[111MilesToGo]

That can't be done with a USB cable AFAIK. The connections are there in the N6ii's USB C socket though because there is a USB C to SPDIF accessory cable available. I would get one of those cables and assuming you have an SPDIF input on your PC you will be "good to go".

I can't see any reason why you would want to do this but it would be possible using this method.

Thanks for your comment. Sure, I know about the S/PDIF out, but there is no such input on the laptop. (Same for I2S.) Maybe purchasing some sort of external sound card would be the route to go, but isn‘t worth the money for my once-only purpose.

Yes, I didn‘t exactly tell what I am attempting. Let me just say this: I have good reason to check what the various music player apps are doing; AudioFlinger dumps revealed suspicious behaviors of which those relating to bitness are hard to diagnose. So I wanted to do independent tests. Ideally, I‘d like to have an external DAC that displays incoming sample rate AND bit depth. My Chord Hugo 2 just indicates the rate, not the bitness. So I thought a computer could help. But it seems I should read your answer as saying ”no, that recording digitally from the USB-C out of the N6ii just cannot be done, period.“

Do I understand you correctly?

 

[MarkParity]

Do I understand you correctly?

Yes, but thank you for explaining your reasons for wanting to do this. Even if you could get digital audio data from the USB output straight into your computer there would be no way to be sure if that audio data was the same data that was being sent to the Player's DAC chip(s).

I think the only way to accurately measure the data stream going to the DAC chips would be to get a soldering iron out and physically connect wires to those chips then use a logic analyser, that will cost a fair bit more than I think you are prepared to pay and void your warranty too I suspect.

 

[111MilesToGo]

Yes, but thank you for explaining your reasons for wanting to do this. Even if you could get digital audio data from the USB output straight into your computer there would be no way to be sure if that audio data was the same data that was being sent to the Player's DAC chip(s).

I think the only way to accurately measure the data stream going to the DAC chips would be to get a soldering iron out and physically connect wires to those chips then use a logic analyser, that will cost a fair bit more than I think you are prepared to pay and void your warranty too I suspect.

Thanks, @MarkParity. So there are two answers: The serious one is to trust the Android AudioFlinger dumps regarding sample rate (easy, since it can be confirmed via e.g. my Hugo 2 DAC) and bitness (no way to be confirmed independently). The other answer is ... soldering iron ... just kiddin' ...

Side remark: When I wanted to look at audio data bit depth, I got inspired by what some commercial HiRes download shops are doing. The "responsible ones" amongst them do inspect the audio files delivered by the record companies, mostly using a Windows software tool called MusicScope. (Unfortunately, the original software company doesn't exist anymore.) Anyway, that software offers a ton of analysis tools; amongst them is a bit monitor which reveals whether a 24-bit file does indeed use (close to) 24 bits or just sticks to 16 bits. This MusicScope software is the ultimate reason why I wanted to record audio data output from the N6ii into Windows / Audacity. Anyway, all these ideas need to be laid to rest - no problem.

 

[Andykong]

Thanks for your comment. Sure, I know about the S/PDIF out, but there is no such input on the laptop. (Same for I2S.) Maybe purchasing some sort of external sound card would be the route to go, but isn‘t worth the money for my once-only purpose.

Yes, I didn‘t exactly tell what I am attempting. Let me just say this: I have good reason to check what the various music player apps are doing; AudioFlinger dumps revealed suspicious behaviors of which those relating to bitness are hard to diagnose. So I wanted to do independent tests. Ideally, I‘d like to have an external DAC that displays incoming sample rate AND bit depth. My Chord Hugo 2 just indicates the rate, not the bitness. So I thought a computer could help. But it seems I should read your answer as saying ”no, that recording digitally from the USB-C out of the N6ii just cannot be done, period.“

Do I understand you correctly?

I don't pretend to understand what you want to achieve, but I want to remind you that IEEE1392 and USB Audio are supposed to be secured connection that can stop the users to record the digital bitstream, the assumption is that if you can record a digital bitstream, you can copy a music file exactly during playback. When SACD was first introduced, record labels were very concerned if users can obtain an exact digital copy of the music file in SACD resolution, so they banned S/PDIF and AES/EBU as acceptable digital output between SACD player and DSD decoder. IEEE1394 was the only approved digital interface for that purpose, and USB Audio was added to the list later. So I am not sure this is workable.

 

[111MilesToGo]

I don't pretend to understand what you want to achieve, but I want to remind you that IEEE1392 and USB Audio are supposed to be secured connection that can stop the users to record the digital bitstream, the assumption is that if you can record a digital bitstream, you can copy a music file exactly during playback. When SACD was first introduced, record labels were very concerned if users can obtain an exact digital copy of the music file in SACD resolution, so they banned S/PDIF and AES/EBU as acceptable digital output between SACD player and DSD decoder. IEEE1394 was the only approved digital interface for that purpose, and USB Audio was added to the list later. So I am not sure this is workable.

Thank you, @Andykong. It's always good to understand the reasons behind what can be done and in particular what is prohibited.

 

[Andykong]

I have to agree 100% on the sound its superb. I don't fully agree with you on the use case being limited. Before I got the Ni amp I found it limited in use, I didn't "get it" which is why I sold my first A02 now I have the small and light Ni amp the A02 is probably the only module I need. Yes I need an extra amp but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for my use case. I'm not sure on the C9 yet but I can use the Line-In on my HA2SE as well The A02 is perfect and I'm so glad I've managed to get another for a reasonable price.

That why we make specialised Audio Motherboard for different user groups. Quite a lot of users will consider adding an amplifier is a deal breaker, so they won't even consider A02. For those who'll carry an amplifier, they only need A02.

We use subtraction approach: when we develop a new Audio Motherboard after A01 and T01, once we select a primary objective, we'll take away all the secondary features and devote all the resource to perfect the primary objective. We'll sacrifice feature for better performance. This is not a very appealing approach in the beginning because customers can't appreciate the quality before they purchased the item, but they notice the "lack of features" issue immediately. From what I understand, N6ii is not the only modular based DAP in the market, but we are the only one that adopt this subtraction approach.

 

[Andykong]

For those who need an EQ App that can work with their Tidal or Qobuz, maybe you can check out these two Android App. I only come across these app from a Hong kong headfi FB group, they are supposed to stay effective with other third party applications after you setup the EQ in the App, but I not sure about the quality of EQ and whether it downgrade the audio performance. If you are going to try them, please come back and share your experience.

Neutralizer
Neutralizer is an equalizer made for sound restoration in mind, contrary to many other products that offer ready made profiles for sound distortion. Everybody is different and everybody’s hearing is different. You have to test your hearing on devices that take active part in sound reproduction in order to be sure that any adjustments you make will work for you. We offer simple to use interface that needs very little explanations. It is self explanatory. And it is elegant.

Wavelet
With over 2700 precalculated optimizations for headphone models and many options for customizability, Wavelet is a great addition to any mobile audio setup.
(Important: Features in Wavelet depend on system libraries found on your device. A minority of devices lack (some of) the libraries. As a result, not all features may be available.)

• AutoEq: All models have been measured and compensated to the Harman target to provide you with the best sound quality you can get out of your cans.
• 9-band Graphic equalizer: Compensate for missing frequencies or annoying spikes
• Bass booster (Full package): Add some extra thump to your beats
• Reverberation (Full package): Simulate reverberation in your tracks
• Virtualizer (Full package): Add spatialization effect to your music
• Bass tuner (Full package): Remove unwanted resonance from bass frequencies
• Limiter: Remove unwanted volume peaks
• Channel balance: Restore balance between left and right channel

 

[OspreyAndy]

That why we make specialised Audio Motherboard for different user groups. Quite a lot of users will consider adding an amplifier is a deal breaker, so they won't even consider A02. For those who'll carry an amplifier, they only need A02.

We use subtraction approach: when we develop a new Audio Motherboard after A01 and T01, once we select a primary objective, we'll take away all the secondary features and devote all the resource to perfect the primary objective. We'll sacrifice feature for better performance. This is not a very appealing approach in the beginning because customers can't appreciate the quality before they purchased the item, but they notice the "lack of features" issue immediately. From what I understand, N6ii is not the only modular based DAP in the market, but we are the only one that adopt this subtraction approach.

And this is why I choose Cayin over all other manufacturers. The focus on user's experience is taken seriously by Cayin. I love both of my N3 Pro and N6ii E02. Especially the N6ii which is a total revelation considering it being the ONLY DAP in the market now that allow for both DAC and Amp rolling. N6ii fulfilled my needs on all ends eliminating the need for me to setup a desktop rig....ah well I use my N3 Pro now mainly as Desktop DAC

 

[coolcat]

@Andykong
@Cayin support , I have 1.15 CN firmware version, can I update to 2.2CN directly or I have to update it incrementally like EN version. If I can directly upgrade to 2.2CN, where to find the firmware (I tried to follow the link provided by you when you answer a user here, but I cant find anything there.


p.s. I have tired to download all the N6ii firmware from Cayin chinese language website, but its really hard to download from baidu, because they want me to install the client of baidu and ask me to log in, as you guys know it is not easy to get an account from Baidu outside China, please help.

Thank you in advance

 

[CayinSupport]

@Cayin support , I have 1.15 CN firmware version, can I update to 2.2CN directly or I have to update it incrementally like EN version. If I can directly upgrade to 2.2CN, where to find the firmware (I tried to follow the link provided by you when you answer a user here, but I cant find anything there.


p.s. I have tired to download all the N6ii firmware from Cayin chinese language website, but its really hard to download from baidu, because they want me to install the client of baidu and ask me to log in. please help.

Thank you in advance

Hi,

Sorry for your inconvenience,

I have uploaded the v2.2CN firmware for N6ii to Google Drive,

please click HERE to download the firmware.

Bests,

Cayin Support

 

[coolcat]

thank you andy, I hope I can upgrade to 2.2cn (eventhough I am now having 1.15cn), if It doesnt work (If I'm correct, the upgrade of the EN version is incremental, I am not sure if the chinese version is also incremental like the EN version). Anyway, thank you again for your nice support

 

[Taz777]

For those who need an EQ App that can work with their Tidal or Qobuz, maybe you can check out these two Android App. I only come across these app from a Hong kong headfi FB group, they are supposed to stay effective with other third party applications after you setup the EQ in the App, but I not sure about the quality of EQ and whether it downgrade the audio performance. If you are going to try them, please come back and share your experience.

Neutralizer
Neutralizer is an equalizer made for sound restoration in mind, contrary to many other products that offer ready made profiles for sound distortion. Everybody is different and everybody’s hearing is different. You have to test your hearing on devices that take active part in sound reproduction in order to be sure that any adjustments you make will work for you. We offer simple to use interface that needs very little explanations. It is self explanatory. And it is elegant.

Wavelet
With over 2700 precalculated optimizations for headphone models and many options for customizability, Wavelet is a great addition to any mobile audio setup.
(Important: Features in Wavelet depend on system libraries found on your device. A minority of devices lack (some of) the libraries. As a result, not all features may be available.)

• AutoEq: All models have been measured and compensated to the Harman target to provide you with the best sound quality you can get out of your cans.
• 9-band Graphic equalizer: Compensate for missing frequencies or annoying spikes
• Bass booster (Full package): Add some extra thump to your beats
• Reverberation (Full package): Simulate reverberation in your tracks
• Virtualizer (Full package): Add spatialization effect to your music
• Bass tuner (Full package): Remove unwanted resonance from bass frequencies
• Limiter: Remove unwanted volume peaks
• Channel balance: Restore balance between left and right channel

Thanks for the heads up on Wavelet. I've never used EQ before but this app has had some good reviews. Unfortunately I cannot find it on the Google Play Store either on my LG V30 phone or Cayin N6ii.

Is anyone able to locate this app?

 

[MarkParity]

Thanks for the heads up on Wavelet. I've never used EQ before but this app has had some good reviews. Unfortunately I cannot find it on the Google Play Store either on my LG V30 phone or Cayin N6ii.

Is anyone able to locate this app?

Its a bit fussy about what it will install onto.

 

[claudy]

Hai all, been eyeing on n6ii with 02 modul, my question is how many hour / days on standby ( off mode ) from full charge until say 20%? coz from what i've read this n6ii battery is very poor...

 

[OspreyAndy]

Hai all, been eyeing on n6ii with 02 modul, my question is how many hour / days on standby ( off mode ) from full charge until say 20%? coz from what i've read this n6ii battery is very poor...

With my N6ii, E02 module which is 100% balanced. Firmware 2.2. About 7-8 hours of continuous play on Tidal Offline Master/Hifi Lossless files. Running medium gain on 45 Ohm Etymotic ER4SR with volume around 35-40/100. Probably will run longer if using FLAC playback through Cayin's built in player