A tube amp with versatility in mind. Cayin HA6A.

Cayin HA6A
Mimic audio
www.mimic-audio.com?bg_ref=dWvshwSvB1
Early reviews and the link to the audio lounge private telegram chat can be found here:
/ convincemeaudio
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Edited by
bitwolf.film
M U S I C
Music by Andre Louis
www.andrelouis.com/shorts/
0:00 Chapters:
0:27 Intro
0:55 hardware tour
3:30 Specs
5:30 HA6A Features
7:00 Sound
8:55 Tube rolling
12:05 Tri-linear option
13:29 Headphones Synergy

[@marcoarispoli]

Thanks for the review ... specially appreciated your feedback in terms of tubes rolling ☺

[@adamgreenhill110]

Thanks for all the help with this amp! I 100% agree, the Telefunken 12au7 + KT88 combo is incredible. Best mix of technicalities + punch, with that tube warmth and harmonics, full of organic richness. The imaging is beautiful too. It's the sound I've been looking for all these years

[@krisrudecki9477]

It is also great with more technical EL34s. TFK smooth and ribbed plate mix great with pretty much any power tube. It makes this amp easily trade with any TOTL amp for a fraction of the price.

[@aeon7748]

I love your honest take about sound quality, this is what we want to hear before investing any money in this hobby, Thank you!

[@latle111]

Wow another review for us. You're going strong in 2023 Koji. Very nice.

[@TheRacingSlick]

Another great one, thanks a million!

[@enigmatwist6548]

One of the best looking headphone amps I’ve seen. If the right tubes are available this seems like a great amp to pursue.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

It’s very versatile, I think it’s the nicest looking Cayin I wish I spent even longer on this review and made it better. I wasn’t too happy with the review, it’s an excellent product and I kind of regret letting it go.

[@N02tradamus]

Yes it is crazy how tube rolling can make such a bid difference. I have the Envy. Elrog MO is very solid state sounding. Driver tubes make such a big difference on how it will sound. I used to own a TT2, AHB2, Ferrum Stack ... Dave + Envy + Elrog MOs is amazing. I never heard the Susvara sounding this good. It is squeezing the most of what this driver can deliver. Chain: Matrix X-SPDIF 2, Chord Dave + Farad 3 w/ Furutech Inlets & SR Purple fuses, Feliks Envy w/ SR Purple fuses Tubes: Elrog ER300B-Mo, Elrog ER300B, WE 300B, Melz 1578 6SN7, Brimar CV1988 6SN7, RCA VT231 Smoked Glass 6SN7, TS 6F8G VT99 RP, Sylvania 6F8G VT99, TS 6J5GT (quad), Raytheon 6J5GT (quad)

[@Muddy2727]

Hey dude!!! I didn't realise you have a channel. 🙂 I watch you closely on the on the headphone page. Haha. Awesome to see you here!!!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Welcome to the fam 🐅

[@carminedesanto6746]

Damn nice video! I prefer my 650’s on tubes ..now I can’t afford something like this …but my Xduoo 604 tube amp works great with those headphones 😋

[@Leon-lg7zm]

Yep tubes are the way to go. I was on solid state amps until I got my Schiit Lyr + and with some tube rolling I now have more detail, soundstage and better imaging. The vocals are also much warmer and the clarity is unbelievable in comparison to the thin sounding A90D. The 800S now has what seems like endless soundstage and detail and the LCD 4 got a big kick in its bass and the A90D cannot even compare.

[@kenshinhimura1981]

What tube? Looking into Lyr+ for my first tube amp to pair with Susvara and 1266 TC

[@Leon-lg7zm]

@kenshinhimura1981 I wouldn't go for the Lyr as your first tube amp as that had only just enough power to drive the LCD 4 and the Susvara and AB 1266 are more demanding. The Cayin HA-3A was a massive improvement over the Lyr but I would recommend the HA-6A just for the extra power you will need to drive those other headphones. The HA-3A powers headphones like the Tungsten and LCD 4 as it has a massive amount of voltage which is what those headphones require. The Susvara and AB1266 are different and require outright power and this is why you will need the HA-6A over the HA-3A

[@kenshinhimura1981]

Yeah I was looking at the HA-3a but saw that they weren't strong enough. I know wave theory says the Lyr+ isn't the greatest but should power it decently. I was just trying to avoid spending 2K plus on my first one and get a feel for the sound difference. I've been looking at different brands but looks like it's hard to find anything under 2K that can handle those headphones. Welcome to the money pit. 👀💀🤣

[@Leon-lg7zm]

@@kenshinhimura1981 yeah I mean the Lyr will give you a taste of what tubes are actually like so try out the Sylvania 6SN7 as that line was my favourite with that amp.

[@coreyspivey9171]

I have both the ha-6a and the Feliks Euforia , they both offer something different. I have some 1950’s Sylvania pre amp tubes and some vintage tung-sol 5881’s coming . Can’t wait to see how that sounds compared to the Muller E34 and Genlax kt88s I have now.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Agreed, I have both euphoria here too now, different but exceptional, I think I personally would pick euphoria for my tastes But Ha6a is far more versatile

[@coreyspivey9171]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I agree, the ha-6a is more versatile. I can’t run all my headphones with the Feliks. The Euforia has a way of giving a sense of spaciousness but intimacy at the same time . I know that doesn’t make any sense lol, its probably the way the Euforia does the vocals.

[@jonandresen1483]

Nice review. I have this amp and enjoy it quite a bit. Would like to clarify things from your narrative. The front of the unit has an impedance switch for low, medium, and high impedance headphones. You mentioned a gain switch, which does not exist on this amp. You also mentioned an external impedance matching device that you used with ZMF headphones. The impedance switch built into the amp, and indeed a reason for the transformers, is so you can tailor the amp to whatever headphone. I use mine with the ZMF Verite Closed with high impedance selected on the switch. You also mention linear and tri-linear modes. I assume you mean triode and ultralinear. Usually, I prefer the amp with triode mode. The stock tubes are alright for me. I have switched to KT88 tubes and some Baldwin drivers but never for long. I'd be interested to try the tubes you mention. In my experimenting it seemed best to compliment a more solid state sounding power tube (KT88) with a more tubey driver tube. You seemed to prefer a more solid state sound overall, but maybe I'm not totally sure what the Telefunken tubes sound like. I also have the ZMF Caldera and don't necessarily prefer it as much on tubes since those crave current, which solid state provides.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you for the comment Yes, I did not want to release this video because it was the very first video with a new style and video production I was not comfortable with it, but when I shared it with a chat, they said no, we like it release it. I was going to reshoot from scratch, I am far happier with the H a 300 mark two which will be released soon. I felt as though this video was not in depth, the way I normally go into and I felt uncomfortable. LOL first video with a live camera person et cetera I saw a lot of mistakes when I watched it again when it was completed It’s frustrating, but the constructive feedback is very much welcome

[@jonandresen1483]

@@ConvinceMeAudio No worries. Making videos is not easy. I look forward to the HA 300 MKII video.

[@DDuck777]

Hope I'm not being offensive, but I have read in the past that being blind heightens your sense of hearing. I've noticed that when you ask people to concentrate whilst listening/comparing headphones etc that they automatically close their eyes. I also find that whilst listening at night in bed it lets me hear more into the music. The way you describe gear is excellent keep up the great reviews 👍

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

No, you are certainly not being offensive, rather than enhancing your hearing, I would put it like this Seen as it’s your dominant sensory input, and obviously vision takes a back seat, you learn to assimilate far more than usual, compare to other people, pay attention to things that would pass other people bye Because you’re literally doing it every second of your life versus when things jump out at you So this gives you a different approach when it comes to audio compare to others

[@DDuck777]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you for the reply, I'm making my way through your videos and I'm excited for 2023 and what gear gets released this year, particularly the hotly contested under £500 iem market.

[@marcfoss7687]

Sub'd...nice review, thank you. I really enjoy your presentation style. I hope you might get a chance to review the Cayin HA-3A one day...Keep up the good work!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thanks bud, appreciate it, welcome to the fam 🐅

[@marcfoss7687]

@@ConvinceMeAudio You bet! 😊

[@jsuno23]

when you say trilinear do you mean ultralinear or triode mode? im very confused. Other than that I always enjoy your content because of its rich descriptions and comparisons. TY!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Triode definitely LOL there was some confusion. I really was not happy with this review

[@Shozimus]

I so want to see your comparison head to head of The Ha300mkII vs The Envy :)

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Judging by euphoria, I really would like to review envy, hopefully when they see the euphoria review, they can send it

[@Hichamvanborm]

Nice review! Will you review the Envy?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I have euphoria here right now, but if I can, I will

[@bigjt37]

Nice job. I do wonder how Mogwai REV2 SE stacks up 🤔. Not sure though, if you have heard that model or not..But yeah, I'm kinda looking for a tube amp in this range give or take a lil 🤔..

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Cheers mate, appreciate it, no, unfortunately I’ve not heard that

[@bigjt37]

@@ConvinceMeAudio No problem. Thanks for the review, that's help enough 🙂.

[@Berkanann]

Any plans on taking the HA-3A for a spin?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

A full in-depth review has been shot already, it’s just under editing I’ll be honest with you, I did not want to release this video and wanted to reshoot it, I’m not happy with it. I don’t think there is enough information, but feedback is wellcome I go into so much detail about the 300 in regards to chill, Brolin et cetera. I swear it’s going to be 49 minutes long.

[@101stTank]

Hello, nice rewiev indeed. I currently own, he-1000 v2, Focal Utopia, and some mid-hifi Sennheisers like hd600. Im using Vioelectric 550 solid state amp. Currently thinking getting my first tube amp for these headphones. Which one would You recommend if budget is around 1.5-3k mark. Ty

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

I think your best option is to look on the used market first of all, and then look at euphoria, and possibly this one you might be able to get either for around that price Euphoria is OT L. It’s going to work best with your Sennheiser and focal but it’s synergy is wonderful

[@101stTank]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thx for fast reply and suggestions. You mean Felix Audio Euphoria right? I live in Europe so its around 1800€ in my country used. Any idea how well that Euphoria is going to drive low impedence planars? Shit I think I have to change my hifimans to ZMF planars or smth :D. This Ha-6a Is 3k euro mark. But i could get ha-3a for 1200€... Oh the difficulties.. ty for being patient with our stupid questions. Subscribing btw. Thx again.

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Thank you for the support is very much appreciated ❤️🐅

[@techmed-rainer]

@@ConvinceMeAudio You're dearly welcome!

[@latle111]

Hi Koji, I'm about to make a big purchase and I can really use your opinion. I want to buy the Meze Elite but I think it's a ton of money. How do you feel the Letshuoer s12 or the s12pro compete against the Meze Elite in terms of performance %? If it's like 80% vs 100% I don't mind to save 4 grand. Thank you for all that you do.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Oh it’s not in the same category mate, it’s much much much much better not even close you talking about a super flagship versus a lo-fi I recommend watching the review on the channel as well before you make your purchase decision

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Because if you’re planning to spend 4500 for just performance alone, and not the looks and easy drivability, there are much better, I believe for sonic characteristics

[@latle111]

@@ConvinceMeAudio I have watched the S12 review multiple times, and the Elite review twice. What would you personally buy that is much better in terms of sound?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@latle111 first and foremost tell me what is your current chain, and what equipment do you have, the super flagship headphones in the $4000 category truly requires some heavy hard-hitting equipment behind them to work properly The only exception to this rule is elite, it sounds as good at that, does on pretty much anything And that is why it’s in the $4000 category that one is an exceptional to the rule

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@latle111 utopia, is exceptional, and you can make it sound fantastic on Mojo too, but it sings on tubes ZMF caldera is supposed to be exceptional too, and Atrium is one of my absolute favourite Atrium is another one where it just sounds incredible on anything and beautiful and comfortable And yes, before you ask, I would choose atrium overall lead every day any day

[@gordonfreeman4491]

Interesting, I always thought that the Pendant was at the same level as the Cayin HA 300. But if it is not even at the level of the HA6A, then I have really been wrong.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

No, it’s not on the levels of Ha6a trails behind by a small margin, And the H a 300 MKII destroys both of those specially when you use Elrogs

[@gordonfreeman4491]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Good to know, as the HA 300 MKII is next on my amp list.

[@andrespoblete6783]

Where can I find that impedance adapter? thank you

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

You will have to get a cable maker to make it for you

[@canibiteyou8980]

Could you please write down your prefered tube setup with this thing?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Hilarious name, of course I can I will drop you a message in a couple of hours

[@canibiteyou8980]

@@ConvinceMeAudio lol, Ty!

[@canibiteyou8980]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Sooo? :D Regarding the cheraper HA-3A btw, any review or opinion on that one?

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Apologies, it’s been bedlam, Matched pair EL34 Svetlana winged c Matched pair Telefunken black diamond 12AU7 Matched pair Tungsol 12AU7 Matched pair Brimar 12AU7 These are what I’m using

[@canibiteyou8980]

@@ConvinceMeAudio Ty! No strong opinion on Ha-3a I guess?

[@krisrudecki9477]

This is one of the most underrated amps on the market imo. It has issues, and you have to treat it as a power amp pretty much with the volume set around noon and a pre-amp or a DAC with volume ... but as you pair it with for example Spring 3 with Pre-Amp module or May + Serene (or any other good pre) or Chord dacs, load it with good low noise tubes, feed it clean power, it is a trully a TOTL amp in every sense with some pretty unique features. I don't think there is a straight upgrade from HA6a in the HP world.

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

Agreed, it still bugs me that the review was not really in depth for this one like the HA 300 mk ii May serene was how I ran it most of the time

[@krisrudecki9477]

@@ConvinceMeAudio if you still have it you could do a tube rolling vid, there's some pretty cool and diverse tubes for it, both drivers and power tubes. With right tubes it also has interesting sound with Susvara (I think KT77 and Black Treasure KT88 with warm drivers like RCA black plates were my favourite combos for the Sus).

[@ConvinceMeAudio]

@@krisrudecki9477 unfortunately, it has gone to a good home, I did have a pile of tubes at hand for review, but it left pretty quickly but I’m getting the z10e very shortly