Type UK Model.
Please note that all 'Type UK' models are specifically manufactured for Audio Emotion with 240v transformers (and not the EU standard 220/230 models).
The rules of HiFi have just been changed !
Every now and again in your HiFi lifetime, a product comes along that is so unique, so bespoke, so over-engineered, so meticulously designed, so beautifully crafted, so sonically game-changing that it literally leave you breathless.......enter the new rulebook the Cayin Soul 170HA Headphone Amplifier.
The Fascinating KT170 The Story of KT Vacuum Tubes
Tung-Sol KT170 is an octal-based beam tetrode vacuum tube, it is the 2021 newly released flagship of the KT (kinkless tetrode) tube family.
Audiophiles love the KT family, and the KT88 has maintained a central role since 1956. There were multiple attempts to develop a new vacuum tube for high-end audio, that rivaled the sonic performance of KT88 with higher power.
The KT170 is the latest model from Tung-Sol and by far the best one based on our experience with all the currently available KT vacuum tubes.
An Outstanding Speaker Amplifier for Home Audio Rated Speaker Output of 18 Watts Per Channel, Pure Class A
Thanks to the quite excellent circuit design and outstanding load-driving capacity, the Soul 170HA can easily promote a broad soundstage with tremendous details and musicality when paired with high end external speakers.
Immersive Enjoyment Single-ended Class A Amplification
The driver tubes amplify signal voltage so that the rest of the amplification circuit can operate at a very linear condition. The KT170 output tubes, operating in single-ended Class A, will produce completed amplified output without splitting the musical signal into parts. Cayin engineers meticulously designed the gain circuit, independently adjusting the working current of each vacuum tube stage, allowing the Soul 170HA to fully display the unique rich tones of single-ended Class A design. The Soul 170HA provides users with an immersive audio experience, maximizing musicality without scarifying on technicality
Single-ended Voltage Amplification
After carefully evaluating different alternatives, we decided to use two indirectly heated dual triode 6SN7 to take care of the voltage amplification given its medium (amplification factor) and low internal resistance. We are impressed by the JJ 6SN7 for its low noise and balanced tonal balance across the audible frequency ranges. The sound performance is dynamic, with rich details, and offers excellent musical expressiveness
Outboard Power Supply Design
Empowering with Ample Energy Physically separated 2 boxes design, the outboard power supply delivers clean, low-noise electrical power to the amplification circuit in a separated chassis independently. Dual power supply transformers deliver high and low voltage separately, minimize electrical interference, and safeguard clean power to the amplifier.
The separated high-rigidity chassis and damping mounts absorb shock and vibrations effectively, isolating noise interference caused by transformer vibrations and magnetic leakage to achieve a higher SNR.
The 2 box design also provides better heat dissipation even when we stack them up, allowing the users to place the amplifiers with flexibility.
Fool-proofed Quick Release Connection
Quick-release connectors from the aviation industry are used at both ends of the cables for connection. 8-pin for high voltage power transmission, and 12-pin for low voltage, making sure the output from the multi-stage power supply will feed to different amplification stages independently. Connect and disconnect in seconds, and youll always get it right.
Tube Regulated Power Supply
A multi-stage tube-regulated power supply circuit feeds power to different amplification stages independently. Soul 170HA employs a 2x GZ34S rectifier tube from JJ to handle the driver stage high-voltage supply, providing a tube presentation that is more euphonic and nuanced. The rectifier tube converts the incoming power source to DC and provides clean power with minimum interference for the circuit. Unlike output tubes or driver tubes, the rectifier tubes convert signals without heavy lifting load, they can last for years without deterioration. Since they are not involved in audio amplification directly, there are no matching requirements, they can be replaced on a per-piece basis.
The Flesh and Blood of Tube Amplifier
Transformer Coupled Balanced Driven Soul 170HA is a transformer-coupled single-ended Class A amplifier. The output from the KT170 will drive a pair of output transformers that support both headphone and speaker outputs. The vacuum tube amplification circuit of Soul 170HA is operated in a single-ended, the output transformers provide an alternative phase and compose a balanced output, enabling a balanced drive from a single-ended vacuum tube circuit.
Custom Designed Audio Grade Transformers
The transformer plays a vital role in our amplifiers. The choice of transformer core, specification of copper wire in different parts of winding, and the winding instruction affect the performance and sound signature of our amplifiers. We design and wind all the power supply and output transformers in-house. This becomes our critical core competence and it allows the engineers to have total freedom in specifying the transformers for the circuitry they developed.
Dual Operation Mode
Tendering, smooth and elegant, Holography with sharp image, Suitable for vocals, string music, and mid-range focused genre
Open, bold, with great momentum, Soundstage will open up, Suitable for orchestral, OST, and music with a wide dynamic range
Dual Tonality
Dense, fast and authoritative, prominent dynamic with contrast. Forceful and exciting quality.
Relaxing, delicate and peaceful, reveal low-level details. Engaging and involving quality.
Dynamic Auto Bias Adaptive Bias Servo Circuit
The Soul 170HA innovatively adopts an integrated bias servo circuit design. When replacing vacuum tubes, there is no need for manual adjustment, as the Dynamic Auto Bias servo circuit handles it. Precisely controls the bias of the power tubes, ensuring better compatibility with the amplifier. The innovative circuit design enhances safety and prolongs the lifespan of the vacuum tubes.
0dB Gain Difference High Precision Volume Control
The volume control circuit comprises a custom ALPS carbon film potentiometer and a pair of JRC MUSES72320V electronic volume chips. The ALPS volume potentiometer acts as a physical motion sampler, and the MCU controls two low-noise low-distortion electronic controlled resistor ladder analogue volume chips to achieve 128 levels of high precision volume control, making it more stable and reliable than traditional potentiometers. The 170HAs high-precision volume control circuit ensures an 0dB gain difference between the two channels.
Remote Controllable
To control the volume of the amplifier smoothly in both speaker and headphone setups, we provided a remote volume controller as an alternative to the ALPS potentiometer The remote control uses a CNC aluminium chassis with a sandblasted surface, giving the user the sensation of touching the amplifier when adjusting the volume.
Comprehensive Protection for Ideal Performance
The Soul 170HA uses an MCU to manage the entire headphone amplifier, incorporating multiple protection circuits and startup sequences to provide comprehensive protection from power on, playback, to power off. This safeguards the vacuum tubes while ensuring the amplifier always operates in an optimal state
Performance-Driven Design Top-of-the-Line Configuration
The vacuum tubes used in the Soul 170HA are manually tested and matched. They undergo strict performance testing, a 48-hour ageing process, final measurements after installation on the amplifier, and a listening test to ensure high standards of channel uniformity.
The entire circuitry is hand-wired
Using point-to-point wielding is time-consuming but ensures the shortest signal path with low signal loss. It also isolates audio signal, grounding, and high voltage power from cross-infecting each other, preventing mutual interference and ensuring the performance and reliability of the Soul 170HA.
BMI Function
In order to protect and monitor the operation state of the Power Tubes we have designed the 170HA with Bias Monitoring Indicator. If the bias of Power Tube is detected as abnormal, the BMI will react and the amplifier will enter into protection mode.
Reviews
So what are reviewers saying about the new 170HA from Cayin ?
Lets read why Sandu Vitalie from SoundNews awarded their coveted Gold "Best of Show" award when he listened to it :
"Without a doubt, the true star of the show for me in terms of headphone listening was the Cayin 170HA.
I own some of the best headphone amplifiers ever made, and my headphone collection is constantly growing. I can differentiate between good, great, and end-game.
The 170HA plays in the end-game category, even though its price doesnt reflect that. ......
The HiFiMan Susvara transformed from obedient to dopamine-pumping creatures. Forget everything you know about the Susvara because the 170HA made them punchier, more dynamic, and more engaging than anything else I heard at the show.
This amplifier will be a hit, and I plan to spend a day emailing left and right to secure a review sample for thorough testing, not only with headphones but also with passive loudspeakers, as this beast pumps out around 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
I love everything about it, and I predict it will sell extremely well. Cayin, youre doing a fantastic job, and I think the price will make it a formidable competitor against amplifiers costing twice as much.
The power output felt limitless, as did the soundstage width and depth, on top of legendary dynamics that were kicking the sh!t out of the HiFiMan Susvara. This amp excited every cell in my body, and Im sure youll feel the same when you listen to it."
Headphone Output Impedance
- L: 8-64 ohm
- M: 65-250 ohm
- H: 251-600 ohm
On a 60 ohm load the Power Output level is as below
- 6.35 MM Single Ended Headphone Output: 11 Watts under Ultralinear Mode while 7 watts under Triode Mode.
- 4.4 MM Balanced Headphone Output: 2.5 Watts under Ultralinear Mode while 2 watts under Triode Mode.
- 4 PIN XLR Balanced Headphone Output: 15 Watts under Ultralinear Mode while 12 watts under Triode Mode.
