Cayin HA-1A Mk3 – Compact Tube Headphone Amplifier

Cayin has introduced the HA-1A Mk3 tube headphone amplifier, the third generation of one of the company’s most compact models. The new amplifier operates in Class A, uses an all-tube circuit design, and is intended primarily for desktop audio systems. Its construction incorporates specially designed transformers, while the HA-1A Mk3 itself is the smallest model in Cayin’s HA series.

The amplification stage of the Cayin HA-1A Mk3 is built around two JJ 12AU7/ECC82 tubes and a pair of Electro-Harmonix EL84EH/6BQ5 tubes. Headphone connections include a 6.35 mm output and a balanced 4-pin XLR. With a balanced connection, maximum output power reaches 2.7 watts per channel. An impedance selector offers a Low setting for headphones rated from 8 to 150 ohms and a High setting for models from 151 to 600 ohms.

The Cayin HA-1A Mk3 can also operate as a tube preamplifier thanks to its PRE-OUT output. Two stereo RCA inputs are provided for source components, while volume control is handled by an ALPS potentiometer. The amplifier measures 240 × 140 × 240 mm and will be available in black and silver finishes.

Within Cayin’s product range, the HA-1A Mk3 occupies the entry-level position below the HA-2A, HA-3A, HA-6A Mk2 and the flagship HA-300 Mk3. European sales are expected to begin soon, with a recommended retail price of €1,298.