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

[German Expat in Vietnam]

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.

I completely agree with you. I think I read a few pages ago that they also have the C9ii. Have you tried the N6ii with it?

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

n6iii and c9ii is a unique combination, it kinda tamed the treble and hotness of n6iii. My gears that sound hot on treble when using alone with n6iii suddenly sound smooth with the combi of n6iii and c9ii, a very organic sound I must say. I also have N7 which I feel is good for some iems that require that warmth that it produce.

 

[German Expat in Vietnam]

n6iii and c9ii is a unique combination, it kinda tamed the treble and hotness of n6iii. My gears that sound hot on treble when using alone with n6iii suddenly sound smooth with the combi of n6iii and c9ii, a very organic sound I must say. I also have N7 which I feel is good for some iems that require that warmth that it produce.

Thank you for your assessment. That's exactly what I was hoping for. Then I will let the N7 go for now, with a heavy heart. Somehow I have to get the money together for the C9ii as quickly as possible.

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

Thank you for your assessment. That's exactly what I was hoping for. Then I will let the N7 go for now, with a heavy heart. Somehow I have to get the money together for the C9ii as quickly as possible.

if possible dont sell n7, its really a gem.

 

[Puroplatino]

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

I was hoping it was a Freudian slip.

 

[buenahora]

n6iii and c9ii is a unique combination, it kinda tamed the treble and hotness of n6iii. My gears that sound hot on treble when using alone with n6iii suddenly sound smooth with the combi of n6iii and c9ii, a very organic sound I must say. I also have N7 which I feel is good for some iems that require that warmth that it produce.

interesting....this has not been my experience. I bought both the N6iii and C9ii upon launch. Returned the C9ii and kept the N6iii. Didn't think the difference was worth the price point. The N6iii by itself did NOT sound technical/analytical to my ears. On the other hand, it is quite natural, not lush/warm like N7, but still very smooth. Also, the C9ii is really more of a desktop device- carrying that around for IEM's portably was a nuisance.

 

[Alexzander]

Guys who bought N6iii - we all I think would appreciate more comparisons with N7, N8ii and DAPs of other companies
Please don’t shy off from them!

 

[German Expat in Vietnam]

interesting....this has not been my experience. I bought both the N6iii and C9ii upon launch. Returned the C9ii and kept the N6iii. Didn't think the difference was worth the price point. The N6iii by itself did NOT sound technical/analytical to my ears. On the other hand, it is quite natural, not lush/warm like N7, but still very smooth. Also, the C9ii is really more of a desktop device- carrying that around for IEM's portably was a nuisance.

I didn't want to say in my report that the N6iii was tuned too bright or too harsh in the upper midrange or treble. No, everything is in the green area. But with IEMs that already tend to reach higher heights, it could be too much. Especially when you react very sensitively to the higher tones. I prefer a warmer sound signature like the N7 or the old Shanling M8. But I also believe that Cayin will surprise us with some nice motherboards so that everyone can find a preferred sound. The motherboard is now very impressive. I listened to the DX 260 a few months ago but I wouldn't buy it because of the sound. That's why I'm very surprised at what sound Cayin gets out of the Cirrus.

 

[Alexzander]

Guys who bought N6iii - we all I think would appreciate more comparisons with N7, N8ii and DAPs of other companies
Please don’t shy off from them!

@Andykong where are all the reviews, more marketing effort is needed!

 

[DingDongMonster]

I completely agree with you. I think I read a few pages ago that they also have the C9ii. Have you tried the N6ii with it?

Sorry. I pawned my N6iii to a friend. I have too many things and need to prune regularly. Usually, keep the unique and TOTL players.

I do have the N7 and C9ii. I also have the iBasso D16 and PB5. I can tell you with confidence. If you are going to feed an amp. One bit dacs are the best option.

 

[hehee]

n6iii is otw . after i tried it at my local store .

 

[brianfromspace]

n6iii is otw . after i tried it at my local store .

Did you compare it with the N8ii?

 

[hehee]

Did you compare it with the N8ii?

n8ii still remain slightly on top.
n7 is very close to n8ii .
im not good at writing on my listen experience.
n6ii+r01 has its own character . i had se300 . i keep n6ii+r01.
imo n6iii is warm and smooth .
i audit with my own ve7 universal.
low shelve is slightly more than n7 .

the n6iii restock after 1 week.
i will.have more time to compare back at home when i get n6iii.

side notes,n5ii is more like obsession,at the time n5ii
launched i couldn't afford it.
but its good pairing with invasive iem.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

Would love to hear a comparison between the n6iii and the sony wm1am2

 

[German Expat in Vietnam]

Would love to hear a comparison between the n6iii and the sony wm1am2

So I had the Sony WM1AM2 and I sold it straight away. Had the uncapped version. I like the sound of the N6ii much better. The Sony has no dynamic at all and the power leaves a lot to be desired. So I think the N6ii is much better, even with the standard module.