DHT refers to triode tubes that use the cathode as the filament and heat up the cathode directly. This simple approach offers stellar dynamics, excellent representation of transients, and a transparent presentation. Using this design for headphones is even more challenging because DHT designs are sensitive to shock, vibration, and electrical inference.
HA-300MK2 uses a matched pair of Golden Lion PX300B low-noise audio triodes, which are renowned for their dreamy tonal characteristics, as its power output tubes. Each tube used by Cayin is tested for reliability, natural sound signature, and frequency extension.
HA-300MK2 is a Single-Ended Triode Amplifier (SET) which uses a single vacuum tube to amplify the signal. Combined with a 2-stage amplification design, this provides a clear, linear amplification.
HA-300MK2 uses 4x NOS RCA 22DE4, one of the best versions of the 22DE4 available. The rectifier stage converts incoming power to DC current, and Cayin's design offers clean power with minimum interference.
HA-300MK2 also functions are a speaker amp, with a 8W per channel Class A output. You can connect speakers and seamlessly switch between headphones and speaker output.
Impedance Matched Headphone Output: choose from Low, Medium, or High impedance to match your headphones
Optimized Headphone Outputs: the 4-pin XLR will provide the maximum power while the 4.4mm output allows for compatibility with high-end IEMs and more sensitive options.
60 second start up delay circuit: Protects your tubes and minimizes noise related to the warm up cycle of the amplifier
Fabulous sound. The usual transparency, big soundstage, detail retrieval, dynamics are all there but what makes this unit special is how it presents everything effortlessly resulting in a highly musical experience. Also, it presents notes with a heft and density which makes everything sound natural and organic. Finally, the impedance option makes a difference. My Utopia 2022 (80 ohm impedance) used with Cayin set set to medium impedance made an unexpectedly large difference compared with low impedance. It makes me wonder how anyone with TOTL headphones can get the full experience unless they are lucky that their default amp impedance matches their headphone’s 🤷🏻♂️ Highly recommended!