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

[bigbeans]

An incredibly kind HeadFi member allowed me to procure one of these. I'll never be the same again
When my N6ii comes back from repair, I will be privy to the highly lauded C9+A02 stack!!

 

[ian91]

Consistently impressed by the C9. Just for fun I decided to try my BLON BL-01 powered by the C9 (4.4 bal in, 3.5 unbal out, Class A, tube). Previously I had only run the BL-01 via a dongle. While they aren't spectacular in any particular regard, they have really come alive on the C9 and the value proposition is insane (provided you have a C9!)

I have to be totally honest - the tuning reminds me of the Traillii in many ways, and gets a significant distance of the way there, which is incredible. Obviously technicalities are a different matter.

Anyone have any other fun or suprising pairings they've discovered?

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

Consistently impressed by the C9. Just for fun I decided to try my BLON BL-01 powered by the C9 (4.4 bal in, 3.5 unbal out, Class A, tube). Previously I had only run the BL-01 via a dongle. While they aren't spectacular in any particular regard, they have really come alive on the C9 and the value proposition is insane (provided you have a C9!)

I have to be totally honest - the tuning reminds me of the Traillii in many ways, and gets a significant distance of the way there, which is incredible. Obviously technicalities are a different matter.

Anyone have any other fun or suprising pairings they've discovered?

I hear that if you pair a BL01 with the C9 and this cable

https://shop.musicteck.com/collecti...orpheus-with-shielding?variant=39425732018238

that it will sound better than the Traillii. It's a miracle.

 

[MarkParity]

I hear that if you pair a BL01 with the C9 and this cable

https://shop.musicteck.com/collecti...orpheus-with-shielding?variant=39425732018238

that it will sound better than the Traillii. It's a miracle.

it will but what if I use that cable with the Trailli? Other than me being more than 10 grand poorer.

 

[chrisgtl]

Got one on the way along with a P6Pro. Can't wait!

 

[bluestorm1992]

Consistently impressed by the C9. Just for fun I decided to try my BLON BL-01 powered by the C9 (4.4 bal in, 3.5 unbal out, Class A, tube). Previously I had only run the BL-01 via a dongle. While they aren't spectacular in any particular regard, they have really come alive on the C9 and the value proposition is insane (provided you have a C9!)

I have to be totally honest - the tuning reminds me of the Traillii in many ways, and gets a significant distance of the way there, which is incredible. Obviously technicalities are a different matter.

Anyone have any other fun or suprising pairings they've discovered?

My best discoveries are from “affordable” (around $500) 1DD IEMs with C9. Really elevates their performance for several leagues there.

 

[ThanatosVI]

My best discoveries are from “affordable” (around $500) 1DD IEMs with C9. Really elevates their performance for several leagues there.

I'm curious how the following IEMS perform with C9:
Shure Se846
HIFIMAN re2000 silver
Meze Rai Penta

 

[bigbeans]

Consistently impressed by the C9. Just for fun I decided to try my BLON BL-01 powered by the C9 (4.4 bal in, 3.5 unbal out, Class A, tube). Previously I had only run the BL-01 via a dongle. While they aren't spectacular in any particular regard, they have really come alive on the C9 and the value proposition is insane (provided you have a C9!)

I have to be totally honest - the tuning reminds me of the Traillii in many ways, and gets a significant distance of the way there, which is incredible. Obviously technicalities are a different matter.

Anyone have any other fun or suprising pairings they've discovered?

Dunu Zen with C9 is a fabulous pairing that takes it to LCD4 intensity. I think any C9 owner should experience Zen at least once with C9, not to do so is missing out on something great.

 

[ian91]

Dunu Zen with C9 is a fabulous pairing that takes it to LCD4 intensity. I think any C9 owner should experience Zen at least once with C9, not to do so is missing out on something great.

Going to look a bit closer at Dunu Zen and other DDs when I have the funds. DDs have the most scaling potential for sure.

My best discoveries are from “affordable” (around $500) 1DD IEMs with C9. Really elevates their performance for several leagues there.

Love it! Also, just seen your signature and you've got the 3DT on the way. Make sure you join us over in the 3DT thread!

 

[bigbeans]

Going to look a bit closer at Dunu Zen and other DDs when I have the funds. DDs have the most scaling potential for sure.



Love it! Also, just seen your signature and you've got the 3DT on the way. Make sure you join us over in the 3DT thread!

I would advise iematch by ifi. I use the C9 4.4 from ZEN DAC Signature, then 3.5mm plug on Zen. The real breakthrough will be when ifi releases 4.4mm IEMatch..come on guys @iFi audio

 

[ian91]

I would advise iematch by ifi. I use the C9 4.4 from ZEN DAC Signature, then 3.5mm plug on Zen. The real breakthrough will be when ifi releases 4.4mm IEMatch..come on guys @iFi audio

I have the 3.5 iematch, but I haven't needed to use it much with the C9, the background has been black enough in most cases. Good little device!

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I just got home last night after a long trip away. So, the first thing I wanted to do is try out my C9 with all of my full sized cans. After spending so much time with IEMS over the last few weeks, it's really nice to hear full sized headphones again. First and foremost, the C9 pairs the best with the Hugo 2 for full sized headphones. My Hiby R6 2020 isn't high quality enough to really achieve their full potential and it is very striking how much so. I need to find a DAP that pairs with the C9 as well as the Hugo 2. Any recommendations?

Anyway, I've been listening to HD 800S, ZMF Verite Closed, Hifiman Ananda and Focal Clear. All headphones benefited significantly from the pairing with the C9. The HD800S gets a better bass response to go along with the huge sound stage and overall clarity. Still can't beat them for Classical Music and Jazz. Bass response isn't good enough for other genre relative to the alternatives.

ZMF VC really gets to the next level with the C9 + Hugo 2 as I reported before. I had family and friends listen to the VC and they all universally said this was the best headphones they have ever heard. They wanted to know it's price to get one for themselves. They took a pause when I told them. The detail and richness and 3D presentation of the sound is really striking. My friend said he had never heard guitar plucks before in the songs he listened to.

The Hifiman Ananda really saw a big improvement in sound quality. I love the tonality and sound signature of the Anandas, but the problem I've had with them is the bass response and the timbre. The bass showed a remarkable improvement in level and texture. Still short on punch and slam, but great overall improvement. I was going to sell them, but the improvement was good enough to keep them.

I just picked up a Focal Clear from the close out at Headphones.com of the OG Clear. I must admit, I am a bit disappointed in the Clear OG relative to the others on this list. I loved it standalone and they sound great if I don't listen to anything else. But, when I A/B test them against all of the above, they come out last. They are new, so maybe they need to burn in. I decided to get a Utopia to replace the Clears in my full sized headphone line up.

All and all, I love the Hugo 2 + C9 pairing for full sized headphones. I think this is not an obvious set up that can be on anyone's list as their permanent desktop system for a TOTL system. You can get a full sized desk top set up, but with the Hugo 2 + C9, you have both a transportable and a desktop all in one.

Edited to note: The C9 does a really good job at accentuating what a given set of headphones is good at. When listening to all 4 of these headphones, they all sound distinctly different. You need to spend time listening to a lot of music to determine which version of the music you prefer. To me, it's like having 4 favorite restaurants that I can sample any time I feel the urge for that specific flavor.

 

[Nostoi]

I just got home last night after a long trip away. So, the first thing I wanted to do is try out my C9 with all of my full sized cans. After spending so much time with IEMS over the last few weeks, it's really nice to hear full sized headphones again. First and foremost, the C9 pairs the best with the Hugo 2 for full sized headphones. My Hiby R6 2020 isn't high quality enough to really achieve their full potential and it is very striking how much so. I need to find a DAP that pairs with the C9 as well as the Hugo 2. Any recommendations?

Anyway, I've been listening to HD 800S, ZMF Verite Closed, Hifiman Ananda and Focal Clear. All headphones benefited significantly from the pairing with the C9. The HD800S gets a better bass response to go along with the huge sound stage and overall clarity. Still can't beat them for Classical Music and Jazz. Bass response isn't good enough for other genre relative to the alternatives.

ZMF VC really gets to the next level with the C9 + Hugo 2 as I reported before. I had family and friends listen to the VC and they all universally said this was the best headphones they have ever heard. They wanted to know it's price to get one for themselves. They took a pause when I told them. The detail and richness and 3D presentation of the sound is really striking. My friend said he had never heard guitar plucks before in the songs he listened to.

The Hifiman Ananda really saw a big improvement in sound quality. I love the tonality and sound signature of the Anandas, but the problem I've had with them is the bass response and the timbre. The bass showed a remarkable improvement in level and texture. Still short on punch and slam, but great overall improvement. I was going to sell them, but the improvement was good enough to keep them.

I just picked up a Focal Clear from the close out at Headphones.com of the OG Clear. I must admit, I am a bit disappointed in the Clear OG relative to the others on this list. I loved it standalone and they sound great if I don't listen to anything else. But, when I A/B test them against all of the above, they come out last. They are new, so maybe they need to burn in. I decided to get a Utopia to replace the Clears in my full sized headphone line up.

All and all, I love the Hugo 2 + C9 pairing for full sized headphones. I think this is not an obvious set up that can be on anyone's list as their permanent desktop system for a TOTL system. You can get a full sized desk top set up, but with the Hugo 2 + C9, you have both a transportable and a desktop all in one.

Agree with you about the Hugo 2/C9/VC combo - magical.

You asked about DAP alternatives, like many people here, I find the N6ii/A02 + C9 a stellar combo. It doesn't quite have the technical prowess of the Hugo 2 (though is close) but it's incredibly musical and immensely satisfying.

 

[greenmac]

Would love to see pictures of your set up, C9 + Hugo2 + ZMF Verite

Any chance ?

I just got home last night after a long trip away. So, the first thing I wanted to do is try out my C9 with all of my full sized cans. After spending so much time with IEMS over the last few weeks, it's really nice to hear full sized headphones again. First and foremost, the C9 pairs the best with the Hugo 2 for full sized headphones. My Hiby R6 2020 isn't high quality enough to really achieve their full potential and it is very striking how much so. I need to find a DAP that pairs with the C9 as well as the Hugo 2. Any recommendations?

Anyway, I've been listening to HD 800S, ZMF Verite Closed, Hifiman Ananda and Focal Clear. All headphones benefited significantly from the pairing with the C9. The HD800S gets a better bass response to go along with the huge sound stage and overall clarity. Still can't beat them for Classical Music and Jazz. Bass response isn't good enough for other genre relative to the alternatives.

ZMF VC really gets to the next level with the C9 + Hugo 2 as I reported before. I had family and friends listen to the VC and they all universally said this was the best headphones they have ever heard. They wanted to know it's price to get one for themselves. They took a pause when I told them. The detail and richness and 3D presentation of the sound is really striking. My friend said he had never heard guitar plucks before in the songs he listened to.

The Hifiman Ananda really saw a big improvement in sound quality. I love the tonality and sound signature of the Anandas, but the problem I've had with them is the bass response and the timbre. The bass showed a remarkable improvement in level and texture. Still short on punch and slam, but great overall improvement. I was going to sell them, but the improvement was good enough to keep them.

I just picked up a Focal Clear from the close out at Headphones.com of the OG Clear. I must admit, I am a bit disappointed in the Clear OG relative to the others on this list. I loved it standalone and they sound great if I don't listen to anything else. But, when I A/B test them against all of the above, they come out last. They are new, so maybe they need to burn in. I decided to get a Utopia to replace the Clears in my full sized headphone line up.

All and all, I love the Hugo 2 + C9 pairing for full sized headphones. I think this is not an obvious set up that can be on anyone's list as their permanent desktop system for a TOTL system. You can get a full sized desk top set up, but with the Hugo 2 + C9, you have both a transportable and a desktop all in one.

Edited to note: The C9 does a really good job at accentuating what a given set of headphones is good at. When listening to all 4 of these headphones, they all sound distinctly different. You need to spend time listening to a lot of music to determine which version of the music you prefer. To me, it's like having 4 favorite restaurants that I can sample any time I feel the urge for that specific flavor.

 

[Nostoi]

Would love to see pictures of your set up, C9 + Hugo2 + ZMF Verite

Any chance ?

Here's one