Cayin iHA-6 - US Tour and reviews
Mar 13, 2017 at 6:25 PM Post #227 of 751
Ordered from Taobao and received the amplifier on Monday after a week. After spending some time with the amplifier, I think I am ready to give a brief impression on it. I used it to drive my HD800, HE1000 and ZMF Vibro II. To me, the IHA-6 drives HD800 and HE1000 well. It is a pity I do not have a decent solid state amplifier to compare with. At the end of the day, I still preferred my DNA Stratus with HD800 and HE1000 as the tube amplifier was able to produce a seductive and liquid mid which I like. However,technically, the 2 amplifiers were pretty close despite the huge difference in price.
On the other hand, I thought the IHA-6 was an excellent match with the ZMF Vibro II. Despite not being the most technical headphone, the Vibro II with the IHA-6 was very engaging, fun and realistic. There is so much synergy that I will actually put the pair on par with my Stratus/HD800 in terms of enjoyment and the IHA-6/Vibro II pair only cost 1/4 of the other pair.
To conclude, the Cayin Iha6 is a very capable amplifier with plenty of connection and power options. The small footprint and price make it a very attractive option in my opinion. It is a keeper for me.
a new addition to TSAV's headphone bar.
 
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Mar 14, 2017 at 3:26 AM Post #228 of 751
I currently have the iHA 6 running HD800 balanced with a Schiit Freya preamp controlling volume. The iHA6 volume is at 3 o'clock and the Freya controls the voltage via stepped resistors.

Complete balanced setup from DAC to Headphone:
Lossless - HoloAudio Spring Lvl 3 DAC - Schiit Freya with Psvane and Tung sol tubes - Cayin iHA 6 - HD800/Ath-R70x/Emu Teak/Hifiman he560

This is 2 levels up from Schiit Jotunheim (I had for 2 weeks and sold off) if anyone is wondering. I actually prefer the iHA6 to the Schiit Raganarok except maybe on the HE560! While the Ragnarok is a specimen of an amp the iHA6 adds a nice touch of musicality while keeping similary transparency. I believe the $999 pricing was warranted for the performance if those wondering why it was priced in that tier. Audio-Gd while having excellent value and sound doesn't have the beautiful finishing touch Cayin has to their units.
 
Mar 14, 2017 at 5:49 PM Post #229 of 751
I'm very happy with mine, Using the zmf Omni / ori or the he560. Much better thus my other amps for my ears. I hardly recognize the Omni as. The same hp. The sound is so open and clear. I believe the iha6 to be a steal.
 
Mar 24, 2017 at 9:45 PM Post #231 of 751
Tonight I have on the iHA6 with the emu teak balanced and listening to some Chris Botti (Impressions and also Italia album). Absolutely breathtaking synergy.

Can't wait to bring the amp to the next meet to get people to hear it.


Cool! I've been playing with the ZMF Eikon and the iHA6/iDAC6 today and I had the same thoughts. :thumbsup_tone1:
 
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May 17, 2017 at 9:15 AM Post #233 of 751
Hi,

Anybody using the IHA-6 with Utopia? Good match?

I am thinking about upgrading the Mjolnir 2 to Ragnarok, but then I saw this.

Also, how does it compare with Auralic Taurus MKII?

Thanks!
 
May 17, 2017 at 10:37 AM Post #234 of 751
+1
I would like to know how it compares to the Auralic Taurus Mk.II, since I currently own an Auralic.
 
May 17, 2017 at 12:04 PM Post #235 of 751
So, if you are in USA, where do you buy the 110v version from? There are two Chinese sellers on eBay selling them for $675 shipped, but they have the 220v version only (I checked). Thanks.
 
May 17, 2017 at 7:34 PM Post #237 of 751
May 17, 2017 at 8:27 PM Post #240 of 751
So, if you are in USA, where do you buy the 110v version from? There are two Chinese sellers on eBay selling them for $675 shipped, but they have the 220v version only (I checked). Thanks.

Right here in the US. :L3000: Specifically at The Source AV. We only sell US voltage and warranted products from Cayin.

Be advised these amps are region specific. All 120v units are made specific to that voltage. There are Chinese companies modifying 220v units into 120v that voids the factory warranty immediately.

Bonanza.com is not an authorized dealer for Cayin and they are selling 220v units.
 
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