment craftsmanship, and meticulously selected performance-driven components.

Clean Power with Minimal Interference

The HA-3A incorporates an RCA 25AX4GT rectifier tube, widely regarded as one of the finest in its class.

This tube converts incoming power to DC current while minimizing interference, ensuring clean, stable power delivery to the amplification circuit.

Hand-Selected and Matched Vacuum Tubes

Driver Tubes
Matched Pair of Dual 12AU7/ECC82 tubes from JJ*

Output Tubes
Matched Pair of Dual 6V6GT tubes from Electro Harmonix*

Single-Ended Vacuum Tube Circuit

The HA-3A utilizes a 2-stage single-ended design for its vacuum tube amplification.

The 12AU7/ECC82 driver tubes amplify the incoming audio signal’s voltage, enabling the 6V6 output tubes to perform with optimal linearity.

The single-ended circuit preserves the unique tonal qualities of vacuum tubes without introducing cancellation.

Moreover, this design requires matched pairs of tubes rather than matched quads, offering more flexibility for tube rolling enthusiasts.

Transformer-Coupled, Balanced Output

The 6V6 output tubes drive a pair of proprietary output transformers, delivering support for both single-ended and balanced headphone outputs.

The secondary winding of the transformers provides an alternative phase, creating a balanced output that allows for balanced driving from a single-ended vacuum tube amplification circuit.

Both single-ended and balanced headphone outputs are “pure” outputs directly derived from the transformers, ensuring the highest fidelity and performance.

Amplifier Specifications

Input Connectors:

XLR: 2 inputs
RCA: 2 inputs

Tubes:

Output Tubes: Electro-Harmonix 6V6GT x2
Driver Tubes: JJ 12AU7/ECC82 x2
Rectifier Tube: RCA 25AX4GT x1

Dimensions:

306mm x 260mm x 170mm

Net Weight:

12kg

Fuse Ratings:

220V-240V: T1AL250V
100V-120V: T2AL250V
Output Tube Fuse: T1.25mAE250V

Power Consumption:

80W

Working Conditions:

Temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C
Humidity: 20% ~ 80%

Storage Conditions:

Temperature: -20°C ~ 70°C
Humidity: 20% ~ 90%

Headphone Output Specifications

Rated Output (Per Channel):

4-Pin XLR (Balanced):
- Low (L): 600mW
- Medium (M): 750mW
- High (H): 850mW
4.4mm (Balanced):
- Low (L): 230mW
- Medium (M): 350mW
- High (H): 400mW
6.35mm (Single-Ended):
- Low (L): 400mW
- Medium (M): 600mW
- High (H): 700mW

Frequency Range:

18Hz ~ 30kHz ±3dB

THD+N:

0.2% (1kHz, 200mW)

Sensitivity:

300mV ~ 480mW

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

100dB (A-weighted)

Headphone Impedance Settings:

Low (L): 8Ω ~ 64Ω
Medium (M): 65Ω ~ 250Ω
High (H): 251Ω ~ 600Ω

Headphone Connectors:

4-Pin XLR x1
4.4mm x1
6.35mm x1

Impedance-Matched

Headphone Output

Our engineers have optimized the HA-3A’s output to handle headphone loads according to three impedance settings:

Low: 8Ω ~ 64Ω
Medium: 65Ω ~ 250Ω
High: 251Ω ~ 600Ω

Carefully Optimized Headphone Outputs

6.35mm: Single-ended
4.4mm: Balanced
4-Pin XLR: Balanced

The 4-Pin XLR output delivers full power, while the 4.4mm output is optimized for a wider range of headphones, including high-sensitivity portable models.

The Hidden Details

The chassis and transformer covers undergo a 14-step proprietary finishing process, including scratching, spraying, sanding, and baking.
The final high-gloss finish provides a refined and delicate texture while protecting the amplifier over years of use.

Dual Inputs

Balanced (XLR)
Single-ended (RCA)

Balanced inputs pass through a pair of input transformers, where the positive and negative cycles merge into a single-ended signal.

Point-to-Point Hand-Wired Craftsmanship

Hand-wired circuitry ensures:

Shorter signal paths
Meticulous attention to detail
Enhanced transparency and refinement
Improved overall efficiency and conductivity

In-House Designed Premium Power Transformers

Cayin designs, winds, and uses high-inductance, high-efficiency power transformers in all its products.
Their reinforced shielding minimizes interference and noise, ensuring the HA-3A performs at its best.

High-Quality Volume Control

The 50KA*2 dual-unit potentiometer from ALPS provides smooth, durable, and precise volume control with excellent tactile feedback.

Anti-Interference Design

Special shielding and anti-vibration measures effectively eliminate microphonics, ensuring a noise-free listening experience.

Three XL Aluminum Foot Pads

A set of three 39 x 18 mm shock-absorbing aluminum foot pads provides a stable and firm base for the amplifier on any hard, flat surface.

2 rear feet and 1 self-leveling front foot help offset the additional weight of the power and output transformers located at the back of the amplifier.