What is special about the Cayin HA-2A tube amplifier for headphones is that only NOS matched tubes are used in it.
Tubes are still (or again) being made. Partly in China, or Russia if need be. But the true enthusiast swears by the originals. Because a tube does not actually age in storage, there is still an ample supply of NOS tubes in warehouses around the world. These “New Old Stock” tubes are used in the Cayin HA-2A. They have been accurately paired by Cayin which makes them work great in the symmetrically designed headphone amplifier circuit. A pair of Amperex double triodes (17B11) are used in the power amplifier stage. Looking at the preamp stage, we see a pair of Amperex ECF82/6U8. A tube is also used for the rectification in the power supply, namely the RCA 17AX4GT.
Amplification factor adjustable
Point-to-point wiring inside the Cayin HA-2A should ensure the shortest possible signal paths. Per channel, the headphone amplifier delivers a maximum power of 1 watt. Using a three-position switch, you set one of the three available gain factors. This ensures optimal adaptation to the impedance of the headphones connected. As for inputs, you have the choice between XLR and RCA. And as for headphone connections, you can choose between one symmetrical and two asymmetrical outputs.
The Cayin HA-2A has an introductory price of €1499 through May 31 this year; after that, you will have to pay €1599.
