Cayin N3 Hi-Res DAP with AKM4490 DAC, apt-X Bluetooth, and Line, USB & Coax Out for $150

[groucho69]

Well that would be new because when I tried before I was not allowed to order.

Tried again and all I get is :

Sorry, this order is failed due to internet connection problems

 

[jeffhawke]

Just got my hands on review sample of Cayin N3 case (MusicTeck sells it for $20, HERE). Looks very nice!!! The same PU material as i5 case, with a dark gray color (almost like asphalt gray), a neat red stitching on the back (gives a nice handmade look), very generous opening around every port for easy access to all the buttons, microSD, HO, usb-C port, and a perfect opening for the display and buttons underneath of it. Overall fit is tight and secure. Though I like the feel of N3 naked, this case adds minimum bulk and enhances the grip.

Here are the close up pictures. Since I still have N3 prototype, I was able to compare it side-by-side at the end so you can get an idea of extra bulk, and the last shot is i5 next to N3.

I got my review unit some days ago as part of the European tour, and I was very pleased to find the same nice PU case shown in the pictures in the shipping box. It came in very handy as I had to go on a two-day trip to Berlin and I took the N3 with to familiarize myself with the player, and the case is really pleasant to the touch, besides looking real cool. I will post my impressions later, but so far I'm seriously impressed, particularly by the sound quality, which is stellar, particularly considering the form factor and the MSRP!

 

[fish1050]

As much as the case costs for shipping.

FOUND LEATHER CASE IN CANADA
A leather case is available at etsy.ca for the Cayin N3. From the pictures it appears to be a high grade leather flip case.

 

[PopZeus]

Trying the N3 out with the Oppo PM-3 today. They sound great on medium gain. Plenty of clean bass punch via the planar drivers without any bloat. The top-end roll off is not any worse than a different source and the detail retrieval is quite excellent. Better pairing with the N3 than the M5.

 

[groucho69]

FOUND LEATHER CASE IN CANADA
A leather case is available at etsy.ca for the Cayin N3. From the pictures it appears to be a high grade leather flip case.

Too bad it's a flip. Don't see the point in that. They should go with the same form factor as Cayin and forget the stupid flip.

 

[Filmguerilla]

Hi guys! I hope someone can answer my questions..
I'm choosing between Cayin N3 and Shanling M2s. I would like to know if these configs are also possible using N3.

Can N3 act as Bluetooth receiver (IE: Phone/Laptop source -> N3 -> connected to a preamp/integrated amp for Stereo?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Line to Tube preamp ---> Power amp then Speakers?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Maverick Audio Dac (Not sure if N3 can be connected as USB/COX/Optical) ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

N3 as Source ---> MAverick Audio Dac ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

Last thing, how does N3 compare to M2s SQ? I hope there are some posts/vids comparing the two. Will do my own research as well.

Thank you very much!

 

[Grumpy1]

Hi,maybe the N3 battery has run out and you need to charge it. If it doesn't work, you can hold the reset button of N3 for 10s then press the power button for 2s to see what happens.

I doesnt like to turn on with a full charge. Reset doesnt like to work either. I will be returning it, this is a basic function that should work every time.

 

[soundhunger]

Hi, please go to system settings->USB mode and make sure USB mode is under USB instead of DAC. Then try it again.

It's been on USB mode (not DAC). But I switched it to DAC and back to USB, and still nothing. I did find a work around by using a MicroSD to SD card converter for my SD card port on my computer, but I'd like to be able to just plug in the N3 instead.

 

[gLer]

I doesnt like to turn on with a full charge. Reset doesnt like to work either. I will be returning it, this is a basic function that should work every time.

Sounds like you have a defective unit. Get it replaced. Doesn't look like anyone else here has this issue.

 

[gLer]

It's been on USB mode (not DAC). But I switched it to DAC and back to USB, and still nothing. I did find a work around by using a MicroSD to SD card converter for my SD card port on my computer, but I'd like to be able to just plug in the N3 instead.

I have an issue with my N3 disconnecting itself while connected to my Mac mini (seems to work ok on my MacBook Pro). Might be a localized or port issue with the Mac, but I can't be sure it's not a cable or N3 issue either. Totally random.

 

[gLer]

Hi guys! I hope someone can answer my questions..
I'm choosing between Cayin N3 and Shanling M2s. I would like to know if these configs are also possible using N3.

Can N3 act as Bluetooth receiver (IE: Phone/Laptop source -> N3 -> connected to a preamp/integrated amp for Stereo?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Line to Tube preamp ---> Power amp then Speakers?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Maverick Audio Dac (Not sure if N3 can be connected as USB/COX/Optical) ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

N3 as Source ---> MAverick Audio Dac ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

Last thing, how does N3 compare to M2s SQ? I hope there are some posts/vids comparing the two. Will do my own research as well.

Thank you very much!

Can't speak for the Shanling but yes, the N3 can act as a BT receiver. Just keep in mind that (at this stage) the N3 doesn't support aptX as a receiver. Hopefully this can be fixed with a firmware update, we wait and see.

 

[fish1050]

Too bad it's a flip. Don't see the point in that. They should go with the same form factor as Cayin and forget the stupid flip.

I don't know, having the flip case could protect the player in your pocket. I actually put a scratch on the screen of my first A17 when I accidentally put it in the same pocket as my keys. Perhaps you could remove the flap and it does look like really good quality leather. I know accessories like cases are hard to find in Canada outside of amazon.ca. If you can wait awhile you might be able to get one from amazon.ca.

 

[Filmguerilla]

Hi, thanks for your answer. Actually, i contacted Shanling already about this and they confirmed it's possible..

Sorry, i'm new to Headfi and i'm quite ignorant with technicality.. What do you mean by aptX support as a receiver?
My main objective is just use the device as a reciever from a Phone or PC/Laptop source. Nothing advance or complicated i think.
I want this feature so i can listen to my stereo with my digital files or Spotify using Phone or Laptop while working. So it would be easy for me to navigate songs etc.

It would be awesome to if i can play with it connect it to my Tube Dac. Though my Mav Audio D2 only have 4 Digital inputs. I'm not sure how will i connnect the N3 as receiver to my Tube Dac.

Thanks again!

Can't speak for the Shanling but yes, the N3 can act as a BT receiver. Just keep in mind that (at this stage) the N3 doesn't support aptX as a receiver. Hopefully this can be fixed with a firmware update, we wait and see.

 

[BetterLate]

Hi guys! I hope someone can answer my questions..
I'm choosing between Cayin N3 and Shanling M2s. I would like to know if these configs are also possible using N3.

Can N3 act as Bluetooth receiver (IE: Phone/Laptop source -> N3 -> connected to a preamp/integrated amp for Stereo?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Line to Tube preamp ---> Power amp then Speakers?

Phone/Laptop ---> N3 as Bluetooth Receiver ---> Maverick Audio Dac (Not sure if N3 can be connected as USB/COX/Optical) ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

N3 as Source ---> MAverick Audio Dac ---> Tube Preamp ---> Power ---> Speakers

Last thing, how does N3 compare to M2s SQ? I hope there are some posts/vids comparing the two. Will do my own research as well.

Thank you very much!

And also factor in that iPhone does not support aptX so even when N3 receives in aptX that won't be available with iPhone

 

[gLer]

And also factor in that iPhone does not support aptX so even when N3 receives in aptX that won't be available with iPhone

True. I submitted a feature request to add native AAC support for that very reason. Shouldn't be difficult and can probably be done in firmware. Wether or not they're willing to pay a few bucks per device for the license is another matter.