Disclaimer: The Apos Ray 12AU7 tubes were temporary provided as part of a European loaner tour

The new production Apos Ray 12AU7 tubes come in a very nice compact box with magnetic closure.
I connected them to the xDuoo TA-22 hybrid tube amplifier as soon as I received them (they had already been burned in by a previous reviewer).
After a bit of a warm-up on first listen, it was immediately clear that the sound of the Apos Ray 12AU7 tubes had gained in clarity and refinement compared to the xDuoo's stock tubes. Really a good upgrade for the xDuoo TA-22.


Balance In - Balance Out

The mid-bass has also gained in finesse, while being less bloomy with a slightly reduced quantity. Its really more balanced over all frequencies while still retaining the tubish qualities. This was also the case when using the Apos Ray with the Cayin HA-3A transformer-coupled tube amplifier (standard tubes from JJ Electronic), you give up some of the mid-bass elevation of the stock tubes for a more balanced approach with improved clarity - it's not less engaging, just a different flavor!


HurRAY

Headphones tried on the Apos Ray 12AU7
ZMF Caldera
ZMF Atrium Closed
Meze Liric
Denon AH-D9200
E-MU Teak
Klipsch HP-3
Dan Clark AEON 2 Closed
Kennerton Rögnir
Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic
Fostex TH-909
Audeze LCD-XC 2021

Gear used for comparison
xDuoo TA-22 [tube hybrid amplifier]
Cayin DAC 11 + Cayin HA-3A [Burr Brown DAC with tube output + transformer-coupled tube amplifier]

Verdict
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find "new" old tubes at reasonable prices and with consistent quality.
With the Apos Ray 12AU7 you get a balanced tube sound at a high level at an affordable price.
I only wish they were also available outside the USA.

Disclaimer: The N7 was temporary provided as part of the European loaner tour

Right after the unboxing and the first boot-up (that happens very fast in comparison to many other Android-based players) you are presented with a clean and minimalist environment:

• no bloatware installed, just the Cayin player and HibyCast apps (and some other utility apps, not even the "stock" Google apps besides the Playstore) with an really up-to-date Android 12 version that will enable to use the device for quite some time
• on top of the system drawer you have easy accessible toggle buttons: low/high gain, class A/AB amplification and different output settings
• after adding the google account I installed only two streaming apps TIDAL and Spotify and was ready to go
• the overall performance feels very snappy and responsive in all apps even on longer playlists while scrolling
• WiFi connection was very stable and reliable the whole time of use

Smiles and amazingness everywhere

After starting playback in class AB mode with several full-sized headphones I quickly got the impression that the N7 is a very capable device.
Very enveloping and engaging sound around you with a wider soundstage perception, while staying on the neutral side without adding anything artificial to the mix.

This impression even further manifested when switching to class A amplification mode, where you get a noticeable increase in bass impact perception on almost every headphone I tried. One of the downsides of this, you want this to run mostly in this mode for added pleasure , but the battery will drain faster and the unit gets noticeable warmer after some time of use.

On most headphones I usually use EQ more or less mandatory on my desktop units, but on the N7 I interestingly did not feel the need for that - even I could have used build-in EQ functionality on other player apps.


Everyone bows to the Maestro!

Headphones tried on the N7
ZMF Caldera
Meze Liric
Denon AH-D9200
E-MU Teak
Klipsch HP-3
Dan Clark AEON 2 Closed
Kennerton Rögnir
Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic
Fostex TH-909
Audeze LCD-XC 2021
Kennerton Gjallarhorn JM Edition
Hifiman HE6SEv2 (gets noticeably loud, but doesn't reach its full potential - as expected)

Gear used for comparison
Questyle CMA Fifteen [ES9038PRO DAC + solid-state amplifier]
Violectric DHA V226 [Cirrus Logic CS43131 + solid-state amplifier]
xDuoo TA-22 [tube hybrid amplifier]
Cayin DAC 11 + Cayin HA-3A [Burr Brown DAC with tube output + transformer-coupled tube amplifier]
Gustard X26 Pro + HeadAmp GS-X mini [2x ES9038PRO DAC + solid-state amplifier]

The included case has a high-quality feel to it, but what I appreciate less is the feel of the button area, when the case is on: you can hardly "feel" the correct button without looking at it.

Verdict
The Cayin N7 is a device with enough power to potentially replace your desktop setup for driving normal demanding full-sized headphones with the bonus of having a complete all-in-one unit with added streaming and controlling capabilities right at your hand! You do not sacrifice very much on the sound compared to similar priced desktop solutions while getting so much more on top. With the Cayin N7 really made a compelling DAP reduced the its core functionality without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. Open your player app of preference, start the playback and enjoy listening!

Impressions
After the many listing hours my first impression of a very open and invitingly big sounding 3d space with punchy bass remained as of one of the key properties of this headphone.

The look might not appeal to everyone with the colourful orange dyed wooden cups that really stand-out in contrast to the silver finish and the brown ear-pads.
Its a very substantial build and comfortable to wear even for many hours with virtually no clamp force.

You get a transportable case coming with the Audivina, but the headphone itself is not at really suitable for portable/outdoor usage due to its size.
There are 3 stock cables coming along with the headphone (3.5mm, 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR) that are actually usable in comparison to former Hifiman "cables"!

With its neutral tuning and tastefully elevated bass the Audivina sounds very good on all amps I have tried, regardless of solid-state, hybrid or tubes while letting their individual characteristics and distortions shine through.
I usually don't shy away from using EQ on my headphone, but for the Audivina I did not feel the need for that as it was just fine right out of the box for me.
You could argue, that there is some sub-bass roll-off that you could compensate with EQ - and that is totally possible since the Audivina reacts very well to EQ also in the sub-bass region.

Comparisons
The planar jury is out ... of the closet

Dan Clark AEON 2 Closed: more closed-in feeling, comparable bass quality/quality - less punchy [EQ preferred]
Meze Liric: similar detail, more sub and mid bass without EQ so little subdued vocals and too much bass [EQ required]
Audeze LCD-XC 2021: little more detail, with EQ the bass can be as fancy as you want [EQ preferred]
Kennerton Rögnir: more detailed, even more open and as wide/wider, but not as big sounding, will tell you mastering errors [EQ required]

Without any EQ applied I might slightly prefer the Audivina to the Liric sound-wise (comfort, isolation/leakage and build are ahead on the Liric in any case).
All the A2C, Liric, LCD-XC and even the Rögnir have better isolation and less leakage as the Audivana.
The Kennerton Rögnir still remains the most open sounding closed back for me, but its also more expensive.


Gear used for evaluation
⚬ Questyle CMA Fifteen [ES9038PRO DAC + solid-state amplifier]
⚬ Violectric DHA V226 [Cirrus Logic CS43131 + solid-state amplifier]
⚬ xDuoo TA-22 [tube hybrid amplifier]
⚬ Cayin DAC 11 + Cayin HA-3A [Burr Brown DAC with tube output + transformer-coupled tube amplifier]
⚬ Gustard X26 Pro + HeadAmp GS-X mini [2x ES9038PRO DAC + solid-state amplifier]

Rest of the gang used in my evaluation
Denon AH-D9200
E-MU Teak: THAT bass makes you
Klipsch HP-3: as big sounding
Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic: as big sounding, but not as open
Kennerton Gjallarhorn JM Edition: as punchy
Hifiman HE6SEv2: less mid-bass and punchiness without EQ, but same Hifiman genes
Fostex TH-909: detail, (sub-)bass articulation, openness unrivalled
ZMF Caldera: detail, (sub-)bass articulation unrivalled

Verdict
If you don't like to EQ and just want enjoy a headphone right when you connect it to your amp, the Audivana is a great choice.
A 'good' sign for me was the intrinsic urge to re-evaluate my current collection for who might want to go and get replaced by the Audivina, since it just was a unique enough experience for me.
If isolation and leakage is not your first priorty you looking for on a headphone, the Audivana gets my full recommendation!

Note: the Hifiman Audivina was temporary offered for review as part of the EU review tour

• very balanced sound signature with tastefully boosted bass, that never overshadows other frequencies
• vocals are clear and not recessed
• great build quality and feel
• good detail and not always forgiving with badly mastered tracks
• very good fit and sleek look
• stock tips do fit for me well, but might be possible thar 3rd party tips could improve seal on certain jaw/skull movements
• ... if the seal is broken, bass gets impacted/reduced (depends of tips and ear)
• above average passive isolation
• also very good at lower listening volume
• included cable is not microphonic
• not full 360° holgraphic presentation, but dependend on track
• would have been nice to include a balanced cable

Like the other Meze offerings I personally know (Empyrean and Liric), the Advar offers a great all-rounder approach tuned for fun listening.
I was not really into IEMs so far, but that changed with the Meze Advar, they can be a great alternative to closed full-size headphones with the plus of portability.
The tuning needs no additional EQ for me to enjoy listening (e.g. the Liric needed that for my liking) right out of the box.
Seems like I already turned into a Meze fanboy, since it seems their aim for pure music listening enjoyment without compromises is one of their key success factors.


D#mn you Meze, I am already considering to buy Advar for myself - once again!


used gear for evaluation:

• Hiby R3 Pro Saber
• Hiby R5
• Questyle CMA 400i
• Violectric V226 (Gustard X26 Pro/Ares II)

Hint: the Meze Advar was temporary offered for review as part of the EU review tour

Update #01: I did order my own Advar after the review was posted and the review unit passed to next reviewer

Right after unboxing I plugged in the Liric into the Singxer SA-1 that was fed by the Denafrips Ares II and started listening. I wasn't immediately wowed like the first time I was listening to the Empyrean. But some headphones just need some time to grow on you. The sleek look and substantial feel of the Liric is just impressive, I doesn't have the majestic grandeur of the Empyrean, but lets you know and feel that you have a well engineered and durable headphone in your hand with a penchant for understatement. Also very comfortable to wear for long listening sessions (like the Empyrean).

Working my way up the "food chain":

• Burson Soloist 3XP + Composer 3XP: Brought already the Empyrean to shine, especially when the Soloist is in PowerAmp mode and the Composer is handling the volume control, so does on the Liric (even the bass pressence is a little bit on the leaner side)
• Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini: Like with almost any headphone this combo brings everything to shine and no exeption here with the Liric!
• Questyle CMA 400i: Now we bring meat to the bone with Questyle's gorgeous amplification circuit, even that added bass pressence isn't as snappy it could be, it just gets you connected to your music as no other!

After a while I played around with EQ (for most people this might not be necessary or even out of question), since I was not 100% happy with the presentation of the vocals of the Liric, they were present and not subdued, but sounded somehow slightly distorted like using old radios with limited dynamics (might be only a personal perception).
So I added the filter settings from AutoEQ and WOW these made the vocals on the Liric outstanding (that I really call "veil removed"!), also the Empyrean has this to some extend without EQ, but not as obvious as on the Liric.
This really changed my opinion on the Liric completely - together with the Questyle CMA 400i or the Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini combo you really get connected to your music. You feel you are in you music and not overburdened with the last detail that might be hidden in the track.


It was about time to call the rest of the planar closed back gang in, so final contenders of the Meze Liric (with EQ) were:

• Dan Clark Audio AOEN 2 Closed (with EQ) -> might even have wider soundstage (deep pads I assume) as the Liric, but -as expected -does not reach the Liric in the other qualities but is already very close.
• Kennerton Rögnir (with EQ) -> that snappy impactfull bass (even with my non-bass-heavy tuning and the perforated pads) no other planar here can offer. Also sounds almost as open as the Empyrean and let you hear all the details that all other cannot bring to your ears! Still the undefeated king of closed backs (if you like that qualities)!
• Audeze Penrose X -> even its marketed as a gaming headset the Penrose offers a very well balanced planar sound that does not need to hide from the others, but has its limits vs. the "audiophile" headphones

• Meze Empyrean (with EQ) [yes, open back, but same driver family as Liric]-> both "tuned" to harman target, but you can hear that the Emyprean is the better headphone overall, it not only sounds more open (again also deeper pads) but offers that grand enjoyment of music experience, but the Liric shares much of that DNA with having its own personality, so its not just a closed-back mini Empyrean.

"chains" used for comparison:

• Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini
• Burson Soloist 3XP + Composer 3XP
• Singxer SA-1 + Denafrips Ares II
• Questyle CMA 400i (optional with Geshelli Labs Erish)
• iFi Zen DAC + Zen CAN
• Hiby R5

The Liric doesn't need a powerhouse to be driven, the Geshelli Labs Erish will get you there...but the Liric scales very well and spiritualizes the unique (euphonic) distortion characteristics some amplifiers provide. For me the Questyle CMA 400i or the Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini combo really hit the sweet spot.
Sadly the my turn on the Questyle CMA Fifteen review tour was already over before the Liric arrived, I would have really loved to check out both together since I am sure they might have been a perfect match!

Conclusion
For me the Meze Liric (with EQ) is one great headphone that very well earned its right to exist in the crowded headphone market.
Look, build, isolation, sound (with EQ) - all in one appealing package for you to grow on and get connected to your music.


Hint: the Meze Liric was temporary offered for review as part of the EU review tour

Update #01: I did order my own Liric after the review was posted and the review unit passed to next reviewer

I possess the little brother Questyle CMA 400i for many years now and still a big advocate of this all-in-one unit, so I was eager to see what the current top-linne model can offer. I was always close to buying the Questyle CMA Twelve Master but was so pleased with the CMA 400i that it didn't happen.

As part of the European review tour I received the marvelous Questyle CMA Fifteen to try out for myself.

So I brought ALL my current headphones to the table to be tested with the Questyle CMA Fifteen over many days ...


Headphones that are very good on CMA15: Meze Empyrean (Burson 3XP Combo im PowerAmp mode might have a slight edge here)
Headphones that are excellent on CMA15: Denon AH-D9200, Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic, Kennerton Rögnir, Hifiman HE6SE v2
Headphones that really wowed me on CMA15: Klipsch HP-3, EM-U Teak, Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Closed, Focal Celestee, V-Moda Crossfade M-100

• overall neutral tuning with great snappy bass and authority
• brings out the individual sound character of each headphone in the best possible manner
• single-ended output equally good as XLR/4.4 balanced (verified with Hart Audio Cable interconnect switch)
• satisfying double relay click when turned on (singe relay click when switching source to analog input)
• finally the return of the analog input (even its single-ended)
• educated version of the Questyle CMA 400i

"chains" used for comparison:

• Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini
• Burson Soloist 3XP + Composer 3XP
• Singxer SA-1 + Denafrips Ares II
• Chord Hugo TT2
• Questyle CMA 400i
• Questyle CMA15 + Ares II (RCA)

The Questyle CMA Fifteen really gets the most out of your headphones without trying to change their individual character and adds a pleasing balanced bass authority.
Can also drive powerhungry headphones like the Hifiman HE6SE v2 without a sweat to their full potential even the nominal power output might not indicate that - there comes Questyles superior amplification ciruit into play!

Especially non-top-of-the-line headphones (like Klipsch HP-3, EM-U Teak, Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Closed, Focal Celestee, V-Moda Crossfade M-100) really shined on the CMA15.

Might not dethrone the Gustard X26pro + Headamp GS-X mini combo for me (yet), but if you look for true-to-the-source all-in-one unit with nimble bass presence and authority don't look any further - the Questyle CMA Fifteen is right for you!

... and if you would want me to choose between the Chord TT2 and the CMA15, I would go with the Questyle! I am really convinced that I need one myself too sooner or later

Update #01: I sold my Chord TT2 and did order my own Questyle CMA Fifteen after the review was posted and the review unit passed to next reviewer