Cayin N3Ultra: an Entry-level Portable DAP that Delivers a Complete Vacuum Tube Audio Experience

[Kroppand]

I cannot figure out how to turn shuffle off. Once tapped accidentally, it shuffles the songs and that’s what it is for. But how to stop shuffling?

 

[rwelles]

Go to the screen that shows the album art and song playing. To the left of the resolution display it the shuffle indicator. Tap it until it says "sequential play" in the header and 2 lines for the icon instead of a figure 8.

 

[artkillen]

I would like to know too

So would I. @twister6 , any thoughts?

 

[twister6]

So would I. @twister6 , any thoughts?

sorry, don't have R6 Pro II.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

New case in da house , I like this one more because the green one allowed the player to slide up out of the case every time ypu plugged something in on the bottom, you had to hold the top of the player.

And it's purple/gold!

 

[Andykong]

I cannot figure out how to turn shuffle off. Once tapped accidentally, it shuffles the songs and that’s what it is for. But how to stop shuffling?

You can change the playback mode on the main playback screen. Toggle the icon on the top left corner of the playback control zone, and it will circulate through 4 different playback modes:

1. Shuffle All
2. List Loop
3. Sequential Play
4. Loop Single

When you change your playback mode, the player will pop the name of the playback mode on the left corner of the status bar (right below the volume reading) as a reminder.

 

[dakchi]

I received today the new case. I confirm that it is very good indeed
So far, I am very happy with the performance of N3 Ultra. After RU7 and now N3U, I can say that I trust the capability of Cayin to release very qualitative players. Surprisingly, I got amazing synergy with a cheap IEM: Simgot Supermix 4. Everything is perfect with this IEM

 

[jotaerre]

[...] Surprisingly, I got amazing synergy with a cheap IEM: Simgot Supermix 4. Everything is perfect with this IEM

Yes, I could say for my part, that I would spend the rest of my life, this life, with my N3U. I want to publicly acknowledge that its EQ is very capable and that gives a lot of play to the IEMs. And in terms of synergy, I would continue to spend my days with the total enjoyment of: N3U-NEO 5-CS02 Cable. Breathtaking, with analog essence.

 

[originalsnuffy]

This looks like a nice unit. I wonder why Cayin chose AKM vs their 1bit design? I have a good impression of AKM and have liked most of my AKM units so it is not a criticism per se. I also would wonder why ROHM wasn't considered.

Also, it isn't clear to me, but it seems that there might be some way to download music via USB DAC into Apps like Amazon HD or Apple music. Is that correct?

 

[MusicTeck]

The new purple leather case is in stock now: https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/cayin/products/cayin-n3ultra-leather-case-purple

 

[Murgatroid]

This looks like a nice unit. I wonder why Cayin chose AKM vs their 1bit design? I have a good impression of AKM and have liked most of my AKM units so it is not a criticism per se. I also would wonder why ROHM wasn't considered.

Also, it isn't clear to me, but it seems that there might be some way to download music via USB DAC into Apps like Amazon HD or Apple music. Is that correct?

This is Cayin's entry level player and is built to a price. 1bit and ROHM are more expensive solutions compared to the mid-tier AKM DACs. If you want ROHM plus tubes, they sell it as the N8ii (although it may be out of production now?).

You can't download Amazon HD or Apple music onto the player as only these apps can play offline music and they can not be installed. You can connect your phone to the N3Ultra via USB and use it as a DAC/Amp with all the tube goodness. Then you can use whatever streaming app you want on your phone and have it play through the N3U.

 

[jotaerre]

I enjoy listening to my music at 25/100 volume. I would never have thought of it, with such intimacy, with such quality.

 

[Andykong]

The Announcement of N3Ultra Firmware v1.3

New Functions and System Optimization

1. Add a new search function for album, artist, and music genre contents in the scanned music library,
2. Repair the problem of random noise when playback DSD512 music files;
3. Modify selected User Interface;
4. Other optimization and bugs fixed

Firmware URL: https://en.cayin.cn/drive/9/18/656.html

Firmware Update

Cayin will release firmware updates to enhance and optimize N3Ultra as deemed required. Users can update the firmware through local updates. To manually download the firmware, please visit the SUPPORT center on our official website.

A Kind Reminder to N3Ultra Firmware Upgrade

• Each version of firmware might contain minor differences, consumer please decide on your own accord whether you need to update the firmware of your N3Ultra Digital Audio Player.
• Under normal circumstances, firmware upgrades will not cause any damage to user information, but Cayin cannot exclude the possibility of upgrade failure due to malfunction or any other reason. For these reasons, we strongly suggest you remove all storage devices inserted into the DAP before you perform the firmware upgrade.
• The N3Ultra firmware cannot be used in other products, and the firmware from other products cannot be used in N3Ultra

Attention

• Please make sure the N3Ultra has not less than 30% battery power, otherwise please charge up the player before you proceed to a firmware update.
• Please ensure your TF card has over 2GB of storage before the firmware update.

Firmware Update Procedures

• Download the latest firmware update package from the Support Center of Cayin website, please select “Personal Audio” on this page.
• You should receive a compressed file (cayin_N3Ultra_xxx_xxxxxxx_8.1_user_update.zip) for the N3Ultra firmware update. DO NOT decompress the zip file.
• Copy the firmware file into the root directory of your TF card, and insert the TF card into N3Ultra before you proceed to the next step.
• Select "System Settings" on the main menu, at the Setting menu page select “System” and then select "FOTA* Updates” to enter the firmware update interface;
• Select “Local updates” in the System Update screen.
• Proceed to the root directory of your TF card, and then select the firmware file.
• The system will remind you that the device will be restarted during the firmware update, select “OK” in the confirmation window, and the system will start the firmware upgrade process;
• Do not operate the device during the firmware update process. After the upgrade is complete, the system will reboot automatically, wait until the reboot is complete, and then manually reboot another time, you can use the DAP when the device resumes from the second reboot.
• Please delete the firmware file from the TF card after you have completed the firmware update process

PS: Please keep a record of your PEQ setting before you proceed to the firmware update.

 

[ChangTan]

the newest update deleted all my saved PEQ settings.

not really a big deal, just wanna give you guys a heads up...

Edit: Apparently there is a new option under System Settings > Audio Settings > PEQ.
This option appears to be separated from the "Equalizer" from the Home Screen. All my saved PEQ settings does not appear here.


If i goes into PEQ from the Home Screen > Equalizer > PEQ, my saved settings are still there.

 

[Lu88]

The Announcement of N3Ultra Firmware v1.3

New Functions and System Optimization

1. Add a new search function for album, artist, and music genre contents in the scanned music library,
2. Repair the problem of random noise when playback DSD512 music files;
3. Modify selected User Interface;
4. Other optimization and bugs fixed

Firmware URL: https://en.cayin.cn/drive/9/18/656.html

Firmware Update

Cayin will release firmware updates to enhance and optimize N3Ultra as deemed required. Users can update the firmware through local updates. To manually download the firmware, please visit the SUPPORT center on our official website.

A Kind Reminder to N3Ultra Firmware Upgrade

• Each version of firmware might contain minor differences, consumer please decide on your own accord whether you need to update the firmware of your N3Ultra Digital Audio Player.
• Under normal circumstances, firmware upgrades will not cause any damage to user information, but Cayin cannot exclude the possibility of upgrade failure due to malfunction or any other reason. For these reasons, we strongly suggest you remove all storage devices inserted into the DAP before you perform the firmware upgrade.
• The N3Ultra firmware cannot be used in other products, and the firmware from other products cannot be used in N3Ultra

Attention

• Please make sure the N3Ultra has not less than 30% battery power, otherwise please charge up the player before you proceed to a firmware update.
• Please ensure your TF card has over 2GB of storage before the firmware update.

Firmware Update Procedures

• Download the latest firmware update package from the Support Center of Cayin website, please select “Personal Audio” on this page.
• You should receive a compressed file (cayin_N3Ultra_xxx_xxxxxxx_8.1_user_update.zip) for the N3Ultra firmware update. DO NOT decompress the zip file.
• Copy the firmware file into the root directory of your TF card, and insert the TF card into N3Ultra before you proceed to the next step.
• Select "System Settings" on the main menu, at the Setting menu page select “System” and then select "FOTA* Updates” to enter the firmware update interface;
• Select “Local updates” in the System Update screen.
• Proceed to the root directory of your TF card, and then select the firmware file.
• The system will remind you that the device will be restarted during the firmware update, select “OK” in the confirmation window, and the system will start the firmware upgrade process;
• Do not operate the device during the firmware update process. After the upgrade is complete, the system will reboot automatically, wait until the reboot is complete, and then manually reboot another time, you can use the DAP when the device resumes from the second reboot.
• Please delete the firmware file from the TF card after you have completed the firmware update process

https://en.cayin.cn/drive/9/18/656.html
I found the google drive link for FW v1.3 is wrong. It's the link for v1.2.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g0g4vXbfODisS6KJpDMzkjllov-jgAoh/view?usp=sharing

The google drive link has been fixed.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16q_WlAifYswr-t74ePDV1u4W6mIs-4W_/view?usp=sharing

The following cayin server link works fine.
https://en.cayin.cn/uploads/news/20240703/aa4e1f4fd2c9e818955a7152216b4c66.zip