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

[Andykong]

 

[Andykong]

 

[Yefry]

I love everything about this device, perfect size and weight, the only thing I would like is to see Android 13 and a slightly faster charge, to end up 5.5" would be wonderful but they are very good specifications anyway, looking forward to impressions at Canjam Dallas!

 

[justsomesonyfan]

That price is so nice. Now to wait for other motherboards and see what cayin has in store, can't wait for reviews and impressions

 

[Andykong]

C201: Parallel Full-Differential Matrix DAC with 8x CS43198

If you have watched the N6iii live stream, the DAC architecture of the C201 Audio Motherboard probably has drawn your attention and, at the same time, raised more concerns than other features in the N6iii or C201 Audio Motherboard. I shall go through my notes and offer a brief explanation of the 8x CS43198 implementation.

The C201 is the first time Cayin has used a Cirrus Logic DAC chip in a portable product. Historically, in the early 2000s, the CS4398 and PCM1792 DAC chips were dominant in the audio industry, and Cayin used them extensively in its early DAC and CD players. The CS43198 chip featured in the C201 is no stranger to audiophiles, as it is a low-power, high-quality DAC developed by Cirrus Logic based on the CS4398. It has been widely recognized and adopted in the audio industry.

In the C201, Cayin uses eight pieces of CS43198 chips, forming a "Parallel Full-Differential Matrix DAC” design. The core principle is that the digital audio processor (FPGA) in the N6iii main unit feeds each DAC individually with I²S signals. All DACs work in MONO mode, outputting differential signals (L+, L-, R+, and R-).

To do that, we group four pieces of DAC chipset into a group, and their outputs are paralleled to create a full-differential output channel. The power supply and peripheral circuitry for each DAC chip are fully discrete and symmetric. This unique design offers numerous advantages when compared to a more generic design with two DAC chipsets only.

• Improved Signal Stability and Reduced Distortion: with four chips dedicated to each audio channel (left and right), Cayin achieves greater stability and precision in signal processing. Each DAC chip operates in MONO mode, outputting a differential signal. This parallel configuration enhances signal integrity, as the workload is distributed across multiple chips, and reduces distortion and jitter significantly
• Higher Output Quality: when groups of four DACs work in parallel to form a full-differential output for each audio channel, the DAC circuit will provide a cleaner, more accurate analog signal with a higher dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using multiple DAC chips in parallel allows Cayin to deliver greater precision in phase alignment and lower total harmonic distortion (THD), leading to clearer, more refined sound reproduction.
• Increased Power Handling and Driving Capability: With more DAC chips working in parallel, Cayin significantly boosts the system's ability to drive loads. This is particularly beneficial when using high-impedance headphones or demanding output devices. The additional chips provide greater current and voltage, ensuring the system can deliver power efficiently without compromising sound quality.
• Enhanced Channel Separation and Stereo Imaging: By fully isolating and mirroring the left and right channels with separate, dedicated DAC chips, Cayin achieves excellent channel separation. This setup improves stereo imaging, creating a more accurate and immersive soundstage. With four DACs per channel, the design minimizes cross-talk between channels, which is harder to achieve with just two DACs.
• Reduced Noise and Jitter through Dedicated Power Supplies: Each DAC chip in the parallel design has its independent power supply and surrounding circuitry, which helps to isolate noise and interference between components. This leads to lower noise levels and more consistent, high-quality audio output.

In short, using eight DAC chips in a parallel full-differential configuration ensures highly stable DAC performance. It will significantly improve sound density and overall audio performance including but not limited to higher precision, reduced distortion, enhanced power handling, and better channel separation. This design elevates the overall sound performance, particularly for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality with greater transparency, resolution, and dynamic range.

 

[Kalex]

Is there a plan for a tube module?

 

[Yefry]

Looking at it all more calmly, now that the excitement is behind me, it's a DAP that I like more and more, 700mW is perfect for me, the battery life is great and the THD, SND, Dynamic Range, SNR and channel separation specs are very good and high level, but what I like most is that it maintains a very low output impedance, we often overlook that fact but having an output impedance of 1 ohm is really important to properly drive many IEMs that are sometimes even below 10 ohm, hopefully someone can compare it with N7 in the next Canjam!

 

[Alexzander]

I do really like N6iii as a platform but really sceptical to what even 8 of CS43198 can offer - primarily cause they were never considered to be the best of the best even in portable.
Looking forward to some tubes and R2R modules and hope that in future you would be able to by N6iii with them installed by default.

 

[WDitters]

Ready to hop on the N6iii bandwagon here ...

 

[aaf evo]

Well tubes are amp modules so I doubt we’ll see those as these are DAC cards? Also I’m not sure a tube can fit.

But yeah the r2r card for N6ii was awesome, the CO2 here does feel a bit underwhelming because you know the cost of this DAP is eventually much more given you’ll buy the newer cards well. I wish it had an AKM chip to start.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

Honestly tubes are not needed. R2R or cayin's 1bit dsd solution would be fantastic though. Akm ak4499ex too.

I wasn't impressed by rohm at all with the dx320, but the n8ii is a different story, never heard it, but I'm sure cayin's take is different, so a rohm module would be nice.. but optional

Ess is the least interesting one even though previous the e01 was my favorite alongside r01, but it was for the class A amp rather than the ess dac.

I'll definitely have to be super patient until impressions come out.

 

[KaiserTK]

I still like my r01 and t01 modules on my n6ii. Hopefully they release a board that's a successor to either/both of those. C201 wasn't quite that, but it was better than I expected from a Cirrus chip(s).

 

[thaddeusflowe]

commenting so i remember to check when there is an r2r or 1bit or other interesting dac card released for this

 

[justsomesonyfan]

I still like my r01 and t01 modules on my n6ii. Hopefully they release a board that's a successor to either/both of those. C201 wasn't quite that, but it was better than I expected from a Cirrus chip(s).

How do you know? Did you try it?

 

[Andykong]

N6iii: Nothing is Impossible
The All-new Gen2 User-replaceable Audio Motherboard

After the shocking 30th Anniversary release of N30LE and Pearl 30 series CD Transport 30C, DAC 30D, and Integrated Amplifier 30I, Cayin’s main focus in 2024 has been refreshing and upgrading its classic product lines. Despite a slower release schedule in an increasingly competitive market, Cayin’s dedication to serving the niche HiFi community remains its strength and challenge.

In February 2024, Cayin launched the “888” 8-series 3-piece suit (Streamer, DAC, HeadAmp), a major upgrade of the desktop “666” 6-series 3-piece suit; March saw the release of the N3Ultra Vacuum Tube DAP, the third generation of our entry-level DAP (illustration); and in September, the C9ii portable headphone amplifier replaced the groundbreaking C9 since early 2021. Within weeks, the C9ii earned widespread recognition from users, partners, and the media, just as its predecessor did, becoming another standout product

6-series 3-piece suit (2016~2019) vs 8-series 3-piece suit (2024)

N3 (2017) vs N3Pro (2020) vs N3Ultra (2024)

C9 (2021) vs C9ii (2024)

When our dealers thought we had a hectic year and the C9ii would be our final 2024 new product, Cayin decided to surprise everyone. The upcoming launch of the N6iii, a new generation of fully modularized DAP, holds even greater significance for Cayin.

The 6-series DAP Legend

Back in 2014, Cayin’s first venture into the portable player market was with the N6 DAP. Cayin was a new kid in town at that time. When an unheard brand released a strange-looking DAP, we were teased by many DAP early adopters, but the N6 DAP thread had gathered the first online community for Cayin portable users.

In 2019, Cayin introduced the N6ii DAP, the industry’s first DAP featuring an Audio Motherboard concept: a modular audio circuit board that allows users to swap out the complete DAC and analog amplification circuitry. The N6ii is a product that balanced cutting-edge design with portability, offering users the ability to experience different sound profiles with interchangeable audio motherboards. We can safely claim that, after five years of reflection, innovation, and evolution, this innovative approach made the N6ii one of Cayin’s most celebrated and successful DAPs.

Builds on the Past and Paves the Way for the Future (承先啟後)

On top of observing the sales and user/reviewer feedback, we can also measure a product’s success by industry recognition and leadership. The N6ii Audio Motherboard builds on the past and paves the way for the future of portable audio. Firstly, we must credit HiFiman for their vision and contribution as we all know they pioneered swappable amplifier cards since the renowned HM-801. The concept was further elaborated by several brands such as FIIO and iBasso and quickly became a well-perceived solution among the portable audio community

The N6ii, however, went further by allowing users to swap out the entire audio circuitry, from DAC to analog headphone amplifier. This approach expanded Cayin’s R&D workload significantly, but the goal was to offer users a unified platform where they could seamlessly enjoy different audio technologies. Cayin firmly believes that all Audio Motherboards should be an independent solution in their own right. We never intend to develop (or market) a new Audio Motherboard to replace an existing Audio Motherboard, or to serve as a direct upgrade from a particular Audio Motherboard, we try to be as non-redundant as possible. Each of the six audio motherboards offered a unique and specialized function, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a DAP.

We market the N6ii as a DAP with “Unlimited Possibilities”, and the market validates our vision. The N6ii received raving reviews from reviewers and users, and the interaction has continued for years. Even today, discussions about the different N6ii motherboards continue, with each audio motherboard offering a distinct focus and character.

The user-replaceable audio motherboard concept has since been embraced by other brands. Major players in the industry like Astell & Kern (AK) and L&P launched portable players with similar concepts, further expanding the range of personalized options in the niche HiFi market. This collective effort has brought more diversity and choice to HiFi enthusiasts, advancing the entire industry.

The N6ii Audio Motherboard collections

The N6iii and Gen2 Audio Motherboard Design Considerations

Five years later (from 2019 to 2024), out of the blue, the N6iii Engineering prototype struck like lightning. It surfaced in the CanJam SoCal suddenly and within a month, we are here to announce the long-awaited, highly-anticipated fully-modularized DAP officially.

Just like the N6ii, the N6iii continues the innovative approach of using user-replaceable audio motherboards, with each board optimized to match the DAC's characteristics and designed for maximum analog circuit performance. The focus remains on showcasing distinct personalities and musical styles, rather than cramming every possible feature into a "Swiss Army knife" player.

Two key design goals were set at the start of the N6iii project. First, despite the trend of mega-size DAP, Cayin wanted to retain the portability and handling comfort of the N6ii. Second, we received a lot of feedback from N6ii users asking for a quick release “tool-free” mechanism so that they can swap out audio motherboards conveniently. These two requirements posed significant challenges for the N6iii’s design and structure.

The N6iii features a 5-inch display, noticeably larger than the 4.2-inch screen on the N6ii but well within the one-handed operation limit. To avoid getting bulkier, Cayin eliminated any structural extension around the chassis, giving the front an all-screen appearance. To minimize the width of the DAP, the playback control buttons, and volume knob are tucked beneath the screen. The curved sides improve grip, ensuring that even with a slightly larger screen, the device remains comfortable to hold. As a result, the N6iii delivers a superior visual and control experience, while its size increase is minimal. In today’s era of ever-larger DAPs, the N6iii retains excellent portability.

One of the N6iii’s most significant design breakthroughs is the development of a new quick-release locking mechanism to swap the audio motherboards swiftly. Fortunately, we have dealt with a similar problem when we develop C9ii and we can modify the “tool-free” quick-release latch into a three-point locking mechanism with a self-locking push-button system, completely doing away with the need for screws. You can watch the video below to see how incredibly easy it is to switch audio motherboards on the N6iii.

The N6iii also has a unique antenna design. In earlier models like the N6ii, the antenna was integrated into the upper back section of the device, with relatively low signal gain to avoid interference. In more recent models (N8ii, N7, N30LE), Cayin adopted an external ring antenna placed on the top of the device, providing high gain and interference-free audio circuitry for a better online streaming experience. For the N6iii, due to strict size limitations, the antenna has been moved to a semi-exposed area, right beneath the top panel of the N6iii DAP. While this placement results in a slightly lower gain than the external antenna design used in N7.N8ii and N30LE, it offers a significant improvement over the previous N6ii without increasing the length of the DAP. It offers excellent streaming performance with minimal interference with analog audio processing.

Five years after the N6ii, the N6iii brings major upgrades in its main processor, RAM, operating system, and numerous improvements to meet the growing demand for streaming services. That’s a wrap on the N6iii’s core design: details of what will be applicable regardless of which Audio Motherboard you are going to use with the DAP. Now, let’s move on to what makes each model unique: the audio motherboards.

The following table compares the hardware architecture between N6ii and N6iii.