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

[UnknownOperator]

Well that’s the fun of the hobby

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think c201 is not natural sounding, it is and it’s also on the warmish side of sound but it’s definitely less sweet and more energetic than dx340.

Especially with dx340 set with filter h2.

To my ears and with my iems/hps, dx340 is more neutral, sweeter, calmer while N6iii is more energetic both in bass and treble.

Also, the soundstage of dx340 is bigger (that soundstage is enormous), while N6iii bass is stronger and treble has more sparkle. So it really comes to preferences/pairings I must say. Of course IMHO, to my ears etc etc.

Happy to have both

Hello. How do you compare the sound of the N6iii C201 to the R8II?

 

[KaiFi]

Yes sometimes there are more posts on that thread than the Discovery thread. LOL

Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a DAP for the first time this year. I'm on the fence between DX340 and the N6iii. The DX340 is definitely getting more attention, but I'm thinking maybe the N6iii will be more to my liking? It's hard to tell. I like the smaller size and replaceable DAC modules though.

 

[Tristy]

Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a DAP for the first time this year. I'm on the fence between DX340 and the N6iii. The DX340 is definitely getting more attention, but I'm thinking maybe the N6iii will be more to my liking? It's hard to tell. I like the smaller size and replaceable DAC modules though.

The form factor and build is really really nice on N6iii, I prefer it to practically every other DAP I’ve had even the N7.

 

[HarlanDraka]

Hello. How do you compare the sound of the N6iii C201 to the R8II?

They have some similarities in dynamics but I would say R8 II is slightly more neutral than the fun signature of the N6iii which have bass and treble a bit boosted.

Anyway, they are different also considering size and price

 

[RedCurry]

Yeah, I'm thinking of getting a DAP for the first time this year. I'm on the fence between DX340 and the N6iii. The DX340 is definitely getting more attention, but I'm thinking maybe the N6iii will be more to my liking? It's hard to tell. I like the smaller size and replaceable DAC modules though.

I've thought about adding a DX340 to join my N6iii but I'm holding off to see what DAC modules are coming out.

 

[Sweet2K]

Has anyone tried pairing the n6iii to an Apple TV 4K? I can’t get it to pair. I get a pairing code that appears on the n6iii, but nothing on the Apple TV. Then the pairing just times out.

 

[twister6]

The form factor and build is really really nice on N6iii, I prefer it to practically every other DAP I’ve had even the N7.

Indeed. With DAPs getting bigger and heavier, it is impressive to have a compact, modular, pocket-friendly DAP. Also, I like their new quick-release latch system, which makes it a breeze to switch between the modules on the go. Btw, I just shared my thoughts about N6iii w/C201 and E203 in my latest review.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

I wonder, will future modules be able to reach pcm1536, or will it only go up to 768?

 

[RedCurry]

My personal take on the N6iii vs the iBasso DX340:

- N6iii has a size/weight advantage. DX340 isn't as portable
- N6iii has a more energetic and fun sound with bass that hits harder. DX340 has a more reference sound presentation
- Sound signature-wise it's all down to preference so it's a draw for me. The DX340 sounds different but not better than either of the N6iii's motherboards.
- The DX340's soundstage is superior. No fight here
- And for those that like global PEQ, N6iii has it while the DX340 is limited to Mango mode. I hear that it's possible to have global PEQ on the DX340 if you run Mango mode in the background but I didn't try it.
- DX340 has a "desktop" mode so it can deliver way more power than the N6iii

Bottom line for my use case I would still take the N6iii because of the price, size/weight and swappable motherboards.

 

[gc335]

My personal take on the N6iii vs the iBasso DX340:

- N6iii has a size/weight advantage. DX340 isn't as portable
- N6iii has a more energetic and fun sound with bass that hits harder. DX340 has a more reference sound presentation
- Sound signature-wise it's all down to preference so it's a draw for me. The DX340 sounds different but not better than either of the N6iii's motherboards.
- The DX340's soundstage is superior. No fight here
- And for those that like global PEQ, N6iii has it while the DX340 is limited to Mango mode. I hear that it's possible to have global PEQ on the DX340 if you run Mango mode in the background but I didn't try it.
- DX340 has a "desktop" mode so it can deliver way more power than the N6iii

Bottom line for my use case I would still take the N6iii because of the price, size/weight and swappable motherboards.

Great video! Thanks

 

[FalseProphet]

So is N6

My personal take on the N6iii vs the iBasso DX340:

- N6iii has a size/weight advantage. DX340 isn't as portable
- N6iii has a more energetic and fun sound with bass that hits harder. DX340 has a more reference sound presentation
- Sound signature-wise it's all down to preference so it's a draw for me. The DX340 sounds different but not better than either of the N6iii's motherboards.
- The DX340's soundstage is superior. No fight here
- And for those that like global PEQ, N6iii has it while the DX340 is limited to Mango mode. I hear that it's possible to have global PEQ on the DX340 if you run Mango mode in the background but I didn't try it.
- DX340 has a "desktop" mode so it can deliver way more power than the N6iii

Bottom line for my use case I would still take the N6iii because of the price, size/weight and swappable motherboards.

Nice. So is N6iii your go to DAP from now on?

 

[RedCurry]

So is N6

Nice. So is N6iii your go to DAP from now on?

Yes! I was considering adding the DX340 to it but not anymore. I'll just wait for the motherboards.

 

[FalseProphet]

Yes! I was considering adding the DX340 to it but not anymore. I'll just wait for the motherboards.

So you prefer E205 motherboard right? How this combo compares to iBASO DX260? Is it substantial improvement?

 

[Dron86]

Hi! Maybe, someone had an experience to compare N6iii (c201) with Hiby RS6?

 

[RedCurry]

So you prefer E205 motherboard right? How this combo compares to iBASO DX260? Is it substantial improvement?

It's not an improvement, just a different sound signature. The DX260 is more neutral across the frequency range whereas the E203 has a very perceptible sub-bass and warmer lower mids which adds note weight. Vocals also sound more substantial than on the DX260 (and the C201). Treble on the E203 doesn't have that airy feel of the Cirrus Logic dacs though.