At present, we’re reviewing the Cayin N6III moveable participant, a brand new product within the N6 sequence that prices $1,299 USD.
Cayin
Cayin is a premium Chinese language high-end audio model (since 1993). Its focus has been mainly on devoted HiFi tools, masking each chain within the music copy path, from CD gamers to audio system. Nonetheless, the essence is undoubtedly its tube amplifiers.
Their tools ranges from round US$100 to simply beneath US$10,000 per merchandise, masking totally different necessities and budgets.
In 2013, Cayin ventured into private/moveable audio, launching a sequence of Digital Audio Gamers. The N-series DAPs are designed to supply a high-quality audio expertise on the go. Cayin has been on it lately with items such because the flagship DAP N8II or moveable tube amplifier C9II.
Cayin N6III
The N6 sequence represents the center floor between the entry-level and flagship Cayin DAPs. You would possibly keep in mind our evaluation of the earlier era, the N6II, as beneath.
That evaluation was posted in 2019, and I like that Cayin isn’t an organization that releases unit after unit in a brief interval. They wait till they’re happy with the brand new iteration.
That evaluation was posted in 2019, and I like that Cayin isn’t an organization that releases unit after unit in a brief interval. They wait till they’re happy with the brand new iteration.
In fact, this new mannequin follows swimsuit in modular DACs, and we at the moment have two DAC modules. Extra on that later.
The brand new N6III has an analogous type issue, comparable positioning within the model’s product portfolio, and a modular DAC design. However after all, there are upgrades in parts, software program and different issues.
Let’s see what Cayin has added to the N6III over the N6II:
As you possibly can see, these are substantial upgrades. The highlights to me listed below are the battery capability, charging length—regardless of the battery’s improve in size-, tool-free modular DAC, higher display, and higher CPU.
But, these upgrades to the N6 sequence have been manner overdue because the earlier mannequin was virtually six years in the past. Nevertheless, I like what I see in portability, as Cayin didn’t make the brand new N6III a lot greater than the N6II with added tech and battery dimension. They stored the dimensions virtually the identical.
In sonic upgrades, let’s take a look at the brand new audio motherboards.
C201
If you buy the N6III, that is the ”inventory” motherboard connected. It has eight parallel CS43198 Matrix DACs, 4 NJU723X quantity management chips, 4 OPA1622 amps, 4.4mm BAL and three.5mm SE outputs, and 12.4/14.2 hours of battery life (BAL/SE).
E203
After the discharge of the DAP with the C201 module, Cayin launched the E203 motherboard. This has an 8-channel flagship-level ES9039PRO DAC, fully-balanced audio circuit, full efficiency mode known as ”hyper mode”, Class A/AB choices, 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL outputs, although there’s no line-out choice with the E203.
That is the upper-level module, but it surely prices a further 359$, bumping the whole value to 1658$ with the DAP. Nevertheless, you should purchase the E203 solely with the DAP when you don’t want a line-out connection.
Packaging & Equipment
The brand new N6III is available in a compact field, the same old stuff from DAP producers these days. The unboxing expertise is just good. Once you open the field, you instantly see the participant.
The underside compartment has a packed USB-C to USB-C cable to cost the gadget, which is appropriate with PD2 charging velocity.
The package deal features a fashionable carrying case, which appears cool and matches the DAP like a glove. The bottom of the case is half-open to chill the gadget. Orange-coloured stitching enhances the look of the leather-based case.
Design & Construct
The brand new N6 member of the family, launched in 2019 with the N6II, has a well-known look and design. It’s a compact gadget with a professional-grade, critical look.
The gold accents on the amount wheel, playback buttons, and energy button end the design properly, per Cayin’s moveable designs of the previous years.
I discover the areas of the ability button, microSD slot and USB-C port a bit odd. The ability button is on the participant’s left facet, and the microSD is inserted from the highest tight, while your USB connection is on the highest left.
I suppose these choices end result from the aim of protecting the DAP small. The earlier era, N6II, had the ability button built-in on the amount wheel, however not within the N6III.
This isn’t to say that it’s troublesome to function the DAP in any manner, however it’s nonetheless unusual whenever you begin utilizing it.
The DAP is constructed from aluminium alloy and feels unbelievable in hand. Not one of the buttons or sockets really feel low-cost, and the again glass appears good. The modular motherboard sits tightly within the DAP, and there’s no wobble.
The general design and construct high quality are evident whenever you first deal with the participant.
The display appears sharp and has good pixel density, which is sufficient for a Hello-Fi participant. The album covers and movies look good. The screen-to-body ratio is extra admirable than the N6II because the display is enlarged and appears very aesthetic.
I don’t suppose you’ll have hassle utilizing the participant in that respect. The market has extra bigger gamers, much more so than prior to now, however I preferred the N6III for its type issue.
Click on right here to go to the second web page the place we proceed with the Cayin N6iii evaluation.
Web page 2 – Consumer Expertise & Software program
Web page 3 – Sound High quality
Web page 4 – Technical Efficiency, Comparisons & Conclusion
