Since I’m in “tube listening mode” today (and yesterday) etc. …
One thing I would like to see, either in Cayin’s N8 successor (assuming there will be one) or in a NuTube module for the N6ii, is MORE POWER.
I say that primarily because the HEDDphone really needs a bit more power than the N8 can really provide in tube mode … and it’d be a LOVELY combination for transportable listening.
Interesting, plus those tubes are readily available at reasonable prices, which makes tube rolling relatively easier… but, yeah not sure 
how I feel about the tubes though…but, I’m not a tube expert by any means 
Way back … I had a Sonic Frontiers Anthem Amp 1 (40 Wpc speaker amp) that ran on a quad of EL34, and it was a fantastic piece of kit. Just not sure how well they’ll work in a headphone application. Probably pretty well, power-wise at least.
The KT88 are a better aesthetic match for the HA-6A though … and I’ve little experience with those.
I came across 2 Cayin tube amps at very fair prices (Before tax) from a local store. Does anyone have experience with them:
Cayin – CS-55A: $1330
Cayin – HA-1A MK2: $665
The HA-1A is nice, but CS-55A has a DAC and some more serious tubes. I was going for the RME ADI-2, but perhaps these are at too good prices to skip, so the RME is postponed.
The HA-1A had a major revision, I think? It might have a different model number, I don’t know. If the one you found is the early version, I’d pass on it unless you could demo it first.
The later version some of the fellows around here own and can comment on.
I have no clue about the CS55a.
If you do a search, others mention the 1A in other threads.
I’m a fan of the Ha-1a mkii I really enjoy mine! Plus its looks are pretty awesome! I’m actually trying to decide on my next tube amp… it’s between the ECP T4 and the Cayin Ha-6a…
That is 2 good looking tube amp’s!
So for the price point, you are happy with the Cayin – HA-1A MK2 I would guess. Did you roll tubes or are the standard ok?
And is it more warm than a SS amp in a way where you find it’s sound to definately be like a tube amp?
Yeah I have all tung-sol tubes in it. It is closer to neutral but with added tube fullness. I find it rather enjoyable. For the price it is hard to beat, at least here in the states
My HA-300 has been my favorite amp for a year and a half, great quality and the 300b sound is hard to shake once you have heard it.
Best amp ever!
but the price… 
First song is truely different from my THX amp - there is more music in this tube amp 
and it looks stunning. It has a DAC and Ultra-Linear & Triode-mode, depending on music choice and RCA out for speakers.
My wife was laughing at me, but it is worth it 
That’s really nice looking. 
You can’t go wrong with the HA-6A! Though I have no experience with tubes, I decided to jump on it and it paired excellently with the Abyss 1266 TCs, Utopias and the Z1r! Definitely try check it out! 
Gorgeous amp! Congratulations.
Thank you!
It’s addicting to say the least.
Absolutely beautiful. Lots of tubes. 
.
Feel like sending me your Cayin for a long demo?
Australia real close
Gotta say, I’m definitely loving my HA-300 also. Paired it with my LCD-3 Fazor and Chord Qutest DAC.
I like the stock tubes well enough, but I have a matched pair of Psvane CV181-T Mark II coming in to replace the Shuguang 6SN7GT, and in the near future, I’ll probably get the Psvane ACME 300b, too.
That’s gorgeous.
The higher model Cayin are really beautifully made. And I don’t normally prefer silver electronics, but when it’s done right…, wow.
Reminiscent of Technics higher end models finished in silver. Very nice.
Yeah, I’m really digging on the styling of it!
