Cayin C9: Dual Nutube, Fully Balanced Class A/AB Portable HeadAmp

[fiascogarcia]

I have used P6pro + C9 in Pre-amp mode listening Trailli. I notice that there is always "Click" sound when starting the new track. Does anyone face the same problem with me? Is it normal?

Yes, I've noticed a tiny click, almost like a little static spark, starting a new track. And it seems to come from the left channel. Nothing when the track plays, and not loud enough to cause any concern, but it's there. I have different equipment than you, but it is in the pre-amp mode.

 

[Whitigir]

I have used P6pro + C9 in Pre-amp mode listening Trailli. I notice that there is always "Click" sound when starting the new track. Does anyone face the same problem with me? Is it normal?

Click could be an indication of a switching of some transistors....so far as statics....isn’t that from the digital interfaces of switching data points ? Firmware could fix that, like inject a 0.5 seconds silence or mute to mitigate that

Yes, I've noticed a tiny click, almost like a little static spark, starting a new track. And it seems to come from the left channel. Nothing when the track plays, and not loud enough to cause any concern, but it's there. I have different equipment than you, but it is in the pre-amp mode.

 

[jmills8]

I have used P6pro + C9 in Pre-amp mode listening Trailli. I notice that there is always "Click" sound when starting the new track. Does anyone face the same problem with me? Is it normal?

Normal

 

[111MilesToGo]

I have used P6pro + C9 in Pre-amp mode listening Trailli. I notice that there is always "Click" sound when starting the new track. Does anyone face the same problem with me? Is it normal?

Yes, I've noticed a tiny click, almost like a little static spark, starting a new track. And it seems to come from the left channel. Nothing when the track plays, and not loud enough to cause any concern, but it's there. I have different equipment than you, but it is in the pre-amp mode.

Click could be an indication of a switching of some transistors....so far as statics....isn’t that from the digital interfaces of switching data points ? Firmware could fix that, like inject a 0.5 seconds silence or mute to mitigate that

What do you think to be the source of that click? The L&P P6Pro or the C9? I suppose - or hope - it is the P6Pro. Thx.

 

[jmills8]

What do you think to be the source of that click? The L&P P6Pro or the C9? Thx.

Dap

 

[111MilesToGo]

I went through all combinations of C9 with N6ii (E02, A02) and Hugo 2 by now, if not in depth for some. Using HD800S (even this one!) and Xelento, the latter being not up to the state of everything else.

What a great world opened up to me! Impressive, both regarding SQ and enjoying my music as well as the sheer number of possibilities.

Really nitpicking: Only technical flaw with the C9 - actually it’s stock case - is that the pre-amp mode indicator light isn‘t visible when the C9 is in its case ... just sayin‘.

 

[Nostoi]

There are not many good non-Android options these days. Except for Lotoo, the other one is the Luxury & precision’s P6 Pro. An R2R DAP; extremely good sound but with a snappy UI. Also quite expensive...

I would actually recommend to look into Hiby R8. It is an Android DAP and it offers a true LO. Its UI is also probably the best out there.

Edit: Oh yes of course, N8 too. I was going to recommend N6ii + A02, but it is too dedicated and also it is kind of impossible to buy a A02 ATM.

I was just able to score a new N6ii + A02 (and A01) new at a fairly good price. Look forward to hearing what all the fuss is about (and also wonder how this pairing competes with the Hugo 2 + C9 combo).

 

[RTodd]

Really nitpicking: Only technical flaw with the C9 - actually it’s stock case - is that the pre-amp mode indicator light isn‘t visible when the C9 is in its case ... just sayin‘.

It may be easy to punch a hole there with a leather punch. just need to cut a block of hardwood to the C9 size to act as the anvil, and measure and mark the outside of the case.

So far I have not even tested that pre amp mode.
So many combinations testing all takes a real long time and a lot of listening. Different modes for the DAP many combinations on the C9 not to mention different drivers different DAPs. Fun and exhausting.

I found a couple combinations I like a lot, lazy or just want to listen and enjoy music is slowing this discovery process down.

 

[bluestorm1992]

There is a new C9 review by @Wiljen.

Looks like C9 is on a review tour now.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ca...portable-amplifier.24966/reviews#review-25911

 

[Wiljen]

There is a new C9 review by @Wiljen.

Looks like C9 is on a review tour now.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ca...portable-amplifier.24966/reviews#review-25911

Beat me to it. I was just headed this way to add a link. All good - free publicity

 

[Wiljen]

It may be easy to punch a hole there with a leather punch. just need to cut a block of hardwood to the C9 size to act as the anvil, and measure and mark the outside of the case.

So far I have not even tested that pre amp mode.
So many combinations testing all takes a real long time and a lot of listening. Different modes for the DAP many combinations on the C9 not to mention different drivers different DAPs. Fun and exhausting.

I found a couple combinations I like a lot, lazy or just want to listen and enjoy music is slowing this discovery process down.

Gotta agree it took awhile to sort all the modes out and really get a solid compare between them. For me, Line-in mode, Tube, AB is my preference. I found in pre-in I seemed to lose a little bit of the dynamics that line in offered, AB gives better bass punch and I'm a tube guy, always have been.

 

[ian91]

Gotta agree it took awhile to sort all the modes out and really get a solid compare between them. For me, Line-in mode, Tube, AB is my preference. I found in pre-in I seemed to lose a little bit of the dynamics that line in offered, AB gives better bass punch and I'm a tube guy, always have been.

Line in for the win!

 

[Wiljen]

Line in for the win!

Hard to nitpick the C9, its a win in just about every mode. Not a bad choice in the lot, just some slightly better than others.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Gotta agree it took awhile to sort all the modes out and really get a solid compare between them. For me, Line-in mode, Tube, AB is my preference. I found in pre-in I seemed to lose a little bit of the dynamics that line in offered, AB gives better bass punch and I'm a tube guy, always have been.

Great Review.
Guess as soon as I need a portable amp I should get one.

Currently I am still hoping that Cayin releases a R2R + Tube DAP until the pandemic is over

 

[fuhransahis]

Does anyone have any thoughts on what sorts of desktop amps the C9 compares to, form-factor and versatility aside, whether SS or Tube?