Cayin Soul 170HA KT170 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Description

About the Cayin Soul 170HA KT170 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

At Rapallo, we see the Cayin Soul 170HA KT170 Vacuum Tube Headphone/Speaker Amplifier as one of the most ambitious headphone amplifiers available today.

It delivers a rare combination of output power, tube-driven musicality and precision engineering, making it capable of driving everything from flagship planar headphones to efficient loudspeakers with authority and refinement.

What really stands out is the way Cayin has implemented the KT170 output tubes in a single-ended Class A design, creating a presentation that is powerful yet beautifully detailed. Pair it with a high-quality DAC and a reference headphone like the Susvara, ZMF, or Focal Utopia and the Soul 170HA delivers an expansive soundstage, natural midrange and deep, controlled bass that truly showcases what high-end personal audio can achieve.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the Cayin Soul 170HA special?
   The Cayin Soul 170HA is the first headphone amplifier (to date) to use KT170 tubes in a single-ended Class A design, delivering exceptional power and musicality.
2. Can the Soul 170HA drive speakers as well as headphones?
   Yes. It provides up to 18W per channel into speakers, allowing it to power efficient loudspeakers in addition to high-end headphones.
3. What headphones work best with the Cayin Soul 170HA?
   The amplifier is capable of driving demanding headphones such as planar magnetic and flagship dynamic headphones.
4. What is the difference between triode and ultralinear modes?
   Triode mode provides a warmer and smoother presentation, while ultralinear mode offers more power and dynamic impact.
5. Is the Soul 170HA suitable for audiophile systems?
   Absolutely. Its KT170 tubes, Class A design and high output power make it a reference-level amplifier for serious headphone systems.

 

What the Experts Say

• The Ear – they described the Soul 170HA as “a seriously well-endowed headphone amp” that delivers enormous scale and capability for demanding systems.
• Industry Coverage – Audio reviewers highlight its dual-chassis design and KT170 tubes, noting that it offers exceptional power and refinement for both headphones and speakers.

 

Features

First KT170 Tube Headphone Amplifier

The Cayin Soul 170HA is the first headphone amplifier to use Tung-Sol KT170 power tubes in a single-ended Class A architecture, delivering exceptional output power and musical authority.

High-Power Headphone and Speaker Output

The amplifier delivers up to 18 watts per channel for speakers and similarly powerful balanced headphone output, allowing it to drive demanding headphones with ease.

Dual Operation Modes

Users can switch between Triode mode for a warmer, smoother sound and Ultralinear mode for maximum power and dynamics, effectively offering two sonic personalities in one amplifier.

Dual-Chassis Power Supply Design

The Soul 170HA features a separate outboard power supply, improving noise isolation and providing substantial power reserves for dynamic music reproduction.

Multi-Output Headphone Connectivity

The amplifier supports several headphone outputs including 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of high-end headphones.

Precision Tube Circuit Engineering

Using KT170 output tubes, 6SN7 driver tubes and GZ34 rectifiers, the Soul 170HA combines Cayin’s decades of tube amplifier expertise with modern circuit design.

 

Suggested System Pairing / Ideal Setup

The Cayin Soul 170HA works best with reference-grade DACs and high-end headphones.

Headphones

• Focal Utopia
• Audeze LCD-5
• ZMF Caldera

DAC Sources

• High-end DACs with balanced outputs
• Network streamers with high-resolution playback

Ideal For

• Flagship headphone systems
• Audiophile desktop listening setups
• Hybrid headphone and speaker listening systems

 

Specifications

Brand: Cayin
Model: Soul 170HA
Product Type: Vacuum Tube Headphone / Speaker Amplifier

Amplifier Type: Single-Ended Class A
Output Tubes: Tung-Sol KT170 ×2
Driver Tubes: JJ 6SN7 ×2
Rectifier Tubes: JJ GZ34 ×2

Output Power:

• Speaker Output: 18W per channel (8Ω)
• Headphone Output (Balanced): up to 18W

Headphone Outputs:

• 4-pin XLR balanced
• 4.4mm balanced
• 6.35mm single-ended

Inputs:

• XLR balanced
• RCA

Frequency Response: approx. 10Hz – 32kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: approx. 109 dB
THD: approx. 1%

Chassis: Dual-box design with external power supply

Dimensions (Amplifier): approx. 330 × 400 × 231 mm
Dimensions (Power Supply): approx. 330 × 363 × 114 mm
Weight: approx. 40.5 kg combined

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ New Zealand Hi-Fi specialists since 2005
✔ Authorised dealer with genuine products and full manufacturer warranty
✔ Expert advice on headphone and DAC pairing
✔ Free NZ shipping on orders over $299