As an Audiophile; if you're left alone on a desolate island and if you are asked to bring only one device (to connect to your phone and HP)
which DAC/AMP would you bring with you? My answer is simple. Read-on and you'll understand why
What is Cayin C5DAC (Aka the Spark)?:
Zhuhai Spark Electronics Equipment Company (producer of Cayin branded DAC and AMPs) is an experienced and well established hifi equipment manufacturer from Guangdong/China. Cayin C5DAC is the Zhuhai Spark's recent DAC/AMP offering (now you know where the Spark name of this DAC is coming from
. It is a Digital Audio Convertor (DAC) and an Amplificator (AMP) built under an aluminum shell. Besides these features C5DAC can be used as an external battery backup to charge tour Phone or Tablet. But you’ll need genuine Apple USB camera adapter for IOS devices (not included in the package).
According to the specs Cayin C5DAC supposed to work with; IOS and Android (OTG Function) system devices as well as PC/Laptop. Cayin C5DAC supports: 24Bit/96khz sampling, very low total harmonic distortion (THD+N: 0.02% @1khz), signal to noise ratio 101dB (A-weighted). C5DAC bears an 3700 mAh (3.7V) built-in rechargeable battery. Output power of the unit is rated at 300mW + 300mW (32ohm load). Battery life on the specs says that 19 hours when used as an AMP and 9hours when used as a DAC (under 32ohm load). Also, 4.5h for charging time.
A little about me:
My age is 42 (as of this writing). I have 24 years of background in listening to music with quality headphones (I don't count the crappy equipment non-serious period) and I am a member of head-fi since 2004. I prefer neutral, natural (organic) and detailed sound with a huge sound-stage and good imaging. I am not bass or treble head. I can never tolerate sibilance and/or fatiguing highs. From new age to classicals, hard rock to pop, instrumental to electronic I enjoy diverse kinds of music types. For further, please check my profile.
Availability:
C5DAC can be obtained from various sellers for 215 USD (period).
Here is a reliable seller:
http://penonaudio.com/Cayin-C5DAC
Equipments Used as a "Source" for This Review:
I have received Cayin C5DAC (Spark) directly from Cayin as a “review tour sample” and the unit is going to be passed to the next reviewer in UK. There were a few lucky people selected for the World review tour of the C5DAC and only 2 persons were selected from the European part of the World to review this new device (HeadFi members @Baycode (me) from Turkey and @Ra97oR from UK). I haven't received anything from Cayin other than the C5DAC. I am in no way affiliated with Cayin and this review is my honest opinion of their new DAC/AMP.
For this C5DAC review I have used 3 different sources and deeply tested the C5DAC with my:
LG G3 (D855) Mobile Phone, Samsung Galaxy TabS 8.4" Tablet and a PC.
Note: My first C5DAC review unit had charging problems and couldn't stream Spotify properly from my tablet. So Cayin was kind enough to send me another unit.
HP/IEMs Used with C5DAC:
Havi B3P1, Sony MH1C (thanks to my friend
@peter123 ), Meelectronics AI-M6, KZ ACME, Sennheiser PX100ii, Koss PortaPro (75ohm resistor and Kramer modded, Canare recabled), Koss KSC-35 (75ohm resistor and Kramer modded, Mogami recabled), Beyerdynamic DT150 (Brainwavz Pleather Earpads), Philips Fidelio X2 (Stock Cable), AKG K7XX (Audio Minor Pure Silver cable), AKG K340 Electrostatic-Dynamic Headphone, Fostex T50RP Orthodynamic Headphone (modded, recabled with Mogami).
Unboxing:
My review unit came in a double wrapped cardboard. The units original box was resting under these cardboard layers, so it was non-damaged during shipping.
Cayin used recycled cardboard (possibly) without any ink/paint. I like the raw-environmental friendly approach for the box design. There was a paper belt on the middle of the box which bears the Cayin C5DAC color photograph (on the below). Whole box is covered with a transparent vacuum nylon (below, first photo).
Box front view
Box back view
Inside of the box
Mmmm, under those recycled cardboard what a sexy looking DAC/AMP!
Very appropriate amount of accessories including 2 blue silicone bands, 4 silicone adhesive foots (white square on the above photo),
1 digital/coaxial cable, 1 short microUSB to microUSB cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo interconnect cable (for amp),
one long USB to microUSB cable for charge and PC/Laptop connection, a carrying pouch and a user manual in
English (on the below photo). I certainly prefer Velcro attachment over the silicone bands though...
This pouch can prevent your C5DAC to get scratched. I wanted see a Cayin letter (also) on it but no chance...
C5DAC front view
C5DAC side view (high/low gain and bass boost switches)
C5DAC side view zoomed to show the high/low gain and bass boost switch better
C5DAC bottom view (coax out, microUSB port for DAC, doubles as a battery backup charging out port,
on the far right is the Power in microUSB port)
There is a "reset" button hole in case everything gets wrong with the DAC/AMP. I never
used this feature
Volume pot back view (protected under a plastic cap which is covering all the TOP part of the unit).
It is possible to apply some force and remove this semi-transparent cap easily
Volume pot front view, the groove there serves as a window and indicator of the volume setting.
Volume indications are from "off" position to number 9 (max)
C5DAC Package and Included Accessories:
- C5DAC AMP
- USB Charging Cable
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable
- 1 pair of rubber bands
- USB 2.0 to Micro USB short cable
- 3.5mm to coaxial cable
- 4 adhesive silicone foots (small but important detail: these will prevent your unit to get scratched while stacking with a phone or while resting on a surface)
Compatability with Jack Types:
C5DAC headphone out (HO) is compatible with standard 3.5mm stereo jacks. But you can get sound even if your 3.5mm jack is balanced type (4 pole connector, tested with KZ ACME) or have a built in Mic (again 4 pole connector, tested with Sony MH1C). But you won’t be able to communicate through the Microphone of the headset. And HO out is not designed to give a real balanced sound (as far as I know).
Mobile Phone and Tablet Tests:
I have compared headphone out (HO) of the LG G3 (D855, 32GB + 64GB MicroSD Card, Android Lollipop 5.0 - 3.4.0) with the C5DAC Headphone out.
All the testing done (covering tablet and PC tests as well) at low gain and bass boost off (unless notified).
To my ears C5DAC has: airier sound, slightly wider soundstage, slightly more vivid sound, slightly more separation and layering, slightly better defined bass. Other than these both of the devices sound qualities are "very close" rather than being different. After the Lollipop update LG G3 headphone out became something
really special to my ears. For anyone interested, LG G3 uses Cirrus Logic DAC chips. Sound quality difference did not warrant me to use the C5DAC "on the go" with my iem's,
especially in the noisy environments. For quiet places and for critical listening (especially with full sized HP's) I would
prefer to use C5DAC with my phone.
Before pairing the C5DAC with your phone, you may want to stack the C5DAC with your phone. So what's the solution of the Cayin?: 2 cheap looking blue silicone bands!
I will show and explain you why not to use these bands with your smartphones (YMMW).
These included blue silicone bands neither look good, nor matches the elegant look of the C5DAC!
I never prefer these bands for any device. I wanted to show you how cheap it looks. It also interferes with the
touchscreen menu in a bad way...
So I prefer to use 3M circular self adhesive Velcro coins
First I stick the more stiff hair bearing velcro coins on the C5DAC. Then I place the softer
coins on the top of their mating parts leaving the adhesive part to be stacked on the back of my phone
case.
Then I align and push the C5DAC on the back of my phone
Ok, as you see the other circular Velcro coins are sticked to the back of my phone case
When you remove the C5DAC you'll see that the Velcro coins (softer ones) are left on
the back of the phone case (or cover)
Top view
Stacking done, microUSB cable attached. Ready to rock Looks very clean too!
My screen is mine! No bands to interfere!
Bottom view
Cayin, you should consider including 2 different length microUSB cables. The included one is
short for non-stack operation and long for a stacked operation. I want to see one shorter
U shaped or 90 degree microUSB cable and a better quality, slightly longer microUSB to microUSB
cable. Yes, these may purchased later, but why not include? Cheap accessories but happy customers, right?
Also, I never saw my U shaped design in any store or internet... (below image).
90 degree angle jack "5cm long cable" is also a good alternative...
This is my design of a microUSB to microUSB stack cable (made using photoshop).
Alternatively you may try a 90 degree microUSB to microUSB cable from e-bay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301228419677?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Also, I advise the guys at the Cayin to re-design the microUSB port on the bottom of the DAC unit and move it on the center -for the future models.
This is may be not a big problem but you know, nearly every mobile phone/tablet on the market today has the
microUSB port on their bottom-center. Also the included microUSB cable quality looks/feels cheap.
It protrudes from the DAC bottom and doesn't look safe (although it never get out accidentally). But it sits
well on the bottom of a LG G3. Another complaint: One of the microUSB jack head direction have to be reversed.
If I do not want to reverse it (without making a twisting action on the cable) I have to attach the DAC in a reverse
position, leaving the volume pot readout slot and battery level indicator leds between the phone and the C5DAC.
This problem can be remedied by making a twisting action on the microUSB cable but I was afraid of tearing
(or stressing the cable). Little design faults on a cheap accessory caused some problems...
Ok I am cutting the complaints here because it can be remedied and not on a deal-breaking level...
Top of the unit when the volume knob twisted and the unit turned on. This little led tells you that
C5DAC is ready to rock your headphones... Left hole is headphone out, right is the audio-in for the AMP section
(you need to use 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo interconnect if you like to use the unit as an AMP alone)
The little space held in between the phone and the C5DAC also serves as an air/ventilation space.
You can separate the phone and the DAC anytime you want. Velcro is safe for this kinds of applications.
Alternatively you may use 3M DualLock for this stacking purposes...
I have used my Samsung Galaxy TabS 8.4" (loaded with Samsung 64GB microSD card, upgraded to the Android Lollipop) for tablet test.
It will be cumbersome to write down sound differences for each of these so I prefer to write my general impressions of the sound which is reflected through all the equipments I have used. I provided specific information for some of these hp's/iem's in my writing as well...
I did many trials with C5DAC for tablet tests... When Philips Fidelio X2 is connected with C5DAC through this setup, Peter Gabriel “My Body is a Cage” bass hits with more authority, and with better definition compared to the TabS headphone out (HO). But while listening to the first 10 seconds from the Zaz “Les Passants”, X2 brought the highs on to the ear-fatiguing level through C5DAC. For this track, high regions were less gritty through TabS HO. I feel that the C5DAC slightly accentuated everything compared to the TabS HO. With C5DAC attached, I hear slightly better defined: highs, bass, details, soundstage and also slightly more vivid sound
in general. This may result in either a good or bad way. If your
headphone or the
recording has a “not so good treble emphasis” and in general has a high region which can be called close to “sibilance” C5DAC may accentuate these features. For most genres (especially instrumental, new age and Jazz) I prefer C5DAC over the TabS HO. When a more power demanding headphone such as AKG K340 (400ohm) is paired with C5DAC, the difference between the HO of the TabS and C5DAC became more clear.
PC/Laptop Sound Tests and Comparisons With Some Other Portable DAC's:
Compare the size with other DAC's on the test
When connected with PC, I have compared Cozoy Astrapi, GO720 (0.47OHM headphone out of GO were used) and C5DAC. When K7XX used as a headphone, Grogery Porter “Water Under Bridges” sounded with more liquid high region through Astrapi, where C5DAC sounded slightly more clear and vivid with a slightly better soundstage. GO720 sounded in between the two giving a more balanced sound in general. When I play the Kronos Quartet “Tusen Tankar”, again C5DAC delivered better clarity, instrument separation and an almost holographic soundstage compared to Astrapi. Astrapi delivered slightly (a hair only) smoother highs region. IMO the only better thing that Astrapi does over the C5DAC is that. Also I needed to almost max the sound from the computer in order to reach a good listening level with Astrapi (when K7XX plugged as a HP), where the volume level between 3-4 was appropirate for C5DAC (computer and player software maxed). OK so where the GO720 sits in this comparison? It sits in between the Astrapi and C5DAC. General sound characteristics of the GO720 is like a love child between the two (impressions through K7XX). Smooth highs region, warmer sound, good instrument separation and clarity. But for the soundstage C5DAC is slightly better than both (IMO). For the clarity par GO720 and C5DAC goes to to toe. C5DAC wins on the hissing department over both of the other DAC's. Especially when the 32ohm Fidelio X2 or AI-M6 is paired with the mentioned other DAC's, hissing becomes a problem. With the C5DAC you can hardly hear that background noise, though the unit doesn't have a completely black background as well...
When playing Miles Davis “Stella by Starlight” untill the 50sec part everything went very good with C5DAC. Right at the 50th sec that trumpet octave and volume raised in the track and the sound became unbearable with the C5DAC for me. GO720 and Astrapi were slightly better for this track part. Especially for this song I prefer GO720 over the other 2 DAC’s.
Probably by the help of the the airy sound and slightly boosted lower treble (and slightly less present midbass -Compared to the other DAC's on my Lab-), C5DAC soundstage percieved very wide. I have to say that to my ears it is the best DAC/AMP for soundstage. If I compare it to the DAC/AMP’s like Cozoy Astrapi and GO720 it is slightly wider. Compared to the LG G3 headphone out, again it is wider. Soundstage depth is not on par with its width though...
Sound is dynamic, slightly vivid and with good punch. Because of the treble response –with some certain recordings- I couldn’t enjoy the C5DAC as I enjoy them with either Astrapi or GO720 (both sounded slightly smoother and more refined for their treble). But while reading these, please remember that I am a treble sensitive person. And differences are not big. Slightly means here: A hair thick.
C5DAC has better seperation-layering and a hair more detail retrieval compared to Astrapi. GO720 sounds smoother and with slightly less soundstage (only by a very small margin). For overall sound it is a tie between GO720 and C5DAC to my ears and with my gears. For purely on sonic performance I still think that GO720 still got the edge (by a small margin). The second runner will be C5DAC and the third runner will be Astrapi. But if I put size scale on the table Astrapi with its incredible small footprint and lightweight will take the lead. For system compatibility Astrapi again takes the lead.
Wrapping the Things Up:
I know it is not easy to evaluate such different devices. They all share a common thing as being a DAC/AMP, but you can’t use the amp section of the Astrapi and GO720 separately (when needed) like the C5DAC. C5DAC serves as a DAC/AMP, AMP and DAC (If you use the coaxial out you have the option to use the DAC section alone). And as being a self battery operated device C5DAC didn’t attempt to consume your phone battery. Besides this it can charge your Tablet/Phone if needed!
Ok, here we go, Wrapping the things for the C5DAC as a DAC/AMP
General Sound Quality:
GO720=C5DAC>Astrapi
Soundstage:
C5DAC≥GO720≥Astrapi
Airier Sound:
C5DAC>GO720≥Astrapi
Warmness (warmer sounding DAC takes the lead):
GO720≥Astrapi≥C5DAC
Portability (size, weight; lighter, smaller is better)
Astrapi>GO720>C5DAC
Battery/Power Needs (Consuming battery of the source-Phone/Tablet; *Self battery device will always consume less)
GO720>Astrapi>C5DAC*
Heat Production (Less heating device takes the lead, temperature of the devices measured under controlled room conditions at 25
oC and are mean values, for max values check the text)
Astrapi (28
oC) > C5DAC (32
oC) > GO720 (42
oC)
EMI interference
C5DAC=GO720=Astrapi
Accessories
C5DAC>Astrapi>GO720
Decoding Capability:
GO720 (up to DSD) > C5DAC (up to 24/96) > Astrapi (up to 16/44.1)
Price (Cheaper one takes the lead)
Astrapi>C5DAC>GO720
Value for Money
No winners!!! Each to their own!!!
Cayin C5DAc When Used As An AMP:
I did compare the C5DAC's AMP section to my Topping NX1 and ShelbrookAudio MiniHead Signature which have similarities. Shelbrook also have ALPS volume pot, WIMA HiFi capacitors, metal film resistors and most importantly 2 BB634 opamps.
I have used 1kHz test tone to volume match the 3 amps (volume matched at a comfortable and loud enough level for me which was 72 dB during the “test/review” period).
While listening to the Jason McGuire “Bulerias”, I sense more space with C5DAC. But the highs are on the limit for starting an earfatigue for me when the C5DAC amp section is paired with a K7XX.
When I compare the other amps, Shelbrook MiniHead Signature delivered the most smooth highs, but the smallest soundstage. I can’t say it is small when I listen through it -only-, but when I compare it to the other two amps, it is... This feature delivers more "intimate" listening experience though... And when this amp is paired with K7XX, I love the sound of this pairing most.
C5DAC's AMP section has plenty of power even at low gain. Because of this, I hate to say that it is not very suitable to use with high sensitivity iems. But this also applies to the Astrapi and GO720. The Alps volume pot is very high quality. But moving from 2-4 the volume rises too much. Icould never use pass the number 4. AMP section is unnecessarily powerful (IMO, YMMW with different headphones). Using the Low Gain doesn't help either. I never need to use the high-gain. Also bass boost option was not implemented correctly. It mainly boosts the midbass (perceived as midbass but boosting is done on the whole spectrum by the device. But human hearing is not linear as well, so we need some more subbass boost rather than the midbass boost).
As you lower the volume sound stays balanced for each side of the earphones unless you reach a place around the number “1” (the lowest value before off position on the volume pot). Around volume level 1 sound seems to be slightly louder on the left side. But I am not sure anyone would ever use such a low volume. So not a deal-breaker…
C5DAC has an airy sound which is especially derived from the treble energy (IMO). But this definition is not complete if I mention the general sound signature to be balanced and detailed with a good amount of bass. I like the separation of the instruments "most" with the C5DAC.
For sibilance tests I have listened Armik “For Your Eyes” song and used K7XX as a monitoring headphone. Again the cymbals has a crystal clear presence with the bordering line treble energy (which may result in sibilance if overly done). Hopefully C5DAC never reached the level of sibilance treble energy with this song and headphone. C5DAC's AMP was definitely the most airy sounding amp and has slightly more treble energy out of three amps.
Rod Stewart “Have I Told You Lately” track sounds with a huge soundstage with C5DAC's AMP. Sound was so airy and sound details were delivered so well that you feel the large stage in front of you. Switching to the Shellbrook amp gave me a smaller soundstage with slightly more midbass presence and slightly smoother treble. I liked both signature for what they deliver. One is airy/huge, the other one is smoother and more intimate. Topping NX1 sound signature falled in between the C5DAC and Shellbrook Mini Head Signature AMP's. Again I feel that the Midbass is slightly less present on the C5DAC.
Because of its signature C5DAC matched extremely well with slightly bassier and less bright headphones in my Lab, like PortaPro (and KSC-35, same drivers though…).
I also liked the X2 pairing. K7XX was good, DT150 was great so as the T50RP. C5DAC has more than enough power for everything I plug on to it!
AMP Section Wrap-Up:
For Pairing With K7XX
MiniHead Signature>C5DAC>NX1
For Pairing With PortaPro (KSC-35), PX100ii
C5DAC> NX1≥MiniHead Signature
For Pairing With Havi B3P1
C5DAC>NX1≥MiniHeadSignature
Most Refined Sounding Amp
MiniHead Signature≥C5DAC>NX1
Most Vivid Sounding AMP
C5DAC>NX1>MiniHead Signature
Best Layering (AMP)
C5DAC>Mini Head Signature>NX1
Best Details (AMP)
C5DAC≥Mini Head Signature≥NX1
Break Down and Evaluation of Some Factors:
Value for Money:
I think that the C5DAC has a very good value for the money at the current price (215 USD). IMO, it is worth. But a discounted price would be welcomed by the community
Think of an unit that has DAC/AMP feature, DAC can be separately used if connection is made through Coax out. AMP can be used separately. Unit can serve as an external battery back-up. So what are you going to ask for more; Cayin to include a detachable iem, a led flashlight, an integrated pocket knife and a lighter to the body of the DAC!? Is it going to be the ultimate survival tool for an Audiophile? Cmon...
Love Factor:
This term is new in head-fi (I prefer to use it). "Love factor" is very "personal taste" dependent and one should take care of this factor as a grain of salt (but if you ask me it's the most important factor). This factor summarizes my liking of sound quality, comfort/ergonomics, durability, features, aesthetics, etc. Love factor levels are: Poor, Moderate, High.
So "love factor" for the C5DAC is high for me!
Burn-In (brain/device):
I had a chance to test one burned and one out of the box units side by side. The problematic device doesn't hold the charge properly and doesn't stream Spotify accuretly from my TabS. So I have contacted Cayin and they send me another C5DAC. I have to say that the difference between the two units were very very little. The pre-burned unit sounded slightly better giving slightly more details, separation and also the soundstage seemed to be a hair larger. From this comparison I can safely say that the C5DAC may need at least 10-15 h of burn-in to sound at its best.
EMI and Heating:
I didn't notice
any electromagnetic interference (EMI) during the review period of 14 days when I used the C5DAC connected with my LG G3. IMO, EMI shielding is excellent for this DAC/AMP!
I have measured the temperature with a calibrated IR temperature meter tool. Room temperature were measured from an aluminum object which doesn't produce heating.
Under a temperature stabilized room condition (fixed at 25
oC) and after 1h of constant use (playing FLAC hi-res files) C5DAC can reach 35
oC (max). In contrast Astrapi can reach (max) 28
oC and GO720 can reach 45
oC (max).
Generally C5DAC stayed at 32
oC during my tests (mean value, see the above photo). This may not seem a big issue unless you live in a hotter climate where the rise of the heat can possibly reach above 35
oC. Also if you intend to put the C5DAC in your pocket with your phone (and if you’re in a temperate to hot climate) the heat production of the C5DAC may start to annoy you after some time... But if you are in a cooler climate you may love this "slight heating" effect. Generally I didn’t see the heat production as a big issue but -IMO- buyers should be aware of it.
So how about a solid state amp heat production using the same BurrBrown buffers in the C5DAC? In my tests it is nearly the same (compared with a Shelbrook Mini Head Signature, Mini Head produced 30
oC (mean value)).
Battery Consumption and Charging Times:
Since C5DAC has its own battery, I didn't notice any extra power consumption from my phone. The units own battery lasted approx for 18h when used as an AMP and lasted for approx 8h when used as a DAC. I believe these values will increase after 10 charge/discharge cycles. As a general rule (or truth) rechargeable batteries reaches their maximum charge holding capabilities after some use (fully charge/discharge cycles).
When charged with an original Samsung wall charger, generally my unit reached full charge around 5 hours (stated time is 4.5h).
The unit have 3 tiny orange leds on the bottom portion of the face plate and while charging these leds start to blink in order of the charge status. When fully charged, all the three leds light constantly and this means that you can remove the microUSB jack from the charging plug. I would like to see these battery status leds on the top of the unit for a future model. And 5 leds can serve better and give more precise information. The single orange led on the top of the unit can be completely removed by this way (IMO, no need for it if you put all the battery indicators on the top).
Durability:
C5DAC is made -mainly- out of aluminum. But top and bottom parts are plastic so generally it gave me the feeling that the unit is durable enough... Unfortunately 14 days of ownership is not enough to tell that the device is durable. So only the time can tell the truth...
So, in general the DAC body looks and feels very robust. Unfortunately the housings aluminum plates (there are 2 main plates, one on back and one on the front) can move very little when squeezed in your hand. Not on a deal-breaking level though… But I would prefer a more solid feeling for the housing.
Design:
I like the aesthetics of the C5DAC so much that I did some extra photo-shooting for it. The aluminum main plates and lightly painted gold color gives an elegant feeling. IMO the top plastic parts aesthetics can be improved with a better/easier volume pot read-out. The cap part plastic feels less elegant especially when viewed under proper light. It is slightly hard to read and see the symbols and writings through this plastic cap (top) part under relatively dim light conditions.
On the brand name part, I absolutely love the signature of the Cayin !!! May be a brushed aluminum 3D printed or Laser etched signature can suit the device better ! I am wishing from Cayin that the future units to be thinner and slightly lighter (if possible). Other than that I had no complaints for the general size. And a Laser etched or 3D Cayin name (signature) please.
Compatibility:
C5DAC is one of the greatest devices for its compatibility. Whether you attach it to your IOS (you need to use the lightning connector kit), Android, PC or Laptop, it is recognized by the system very fast (nearly no lag) and C5DAC starts to deliver the music to your headphones. Add the separate usability of the AMP section and DAC section to this, you are coevered for almost any applications on your audio chain. If these are not enough, C5DAC can serve as an external battery back-up for your mobile devices too!
USB Support:
I could only get C5DAC working with my computers USB 2.0 port. No support for USB 3.0 port in my experience.
Hissing:
IMO, C5DAC is generally safe to use (doesn't produce audible hiss or background noise) with the moderate to less sensitive iem's and hp's. With the high sensitivity iem's you may hear a very low level of hissing. But you really need to be in a very quiet room to hear this (and while you're not playing the music). For example with AI-M6 background hiss can be heard under the explained conditions but with all the other iem and HP's on the test didn't produce an audible hiss to my ears. I can say that the C5DAC is really safe for hiss issues but it didn't have zero -black- background. YMMW.
C5DAC never produced pop or click sounds while the volume pot is turned "on" or "off". Also no disturbing sounds while attaching or removing the microUSB cable (tests done while listening through the K7XX). I like the quietness of the C5DAC very much.
Remote Control and/or Microphone/Incoming-Outgoing Call Support:
NO! C5DAC do not support these functions directly. But you can answer a call while the C5DAC is connected (and in use) with your phone (tested only with LG G3, YMMW with other phones). But you need to use your phone mic and speaker if you don’t have a Bluetooth iem. When I connect a Brainwavz BLU-100 bluetooth iem (via the bluetooth) I can answer the calls through the BLU-100. After finishing a call I can put my headphone back on my head and continue to listen to music through it automatically (a very big surprise) ! I don’t need to disconnect the DAC from my mobile phone which is a big plus!!!
Playing While Charging:
Yes, you can either use AMP or DAC feature while charging! Thanks to separate microUSB ports and internal design. IMO this is a "must have feature" for any rechargeable battery powered DAC/AMP.
Guarantee:
As of this writing I don't have any idea/information about the guarantee.
Specs (from the product page):
- Frequency Response:20Hz-70kHz(±1dB)
- Sensitivity:≤600mV (Gain: H)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤0.02% (1kHz)
- Lithium Battery Capacity: 3700mAh / 3.7V
- Rated Output Power: 300mW + 300mW (32Ω load)
- SNR: ≥101dB (A-weighted)
- Charge Limit Voltage: 4.2V
- Battery Life: about 19 hours (AUX input, 32Ω load)
- about 9 hours (USB input, 32Ω load)
- Charging Time: about 4.5 hours (off state, the use of DC5V / 2A Charger)
- Dimensions: 136x63x15mm
- ALPS potentiometer (volume pot)
- WIMA HiFi Capacitors
- DAC Part Uses BurrBrown PCM1795
- Amp Part Uses BurrBrown BUF634 opamps (2 seprate for each channel)
- Weight: about 185g
C5DAC Size and Weight Measurements (first value is the measured one, inside the parenthesis are the given values on the product page):
Width: 68mm (vs 63mm)
Height: 135mm (vs 136mm)
Thickness: 15mm (vs 15mm)
Compared with a credit card size
Weight: 178 g (vs 185 g)
Final Thoughts:
OK, this has been long review because of the capabilities of the device and the effort I wanted to give.
Did I like the sound? Yes! Capabilities? Yes! Option for making calls with a Bluetooth headset? Certainly yes!
Opportunity to use the DAC or AMP while charging the unit? Yes! The units capability of charging my phone and/or tablet? Of course yes!
C5DAC may need some minor improvements in some areas like: gain switch (needs more steps, should have lower gain),
bass boost switch (should deliver slightly less bassy sound with more emphasis on the subbass region rather than
midbass), thickness (a thinner device is welcome), microUSB cable and port re-design (explained in the review with photos).
But these are not issues which I can call as big. I am already happy with the C5DAC at this 14 days reviewing period.
Like any device on the market there are pros and cons...
So lets remember the question on the first line of this review: As an Audiophile, if you're left alone on a
desolate island and if you are asked to bring only one device (to connect to your phone and HP)
which DAC/AMP would you bring with you? My answer is simple and easy: C5DAC
Some Cayin C5DAC Photos for you, Enjoy!
...you finished? Thanks for reading/watching. I have to thank the Cayin for giving me an opportunity to review their
great DAC/AMP: C5DAC the SPARK!