Today, we’re reviewing the Cayin N6III portable player, a new product in the N6 series that costs $1,299 USD.
Cayin
Cayin is a premium Chinese high-end audio brand (since 1993). Its focus has been chiefly on dedicated HiFi equipment, covering every chain in the music reproduction path, from CD players to speakers. Still, the essence is undoubtedly its tube amplifiers.
Their equipment ranges from around US$100 to just below US$10,000 per item, covering different requirements and budgets.
In 2013, Cayin ventured into personal/portable audio, launching a series of Digital Audio Players. The N-series DAPs are designed to provide a high-quality audio experience on the go. Cayin has been on it recently with units such as the flagship DAP N8II or portable tube amplifier C9II.
Cayin N6III
The N6 series represents the middle ground between the entry-level and flagship Cayin DAPs. You might remember our review of the previous generation, the N6II, as below.
That review was posted in 2019, and I like that Cayin isn’t a company that releases unit after unit in a short period. They wait until they’re satisfied with the new iteration.
Of course, this new model follows suit in modular DACs, and we currently have two DAC modules. More on that later.
The new N6III has a similar form factor, similar positioning in the brand’s product portfolio, and a modular DAC design. But of course, there are upgrades in components, software and other things.
Let’s see what Cayin has added to the N6III over the N6II:
As you can see, these are substantial upgrades. The highlights to me here are the battery capacity, charging duration—despite the battery’s increase in size-, tool-free modular DAC, better screen, and better CPU.
Yet, these upgrades to the N6 series have been way overdue since the previous model was almost six years ago. However, I like what I see in portability, as Cayin didn’t make the new N6III much bigger than the N6II with added tech and battery size. They kept the size almost the same.
In sonic upgrades, let’s check out the new audio motherboards.
C201
If you purchase the N6III, this is the ”stock” motherboard attached. It has eight parallel CS43198 Matrix DACs, four NJU723X volume control chips, four OPA1622 amps, 4.4mm BAL and 3.5mm SE outputs, and 12.4/14.2 hours of battery life (BAL/SE).
E203
After the release of the DAP with the C201 module, Cayin released the E203 motherboard. This has an 8-channel flagship-level ES9039PRO DAC, fully-balanced audio circuit, full performance mode called ”hyper mode”, Class A/AB options, 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL outputs, though there’s no line-out option with the E203.
This is the upper-level module, but it costs an additional 359$, bumping the total price to 1658$ with the DAP. However, you can purchase the E203 solely with the DAP if you don’t need a line-out connection.
Packaging & Accessories
The new N6III comes in a compact box, the usual stuff from DAP manufacturers nowadays. The unboxing experience is simply good. When you open the box, you immediately see the player.
The underside compartment has a packed USB-C to USB-C cable to charge the device, which is compatible with PD2 charging speed.
The package includes a stylish carrying case, which looks cool and fits the DAP like a glove. The backside of the case is half-open to cool the device. Orange-coloured stitching enhances the look of the leather case.
Design & Build
The new N6 family member, introduced in 2019 with the N6II, has a familiar look and design. It is a compact device with a professional-grade, serious look.
The gold accents on the volume wheel, playback buttons, and power button finish the design nicely, consistent with Cayin’s portable designs of the past years.
I find the locations of the power button, microSD slot and USB-C port a bit odd. The power button is on the player’s left side, and the microSD is inserted from the top tight, whilst your USB connection is on the top left.
I suppose these decisions result from the goal of keeping the DAP small. The previous generation, N6II, had the power button integrated on the volume wheel, but not in the N6III. This is not to say that it is difficult to operate the DAP in any way, but it is still strange when you start using it.
The DAP is built from aluminium alloy and feels fantastic in hand. None of the buttons or sockets feel cheap, and the back glass looks nice. The modular motherboard sits tightly in the DAP, and there’s no wobble. The overall design and build quality are evident when you first handle the player.
The screen looks sharp and has good pixel density, which is enough for a Hi-Fi player. The album covers and videos look good. The screen-to-body ratio is more admirable than the N6II since the screen is enlarged and looks very aesthetic.
I don’t think you’ll have trouble using the player in that respect. The market has more larger players, even more so than in the past, but I liked the N6III for its form factor.
Click here to go to the second page where we continue with the Cayin N6iii review.
Page 2 – User Experience & Software
Page 4 – Comparisons & Conclusion
