Cayin N5 DAP - Product Info (Post #2), Resources (Post #3) and Discussion

[Andykong]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and a happy owner of a N5!
I just have one question for this nice Andy : I'm a little confused with the equalizer that I set to custom and returns to "eq off" between 2 songs! And other detail, the presets I put in the customed eq change on their own... Weird.
Specially the 2kHz, that I set to zero. It remains on zero but the sound is like they're on the middle of the scale.

Otherwise, it's a great great player.
Have a nice day.

thanks!It occurs when I play local files through the headphone output exactly... I have the latest firmware, 3, I checked.

So this is a new instance. Lets explore the condition in more detail.

The issue is when you changed the setting of Custom EQ, then go to EQ Off, played two songs, and then switch back to Custom EQ, the EQ setting that you just adjusted are gone and the Custom EQ fall back to previous setting? or the Custom EQ always fall back to zero dB at all frequency setting?

I have just test the Custom EQ setting and my steps are as follow:

1. Play a song from TF
2. Set Custom EQ to a very abnormal pattern to make sure this is the test setting
3. Press Return key to Quit from Custom EQ setting mode
4. Continue to play song,
5. Check later, new Custom EQ is correct
6. Power off and power on again, play music
7. Check Custom EQ setting again, still in place, all frequency setting is as setup in (2)

I need to repeat your error before I can file the case for trouble shooting and push for a solution or a firmware adjustment, so lets see if we can repeat the error here.

 

[Andykong]

Finally, my collection is complete with the arrival of balanced cable for my IEM. I really hope the next firmware can allow us to change the settings while using it as DAC, because I spent 80% of the N5 time connected to my lappy. Also, a concern, it seems that it is constantly being charged when connected as DAC, the battery ain't gonna be healthy, I reckon. Is it possible to set a threshold, where once it is charged to 100%, it will stop charging until it reaches 90% (maybe), drawing just enough currents to keep the DAC working? 

Care to explain what is the USB-DAC setting that you want to change?

The Power management feature of the MCU does not support the adaptive charging feature as suggested. I understand this is a common features in notebook computer, but for mobile phone and portable 3C device, this is not a commonly available function, and DAP quite often are using MCU that was originally developed for mobile/3C markets.

 

[Jethrosang]

Mainly for the high and low gain, because I usually cycle between them, and also perhaps the filter? These are the only one I can think of anyway. 
 
Still, the lack of adaptive charging is a bummer, but considering this was meant as a DAP, I guess it is justified, somehow. 
 
I guess I should contribute back to the community by writing up a review soon.

 

[VintageFlanker]

For those who are interested, I just posted a mini review of a few Dignis cases, including one for Cayin N5: http://www.head-fi.org/t/804029/review-dignis-leather-cases-for-ibasso-dx80-cayin-n5-and-fiio-x7


 


 

Personally, very desapointed with the Dignis case. Beautiful but quite bulky. Starts to ripp on sides after only 2 month of use...

 

[twister6]

 

 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

For those who are interested, I just posted a mini review of a few Dignis cases, including one for Cayin N5: http://www.head-fi.org/t/804029/review-dignis-leather-cases-for-ibasso-dx80-cayin-n5-and-fiio-x7


 


 

Personally, very desapointed with the Dignis case. Beautiful but quite bulky. Starts to ripp on sides after only 2 month of use...

 
Did you contact them asking for replacement under warranty?  That's alarming.  Can you post a picture where it's starting to rip?

 

[VintageFlanker]

   
Did you contact them asking for replacement under warranty?  That's alarming.  Can you post a picture where it's starting to rip?
 

 
I' bought it on the bay, hope the warranty could work... I don't know if "ripp" id the good term in english for this. Here some pictures: 
 

 

[Podster]

   
I' bought it on the bay, hope the warranty could work... I don't know if "ripp" id the good term in english for this. Here some pictures: 
 

Wow, very strange cracks indeed! Never had any problems with my X3ii Dignis (over a year old now) but you clearly should send them these photo's and I'm sure they will take care of you, almost looks like these could be a crack from a cut on the inside but can't be certain without seeing it up close.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Wow, very strange cracks indeed! Never had any problems with my X3ii Dignis (over a year old now) but you clearly should send them these photo's and I'm sure they will take care of you, almost looks like these could be a crack from a cut on the inside but can't be certain without seeing it up close.

Lol. No knife used here for sure!To be honest, this is purely due to regular use: pocket with nothing but keys or things... But for 50$ I'd wait for something more...resilient.

 

[Podster]

Lol. No knife used here for sure!To be honest, this is purely due to regular use: pocket with nothing but keys or things... But for 50$ I'd wait for something more...resilient.

Did not mean it was you vintage but sometime they cut a groove on the inside to help the folding. Those cracks are very strange!

 

[lesp4ul]

Hi @Andykong,
 
It's been a month I'm using N5, and I like it a lot, great upgrade decision from  HIdizs AP100, This is my simple review :
 
At first I was surprised about the sound signature of N5, came from neutral to bright dap to this, warm-mid centric signature, why is everything veiled? But after about 10-15 minutes listening to N5, I realized of how great the mid & detail are, despite of narrower soundstage than AP100. Too bad most of my iems have warm sounding, but i experienced an unique feeling with them, warm with boosted details, micro details on vocal and mid, bass is thigh -er  even my cheap KZ ATE sounds great, i mean it. Havi B3 Pro 1 also sounds more relaxed and i can listen with it for hours. Last time I paired it with ATH-iM02, it was heaven! I listen most on jazz, bossa, vocals, I was looking for relaxing smooth experience for my songs and THIS IS IT! Great sounding, great build quality!
 
Thanks for making such a good device.
 
Here are some pics for decoration
 
 

 

 

[H20Fidelity]

Still impressed by N5's performance. Areas like refinement are ahead of iBasso DX80, separation ahead, bass response, and the real killer is whatever internals Cayin are using give the player a specific timbre which sounds quite classy playing the correct music. I heard similar 'house sound' from Cayin N6. I'm not saying N5 is the best DAP but its design, (especially design) which wins my attention for a non touchscreen player, the features, dual card slots etc make it a really cool toy

 

[Podster]

Still impressed by N5's performance. Areas like refinement are ahead of iBasso DX80, separation ahead, bass response, and the real killer is whatever internals Cayin are using give the player a specific timbre which sounds quite classy playing the correct music. I heard similar 'house sound' from Cayin N6. I'm not saying N5 is the best DAP but its design, (especially design) which wins my attention for a non touchscreen player, the features, dual card slots etc make it a really cool toy

I concur and a great extension of their home gears

 

 

[H20Fidelity]

I concur and a great extension of their home gears  

Several little things come to mind.

USB 3.0 interface, 2.5mm balanced out, coax out, line out etc, the build, its just a really well thought out and executed package. I enjoy little things like the tight/firm click of the scroll wheel, and the design gives me a real satisfying sensation of an 'audiophile player' at its roots, unique etc. Something I haven't felt with many DAP's since owning Colorfly C3.

What earphone do you use, Podster?

 

[Podster]

Several little things come to mind.

USB 3.0 interface, 2.5mm balanced out, coax out, line out etc, the build, its just a really well thought out and executed package. I enjoy little things like the tight/firm click of the scroll wheel, and the design gives me a real satisfying sensation of an 'audiophile player' at its roots, unique etc. Something I haven't felt with many DAP's since owning Colorfly C3.

What earphone do you use, Podster?

I was testing out the budget KZ ED11's in this shot, JDS c421 on it as well but most of the time it's my Auri Rockets or Havi B3 Pro1 for iem's and for full size cans I use my AKG K553 Pro's but something about this setup really makes my Superlux HD668B's sound fantastic (of course it may be I just think it makes those 2X56 Ohms sound awesome because that is my birth year)

LOL Massdrop has been running the Colorfly C3 as of late and I've been thinking of getting one, you are nudging me here

 

[Jethrosang]

Agreed, each new tracks played on the N5 reveals something else, and the high is so much controlled despite the available power. I guess the only drawbacks is that the sibilance can be quite obvious on some tracks, especially on higher volume.