The Cayin iDAC-8 is a top-tier tube DAC utilizing 4 6H6b-B tubes in its design.
Key Features:
- Unique sound thanks to the tandem of AK4191EQ + AK4499EXEQ converter chips and 6H6b-B tube circuitry
- Two triode tubes per channel are responsible for current amplification and controlling the positive or negative phase of the channel
- One output stage consists of two triodes that operate in parallel in a 6H6b-B tube as cathode repeaters. This increases the current carrying capacity and reduces noise
- Using the JRC NJW1195A chip avoids digital loss and fully preserves the resolution of the iDAC-8 at any level of attenuation
Following the flagship Cayin N30LE music player, which features an AKM AK4499EQ converter and tube output stage and has received rave reviews, comes the new iDAC-8 fixed tube DAC/preamplifier. It offers a unique sound thanks to the tandem of AK4191EQ + AK4499EXEQ converter ICs and 6H6b-B tube circuitry.
The modern DAC is more than just its DAC chips, and Cayin has made an extra effort in hopes that everyone will see the magnitude of their efforts. They are providing the best platform for Asahi Kasei Microdevices' (AKM) resurgent flagship DACs to make their mark. By getting back on their feet and starting from scratch, AKM has begun anew to create actual chips that claim to be the standard in the audio industry, if they are not already.
At the same time, AKM began expanding the base area of a single DAC chip into three separate parts - to similarly triple the capability. The AK4191EQ is the brains of the operation, receiving pure I2S synchronization and data from the Cayin MCU. Mounted on board, the AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator takes advantage of its extended dedicated silicon base to claim to be the first chip to operate on a seven-bit basis.
These seven single-bit modulators feed into the AK4499EXEQ DAC, one for each channel, and are designed for a single purpose: to turn the interpolated, noise-laden digital data it receives into the most accurate analog waveform possible, ensuring faithful transmission of audio information without critical distortion. Chip size matters when it comes to a great DAC, and the AK4499EXEQ has it. This gives the ability to create much more precise matched resistors and capacitors on the board for accurate single-bit DC decoding, as well as dynamic element matching that is less burdened by switching errors, enabled by precision parts in a larger footprint.
Two triode tubes per channel are responsible for current amplification and controlling the positive or negative phase of the channel, providing excellent music reproduction. The iDAC-8's single output stage consists of two triodes that operate in parallel in a 6H6b-B tube as cathode repeaters. This increases current carrying capacity and reduces noise. A fast-switching, low-impedance Vishay MOSFET field-effect transistor is included in series as the voltage repeater of the second output stage.
The iDAC-8 can operate as a tube preamplifier or, alternatively, as a solid-state preamplifier. Regardless of how well the AK4191EQ's 64-bit digital filters and volume control work, Cayin also chose an analog volume control for this DAC. Using the JRC NJW1195A chip avoids digital loss and fully preserves the iDAC-8's resolution at any attenuation level.
Sophisticated, open and airy - in addition to neutral transparency and superior sound, the iDAC-8 also offers technically and visually suitable combination options. Not only does it form a complete system with our new iHA-8 headphone amplifier and iDAP-8 stationary audio player, but it can also be used as an external converter for the Mini-CD MK2. Because its I2S and AES/EBU inputs make it an excellent intermediary for digital-to-analog conversion.
Or pair the iDAC-8 with the Cayin HA-2A tube headphone amplifier released at the same time.
In the Box:
- Cayin iDAC-8
- Manual
