Cayin IHA-8
Desktop headphone amplifier operating in pure class A, fitted with balanced and unbalanced outputs and adjustable gain to drive demanding headphones.
Description
The Cayin IHA-8 is a desktop headphone amplifier designed to operate in pure balanced class A. It is aimed at those seeking dedicated amplification capable of driving a wide range of headphones, from sensitive models to headphones known to be hard to drive, thanks to adjustable gain that adapts the unit's response to the connected headphones.
The power supply relies on a 70 W toroidal transformer with low magnetic radiation, paired with a current reserve exceeding 50,000 μF provided by selected capacitors. This architecture aims for a stable power supply and good dynamics. The amplification stage uses Toshiba JFET transistors and selected MOSFETs, in a balanced design intended to reduce noise and improve sound transparency; pure class A operation defines the unit's sound signature.
Volume control relies on a dual electronic controller paired with an audiophile-grade ALPS potentiometer, designed to limit noise and ensure channel balance. Three headphone outputs are provided: 6.35 mm unbalanced jack, 4.4 mm balanced jack and 4-pin balanced XLR. On input, the unit features an RCA input and an XLR input, both usable at line level or high level.
Performance varies depending on the mode and output used. In hyper mode and balanced output at 16 ohms, the stated power reaches 3600 mW, against 360 mW at 300 ohms according to the configuration measured in the source. Frequency response spans from 10 Hz to 80 kHz (- 0.5 dB), with total harmonic distortion plus noise of 0.0038%, a signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of 127 dB, and channel separation of 68 dB.
This type of headphone amplifier is aimed at enthusiasts of high-end headphones, particularly high-impedance or low-sensitivity models, who wish to use a dedicated balanced output rather than a simple headphone output from a DAC or preamplifier. The adjustable gain and range of outputs make it a unit designed to adapt to several headphones within the same collection.
Technical specifications
| Power (hyper mode, 16 ohms) | 3600 mW |
| Power (hyper mode, 300 ohms) | 360 mW |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 80 kHz (- 0.5 dB) |
| THD+N | 0.0038 % |
| Signal to noise ratio | 127 dB |
| Dynamic range | 127 dB |
| Channel separation | 68 dB |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 270 x 70 x 215 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg |
What to check before buying used
The ALPS potentiometer and volume control relays are worth testing across their full range, checking for crackling or channel imbalance. Pure class A operation causes strong, constant heating of the chassis: check for signs of overheating and that natural ventilation is working properly. Also check the three headphone outputs (6.35 mm jack, 4.4 mm jack and 4-pin XLR) as well as the gain selector, whose contacts can oxidise over time.
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