Okay so I spent pretty much the entire day yesterday using the N7, doing small A/B to SP3000 and overall getting a
feel for what this DAP is about. I have maybe 5-6 listening hours on it so far, so take these impressions FWIW.
I feel the N7 really hits a sweet spot between that organic/natural r2r sound in the mid range while retaining my personal favorite aspects of DS DAC chips which would be a high level of technicals and proper treble extension. The overall tone is a neutral and natural sound, I don’t have N8ii with me anymore but it reminds me of a less energetic in the upper mids and highs and smoother version of that. There isn’t any mid bass coloring to my ears, so sub bass extension is deep and well textured. Soundstage is huge and wraps around your head, with precise imaging. It’s quite an addicting presentation. You feel you get the vocal projection and mid range up close and everything else just expands outwards creating a very immersive stage presentation.
Switching from class AB to A makes the sound a smidge fuller and more organic, I really like this for a more vocal oriented presentation.
The SP3000 in comparison has a blacker background (it’s the best I’ve heard) coupled with a slightly warmer but still neutral presentation. SP3000 has a small mid bass bump and the mids don’t sit as forward relative to N7.
Based off my initial testing and thoughts, Cayin has another winner on their hands. I’m looking forward to seeing how this may change with more use.