Now that I've gotten some of my other obligations away, I've finally been able to listen to the N8 more dedicatedly despite having it in my hands for the past 6 weeks. My main comparison would be against the NW-WM1Z as I feel these two are more similar than with the DX200 (the other DAP I have in my hands). I just realised that I never shared my 1st impressions of t he N8 in this thread but on the
King of DAPs thread instead.
Listening today, I feel that my original impressions still stand whereby the N8 is just more expansive compared to the NW-WM1Z. Mind you at least to my ears, the NW-WM1Z was never really did create a wide soundstage but was strong in depth. Other DAPs such as the A&K and even the DX200 to my ears created a wider soundstage. However the N8 seems to do both of creating a wide and deep soundstage with a lot of headroom. For the DAPs I've personally heard, to this date, I don't think any other DAP that's been able to create such a large soundstage that's comparable to desktop-based systems, therefore I'm impressed nevertheless. In terms of detail retrieval, the N8 pulls as well as the top tier DAPs as one would expect; furthermore its presentation of the details is very smooth indeed.
Tonally there seems to be a little bit more bass depth or warmth in the NW-WM1Z over the N8 - if the NW-WM1Z is autumn, the N8 would be spring. It's just different - to me tonal balance is entirely user preferential rather than one better than the other (such as technical excellence). The N8 does across the entire FR well however. Bass goes deep and has a decent impact, mids are crisp and clear, and the trebles extend high and smooth. Whilst the NW-WM1Z may be more warm and the DX200 a little more neutral, the N8 would fit in between (and on the opposite, I'd put the AK series more "clinical"). However for the aforementioned expansive virtual space N8 creates, I find that I focus more on that rather than the tonal balance of the DAP - comparing back 'n forth, that larger virtual space just grabs my attention more than the FR response making the N8 more enjoyable.
For the non-sonic aspects of the N8, whilst its a large and heavy DAP, it's lighter than the NW-WM1Z and my former AK380+Piggyback Amp module. I actually don't mind the N8 not having a 2.5mm TRRS. Personally I'm sold with the 4.4mm balanced anyway and think the DAP market should head toward that direction. Further with the N8 supporting the Korg NuTube is a positive move. It's really having multiple amps in one and Cayin has done a really fantastic job in the dampening vibrations around the NuTube. For those who have not experienced the NuTube, it is -very- sensitive to vibrations which results in your typical vacuum tube pings. The window for the NuTube glow is super cool though.
The N8 aren't without flaws however (at least to -user- preference), e.g. I'm not so crazy about its shape as to me its reminiscent of the AK380, and the UI, whilst smooth, reminds (or reveals to) me of an Android interface. Again this could be user preference however I'm more comfortable with the Sony-styled UI. As for the dials and buttons on the N8, they work well...it's just a matter of getting used to. I've not tested battery life however I have noticed that it does drain faster than my other DAPs when it is off. Also, charging it fully from my iMac Pro (Thunderbolt 3 -> USB-C), it took ~14-16 hrs. Not too sure if this is the norm.
I really wish I had more time to do a more proper thorough review of the N8 however this is a demo unit of which it'll have to go to someone else. I'm likely going to send it off this weekend so have only a few more days with it. My fault for not being able to do anything with it for the first 6 weeks.
Edit: oh this is still on FW 2.0 if it makes any difference. I've not upgraded it to 2.2