Cayin Soul 170HA is a tube amplifier designed to handle both headphone listening and connection to passive speakers. The single-ended Class A configuration uses two TUNG-SOL KT170 power tubes, 6SN7 driver tubes and two JJ GZ34S rectifier tubes. With XLR and RCA analogue inputs, three headphone outputs and speaker terminals, it combines two different listening modes in a single device.

The Soul 170HA is intended for those looking for a tube amplifier with comprehensive equipment and adjustable parameters according to the system used. The declared speaker power reaches 18 W + 18 W at 8 Ω in Ultralinear mode, while in Triode mode it is 10 W + 10 W at 8 Ω. For headphones, output power of up to 18 W per channel is available, according to the declared data.

Tube amplifier for headphones and speakers

The dual intended use is the central feature of the Cayin Soul 170HA. The panel provides a 4-pin XLR headphone output, a 4.4 mm output and a 6.35 mm jack output. This choice allows headphones with different types of termination to be connected, without being limited to a single format. For speaker listening, there are dedicated speaker output terminals, with an indicated output impedance of between 4 Ω and 8 Ω.

The input section offers a balanced XLR connection and a single-ended RCA connection. Both inputs are analogue: the product does not integrate a DAC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or streaming functions. The declared input sensitivity is 1000 mV, while the input impedance is 15 kΩ. These data help classify the Soul 170HA as an amplifier to be paired with an external analogue source.

Single-ended Class A topology and tubes

The circuit adopts a single-ended Class A topology. The output section is entrusted to a matched pair of TUNG-SOL KT170 tubes. The term “matched pair” indicates the declared configuration for the pair of power tubes. The driver tubes are 6SN7, while power supply rectification is entrusted to two JJ GZ34S tubes.

The presence of the tubes is visible in the construction of the device and helps define the product’s handling and positioning. The Soul 170HA is supplied with a tube cover, listed among the included accessories. A bias monitoring function with a bias control indicator is also present. This system makes it possible to monitor the bias according to the function provided by the device.

The power supply is separated into an external unit. The included power supply measures 330 x 363 x 114 mm, with dimensions expressed in the order width, depth and height, and weighs 17.2 kg. The separation between amplifier and power supply must be considered when choosing the cabinet or support surface, because it requires space for two separate elements and for the supplied connection cables.

Triode and Ultralinear modes

The Cayin Soul 170HA allows two operating modes to be selected: Triode and Ultralinear. Triode mode delivers 10 W + 10 W at 8 Ω for speakers, while Ultralinear mode reaches 18 W + 18 W at 8 Ω. The selection therefore allows a choice between two operating configurations with different declared power ratings.

The operating mode should not be confused with tone selection. The product also has two sound modes indicated as Dynamisch and Weich, respectively translatable as dynamic and soft. The available data identify these two settings as tone modes, without associating a specific frequency response or different power value with either one.

When used with speakers, it is advisable to consider the available power and the nominal impedance of your speakers. The available data indicate speaker efficiency above 90 dB as a reference for pairing. This value does not represent universal compatibility with every speaker model: it is an indication to be assessed together with impedance, room size and the desired listening level.

Headphone management and impedance selection

The headphone section offers three impedance selection levels: low, middling and high, corresponding to low, medium and high. The ranges reported in the technical data are L: 8-64 Ω, M: 62-250 Ω and H: 252-600 Ω. The documentation also contains ranges reported as L: 8-640, M: 65-2500 and L: 251-6000; since these indications are not consistent with one another in the designation of the last level and in the numerical range, it is advisable to refer to the selection specified in the product manual.

The declared compatibility concerns headphones with an impedance above 8 Ω. Before connecting, it is therefore important to check the nominal impedance of the headphones and choose the most suitable level between low, middling and high. The Soul 170HA provides three output formats: 4-pin XLR for balanced connections, 4.4 mm jack and 6.35 mm jack. The choice of output depends on the termination of the headphone cable.

Headphone output power is specified as up to 18 W per channel, while the reported headphone sensitivity is 200 mV-1100 mW. The declared total harmonic distortion for the headphone section is 0.3% at 1 kHz, measured at 2.4 W in Ultralinear; at full power, a value below 5% is indicated. The signal-to-noise ratio is 109 dB with A-weighting.

Volume control and connections

The volume control uses linear adjustment over 128 levels. Step adjustment allows the listening level to be set precisely, both when using headphones and when the signal is sent to speakers. A remote control is also included, powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery according to the supplied information.

The analogue inputs consist of one XLR input and one RCA input. The XLR is specified as a balanced input, while the RCA is single-ended. The analogue speaker outputs are represented by the speaker terminals. No digital inputs, preamp outputs or signal conversion functions are declared; therefore, the connection must be made with a compatible analogue source.

When using the speaker output, the indicated impedance value is 4-8 Ω. It is necessary to connect the speakers to the appropriate terminals and follow the device’s connection instructions. With a tube amplifier, it is also important to avoid unintended operating conditions, such as activating the speaker output without speakers correctly connected.

Frequency response and electrical data

The declared frequency response is the same for headphones and speakers: 10 Hz-32 kHz ±3 dB and 18 Hz-21 kHz ±1 dB. The two values express different tolerances and must be read together with the corresponding indicated band. For the speaker section, THD is 1% at 1 kHz and 7 W in Ultralinear; at full power, distortion below 5% is indicated.

Maximum power consumption is 240 W. This figure refers to the declared maximum energy consumption and not to audio output power. The amplifier uses a dedicated external power supply included in the package, together with the high- and low-voltage cables specified by the manufacturer.

Construction, dimensions and installation

The amplifier measures 330 x 400 x 231 mm, respectively in width, depth and height, and weighs 23.3 kg. The weight of the external power supply, 17.2 kg, must be added to this. The complete set therefore requires a stable surface suitable for the total load. Sufficient space must also be left for ventilation and access to the rear connections.

The side panels are made of solid North American black walnut, according to the available specification. This detail characterises the amplifier’s appearance, while the presence of the tubes and separate power supply defines its structure. For installation, it is advisable to keep the device in an environment with an operating temperature between 0 °C and 40 °C and relative humidity between 20% and 80%.

The declared storage conditions indicate a temperature between -20 °C and 70 °C and humidity between 20% and 90%. These ranges do not replace the safety and operating instructions: before switching on, it is advisable to consult the manual and check the correct connection of the power supply, headphones or speakers.

Package contents

The package includes the Cayin Soul 170HA power supply, tube cover, power cable, two 8-pin high-voltage cables and two 12-pin low-voltage cables. The remote control and instruction manual are also included. The remote control battery is a CR2032 type.

In summary, the Cayin Soul 170HA is a single-ended Class A tube amplifier intended for those who want to use the same electronics with headphones and speakers. The two Triode and Ultralinear modes, headphone impedance selection, XLR and RCA inputs and three headphone outputs expand the configuration possibilities. The declared power, substantial dimensions and separate power supply make careful planning of pairing and installation essential.

Main features

• Product type: Tube amplifier for headphones and speakers
• Amplifier topology: Single-ended
• Operating modes: Triode and Ultralinear operation
• Tone modes: Dynamic and Soft
• Power tubes: 2x TUNG-SOL KT170
• Driver tubes: 6SN7

Technical specifications

Weight	23,3 kg
Width	330 mm
Depth	363 mm
Height	114 mm
Product type	Tube amplifier for headphones and speakers
Amplifier topology	Single-ended
Operating modes	Triode and Ultralinear operation
Tone modes	Dynamic and Soft
Power tubes	2x TUNG-SOL KT170
Driver tubes	6SN7
Rectifier tubes	2x JJ GZ34S
Inputs	XLR x1, RCA x1
Headphone outputs	1x 4pin XLR • 1x 4,4 mm • 1x 6,35 mm
Ultralinear speaker output power	18 W+ 18 W (8Ω)
Triode speaker output power	10 W+ 10 W (8Ω)
Headphone frequency response	10 Hz-32 kHz ±3 dB; 18 Hz-21 kHz ±1 dB
Speaker frequency response	10 Hz-32 kHz ±3 dB; 18 Hz-21 kHz ±1 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio	109dB (A-weighted)
Headphone impedance	L:8-640;M:65-2500;L:251-6000
Input impedance	15 kΩ
Output impedance	4Ω – 8Ω
Headphone THD	0.3% (1 kHz, 2.4W/UL,< 5% at full power)
Speaker THD	1 % (1 kHz, 7W/UL,< 5% at full power)
Power consumption	240W (max)
Amplifier dimensions	330 mm x 400 mm x 231 mm (WxDxH)
Power supply dimensions	330 mm x 363 mm x 114 mm (WxDxH)
Operating class	Class A
Analogue inputs	XLR and RCA
Analogue inputs	single-ended RCA, balanced XLR
Analogue outputs	loudspeaker terminals
Audio circuitry	Hand-wired
Bias control	Dynamic automatic bias servo
Bias monitoring	BMI function with bias monitoring indicator
Bias system	Autobias

Technical insights

The listed specifications help compare the product’s configuration, compatibility and performance.

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Frequently asked questions

Which headphones can be connected to the Cayin Soul 170HA?

The Soul 170HA is specified for headphones with an impedance above 8 Ω. It offers three impedance selection levels, low, middling and high, and three outputs: 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm and 6.35 mm.

How much power does it provide to speakers?

In Ultralinear mode it delivers 18 W + 18 W at 8 Ω, while in Triode mode it delivers 10 W + 10 W at 8 Ω. The available data indicate speaker efficiency above 90 dB as a reference for pairing.

Which analogue inputs are available?

There is a balanced XLR input and a single-ended RCA input. No digital inputs, DAC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or streaming functions are declared.

Which tubes does the amplifier use?

The output section uses two TUNG-SOL KT170 tubes. The driver tubes are 6SN7 and the rectifier tubes are two JJ GZ34S.

Is the power supply included and how much space does it require?

Yes, the external power supply is included. It measures 330 x 363 x 114 mm and weighs 17.2 kg; the amplifier measures 330 x 400 x 231 mm and weighs 23.3 kg. A stable surface large enough for both elements must therefore be provided.