Cayin HA-1A Mk2

The Cayin HA-1A Mk2 is a revamp of one of Cayin's most celebrated tube headphone amplifiers, an EL84-based single-ended design with a new wooden chassis, five-step impedance matching, pre-out for speaker system integration, and the natural, unhyped musical character that has made the HA-1A series a long-standing favorite among tube headphone enthusiasts.

Type and Technology

Desktop headphone amplifier and preamplifier, single-ended vacuum tube. EL84EH output tubes in single-ended configuration. Tube complement: 12AU7 x2, EL84EH x2, 12DT5 x1. Five-step output impedance selection (8 to 600 ohms) for precise matching to virtually any headphone on the market. Two sets of Neutrik 6.35mm headphone outputs: Phone A (dynamic presentation) and Phone B (softer presentation). Pre-out for connection to active speakers or power amplifiers. Separate power supply to signal and voltage amplification stages, with power regulation tube providing further isolation. Two RCA inputs (CD, AUX).

Sound Character

Natural, musically delicate, and tonally balanced without excessive warmth or brightness, Cayin's description of the HA-1A sound has always been "sincerely honest to the music." The EL84 delivers a lighter, more nimble character than larger output tubes, with excellent midrange transparency, smooth extended treble, and a presentation that engages rather than flatters. The five-step impedance selector is a practical and genuinely effective tool for optimizing the match to different headphones.

Build and Finish

Substantial construction at 9.5kg, with the new Mk2's wooden chassis giving it a distinctly warm visual character. Silver finish. Innovative circuit layout and effective internal shielding throughout. Includes white handling gloves, user manual, power cord, and spare fuses.

Best For

Audiophiles who want a versatile tube headphone amplifier with broad impedance compatibility, pre-out functionality, and the natural, non-fatiguing EL84 sound character, and those who value the ability to match the amp's output impedance to their specific headphones.

What's in the Box

• Cayin HA-1A Mk2 headphone amplifier
• Tubes (12AU7 x2, EL84EH x2, 12DT5 x1)
• Power cord
• White handling gloves
• Spare main power fuses (x2)
• User manual

Specifications