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

[x RELIC x]

You and I diverge on N5, though. I love it, whereas I'm not overly fond of N6. I think you're in the opposite camp, aren't you, Craig? I think you felt N5 was too bright. Another guy I PM with felt N5 was too dark. For me it's just right. Just goes to show how we all perceive things differently!

I felt it was too sharp, not bright. The attack of the notes felt like they were a little fast, unnatural, not sure it was a tonality thing or a DSP filter thing. More the decay felt sharp. I hate flabby notes and decay that's too slow and echo-like, but there was something about the N5 that seemed slightly forced to me. Mind you my limited time with the N5 and the amount of time I had dedicated to my review probably didn't do it justice.

The i5 seems like it would be great transport also if they can nail the streaming options. Curious what the coaxial output (optional) means in the placard pic in the first post. What's the optional? I hope it isn't a shared output like the newer FiiO DAPs. Worst. Move. Ever.

Edit: I should re-iterate that I actually reviewed the N5 favourably on a sonic level. It just wasn't my preference is all. The biggest drawback to me was the placement of the hardware controls, the screen's off-angle performance, and the 2.5mm output.

 

[nmatheis]

x RELIC x: I stand corrected, good sir. Thanks for setting the record straight!

 

[Rozenberg]

By the way, one of the most popular music player just announced its Android version, I have a test run on that immediately:




I didn't know the Volume control page can overlap on the playback screen like this, cool！

The Android Foobar still looks too simple and basic.
 
And finally the volume control works on 3rd party app! 

 
Btw Andy, seeing that we can use other music apps, what advantages does the stock music app have over the others?
To be honest I'm considering to use Onkyo player but what if it has compatibility issue, slow boot etc?
 

The i5 seems like it would be great transport also if they can nail the streaming options. Curious what the coaxial output (optional) means in the placard pic in the first post. What's the optional? I hope it isn't a shared output like the newer FiiO DAPs. Worst. Move. Ever.

From what I've heard, Cayin will sell a USB C to coaxial adapter. Basically it's an optional accessory that's not included in the package.
My only concern is how strong the adapter will hold out.

 

[x RELIC x]

The Android Foobar still looks too simple and basic.

And finally the volume control works on 3rd party app! 

Btw Andy, seeing that we can use other music apps, what advantages does the stock music app have over the others?
To be honest I'm considering to use Onkyo player but what if it has compatibility issue, slow boot etc?

From what I've heard, Cayin will sell a USB C to coaxial adapter. Basically it's an optional accessory that's not included in the package.
My only concern is how strong the adapter will hold out.

Oh. Thanks for the info. Too bad that takes it off my list.

 

[Andykong]

The Android Foobar still looks too simple and basic.

And finally the volume control works on 3rd party app! 

Btw Andy, seeing that we can use other music apps, what advantages does the stock music app have over the others?
To be honest I'm considering to use Onkyo player but what if it has compatibility issue, slow boot etc?

From what I've heard, Cayin will sell a USB C to coaxial adapter. Basically it's an optional accessory that's not included in the package.
My only concern is how strong the adapter will hold out.

You want Onkyo player? OK, then I give you Onkyo Player.






The Onkyo player is running smooth so far, I installed it for testing only, didn't use it on regular based, so not sure if there will be compatibility issue in some functions, but for the boot up, indexing, browse and playback, it is responsive and straight forward.

The player carried their sound signature into the game. The Foobar is very dynamic, and the Onkyo offers more detail.

The native HiBy player is fully customized for i5, it has incorporated all the i5 functions into the basic screen, you can select play mode, invoke EQ, start playlist, reading lyrics all in the main playback screen, and last but not least the very interesting UV meter animation when you are playing something that kick ass. On the other hand, I can see if someone wants better EQ control, maybe Onkyo and JetAudio is a better option. Or if they want to stick with the UI of their familiar app such as Poweramp with a special skin, the i5 will give them the option.

 

[Andykong]

Well then, it looks like my new player is indeed the i5! Thanks for tailored response Andy, really looking forward to it.

That is Spotify and Foobar2000.

I didn't use Tidal personally because it doesn't support Chinese character in Artist and Song name, all the names are Pronunciation translation meaning which is extremely inconvenient. I'll set up an account and try this later one day.

 

[eldss]

That is Spotify and Foobar2000.

I didn't use Tidal personally because it doesn't support Chinese character in Artist and Song name, all the names are Pronunciation translation meaning which is extremely inconvenient. I'll set up an account and try this later one day.

Do you guys know what version of Android it is running and if it will support Apple Music as well?

 

[twister6]

...

 
Andy, should I assume that as soon as you turn the volume knob that volume control screen appears on display?  Then, can you swipe the volume up/down for a faster adjustment or do you have to tap +/- keys for one step at a time adjustment?  Or can you do both?  Also, will there be an easier way to get to volume swipe control within touch screen with one hand operation (without hw volume pot)?

 

[davidcotton]

Apologies if I missed it but does this do stream..... JUST KIDDING!
 
No seriously was a price confirmed for this yet?  Either £ or $??

Thanks

 

[BadReligionPunk]

$500 If I remember right and didn't dream it.

 

[Rozenberg]

You want Onkyo player? OK, then I give you Onkyo Player.

The Onkyo player is running smooth so far, I installed it for testing only, didn't use it on regular based, so not sure if there will be compatibility issue in some functions, but for the boot up, indexing, browse and playback, it is responsive and straight forward.

The player carried their sound signature into the game. The Foobar is very dynamic, and the Onkyo offers more detail.

The native HiBy player is fully customized for i5, it has incorporated all the i5 functions into the basic screen, you can select play mode, invoke EQ, start playlist, reading lyrics all in the main playback screen, and last but not least the very interesting UV meter animation when you are playing something that kick ass. On the other hand, I can see if someone wants better EQ control, maybe Onkyo and JetAudio is a better option. Or if they want to stick with the UI of their familiar app such as Poweramp with a special skin, the i5 will give them the option.

Oh wow it works. But again if you wanna use 3rd party music app all the time, that means you have to navigate through the "Third Party Applications" everytime, right? Since the i5 boots directly to the Hiby stock app when turned on. Except if the i5 could set the 3rd party music app as default app for music... But I don't think it will.
 
 

$500 If I remember right and didn't dream it.

I think you dreamt it because in reality Andy said $499. It begins with FOUR HUNDRED ...

 

[lukeap69]

What is 1$ between friends... 

 

[jmills8]

Question:will third party music player apps work with the Mojo attached ?

 

[audio123]

Question:will third party music player apps work with the Mojo attached ?

like neplayer, onkyoplayer?

 

[jmills8]

like neplayer, onkyoplayer?

i5 - Mojo - Jetaudio (eq) or N7 (eq) player.