![20240807_162433[1].jpg](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12463575.jpg)
Cayin C9: Dual Nutube, Fully Balanced Class A/AB Portable HeadAmp
- Thread starter Andykong
- Start date
Don’t think I’ve heard any standalone DAP that can get close to what the C9 is capable of, tbh.
Nostoi
Headphoneus Supremus
I have the Paw6000 alongside my Hugo2. It's a fantastic DAP in and of itself. Very linear sounding with excellent detail retrival and imaging. It's neutral but not in any sense boring. I'd say it's within the ballpark of the Hugo2 tonally though not on that level technically. Fantastic pairing with the C9 for sure.
Concept alone, of course not haha
Kind of an impossible question, asking if a DAP (which already has to compromise the amplification stage for battery/DAC space) under 2k can compete with C9+Hugo2. I think you will need to up your budget quite a bit or be ok with compromising the sound a bit.
Thing is, I don't like Chord house sound. However I can recc for you to look at Shanling M8 which I recently purchased. This is the best house sound imho. Offers fantastic low end and veers to the left of C9 house sound. This would complement the 'accurate' Hugo2+C9 well imho.
Last edited:
Yes. So far the front runners for my next dap are DX 300 and LP6K
Sorry, I miscommunicated. I want a Dap when paired with C9 has comparable sound quality as Hugo 2 + C9.
In other words, DX300 + C9 vs Hugo 2 + C9 or LT6K + C9 vs Hugo 2 + C9. I thought my R6 2020 would do it and it isn't even close.
Nostoi
Headphoneus Supremus
Paw6000 with C9 is heading in that direction but not on same level as Hugo 2 and C9. If you like Chord house sound, you'll probably like the Lotoo.
You should also check out N6ii with A02 amp for C9. I recently got it and am super impressed. Slightly different tuning to Chord and Lotoo but retains clarity and transparency. Perfect synergy with C9, and the A02 module scales exceptionally well.
For Cayin, I am going to wait until they replace the N6ii maybe at the end of next year. I really love the Lotoo sound. I might just get it. I am looking for a more portable pairing with my C9 than the Hugo 2.
For $1,000.00 it is a great deal. I love mine over a year and never any issues, no software freezes, no card issues, no issues at all, completely dependable. Learning curve is very short, turn it on and you are listening to what you searched for in seconds.
Plug it into the C9 you become a bit less portable still easy to take with you, and the quality of the sound you hear is a lot more engaging.
Stand alone on a walk or something still awesome.
Last edited:
Nostoi
Headphoneus Supremus
I agree, 1k is a good price. I also had no issues with my Paw6K until about a week ago when the balanced output suddenly and randomly stopped working. Andrew from MusicTeck is taking care of it, thanks to his excellent service, and probably it was some kind of freak occurrence.
As you say, 2 second power on, instant scan of SD card, minimal but effective OS all adds up to a great user experience. I'd also add, the amp portion on the Paw6K is very good. I had a WM1A prior to the Lotoo, and moving to the Paw6k felt like a considerable upgrade despite being the same price.
I would probably be very interested in buyin Shanling M8 if it had a lineout that's ideal for C9 as well. I would also probably enjoy it just as stand-alone. But for now I think I'll just wait a year or so to see what Shanling, Cayin, Ibasso etc. come up with in the future.
YMMV, but I am very satisfied with M8 to C9. I took a chance with the C9 at the time of purchase as I didn't know if the warm signature of the M8 would suit the warm leaning C9 but if anything the C9 ups the ante on the detail and staging and improves dynamics. Keeps things tight but musical and not overly warm.
Right yes, I forgot to write that the sound signature in itself might be excellent. Just a tough purchase decision to make, since obviously one would also like a dedicated balanced lineout for C9. Demoing (incl. with my own C9) would be great, but I don't have that option, at least not where I live...
A word of caution when picking up new batteries if you do buy an extra tray.
1.) Buy sets of 4 from the same lot and do not mix and match used and new ever.
Lithium batteries will recharge each other so if one drains faster than the others, the others will work to keep it in balance and create a ton of excess heat. For this reason using matching cells is always best.
2.) buy from a reputable dealer. (Not aliexpress, wish etc as most are fakes on these sites)
There are a ton of fakes on the market (especially of the VTC6) that are laptop or industrial pulls that have been relabeled. Learn how to spot a fake (solder marks on top or bottom, printing on label instead of on canister, etc.)
Here is a good video to help you learn how to spot fakes:
1.) Buy sets of 4 from the same lot and do not mix and match used and new ever.
Lithium batteries will recharge each other so if one drains faster than the others, the others will work to keep it in balance and create a ton of excess heat. For this reason using matching cells is always best.
2.) buy from a reputable dealer. (Not aliexpress, wish etc as most are fakes on these sites)
There are a ton of fakes on the market (especially of the VTC6) that are laptop or industrial pulls that have been relabeled. Learn how to spot a fake (solder marks on top or bottom, printing on label instead of on canister, etc.)
Here is a good video to help you learn how to spot fakes:
Tanalasta
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 15, 2003
- Posts
- 1,478
- Likes
- 3,916
The SP2000 and C9 does … and sounds less warm, more neutral actually than the Hugo 2 to C9. It’s a stunning pairing. Widens the soundstage, adds that delicious organic tonality. I find it very musical and relaxing.
On Class A / Tube and Trailli.
I don’t think you can get that much better. I was listening to the Trailli out of the Naim headphone edition. And the SP2K - C9 sounds both technically and subjectively better.
Users who are viewing this thread
