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

[111MilesToGo]

Not mad at this pairing


Curiously I get a hum at low volume (that does increase with volume) when using the stock 4.4mm interconnect, but not the pictured iFi one or a cheapie 4.4mm I picked up off eBay. No hum issues with the stock cable when used with my HiBy R8. Any thoughts?

I had been experiencing a humming with my N6ii/C9 combo, just with the C9 stock 4.4 interconnect. At first sight, maybe similar to yours.

My reports start here
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cay...ly-modularized-smart-dap.904153/post-16412182
and end here with the iFi grounded 4.4 IC entering the game
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cay...ly-modularized-smart-dap.904153/post-16422925
plus some more follow-ups starting here
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cay...ly-modularized-smart-dap.904153/post-16426669

Maybe you want to check into my story on the N6ii thread for parallels. On the C9 thread, I ended it here
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cay...able-headphone-amplifier.943135/post-16422940

Sorry to read about your problem.

EDIT: The words ”solved“, ”ended“ etc imply that the problem of course returns when the Cayin stock 4.4 is used again.

 

[utdeep]

@CANiSLAYu - The Diablo was what I replaced the C9 with. I thought that the C9 performed poorly with non-IEM headphones. The Diablo performs poorly with IEMs (too powerful, limited range on volume pot, imbalance at lower levels) and I figured that would be fixed with an IEMatch.

I never thought about combining the two. Interesting idea!

 

[CANiSLAYu]

@CANiSLAYu - The Diablo was what I replaced the C9 with. I thought that the C9 performed poorly with non-IEM headphones. The Diablo performs poorly with IEMs (too powerful, limited range on volume pot, imbalance at lower levels) and I figured that would be fixed with an IEMatch.

I never thought about combining the two. Interesting idea!

That was my thought too, kind of have the best of both worlds (C9 for IEMs and Diablo for full size) in compact, transportable packages. Only tried one IEM with Diablo so far (MEST MKII) and it’s definitely too powerful even in Eco mode with too little usable range on the volume wheel with the channel imbalance right when you turn it on. I can get it where it’s balanced, but it ends up just a notch higher volume than I’d care for with normal/prolonged listening. IER-Z1R might prove a better pairing. I do hope iFi comes out with a 4.4mm IEMatch to have another flavor available.

 

[FooFighter]

Interesting point in the discussion here as I wanted to place a similar question how to use C9 as jack-of-all trades (desktop amp necessary for Full size cans but not IEMs) but not in a mobile but in a desktop setup.

So idea is to use
1. Desktop DAC (Pontus II) + XLR to Pentacon interconnect + C9 + Traillii
2. Desktop DAC (Pontus II) + XLR to Pentacon interconnect + C9 + 4,4mm to XLR interconnect into e.g A90 + Denon AH-D9200

Anyone tried using C9 as a preamp in such a desktop setup?
Any concerns besides the massive cabling effort?

 

[Shecky504]

Has anyone traveled with their C9 on an airplane yet in the US? Any issues at security with bringing it on a plane due to the large lithium ion batteries?

 

[RTodd]

Has anyone traveled with their C9 on an airplane yet in the US? Any issues at security with bringing it on a plane due to the large lithium ion batteries?

Yes twice no issues.

 

[bluestorm1992]

Has anyone traveled with their C9 on an airplane yet in the US? Any issues at security with bringing it on a plane due to the large lithium ion batteries?

I have done this multiple times; no issue at all. Just the regular take-it-out thing when going through TSA.

 

[Andykong]

Interesting point in the discussion here as I wanted to place a similar question how to use C9 as jack-of-all trades (desktop amp necessary for Full size cans but not IEMs) but not in a mobile but in a desktop setup.

So idea is to use
1. Desktop DAC (Pontus II) + XLR to Pentacon interconnect + C9 + Traillii
2. Desktop DAC (Pontus II) + XLR to Pentacon interconnect + C9 + 4,4mm to XLR interconnect into e.g A90 + Denon AH-D9200

Anyone tried using C9 as a preamp in such a desktop setup?
Any concerns besides the massive cabling effort?

C9 won't perform well as preamp, it is high current amplification by design, and pre-amp is supposed to be voltage gain only (without current gain).

I am not sure if C9 can outperform A90 with Denon AH-D9200, but if you use C9 as preamp connecting to A90, then better stick with either C9 or A90, not together.

 

[Jeffyue]

I used the Tenso forwarding service, and is expecting the package next week. Pretty straight forward to Dela with Tenso as they do communicate in English.

https://www.tensojapan.com/

See if you guys would like to give it a try...

Finally got this from Japan directly...

Think sooner or later we will see Vannuys case for HA6a soon...

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

@CANiSLAYu - The Diablo was what I replaced the C9 with. I thought that the C9 performed poorly with non-IEM headphones. The Diablo performs poorly with IEMs (too powerful, limited range on volume pot, imbalance at lower levels) and I figured that would be fixed with an IEMatch.

I never thought about combining the two. Interesting idea!

I don't think you can make that generalization. I think it depends on the pairings. My C9 pairs great with my Hugo 2 to drive my ZMF Verite closed headphones. It also pairs great with a DX300 to drive my HD800S. The Focal Utopia did not sound that great. It sounded better directly on the DX300, but I haven't yet tried the amp12 line out.

I have heard the Diablo drive Focal Clear headphones and I thought that was a fantastic pairing.

Now, my full sized desktop system is better than my transportable system, but I can take the C9 with me on a several month trip. I can't do that with my desktop system.

 

[bluestorm1992]

C9 also drives my V2 very well - as good as its recommended desktop amp from the manufacturer (Xiaudio Broadway). It also pairs wonderfully with my recently acquired Kennerton Rognir.

With D8000 Pro, I do feel that there’s potential from the headphone unexplored, but I certainly would not say that C9 did not do a good job - it is a pretty satisfactory listening experience.

 

[Tanalasta]

The C9 also drove my HD800S with the stock cable very well in high gain, tube class A mode. I actually enjoyed my Utopia out of them also. I found it a very versatile amp and useful for colouring the sound especially as a counterpoint to the Hugo2

It doesn’t quite have the dynamic drive or power of a decent 2k desktop amp. Nor would I expect it to. There are always compromises to be had with a portable setup. I preferred sound and versatility over the Diablo I auditioned.

That said, I often do drive straight out of my source without having to add the C9

 

[MusicTeck]

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https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/holiday-sale

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

How long does it take for the Eletech Plato interconnects to be shipped and delivered to the USA from Eletech? I am going to order one.

 

[bluestorm1992]

How long does it take for the Eletech Plato interconnects to be shipped and delivered to the USA from Eletech? I am going to order one.

They ship through DHL, so I would say in less than a week. Mine arrive in 3 days iirc.