Can you use I2s via HDMI connection?
Yes, but read my review please.
So, my first impression, pro and contra.
1. Build quality - 4,5 stars from 5 (it looks like Yulong DA09 DAC).
+ Full metal chassis, build like a tank.
+ SD-card and USB OTG-1 inputs on the front pannel (under the nice cover, fixed by magnets)
- Rubber on the feets is very hard and unit can be moved by pressing the control jog\shuttle.
2. Screen - 4 stars from 5.
+ Very good sharp and bright color screen.
- No touch sensor.
3. Menu - 5 stars from 5
+ It looks good.
+ It very easy to understand.
+ It very easy to navigate and control by jog\shuttle and "return\back" knob.
4. DLNA - 3
4,5 stars from 5.
+ Easy recognising of NAS and easy access
- Every time asking NAS login, does not remember it (or I don't understand how to save it).
Revision: First press Enter on virtual keypad and next press OK and IDAP-6 will save your login for this session.
- Can not play HiRes files (PCM above 24-96 and DSD) via WiFi, Ethernet connection only.
Revision: Connect Ethernet and switch WiFi On and all plays Ok.
5. Bluetooth - 5 stars from 5
+ Easy Bluetooth streaming in both directions (f.e. from iDAP-6 to wireless earphones or speakers or your Radio-station from smartphone to iDAP-6).
+ Bluetooth remote controllers are supported (I use Fiio RM1).
6. HibyLink - 2
3 stars from 5
+ Easy connected with smartphone, you can controll via HibyLink all your local media, connected to the SD-card slot or USB OTG-1,2,3 ports.
- HibyLink implemented in iDAP-6 can not controll your local cloud. So, if your music stored on your NAS you can not controll it via HibyLink.
- Can not play HiRes files (PCM above 24-96 and DSD) via HibyLink implemented in iDAP-6.
Revision: Connect Ethernet and switch WiFi On and all plays Ok.
7. Work with Bubble UPNP - 3
5 stars from 5
+ Tidal, Qobuz etc. streaming is possible.
- Bubble UPNP does not recognize Cayin IDAP-6 render in Ethernet connection mode. Bubble recognize it only in WiFi mode.
Revision: Connect Ethernet and switch WiFi On and all works OK.
- Can not play HiRes files (PCM above 24-96 and DSD) via Bubble UPNP.
Revision: Connect Ethernet and switch WiFi On and all plays Ok.
8. I2S - 2,5 stars from 5.
+ I2S works pretty good with my Denafrips 'Pontus' DAC (PC Audio I2S standard) but in PCM-mode only.
- Does not work in DSD mode.
9. Gapless playback - 5 stars, works good.
10. Sound - I'll rate it after burn-in period.
First impression - very nice getnle high resolution sound.
I forgot about USB Out.
11. USB output mode - 5 stars, works pretty good with my Denafrips 'Pontus' DAC.
@Cayin developers. Please, do something with HiRes and DSD wireless playback via WiFi, it seems there are a software problems with it. Please repair I2S DSD output too. This IDAP-6 is one of the best sounding device on the market in price range up to $1500-$2000. But software problems is annoying!
Revision: Please repair HibyLink Local Cloud mode and DSD via I2S.