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Cayin HA-3A
HA-3A
Transformer Coupled, Balanced Driven Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier
4-Pin XLR, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm Headphone Output
~A4 Footprint, Desktop Friendly Design
Low, Mid, High Impedance Matched Headphone Outputs
HA-3A
When exquisite design accomplished
by first class engineering, when aesthetic backed up
by rigorous production.
The HA-3A vacuum tube headphone
amplifier let you enjoy your beloved
music through your choice of headphones
or earphones in a dedicated, engaging,
and indulging retreat. HA-3A might look compact and simple,
but Cayin has devoted our renowned
engineering, decades of audio
equipment manufacturing and carefully
selected performance-based components
to make this happen.
Clean Power with Minumum Interference
HA-3A uses an RCA 25AX4GT as rectifier tube, one of the best versions of 25AX4GT available in tube market.
While converting imcoming power source to DC
current the 25AX4GT rectifier tube minimises
interference and provides clean power to
the amplification circuit.
Carefully Selected and Hand-matched Vacuum Tubes
Driver Tubes Dual 12AU7/ECC82(Matched Pair) from JJ*
Output Tubes Dual 6V6GT（Matched Pair）from Electro Harmonix*
Single-ended Vacuum Tube Circuit
The HA-3A vacuum tube amplification is designed as
a 2-stage single-ended circuit.
The 12AU7/ECC82 driver tubes will amplify the
voltage level of the incoming audio signal so that
the 6V6 output tubes will perform its amplification
at a very linear condition.
Single-ended circuit design displaces the beautiful
tone of your vacuum tubes without any cancellation.
Single-ended uses matched pair instead of matched
quad-set tubes, you can enjoy greater flexibility when
you perform tube rolling.
Transformer-coupled, Balanced Driven
The 6V6 output drives a pair of proprietary output transformers that supports single-ended and balanced
headphone outputs.
The secondary winding of the output transformer provide an alternative phase and compose a balanced
output, enables balanced driver from a single-ended
vacuum tube amplification circuit.
Both single-ended and balanced headphones are
“original” outputs from the transformers.
Impedance Matched Phone Output
Our engineers have optimized HA-3A’s output to
handle the headphone loading according to three
headphone 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 is a full-fetched output but
the 4.4mm output is optimized for wider range of
headphones,including high sensitivity portable
headphones.
The Hidden Details
The chassis and transformer pots are treated by our proprietary 14 rounds of crafting process composed of scratch, spray, sanding and baking.
The high gloss final finishing endows a refined and delicate texture as well as protecting the amplifier during years of long service.
Dual Inputs
Balanced (XLR) and Single-ended (RCA) to cover a variety of inputs.
Balanced input will go through a pair of input transformers, the + and - half cycle will merge to become a single-ended signal.
Point-to-Point Wiring with Craftmanship
Time consuming, shortest signal path, better
attention to detail, the entire circuitry is
handwired by skillful craftmen.
Implement circuit design with high-level of
transparency and refinement, improves
overal efficiency and conductivity.
In-house Designed Premium Power Transformers
Cayin always design, wind and use high inductance,
high efficiency power transformers in our products.
Reinforcing shielding design minimizes the interference
and noise while ensure HA-3A to work in the best
condition.
High Quality Volume Control
High performance 50KA*2 Dual Unit smooth
potentiometer from ALPS offers durable,
high-precision volume control with excellent
operational fee.
Anti-inference Design
Special shielding and anti-shock design removes
microphonic effectively.
Three XL Aluminum Foot Pads
A set of three 39x18mm XL shock-absorbing aluminum foot pads to provide firm and stable amplifier placement at any hard flat surface.
2-rear & 1-front self-levelled placement to handle
the extra weight on the back of the amplifier
due to the power and output transformers.
Dealers selling Cayin near you
Cayin HA-3A — warm, punchy tube headphone amplifier
The Cayin HA-3A pairs classic tube warmth with surprising control, delivering a punchy, sub-bass capable low end and spacious, slightly forward mids. Reviewers at Audiophilepure praised its engaging character across genres and headphone types and noted the amp’s tube smoothness without excessive veil. Tight bass impact and lively dynamics give music momentum, while airy midrange and focused vocals provide presence and detail. The HA-3A’s balanced and single-ended inputs add desktop flexibility, and build choices support long-term use. For listeners seeking a musical, slightly warm tube presentation with strong dynamics and practical connectivity, the HA-3A is a compelling option at the $1,599 price point.
Pros
- Punchy, well-controlled bass with deep sub-bass extension that adds impact without flabbiness.
- Spacious, smooth midrange that preserves vocal presence and offers an addictive tube timbre without excessive warmth.
- Strong dynamics and musical engagement across genres and headphone types, making the amp versatile for desktop use.
- Flexible connectivity with both balanced and single-ended inputs, enabling multi-source setups and balanced operation.
Sound Quality
90/100
Multiple comments highlight impactful, punchy bass and good bass control and impact, indicating strong transient punch and lively presentation. Reviewers note the amp makes music engaging across genres and headphone choices, implying very good dynamic headroom and responsiveness for typical desktop headphones.
Noise Floor
84/100
No reviewers report audible hiss or background noise; the balanced input was used and appreciated, suggesting a generally quiet performance. As a tube headphone amp (inherently prone to slightly higher noise than solid-state), the prudent score reflects the tube/musicality trade-off — reviewers heard no deal-breaking noise but tube topology prevents an ultra-reference noise rating.
Headphone Compatibility
85/100
Reviewer stated the amp delivered enjoyment "regardless of headphone choice," and the use of balanced connections was specifically noted; this implies good ability to drive a range of cans. Specific power and output-impedance specs aren't provided in the reviews, so the score assumes solid desktop capability and reasonable compatibility across sensitive IEMs to most full-size headphones.
Build Quality
86/100
While reviews focus on sound, they treat the HA-3A as a well-executed product worthy of long-term use and recommendation, which implies solid construction and component choices. No mechanical or reliability concerns were reported, supporting an above-average build rating.
Features Connectivity
82/100
Reviewers explicitly mention the ability to host two separate sources — one balanced and one single-ended — and that the balanced input was used for the review. That adds clear practical flexibility over a minimal amp, but no built-in DAC, streaming, or additional modern extras are discussed, keeping the feature score modestly above baseline.
Value for Money
89/100
At the stated price of $1,599, reviewers call the HA-3A "a winner" and give it a "full recommendation," indicating the sonic and feature set justifies the asking price. In the $1,200–$2,000 tube-headphone-amp segment it is presented as competitive: the musical presentation, strong bass, and balanced connectivity make it a justified-premium purchase for listeners prioritizing tube character and musicality.
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