NewEve
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Ok, 'got my N3 Pro two days ago.
I tested it with my Grado RS2e (with G-cush) and Campfire Andromeda Special Edition: Gold.
I mainly used it with the tube in UltraLinear mode and compared them with the Triode mode as well as solid-state mode.
I still have to compare it to A&K's SR25 but that'll be for the full review.
That said, I also tested the 3.5mm line out with my Schiit Vali 2 tube amp.
Since I was disappointed with AKSP1000M especially in terms of price/performance, I was curious what would the solid-state output be with this AKM DAC.
I was pleasantly surprised as I found it to be as articulate as what I remembered hearing from the SP1000M (particularly how clear the mids / vocals are) without being too dry.
The tube modes most definitively bring something, something many people would pay a lot for. And that's in Triode mode. In UltraLinear mode, this blows away pretty much all DAPs I had — though, again, I still need to compare it to A&K's SR25 side by side.
In line out with my Schiit Vali 2 tube amp, it definitely felt like an improvement over the SR25 plugged to it — i.e. from memory.
I believe that Cayin definitively stuck a very nice balance with their choice of DAC and tube modes.
My personal favourite is UltraLinear, all the way, no question.
Not to forget either, the interface is spot-on and easy to use.
That's it for me, the rest will be for the review.
PS Someone PLEASE make a decent case for this wonderful DAP!!! Dignis, Miter, HELLO???
I tested it with my Grado RS2e (with G-cush) and Campfire Andromeda Special Edition: Gold.
I mainly used it with the tube in UltraLinear mode and compared them with the Triode mode as well as solid-state mode.
I still have to compare it to A&K's SR25 but that'll be for the full review.
That said, I also tested the 3.5mm line out with my Schiit Vali 2 tube amp.
Since I was disappointed with AKSP1000M especially in terms of price/performance, I was curious what would the solid-state output be with this AKM DAC.
I was pleasantly surprised as I found it to be as articulate as what I remembered hearing from the SP1000M (particularly how clear the mids / vocals are) without being too dry.
The tube modes most definitively bring something, something many people would pay a lot for. And that's in Triode mode. In UltraLinear mode, this blows away pretty much all DAPs I had — though, again, I still need to compare it to A&K's SR25 side by side.
In line out with my Schiit Vali 2 tube amp, it definitely felt like an improvement over the SR25 plugged to it — i.e. from memory.
I believe that Cayin definitively stuck a very nice balance with their choice of DAC and tube modes.
My personal favourite is UltraLinear, all the way, no question.
Not to forget either, the interface is spot-on and easy to use.
That's it for me, the rest will be for the review.
PS Someone PLEASE make a decent case for this wonderful DAP!!! Dignis, Miter, HELLO???
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