{"product_id":"cayin-soul-170ha","title":"Cayin Soul 170HA | Flagship Class A Speaker\/Headphone Tube Amp","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 65%;\" alt=\"Cayin gold logo with shadow\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-logo-gold-shadow.jpg?v=1691786430\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eImmerse Yourself in the Sumptuous Sonic Feast of the Powerful and Authoritative Cayin Soul 170HA Flagship Speaker \/ Headphone Tube Amp\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePremium, powerful vacuum tube-based amp for headphones or home speakers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures 1st implementation of matched pair of Tung-Sol KT170 tubes in a single-ended architecture Class A headphone amp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthoritative 18W per channel speaker output at 8Ω and max 18W headphone output via XLR Balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6.3mm (3.5mm), 4.4mm Balanced, and 4-pin XLR Balanced headphone out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 level impedance matching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate power supply chassis for cleaner, low-noise power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-premium, heavy-weighted umbilical power supply cables with quick release connectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-soul-170ha-banner.webp?v=1741279754\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" alt=\"Cayin Soul 170HA headphone amplifier sitting on wooden table front center view with HIFIMAN Susvara Unveiled and plant tv and speakers in background\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\ntable, th, td {\n  background-color: #f6f6f6;\n}\nth, td {\n  padding: 20px;\n}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"90%\" bgcolor=\"”#f6f6f6”\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #a30e0b;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin Soul 170HA is a masterful blend of vintage tube warmth and modern engineering, delivering a rich, organic sound with exceptional clarity and detail. Its fully balanced circuit and meticulously designed output transformers ensure a pure, distortion-free signal, bringing out the full emotional depth of your music. With a powerful yet refined presentation, the Soul effortlessly drives a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance dynamics to high-sensitivity planars, making it a versatile centerpiece for any high-end audio setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom its premium build quality to the nuanced, lifelike sound it produces, the Soul embodies Cayin’s commitment to audiophile excellence. Whether you’re seeking the lush textures of classic tube amplification or the precision of a modern reference system, the 170HA delivers an immersive listening experience that truly lives up to its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/blogs\/articles\/put-a-little-soul-in-your-music-cayin-soul-ha-170-review\" title=\"Put a Little Soul in Your Music: Cayin Soul 170HA Review\"\u003eRead the full review here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9HwfqoBJQS4?si=VZDgIhY64pMoB4FE\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Fascinating KT170\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTung-Sol KT170 is an octal-based beam tetrode vacuum tube. It is the 2021 newly released flagship of the KT (kinkless tetrode) tube family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudiophiles love the KT family, and the KT88 has maintained a center 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KT170 is the latest attempt from Tung-Sol and by far the best attempt based on Cayin's experience with all the KT vacuum tubes currently available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt features a high-efficiency outboard power supply circuit with substantial power reserves, delivering an authoritative headphone output of up to 18WPC, ushering headphones into a new realm of personal listening experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImmersive Enjoyment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe driver tubes amplify signal voltage so that the rest of the amplification circuit can operate at a very linear condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KT170 output tubes, operating in single-ended Class A, will produce completed amplified output without splitting the musical signal into parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCayin engineers meticulously designed the gain circuit, independently adjusting the working current of each stage of the vacuum tubes, to allow the Soul 170HA to fully display the unique rich tones of single-ended Class A design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Soul 170HA provides users with an immersive audio experience, maximizing musicality without scarifying on technicality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-soul-170ha-lifestyle.webp?v=1741279587\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" alt=\"Cayin Soul 170HA headphone amplifier closeup of KT170 vacuum tube under warm yellow glow\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSingle-ended Voltage Amplification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter carefully evaluating different alternatives, Cayin 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe JJ 6SN7 is impressive 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOutboard Power Supply Design Empowering with Ample Energy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhysically separated 2 box design, the outboard power supply delivers clean, low-noise electrical power to the amplification circuit in a separated chassis independently. It also provides better heat dissipation even when stacked up, allowing the users to place the amplifiers with flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDual power supply transformers deliver high and low voltage separately, minimize electrical interference, and safeguard clean power to the amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulti-stage tube-regulated power supply circuit feeds power to different amplification stages independently. It can minimize ripple effect, eliminate circuit interference, and enhance circuit performance of both the voltage and current amplification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Indispensable Power Supply Link\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy-weighted Umbilical Cable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom designed silver-plated 6N copper wire to connect between the outboard power supply and main amplification chassis. Separate high and low voltage transmission, with a total of two cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6N copper offers excellent electrical conductivity, the high level of purity reduces the presence of impurities that can interfere with signal transmission, and it also ensures consistent performance and longevity of the cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndependent shielded to minimize external interference as well as interference between independent transmission of multi-stage power supply circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin Soul 170HA quick release power cables closeup\" height=\"1024\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-soul-170ha-6-thumb.webp?v=1723644456\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFool-proof Quick Release Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuick-release connectors from the aviation industry are used at both ends of the cables for connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8-pin for high voltage power transmission, and 12-pin for low voltage, making sure the output from multi-stage power supply will feed to different amplification stages independently. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect and disconnect in seconds, and you'll always get it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTube Regulated Power Supply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulti-stage tube-regulated power supply circuit feeds power to different amplification stages independently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoul 170HA employs 2x GZ34S rectifier tube from JJ to handle the driver stage high-voltage supply, providing a tube presentation that is more euphonic and nuanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rectifier tube converts the incoming power source to DC, providing clean power with minimum interference for the circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike output tubes or driver tubes, the rectifier tubes convert signals without a heavy lifted load and can last for years without deterioration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince they are not involved in audio amplification directly, there are no matching requirements and they can be replaced on a per-piece basis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Flesh and Blood of Tube Amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransformer Coupled Balance Driven\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoul 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 driven from a single-ended vacuum tube circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Designed Audio Grade Transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransformers play a vital role in Cayin's 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 their amplifiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCayin designs and winds all the power supply and output transformers in-house. This becomes their critical core competence and it allows the engineers to have total freedom in specifying the transformers for the circuitry they developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey consistently use high-purity copper enameled wire in the design of toroidal power supply transformers to reduce magnetic noise effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe custom-designed wide-frequency response EI-type output transformer uses a high-quality Z11 silicon steel core, to minimize signal loss and enhance fidelity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCayin's shielding packaging technology and circuit protection measures further protect the machine from noise interference and extend the product's lifespan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual Operation Mode\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTriode Mode\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKT170 screen grid connected directly to the anode. Tender, smooth and elegant. Holography with sharp image, suitable for vocals, string music and mid-range focused genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltralinear Mode\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA tap is added to the primary winding of the output transformers and connected to the KT170 screen grid, providing higher voltage and changing the operating state of the power tubes. Open, bold, with great momentum. The soundstage will open up, suitable for orchestral, OST, and music with wide dynamic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual Tonality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjust the operating current of the two KT170 tubes synchronously\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDense, fast and authoritative, prominent dynamic with contrast. Forceful and exciting quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRelaxing, delicate and peaceful, revealing low-level details. Engaging and involving quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImpedance Matched Headphone Output\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn-house designed output transformers provides three sets of impedance matched outputs to handle different headphone loadings accordingly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow (L): 8Ω-64Ω\u003cbr\u003eMid (M): 65Ω-250Ω\u003cbr\u003eHigh (H): 251Ω-600Ω\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatching headphone impedance should produce a natural sound with well-defined bass reproduction. Planar headphones are more sensitive to impedance matching than dynamic headphones. Users can try out different settings after they are familiar with the sound signature of properly matched output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA higher impedance setting will deliver higher output power because they are driving a harder load. It is completely different from gain control of a solid-state amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication Oriented Output\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 4-pin XLR output is a full-fetched balanced output but the 4.4mm headphone output is optimized for wider range of applications, including high-sensitivity portable headphones and IEMs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4-pin XLR (Balanced): 12WPC- 18WPC\u003cbr\u003e4.4mm (Balanced): 2WPC - 4WPC\u003cbr\u003e6.35mm (Single-ended): 7WPC - 17WPC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 4.4mm phone out optimization has taken low-impedance high-sensitive headphones and IEMs into consideration. Cayin reduced the output and improved the S\/N ratio, making sure the Soul 170HA is relevant to a very wide range of personal audio applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower output of 4.4mm phone out can also serve as a fallback when the system suffers from unidentified hum and interference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDynamic Auto Bias\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Soul 170HA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt precisely controls the power tubes, ensuring better compatibility with the amplifier. The innovative circuit design enhances safety and prolongs the lifespan of the vacuum tubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e0dB Gain Difference\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume control circuit comprises a custom ALPS carbon film potentiometer and a JRC MUSES72320V electronic volume chips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ALPS volume potentiometer acts as a physical motion sampler, and the MCU controls the 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 170HA's high-precision volume control circuit ensures a 0dB gain difference between the two channels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin potentiometer thumbnail closeup with JRC volume chips\" height=\"1184\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-soul-170ha-gain.webp?v=1724422752\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComprehensive Protection for Ideal Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Driven Design, Top of the Line Configuration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand-matched Vacuum Tubes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vacuum tubes used in the Soul 170HA are manually tested and matched. They undergo strict performance testing, a 48-hour aging process, final measurements after installed on amplifier, and listening test to ensure high standards of channel uniformity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Point-to-Point Wielding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire circuitry is hand-wired using point-to-point wielding, this 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-end AudioCapX PPFXS Coupling Capacitors effectively isolate DC, improve the accuracy and stability of audio transmission, and enhance overall sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eElegant and Majestic Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front panel of Soul 170HA is made of aerospace aluminum with a matte black anodized finish. The side panels are crafted from North American black walnut wood with unique grain and texture, enhanced by hand polishing for a more sophisticated feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuxurious and exquisite VU meter design, combining high aesthetics with functionality, allowing you to appreciate the charm of details while listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheatrically designed tube cage protect the vacuum tubes and prevents accidental contact with the hot tubes during operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTubes:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput:\u003c\/strong\u003e TUNG-SOL KT170 x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDriver:\u003c\/strong\u003e JJ 6SN7 x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRectifier:\u003c\/strong\u003e JJ GZ34S x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnalog Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e XLR (x1 pair), RCA (x1 pair)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Power:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.5mm Single-ended\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltralinear: 11W (L); 13.5W (M); 17W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriode: 7W (L); 8.5W (M); 11W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4-pin XLR\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltralinear: 15W (L); 17W (M); 18W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriode: 12W (L); 14W (M);15W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4.4mm Balanced\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltralinear: 2.5W (L); 3.5W (M); 4W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriode: 2W (L); 2.4W (M); 3W (H)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultralinear: 18W (8Ω); TR: 10W (8Ω)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTHD: \u003c\/strong\u003e1% (1kHz, 7W\/UL, \u0026lt;5% Rated Output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eS\/N Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 109dB (A-Weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (Amplifier):\u003c\/strong\u003e 23.3kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight (Power Supply):\u003c\/strong\u003e 17.2kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Amplifier):\u003c\/strong\u003e 330mm x 400mm x 231 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Power Supply):\u003c\/strong\u003e 330mm x 363mm x 114mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e 240W (Max)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cayin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40973853982795,"sku":"CAY-SOUL-170HA","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-soul-170ha-3-thumb.webp?v=1723644456","url":"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/products\/cayin-soul-170ha","provider":"Bloom Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}