borkenarrou
500+ Head-Fier
@Andykong Is there any plan to introduce RU7 like 1-Bit Ladder DACs in future iteration of N3 series.
Hey! I came back to head-fi at a good time! Heard the c9 last time but didn’t buy due to having DX220max. Now I get to watch the c9 ii development and get to decide if I go iBasso stack or Cayin stack. Go product development!I prefer to save for the best than settle
Same reason why i got the RS8 and not the RS6 And if you plan on any "tour" of europe to review, it would be a great opportunity to try it too!
Can't believe didn't see this before, this thread is so under the radar!
It's amazing to hear an official word about the development and thanks for sharing the early design drafts!
The first render looks pretty amazing, with side/ top windows, screen and more symmetrical design.
Hopefully, there will be a chance to demo a prototype at Canjam London.
Couldn't wait for the launch to come any sooner and to pair it with the N7!
Stay updated on Cayin at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
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Stay updated on Cayin at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
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Stay updated on Cayin at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
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I love the transparency and how Cayin interacts with the community during developmentThe 3D printed prototype will assist us in making an informed decision regarding the external design of the portable amplifier. From here on, we shall carry out further structural optimization to include internal details such as PCB mounts, suspended installation of Nutube, and rails for the removable battery tray. It will take several iterations of the prototype before we arrive at the final chassis structure.
At the same time, the C9ii circuit design is well on the way. As you can see, we don't need to consider the shape and dimension of the chassis at this stage, we spread out the circuit to make it easier to try out different options, and solder jumper wires flexibly. We simplified the design down to single input and single output only but we do include switches to enable timber options which is an important part of the C9 product line. Again, this might take a few iterations before we finalize the circuit design, bt at some point, we shall layout the PCB to match the shape and dimension of the C9ii chassis structure and check out how far we can go with new features such as HYPER mode in the cramped environment.
NB: I'll start a new C9ii product thread when we complete the R&D process, this thread will remain as general tech talk on the Nutube implementation for portable audio products.
I’ve been thinking about this kind of product. I love my C9, it’s fabulous. I listen to it mainly in class A solid state.To make it easier for the readers, I have revised my signature, let's hope this thread will pick up more tech. discussion on portable vacuum tube applications.
I’ve been thinking about this kind of product. I love my C9, it’s fabulous. I listen to it mainly in class A solid state.
I find the tube mode drains battery fairly quickly and while it does produce a bit more nuance and magic in the voice, it’s not quite enough to make me go to it every time I listen. I just take the class A easy route and get 95% there with more flexibility across more dynamic music genres.
What i wonder is it better for a consumer like me to have:
1) a lower cost C9x with no tube but class a/ab solid state, or
2) a same cost C9x but with more output power or voltage, even if the form factor is slightly bigger?
I don’t travel with the C9, but I listen to it at home in various locations and just carry it around. I don’t have to worry about a plug and cords, or noise from the panel.
I wonder if an audiophile is really looking for tube sound won’t they just purchase a powered tube amp and get the real thing?
For me, the portable tube is probably the least important aspect of the C9. It’s the power, solid state sound, class A/AB toggle, and transportability which hit the mark…. Also, the integration to the N7 and synergy - outstanding.
Perhaps I’m an anomaly but I am a big fan of the Cayin sound and am looking forward to the next C9 once it’s released. I do think there is a niche to consider a solid state only transportable product.
I reread it but can't relate the discussion of the N7 thread (EQ for DSD/MQA) to the subject we are discussing here.Not sure how far along the R&D process/ planned feature set is for the C9ii. However, based on the current conversation on the N7 thread and previous comments on EQ for DSD/ MQA. It would be interesting if there was something hardware based that could be done to help with this, even if it’s not a full on array of knobs. Something like a two/ three stage switch slightly toning down particular frequencies (based on what most people interested are looking for), e.g. to counter excessive/ bloated mid bass, raised upper mids and specific treble peaks. Maybe this is already done to some extent with the different driving modes, but could be interesting to see further applications. Just throwing thought's out there, not sure how feasible this would be (based on current design, planned feature set & time constraints).
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Thanks for your response back and explanation on the N7 thread! It makes a lot more sense, as you've explained the restriction on EQ is the format itself.I reread it but can't relate the discussion of the N7 thread (EQ for DSD/MQA) to the subject we are discussing here.
Anyway, I think there is a fundamental difference between sound shaping and fixing certain frequency ranges as you have described.
Sound shaping requires every option to remain a high-performance playback device across the complete frequency range. We pay a lot of attention to maintaining the transparency, dynamics, and transients of the final outputs, regardless of what sound-shaping combination you have finally chosen. The features that you described, are important when we need to fix the problem of a particular frequency range, often caused by synergy problems with a particular earphone/headphone. These manipulations will sound great with some combinations, but awful with other earphone/amplifier combinations. We believe EQ, be it digital or analog, works better for these purposes.