Cayin RU7 Review

Vs Cayin RU6 (Comparison)

The comparison part was done with the Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor and the Meze Liric, as these are both sublime sounding with the RU7. The source was my laptop feeding the RU7 via ROON, streaming from Tidal.

The Cayin RU6 was Cayin’s first R2R dongle and it had a NOS/OS mode which the RU7 doesn’t have. The R7 does have a direct LO setting and it is a 1-Bit DAC. Size wise the RU7 is a little bit smaller but they’re both small dongles. You can check out the full RU6 review here:

The RU6 sounds a bit drier compared to the RU7, with the latter providing better dynamics and a more pleasing timbre. The RU7 sounds more 3-dimensional and you feel the sound is all around you. You’re more immersed by the sound, where the RU6 is flatter. Both dongles have a more neutral tuning, but the RU7 sounds fuller and has most weight from top to bottom.

Personally I also feel the spaciousness, overall extension and note extension are better than on the RU6. The RU7 dongle clearly is the most dynamic, layered, musical and pleasing to the ear. I feel the RU7 is better in all aspects, but I can also see why some listeners would prefer the RU6’s lighter presentation, especially when you already have ear or headphones with more body, fulness and bass presence.

I do have to say that the above described differences are more audible with the UM Multiverse Mentor than they are with the Liric. The RU7 in general does outperforms the RU6 in all possible way.

Unfortunately I don’t have the R2R tech HiBy FC6 here with me to compare the RU7 to, but I promise I will add in a comparisons to any R2R dongle I will receive in the future. I know I could compare the RU7 to the Cayin N7 DAP, but to me it makes no sense to compare a dongle to a DAP, as so much more is important in the latter.

Conclusion

The Cayin RU7 has a tuning which is more to the neutral side, but with its full body and powerful, controlled bass impact, it is a very musical and engaging DAC/AMP dongle.

You get the lovely precision and clarity from the 1-Bit Resistor Ladder DAC, combined with an excellent technical level and great dynamics. The Cayin RU7 delivers a precise and immersive sound, with a wonderful timbre and lovely harmonics.

Cayin has managed to deliver a small, well-designed and top-performing DAC/AMP dongle, using the excellent 1-Bit DAC tech. As this technology and the advantages it has, is super popular for the moment, I am sure we will see many more 1-Bit and R2R dongles in the near future. The question will be if they can reach the RU7’s performance and quality, as Cayin has certainly set the bar very high.

The only downside I can see is the power delivery for full-sized headphones, so do take that into account.

Pro:

• Sound quality
• 1-Bit Resistor Ladder DAC advantages
• Line-out option
• Magnetic case

Cons:

• Full sized headphone power

Page 1: Cayin, RU7, Features, 1-Bit, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build Quality, Lay-Out

Page 2: Versatility, Usability, Sound General, Sound Classics, Driveability

Page 3: Cayin RU6, Conclusion, Award, Summary