Cayin N6iii: Nothing is Impossible with Gen2 User-replaceable Audio Motherboard

[HarlanDraka]

Anybody tried the N6iii 4.4 lineout with c9/c9ii? I know it’s shared but any feedback on the quality of the signal and the pairing with the C9s would be appreciated My former N7 was awesome with C9 but it had a dedicated 4.4 lineout.

 

[Puroplatino]

Regarding the motherboards to be coming

We can't guarantee that there will be a R2R one, well honestly, even though there is, I won't be able to tell, otherwise I'll become 'fired fox'

And in fact it's related to the way our engineer develop the N6iii's motherboards, instead of creating a roadmap, saying first this, then that, and then.... our engineers had a rather radical but interesting idea: if we want users to "play it with fun," why not start from "design it with fun"?

We decided to play experiment with different DAC and topology. And when the day comes that they find out something truly interesting, sounds truly great—BANG—that will be the next motherboard for the N6iii


The OS is a customized Android 12, which, you can install whatever the apps you like via Google Store or the file manager, it's just like using a normal Android phone——well except for one thing: it sounds better

Fantastic News

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

Fantastic News

you are getting a crispy fox.

 

[bahamot]

Fantastic News

I think he means even if there's one, he can't tell us.

 

[WDitters]

I think he means even if there's one, he can't tell us.

Says everything about how big an difference the accidental omission of a such a small word can make

 

[bahamot]

I really hope this n6iii is the one I'm waiting for. So that I won't look at the AK SP3000m.

 

[Gold Fox]

Fantastic News

Here comes the great detective Holmes——He searched for clues between the words and lines, hoping to uncover that faint clue of the next motherboard...

And the truth is—

either

But I’ll regularly check on the engineers' progress and see if there’s a chance I can share any updates with you, well, as long as I won't end up as fired fox lol

 

[justsomesonyfan]

Anybody tried the N6iii 4.4 lineout with c9/c9ii? I know it’s shared but any feedback on the quality of the signal and the pairing with the C9s would be appreciated My former N7 was awesome with C9 but it had a dedicated 4.4 lineout.

There will probably be a module with dedicated 4.4 along the way. That is my guess. Maybe one like the old a02, which honestly would be beyond nuts lol.

Waiting impatiently for the dx340 to release so it can be compared to the n6iii

 

[Gold Fox]

Anybody tried the N6iii 4.4 lineout with c9/c9ii? I know it’s shared but any feedback on the quality of the signal and the pairing with the C9s would be appreciated My former N7 was awesome with C9 but it had a dedicated 4.4 lineout.

Allow me to briefly explain this for you!

The 4.4mm line-out on the C201 is actually a TRUE line-out! While it’s technically a shared socket, it’s not a shared circuit. The main difference compared to the N7’s 4.4mm line-out is simply that they had to share the same port on the N6iii (due to size constraints). But regarding the circuit design, rest assured, it’s just as dedicated as the N7’s.

I've highlighted the LO circuit in red on the schematic for reference—You can see that on the C201, the LO circuit bypasses the amplification stage, turning the C201 into a pure DAC, if you hook it up with C9ii, this will let the C9ii to handle all the amplification, avoiding the distortion that can come from double amplification.

 

[HarlanDraka]

Thanks for the explanation! Good to know this, it makes a big difference

 

[needtosleep]

I ran the update first and just heard a bit of it. And what I heard was very good. I used the Pilgrim Noir and I think I hear more fine details than with the N7, but I could be wrong because I haven't heard the N7 for about 10 days. The first impression of the N6iii is very positive.

Very interested to hear your impression of N6iii as you already have the N7. I am using the N7 with C9ii but a smaller sized dap like the N6iii is very tempting.

 

[brianfromspace]

Somebody experience with both the N8ii and the N6iii. Yesterday I have listened to the DCA E3 and it was a great match. Specially in tube mode. But also AB solid state mode I liked it better than the Fiio M17 sound. I wonder if the N6iii would be enough to drive the E3. NN6iii with newer Android, better screen, smaller, cheaper than N8ii is very tempting, just like to understand if it sounds a bit alike. I would dare to order it blind online if someone could elaborate on the similarity/difference in sound of the two. Thanks!

 

[German Expat in Vietnam]

Very interested to hear your impression of N6iii as you already have the N7. I am using the N7 with C9ii but a smaller sized dap like the N6iii is very tempting.

First of all I have to say that the N6iii and the N7 are great players. And no matter which one you buy, you will be satisfied. In comparison, I would say the N6iii is a bit better in the bass range for my ears because the bass is more structured and the bass details are better, for example. With a double bass it sounds a little better. But the bass quantity is not more. The N6iii is tuned brighter overall , although the highs can get a bit hot with some IEMs, such as: with the Sound Rhyme DTE 900, I like it better with the N7. I have to say that I am also very sensitive to high frequencies and I don't like emphasized upper mids at all. I find the Pilgrim Noire better with the N6iii because it elicits more fine details from the Pilgrim. The N7 sounds more organic, gentler and smoother and have a better dynamic.. In terms of bass weight, they are at eye level. So if I knew that there would be no other motherboards for the N6iii, then I would choose the N7. So it's of course a speculative thing because we don't know what kind of boards will come. I ordered the Dan Clark Noire X and for this reason I will sell my N7 and get the C9ii so that I have enough power for the DCA. The next advantage is that I get the necessary warmth in the sound that I like so much with the N7. So it's best to go to a good store and listen to both of them. Everyone has different tastes. But if you
can afford both plus the C9ii it would be the ultimate. Unfortunately, my wallet is no longer full at the moment Cheers

 

[DingDongMonster]

My 2 cents as well.

1 bit dacs are the most refined sounding dacs. It's resolving in a natural way. They're excellent to use as a line out to feed amps. When it comes to pure dynamics and extensions. It's dependent on the opamps. In this case, the N7 is tuned warm and rich, the treble is the supporting act. The N7 will sound thick, rich, and layered, but smaller stage and less forward upper mids.

I find CS 8x dacs to be highly technical, and neutral, with a more forward upper mids, and a spacious airy sound. Some may find it bright, so those very sensitive to upper registers should avoid it, or at least try it first before committing. Another note about the N6iii. The build is exceptional. It is on par with an AK SP3K. I put them side by side and fingered them.

Nutshell. Thick, warm, rich sound. Obscenely good line out. Get N7. Want a super well-built, versatile dap at a very reasonable price? N6iii is the one.

 

[needtosleep]

First of all I have to say that the N6iii and the N7 are great players. And no matter which one you buy, you will be satisfied. In comparison, I would say the N6iii is a bit better in the bass range for my ears because the bass is more structured and the bass details are better, for example. With a double bass it sounds a little better. But the bass quantity is not more. The N6iii is tuned brighter overall , although the highs can get a bit hot with some IEMs, such as: with the Sound Rhyme DTE 900, I like it better with the N7. I have to say that I am also very sensitive to high frequencies and I don't like emphasized upper mids at all. I find the Pilgrim Noire better with the N6iii because it elicits more fine details from the Pilgrim. The N7 sounds more organic, gentler and smoother and have a better dynamic.. In terms of bass weight, they are at eye level. So if I knew that there would be no other motherboards for the N6iii, then I would choose the N7. So it's of course a speculative thing because we don't know what kind of boards will come. I ordered the Dan Clark Noire X and for this reason I will sell my N7 and get the C9ii so that I have enough power for the DCA. The next advantage is that I get the necessary warmth in the sound that I like so much with the N7. So it's best to go to a good store and listen to both of them. Everyone has different tastes. But if you
can afford both plus the C9ii it would be the ultimate. Unfortunately, my wallet is no longer full at the moment Cheers

Thanks for the impression! I kind of get a brief idea but I wish I can demo them side by side but I guess I can wait and see future audio motherboards releases.
Yes, get the C9ii you won't regret it, It opened up the soundstage of my N7 quite considerably.