Cayin i5 Lossless Android DAP with AKM4490 DAC supporting 32/384 PCM + 64/128 DSD

[Soundtrap]

  Technically as per the standard you can assume that a device which supports 64GB cards will perfectly work with all cards in the future up to 2TB. 
 
But when the i5 was released only 200GB cards were available, so they will only vouch for that capacity.

   I have to stop all of you who are "assuming". Cowon PD is rated up to 128gb and when I tried 200gb, guess what happened... you are right multi "unplayable files" , freezing after 2-3 songs played. Now my Ibasso DX90 had the same behavior when I use 256gb SDXC card via adapter, although it is rated to "support up to 2TB external storage", but testing proved that if you tried to play via Library structure, then same issues like my PD. On another thread forum member Lurker0 stated that DX90 supports up to 3 TB external HDD but only if you play via Directory. 
   So in most cases if manufacturer states support "up to" then it is likely correct.

 

[Ziggomatic]

2 what are the scanning times?

4 i'm planning to pair it with a pair of shure 535 (that i haven't bought yet) do you suggest better combinations?

Besides iPod Classics, I've used the FiiO X1, X3ii, X1ii, and the iBasso Dx80. The scanning speed of the i5 blows them all out of the water. It scans my 8100+ tracks in a minute, maybe. I wouldn't worry about the speed rating of your memory card.

With regard to pairing, I've never used the Shure SE535, but I strongly suspect that the FLC8S is better. The pairing gives you an outstanding combination of clarity and musicality, IMO. I highly recommend.

 

[BartSimpson1976]

Agree, the music scanning speed is superb. That was one of the things I was afraid of initially. The DX80 owners are happy if their library is scanned in below 10minutes.

 

[GREYH0UND]

 


Besides iPod Classics, I've used the FiiO X1, X3ii, X1ii, and the iBasso Dx80. The scanning speed of the i5 blows them all out of the water. It scans my 8100+ tracks in a minute, maybe. I wouldn't worry about the speed rating of your memory card.

With regard to pairing, I've never used the Shure SE535, but I strongly suspect that the FLC8S is better. The pairing gives you an outstanding combination of clarity and musicality, IMO. I highly recommend.

thank you for the imput, unfortunately those earphones aren't sold in uk forcing me to import them from asia, witch would basically mean no support in case of problems.
 
i was looking for something easier to buy 

 

[GREYH0UND]

  Agree, the music scanning speed is superb. That was one of the things I was afraid of initially. The DX80 owners are happy if their library is scanned in below 10minutes.
 

 
it's just that i always had devices without a micro sd card so i'm used to few seconds of scanning time.
 
using an uhs micro sd would mean 1/3 of the scanning time  but ONLY IF the device is able to support it 100%

 

[SubSTI]

  thank you for the imput, unfortunately those earphones aren't sold in uk forcing me to import them from asia, witch would basically mean no support in case of problems.
 
i was looking for something easier to buy 

You should take a look in the Trinity Audio thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/796729/trinity-phantom-series-new-thread-worlds-first-push-pull-hybrid-iem/ UK based company building IEM with changeable filters so you can tune to your own liking.

 

[PinkyPowers]

So in most cases if manufacturer states support "up to" then it is likely correct.

I disagree. This is a question that gets posed in every DAP thread on Head-fi, and I have yet to read up on a DAP that doesn't handle higher capacity cards.

You're saying there are a few? Ok. I'll believe you. But not many.

 

[Andykong]

hi everyone, i have few questions

1 on the website is written that the cayin i5 support micro sd up to 200gb, what happen if i use one with 256?
2 what are the scanning times?
3 using a micro sd card UHS3 (reading speed of about 270MB/s) would increase the responsiveness of the device and reduce its scanning time if compared with a class 10 micro sd?


4 i'm planning to pair it with a pair of shure 535 (that i haven't bought yet) do you suggest better combinations?

thank for your time

My guess is the same thing that happens every time a new capacity is released to the public: it works perfectly.

Those "max" ratings are only what has been tested by the manufacturer. Every DAP has a max that has been tested. And so far, every time a new capacity comes out, it just plain old works. The FiiO X5 is only rated for a 128GB card. Can you guess what happens when you put in a 200GB? I'll give you three guesses.

Cayin i5 supports 256GB TF card, we have tested it at our factory, and will revise the content in our new version of printed promotion material and show/event posters. This is i5's wall hanging post for a forthcoming Taiwan Show. Although the content is in English, but the TF card icon should be obvious and you can see 256GB under the icon.



I have compared the scanning speed of internal memory (32G emmc) with a Sandisk 32GB TF card (rated at 60 MB/s at reading) with almost identical 28GB music content, the internal memory is faster, but not really significant.

 

[Danivi]

Did anyone have the canche to compare caiyn i5 to mojo ?

 

[PinkyPowers]

canche

That was impressive.

 

[Danivi]

Opppsss sorry ....writing with t9 in italian language can produce Strange errors PinkyPowerspinkypowers

 

[linux4ever]

Did anyone have the canche to compare caiyn i5 to mojo ?

In my hearing so far,mojo has better separation than i5. I would love pair i5 with a mojo for better separation and wider soundstage. Not that i5 is bad, but to extend it in a better way.

Cayin provides a USB type C to coaxial cable that can be fit onto a home theater receiver. But not onto mojo. I need a USB type C to a coaxial that fits mojo or I need a USB type C to micro USB cable to connect to mojo.

 

[Danivi]

Thanks linux4ever but my question was different: have you ever compared phone (or dap) feeding Mojo vs caiyn itself ?

 

[linux4ever]

Thanks linux4ever but my question was different: have you ever compared phone (or dap) feeding Mojo vs caiyn itself ?

The first portion of my response was exactly that. A phone/dap through MOJO has better (slightly) separation and clarity. At least to my ears that is.

The second portion was about wanting to pair up in with MOJO.

 

[Hawaiibadboy]

Thanks @linux4ever but my question was different: have you ever compared phone (or dap) feeding Mojo vs caiyn itself ?

I did directly compare the 2 items at the same time.
i5 has a very similar sonic presentation to the Mojo with a Soundaware M1 pro being another of 3 very similar sounding items. Great with details and not sounding particularly wide. The iDSD micro and PHA-3 would be more Neutral/wide almost thin compared to the 3 mentioned above.