Cayin
Cayin iHA-6 Headphone Amplifier
Best balanced amplifier for audiophiles driving demanding high-end headphones.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Cayin iHA-6 Headphone Amplifier, a fully balanced, discrete component powerhouse designed for the discerning listener. Part of Cayin's 'i-series' lifestyle solution, it offers a sophisticated approach to personal audio. The iHA-6 boasts innovative Current and Gain controls, ensuring optimal performance with a wide range of headphones, from high-impedance dynamic to demanding planar models. Its robust build and versatile connectivity make it a central component for any high-resolution audio setup, delivering pure, uncolored sound.
$899.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
52
/ 731
#52 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
Power Output (Balanced)
7000700032
/ Up to mW+mW (Low Current, RL=Ω)
Who it's for
- Listeners seeking maximum channel separation and sonic purity
- Desktop users prioritizing premium materials and long-term durability
- Audiophiles owning diverse headphones requiring precise power matching
Who should skip it
- Users with limited desk space or poor ventilation
- Consumers wanting an all-in-one DAC and amplifier solution
- Listeners preferring the lush, warm character of tube amplification
Performance breakdown
Power Output
Massive current reserves drive even the most demanding planar magnetic headphones.
Build Integrity
Solid aluminum chassis provides a robust, vibration-resistant foundation for audio circuitry.
Impedance Matching
Adjustable gain and current settings ensure perfect synergy with diverse loads.
Signal Clarity
Discrete balanced architecture delivers a clean, uncolored, and highly transparent sound.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive balanced and single-ended outputs accommodate almost any headphone cable configuration.
Component Quality
Premium ALPS potentiometer and high-grade internal components ensure long-term reliable performance.
Key Specs
Power Output (Balanced)
Up to 7000mW+7000mW (Low Current, RL=32Ω)
Power Output (Single-Ended)
Up to 2200mW+2200mW (Low Current, RL=32Ω)
Frequency Response
10Hz~80kHz (-0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)
≤0.02% (1kHz, RL=32Ω)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Balanced)
≥110dB (A weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Single-Ended)
≥105dB (A weighted)
Inputs
XLR balanced, RCA stereo
Outputs
Dual 3-pins XLR (balanced), 4-pins XLR (balanced), two sets of 6.35mm TRS
Features
- Fully balanced discrete amplification circuit
- Adjustable Current and Gain controls
- Independent power for left/right channels
- Multiple balanced and unbalanced outputs
- Solid aluminum alloy chassis
- Push-pull MOSFET amplification
- Premium ALPS rotary potentiometer
- Extensive protection circuitry
What customers say
This amplifier earns high praise for its exceptional power and sonic performance, especially with demanding planar magnetic headphones. Users consistently highlight the robust, tank-like build quality, confirming its premium feel. The sound signature is celebrated for being clean, neutral, and highly dynamic, offering excellent detail retrieval and tight bass control. Its versatility, featuring selectable high current and high voltage modes, allows seamless matching across diverse headphone types. While some note it runs warm, the overall satisfaction centers on its top tier performance and outstanding value when compared to more expensive alternatives. It is viewed as a powerhouse solid state solution.
Know before you buy
Yes, the iHA-6 is designed to handle demanding loads. With up to 7000mW of balanced power output, it provides significant headroom for both high-impedance dynamic headphones and power-hungry planar magnetic models.
These controls allow you to fine-tune the amplifier's output to match the specific sensitivity and impedance of your headphones. Adjusting these settings helps optimize the damping factor and power delivery, ensuring the best possible sound signature for your specific gear.
Yes, the iHA-6 is highly versatile. It features XLR and RCA inputs, along with a variety of output options including dual 3-pin XLR, 4-pin XLR, and two 6.35mm TRS jacks to accommodate almost any headphone cable configuration.
Yes, it utilizes a fully balanced, discrete amplification circuit with independent power supplies for the left and right channels. This design minimizes crosstalk and interference, resulting in a cleaner, more precise soundstage.
The iHA-6 is built with a solid aluminum alloy chassis featuring a sand-blasted finish, giving it a premium, durable feel. Internally, it uses high-quality components like an ALPS rotary potentiometer to ensure long-term reliability and smooth volume control.
Absolutely. The iHA-6 is designed as a dedicated headphone amplifier, so you can easily connect it to any external DAC via the rear-panel XLR or RCA inputs to complete your high-resolution audio chain.
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$899