Cayin Soul 170HA

The Cayin Soul 170HA combines two functions rarely brought together with such quality: a high-end speaker amplifier and a high-end headphone amplifier. Featuring a pure Class A architecture built around carefully selected KT170 tubes, this exceptional device stands out for its modular design with a separate power supply and its ability to deliver up to 18 watts per channel. Its versatility is expressed through multiple sound customization options and broad compatibility with headphones of all impedances.

Cutting-Edge Technical Design

The Soul 170HA is based on a single-ended Class A architecture using Tung-Sol KT170 power tubes. Cayin was directly involved in the development of these tubes, giving them in-depth knowledge of their characteristics. The preamplification stage uses two 6SN7 dual triodes, chosen for their low internal resistance and their ability to increase gain without introducing noise. The power supply system uses two JJ GZ34S rectifiers, ensuring optimal conversion of alternating current to direct current with minimal interference.

The modular design of the Soul 170HA separates amplification and power supply into two distinct chassis. This architecture not only improves sound quality by reducing electromagnetic interference, but also promotes better heat dissipation, even when the two units are stacked. The transformers receive special attention: they separate high and low voltages to minimize interference and play a fundamental role in sound transmission.

The casing incorporates specially designed dampers to effectively absorb vibrations and shocks. This technical solution reduces disturbances from transformer vibrations and decreases magnetic leakage, resulting in an optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Exceptional Sound Reproduction

The Soul 170HA offers two distinct operating modes to tailor the sound signature to your listening preferences. In triode mode, the amplifier delivers a particularly warm and textured sound, rich in harmonics, with a wide soundstage ideal for jazz or acoustic music lovers. This mode provides 10 watts of power into 8 ohms for speakers.

Activating the ultra-linear mode increases the power to 18 watts, offering more energy and dynamic impact, particularly suited to music genres that require more punch, such as rock or electronic. This change is not just about increased power: the sound presentation also evolves towards a more incisive and detailed reproduction.

Beyond the triode and ultra-linear modes, the amplifier also allows you to adjust the overall tonality with two options: soft mode and dynamic mode. The first emphasizes warmth and richness of timbre, while the second favors the energetic and incisive aspect of sound reproduction. This flexibility allows you to finely tailor the device’s sound signature according to the music you listen to and your personal preferences.

A Reference Headphone Amplifier

The headphone amplification section of the Soul 170HA is a true technical tour de force. Using the same tubes as the speaker stage, it ensures remarkable sonic consistency between the two listening modes. With power peaking at 18 watts on the balanced XLR output (ultra-linear mode), this amplifier ranks among the most powerful on the market for headphone listening.

The Soul 170HA offers three distinct impedance settings to precisely match the technical characteristics of your headphones: low position for headphones from 8 to 64 ohms, medium position for those from 64 to 250 ohms, and high position for models from 250 to 600 ohms. This adaptability guarantees optimal performance regardless of the headphone impedance.

The particularly comprehensive headphone connectivity includes a 6.35 mm unbalanced jack output and two balanced outputs (4.4 mm jack and 4-pin XLR). Each output benefits from specific power characteristics, with a maximum power of 17 watts on the 6.35 mm jack output in ultra-linear mode.

A Complete Interface for All Your Sources

The Soul 170HA features connectivity suited to modern audiophile setups. On the input side, the amplifier offers a pair of RCA connectors for unbalanced connections and a pair of XLR connectors for balanced connections. This dual option allows you to fully exploit high-end sources equipped with balanced outputs while maintaining compatibility with more traditional devices.

The speaker outputs use robust binding posts compatible with various types of connectors, ensuring a quality connection with your speakers. The transformer-based design guarantees optimal impedance matching for speakers from 4 to 8 ohms, despite the relatively modest power output for an integrated amplifier (18 watts in ultra-linear mode, 10 watts in triode mode).

The amplifier comes with a remote control allowing you to adjust the main functions from a distance, offering appreciable convenience despite its audiophile positioning.

Cayin’s Expertise in Tube Technology

The Soul 170HA benefits from Cayin’s extensive experience in tube amplifier design. The company worked closely with the manufacturer of the Tung-Sol KT170 tetrodes used in the output stage, participating directly in their development. This involvement enabled them to create a unique design optimized specifically for these tubes.

Voltage amplification is handled by 6SN7 dual triodes, selected after a rigorous evaluation of various alternatives. Their average amplification factor and low internal resistance make them an ideal choice for this application. The selected JJ 6SN7 tubes stand out for their low noise level and balanced sound reproduction across the entire audible spectrum, contributing to a dynamic and richly detailed presentation.

The power supply uses a multi-stage tube-regulated system that independently powers each amplification stage. The two JJ GZ34S rectifier tubes efficiently convert alternating current to direct current, preserving signal integrity with minimal interference. As they are not directly involved in audio amplification, these tubes enjoy a long lifespan without performance degradation.

Technical Specifications

General Design

• Type: Integrated stereo amplifier
• Tubes:
  • Preamplifier: 2x 6SN7
  • Rectifiers: 2x JJ GZ34S
  • Power: 2x Tungsol KT170
• Features:
  • Automatic biasing
  • Triode / ultra-linear selection
  • Dynamic or smooth mode
  • Headphone gain adjustable on 3 levels

Speaker Output

• Power:
  • 18 W (ultra-linear mode)
  • 10 W (triode mode)
• Frequency response:
  • 10 Hz - 32 kHz (±3 dB)
  • 18 Hz - 21 kHz (±1 dB)
• Distortion (THD+N): 1%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 109 dB
• Input sensitivity: 1000 mV
• Output impedance: 4 to 8 ohms

Headphone Output

• Maximum power:
  • XLR: 18 W (ultra-linear) / 15 W (triode)
  • 4.4 mm jack: 4 W (ultra-linear) / 3 W (triode)
  • 6.35 mm jack: 17 W (ultra-linear) / 11 W (triode)
• Frequency response:
  • 10 Hz - 32 kHz (±3 dB)
  • 10 Hz - 21 kHz (±1 dB)
• Distortion (THD+N): 0.3%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 109 dB
• Compatible headphone impedance:
  • 8 to 64 ohms (low gain)
  • 65 to 250 ohms (medium gain)
  • 251 to 600 ohms (high gain)

Connectivity

• 1x stereo RCA input
• 1x balanced XLR input
• Headphone outputs:
  • 1x 4.4 mm jack
  • 1x 6.35 mm jack
  • 1x XLR
• Speaker terminals

Additional Information

• Included accessories:
  • Remote control
  • Power cable (amplifier connection)
  • Quick installation guide
• Dimensions and weight:
  • Amplifier: 330 x 400 x 231 mm — 23.3 kg
  • Power supply unit: 330 x 363 x 114 mm — 17.2 kg