m adkins wrote:I heard that you auditioned the Cayin HA1A of audio amplified? How did it sound thru your headphone system? Am also considering to audtion the cayin, thanks
Though I was only able to compare the Cayin with my Opera Cyber 30 and Millett Hybrid portable, I was pretty much impressed by it. I find the HA1A to be extremely refined, grain-free and with a pitched black noise floor, I had to remind myself that I was listening to an SET headamp every time. And yes, it still delivered that classic midband bloom, resolution and purity as expected from single-ended amps.
But what got me so surprised is that I find its sonic character closer to the Millett than that of the 2A3 SET Cyber 30. Where as the Opera's signature is undeniably a hark from the past, truly vintage, with its rolled off treble, warm warm mids and robust wooly bass, it's what people here might refer to as "mataba". The HA1A felt stoic and couth, with the advantage over the Millett for sounding even more effortless.
I've nothing much amiss to say about the Cayin, and the only thing that's holding me back is the fact that Ken was able to find pre-owned unit at only half the price. Nagpahanap na rin ako sa kanya. hehe.