Woo Audio 22 vs Cayin HA-6A - Tube Amp Comparison

Two headphone tube amplifiers both costing $2500 USD. Which one has the sound signature you like?
Amps:
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Woo Audio WA22: wooaudio.com/amplifiers/wa22
Cayin HA-6A: en.cayin.cn/products_info?ite...
Chapters:
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0:00 Intro
1:30 Cayin Backstory
4:28 Sound Comparison
9:27 WA22 Preamp mode
10:54 Garage 1217 Attenuator
11:58 Feature Comparison
14:50 Conclusion
Credits:
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www.MrPhotography.com for his gorgeous shots of the ZMF Pendant. You can also check out his audio-focused KZbin channel here: / marcellorostagni
Social:
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/ midfiguy

[@jblesser]

Thank you for your thorough review. Much appreciated

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Great reviews man In my opinion you are better than most Keep them coming

[@LakerTriangle]

Thanks for this - there isn't much info on these here on YT. I been searching for weeks.

[@zadiusaudio8629]

Thanks for the great Tube Amp comparison!

[@maols43]

Great! I have been looking forward to this one. 👍

[@The4thaggie]

Howdy from the Zeos Patreon chat. I accidentally stumbled onto your channel and glad I did. You’re a really wholesome reviewer and a breath of fresh air. Love your DAC and headphone shootouts. Probably the most helpful and informative even with access to Z’s community. Keep up the great work! As for amps, several of us are tube nuts. Joe (see Z’s Dragon and Elise reviews) and I recently bought a Feliks Elise. What you described in heat (WA-22) and noisy output (Cayin) aren’t issues in my Elise. I’d recommend trying to get a Feliks as I feel they are really refined. Powers my DT880-600, Verite Closed, and GL2000 euphorically well. I run Mullard NOS 6080s and either Russian Tungsol or OTK 6SN7s. Need to grab some Sophias and RCA 6SN7 to try.

[@aceofspades6667]

Thoughts on Feliks Euphoria? I'm in the market for a tube amp and looking at Feliks Euphoria, Cayin HA300 & HA-6A, Dragon Inspire IHA-1, Ultrasonic Oblivion, Mogwai Se, DNA Stratus. Was leaning toward the HA300 out of the bunch with planars but not sure.

[@pheunthai]

The China factory that produces Cayin equipment is the same one that produces Prima Luna too.

[@xray111xxx]

It is possible as Shenzhen and Guangzhou is clearing house for any OEM you want. Need anything audio and put your name on it. Here you go! There is some fun neat stuff they make.

[@WooAudioUSA]

the volume knob should not be too hot to touch. We run the amps all day (8+ hrs) at trade shows and the knobs are just warm to the touch. Can you take the temperature of the knob? Perhaps there is something wrong with your WA22 and we should inspect it.

[@ethr95awd]

nice, you made me cross both off my list

[@manardh7387]

I am waiting for a hybrid with high quality FETs and 6DJ8's built with emphasis on reducing the tube noise. It should have a solid state switchable circuit for power hungry headphone. Is it possible ? Don't know, the 6DJ8 tube seems to me the best in class.

[@vibes1952]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but, this 68 year old OLD timer, I like your reviews VERY much.

[@gideonx5]

Great review and comparison but unfortunately, both of these are out of my price range. Can you please do a review on the Cayin HA1A MK2?

[@TheGreatMrBill]

Was watching this video to see your thoughts on the wa22 which I'm considering to use as a preamp. Specifically to give me a little bit of a tube sound in my chain using RME ADI-2 DAC and Flux Volot as my Amp.

[@aceofspades6667]

I was eying a few HA 300s last year off headfi but not sure how they compare to the HA-6A. Guess I need to research a bit more.. Great content and fun review!

[@gavinbirss4625]

Regarding power consumption a 3.15A fuse is used in the 220V version so consumption due to heater current draw on rectifier and output tubes should be much more than you may have noted? I have tripped and needed to replace this fuse as it does draw a considerable amount of current on startup.

[@MidFiGuy]

I only tube rolled with NOS RCA Grey Glass and didn't have any fuse issues. I wish I ran my watt counter when I had the amp

[@mschachtjr]

Can’t believe I got so far behind watching your videos. When I was in the market, these were the two amps I was considering and ultimately went with the Woo Audio for the support and responsiveness. I use the wa22 as a pre for my 2 channel setup. Ares 2 > WA22 > (2x) Schiit Aegir > Kef R500. Admittedly, I dropped some coin on tubes, but it’s a beautiful setup. Did you try it with your 2 channel rig? I need to go watch that video now.

[@terrybritner4037]

I jus purchased my Cayin ha-6a, did you ever try 300b tubes in it? What tubes have you used in yours.

[@kalamulakakaisland-qp5ro]

I know this is kinda old video but when you use these as preamps, does it provide higher gain with more headroom? I know freya+ does give 12db more headroom from the amp Thank you

[@jeffkalina7727]

I heard from James in AZ who did the work on the Cayin. He did exactly as directed by Cayin. Apparently the hiss you mention was so faint that people here wondered what you were complaining about.

[@mdzunayed]

You should review the Feliks Euphoria and the McIntosh MHA200 next. Also, great video. It was both informative and enjoyable.

[@anthonysmithjr.7388]

Yes, this is what I was waiting for. How would you compare these to the Schiit Mjolnir 2? Looking to upgrade from that but i think the mjolnir sounds great.

[@natethuerk3493]

Mj2 will be much more dynamic. Nothing hits harder than mj2. Look at Donald North Audio for a real deal tube amp.

[@klewja]

The tube replacement on the woo is considerably more expensive.

[@krmatiu]

I love my WA22. I did however have to spend half the cost of the amp on upgraded tubes. NOS 5998 power tubes and rca red base drivers are amazing tubes on this amp.

[@fatdoi003]

wonder if you'll try the new Mcintosh MHA200

[@clintonlewis2547]

You gonna do a review on the Meze you own?

[@leonardjona]

Love this review and actually love the look of both of these amps! Bummer about the "hissue" since I use Planars currently while day trading.

[@michaelwright1602]

Loving my little Cayin EL-84 tube amp, really lights up my Zu DW6 Supremes. Very happy! Oh, no hiss... :-)

[@olivrrrr]

I own the ha300 and I do get some slight hums depending on 6SN7 I use. I'm using an HD800S and I'm on the highest impedance without any noise/hum issues besides the usual noisy/microphonics tunes. I do recall having some hiss on earlier ha300 batches I've tried.

[@johnhayes8476]

How do you like the ha300?

[@olivrrrr]

@@johnhayes8476 Its been great! Love that it does double duty as a speaker amp and the ability to roll 6NS7/6F8G tubes is more economical than 300B. The stock 300b (TJ 300b/n) are damn good anyways, but can be a bit euphoric and lush with the stock 6SN7, but if you don't like that then just roll some 6NS7/6F8G to tweak the sound to your liking.

[@stevep4384]

15:08 other options: 1) Amps & Sound 2) Decware, 3) Donald North Audio, 4) Auris, 5) ZMF Pendant

[@gavinbirss4625]

I use 220V version and have no issue with heat and amp and controls are cold to touch. Found stock 6080W output tubes as with 6H8C and stock rectifier hold back performance and amp is transformed by using better tubes. 5998 output tubes are costly and scarce but managed to find 7236 that also increases power. A good upgrade and the amp keeps ability with a low cost 6H8C. I use it as a preamp to drive Nelson Pass ACA amp camp amps in bridge-mono from the balanced pre-outs. Found it slightly noisier as a pre as as schiit Freya/+. One has to keep the shorting RCA plugs on when using XLR input jacks. I purchased with upgraded DACT stepped attenuator but found perhaps due to weight of knob that it has poor feel and on low number steps relative poor sense of knowing if step is engaged. A goldpoint or ELMA stepped attenuator has much better feel on low steps. To make single-ended input and output possible which makes it being fully balanced redundant, phase splitter/transformer is used.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks so much for this. It's so weird my unit consistently ran hot on the front panel. It was a relatively new unit as well ?_? Everyone says Woo really responds to better tubes. Sadly I didn't go down this rabbit hole but it sounds like those who have really get rewarded. Other than the slight noise are you satisfied with its preamp performance? Would you just recommend the Freya+ every time?

[@gavinbirss4625]

@@MidFiGuy I actually use the now discontinued LISST (solid-state tubes) with the Freya+ which some may argue defeats tube sweetness. Tube heaters are now regulated DC which lowers noise floor from previous model (Freya). I did also try the PSVANE 6SN7 SE and hifi series tubes but they make Freya+ run a little hot (tube radiates heat to chassis). Nice tubes. The Woo WA22 as preamp to speaker system still makes a good preamp but stock tubes should be upgraded. Just found comparatively at the time that the Freya+ was ever so slightly less noisy but very much tube (noise) dependant. Noise (background hiss) with WA22 was surprising as speakers were relatively insensitive (85db/W)

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Midfiguy ! I have always been a solid state amp guy , espically amps like my Yammy As-1100 that has that tube charcter in the midrange but with crazy bass authotity and a rich powerful top end with outstanding dynamics but i pulled trigger and ordered the new 'Doge 10 tube integrated' that I cant wait to compare to the Yammy , also just got the Darkvoice headphone tube amp that i will be having a give away on me channel very soon ! Thank you midfi guy !

[@MidFiGuy]

I almost bought an entry level Yammy due to reviews such as yours, I seem to be all about midrange finesse now :D The popularity of amps such as the Doge 10 and Willsenton R8 are so high now that they're usually sold out thanks to the KZbin community, hah! Glad good amp vendors are getting the business. Can't wait for your upcoming vids man, cheers to you!

[@FlashbackArrest]

You're the man

[@woodkraft7575]

Thanks for your good video and I fount an adapter (SAT UB-1) that can connect headphones by connecting to the amplifier speaker terminal on etsy. .

[@supabayes3284]

Thanks for the review and backstory. Why not just refund and buy a Manley absolute? I have the Manley 300b pre amp, which is gorgeous.

[@MrEvhel83]

You should try to review Miltra's best Headphone Tube Amplifier Miltra OTL-8XT :)

[@johnratcliffe6438]

You didn't mention the LDA MZ3, would love to get your thoughts on that.

[@MidFiGuy]

Ah how could I forget! I would love to have a listen at one of those. Adding to the list :D

[@fatdoi003]

that's different class of amp..... it's priced close to WA5-LE

[@the_overflow]

WA22 works great as preamp for Genelec.

[@johnhayes8476]

Has anyone heard the cayin ha300? Or how it might compare with the ha6a?

[@net_news]

Tube amps are super reliable because changing the tubes themselves is super easy in modern devices... a complex SS integrated is much more complex and have much more parts prone to fail.

[@MidFiGuy]

In essence you're right. In my experience though my solid state amps have been super reliable while I get ringing, hum, and hiss on my tube amp journey. None of that his deterred me though, I really love tube sound

[@The4thaggie]

As long as you consider tubes are consumable. Don’t Willy nilly leave them on if you’re concerned about that multi-thousand dollar holy grail Western Electric 300B tube.

[@leonidkim3708]

Thanks a lot for review. Much appreciated. Regards, Your Asian Brother Kim

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks brother! Really appreciate your help & communication on Head-Fi!

[@anthonysmithjr.7388]

do you think the cayin has more attack and definition because it’s wired with silver wire?

[@MidFiGuy]

Hey man I totally didn't even think about this but according to their site they use silver plated wiring. Always a nice to have but I can't say for certain how much or how little this affects the sound quality, I'd be hesitant to make a statement here on it!

[@fatdoi003]

KT88

[@dajikbatarang1]

When is part 2 of going 2 channel coming out?

[@MidFiGuy]

Hopefully this month or early next! Work has been ramping up so it's been a challenge

[@igorelenitsky2856]

Tell me, please, what is this box that I see between the two amplifiers (4.04 min)?

[@michaelwright1602]

It is the Nobsound Little Bear XLR switch box sold on Amazon for $65.

[@ResilientME]

I prefer listening to SS amps, but I prefer hearing about tube amps. Is that strange?

[@MidFiGuy]

Not strange imo. It's like being perfectly content with your cell phone but reading reviews on the latest iPhone or Android release

[@PuneetMehra]

Recommend a good OTL under 250 dollars. Thanks

[@pheunthai]

Sadly chifi can be very problematic. I bought a "top notch", very highly reviewed integrated chifi amp last year. It shorted and fried my speakers. Thankfully, the distributor in my country was really decent. He gave me a full refund for the amp and compensated me for the fried speakers. Get chifi only if you have a very good distributor in your area.

[@michaelwhitaker1972]

I think I would prefer the Woo.

[@gavinbirss4625]

One should also be aware that Woo doesn't supply a spare fuse in the fuse holder that has a spare slot. Not an expensive part so no bonus points to Woo Audio. Stock up if your fuse goes.

[@terryRBNF]

The Woo amp actually sounds more appealing as a tube amp, the Cayin as described sounds more like a SS amp

[@hassabsaeed9993]

The Hiss is real and unbearable in the HA6A , i hope they sort it out , i would love to own it again

[@MidFiGuy]

Yea, it's completely a bummer. It sounds soo good though. It's like a beautiful girl or boyfriend that happens to be crazy >_

[@fatdoi003]

Cayin swapped OEM tubes some say the hiss has gone down but need more user reviews to confirm....

[@hassabsaeed9993]

i didnt see any good feedback regarding this issue

[@aceofspades6667]

Could you guys comment specifically on how bad the hiss is? My HPs are 1266 Phi TC, LCDX, LCD3F, Clears, and Klipsch HP3. Is the hiss bad in planars like LCD and 1266 or just in more sensitive Dynamic drivers like the Clear/HP3? Is this hiss something that is only audible like a noise floor with 0 music playing and low levels or do you notice it was higher listening levels as well?

[@hassabsaeed9993]

@@aceofspades6667 it hiss mainly with dyanamic drivers ,, planers almost has no issue , but with dynamic hiss is unacceptable at all .

[@engchoontan8483]

Power-supply issues can be resolved by similar to tube-amp concepts using incandescent-bulbs as a slow-capacitor to smoothen the jaggard-slope of a digital-wave(square, saw-tooth) to a sub-woofer cross-over type of smoother-sine. Certain electronics/electricals behave like capacitors outside of designed range/usages. Diaphragm is a sonic capacitor-DSP. Matching harsh to harsh is clinical-harsh. Argon-laser to xenon-flash to HID-headlamps and projector-lamps(with FREE gloves but air pollution will destroy them sin the same manner as electrostatic speakers... and ... tube-amps. $usd+1 light-bulb as fuse and inductor is affordable but not tube-amps and not HiFi when air is polluted. Get the HiFi guys to clean the regional air-flow before selling tube-amps and electrostatic speaker.sss

[@nxtvctm]

I had a WA22. Even spent $$$$ on all Uber rare and expensive tubes. And to top it off - I upgraded the caps to Jupiter copper foil. With the HD800S, it was an ok pairing. It never reached the sonic bliss I was after. Nowhere close to as good as an Apex Teton. The other thing you briefly mentioned - transient speed. A poorly designed Valve amp will just sound like a gooey slow mess. Some people call this the tubey velvet analogue horse shit crap sound. These people most likely haven’t heard a well designed valve amp. The key is good Transformers. This is where cheaply designed amps show their true colours - transient speed. Have a look at Eddie current amps as an example.

[@kortam6065]

my ha300 hiss alot on my utopia but not on my he1000

[@xray111xxx]

Wrong on the cold war era. Military Tubes are amazing in that they are used in things like Radar and much more. You are right for the Woo Audio. Met the President of the company. Super nice guy and makes an amazing sounding amplifier. The quality is excellent. The Cayin is not my cup of tea, but some of their products are nice, but spotty. I would wait, spend a bit more and get the Woo Audio and get your headphones, and some music and your favorite chair and favorite drink, sit back and enjoy.

[@mmmadog]

Mcintosh has a tube amp at this price.

[@invisiblekid99]

I’d definitely want to listen to that before deciding between these two. I can audition the Mac and the Cayin so that’s good news.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

I just can't with tubes.

[@johnsoriano3812]

Hey there, would love for my company to do a collab with you. I sent an email and I work for Apos.

[@Smood47]

Why didn't you just get the refund and put it towards ha300.

[@natethuerk3493]

Woo goo..... slow syrup

[@mrcrapsalot6043]

I don’t think this is mid-fi anymore

[@dontbeedgy]

Cap

[@vibes1952]

You talk to me!

[@exodusvelo]

this is not midfi brother, this is hi fi, hi hi hifi.... test some 300-900$ tube amps bro.

[@MidFiGuy]

You're right. I want to get come Bottlehead stuff in. So much to review, so little time

[@fatdoi003]

are there any tube amps with output transformers in that price bracket?

[@The4thaggie]

@@MidFiGuy could also try the Feliks Echo. I’d just spring for the Elise tho

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Hiss in a piece costing this much is unacceptable. I’m not buying a cable to compensate for your design flaw. There are only a handful of truly great tube amp builders. In my humble opinion, there is no better overall tube experience than on some of Woo Audio tube amps. I’ve used so many different tube amps, both hybrid and OTL and Mr. Wu does it best. Yes it’s pricey but just understand that you’re buying direct and getting an amp that’s in many cases is built for you by a family. Given correct tubes and time these amps will actually disappear and that’s what a great amp should do. Very nice and honest review.

[@Smood47]

D-A-C ? Its 'Dack' bro lol.

[@elnrik8655]

Woo = soft and gooey. This surprises literally nobody. 😐 What surprised me is you not returning the cayin. So many amps out there you could have instead, many objectively and subjectively better. Decware, Eddie Current, DNA, Amps&Sound, etc.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Yeah, while true...many people dont like that 'amp tray' look these companies use. For me, its a dealbreaker with their non-uniform tube placement on their amps, that make them look like cheaper Bottlehead Crack amps unless you pay $3K or more for the models with more tubes on em.

[@elnrik8655]

@@DJ_BROBOT - This made me laugh. Thank you. :) I see your point, but I guess I'm not into audio jewelry and would rather have better sound.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

@@elnrik8655 lol..ikr! I understand. That's the beauty our crazy hobby. I do understand the beauty and strenghts of both kinds

[@dontbeedgy]

@@elnrik8655 not sure if you'll ever respond to this (especially because this is a year old comment)but have you ever tried the cayin ha 6a? I wanted to get this amp but the company's you listed are very interesting, I prefer metal build amp that are big, that is what the cayin ha 6a, it also has big transformers which I wanna know if there is a big difference in the size of the transformers if you say these company's tube amps are better then I feel like they should be more popular. I also wanna know which out of all the company's similarly priced to the cayin ha 6a do you like the most, if you have one of these amps.

[@WorldView22]

You forgot to mention another advantage of the WA22, the classic design. Sorry to say but the Cayin is an ugly piece of clumsy cheap looking kitsch metal crater box.

[@dontbeedgy]

Do you have the cayin ha 6a?

[@ONIKdeftones]

both are chinese, woo is based in us but they are chinese people so still made in China LOL

[@user-cf2bu6if2k]

Woo Audio 22 better. Cayen has a problem with the earth (grounding)in the system!, that is why people have hummmmmmmmm...