Cayin N7 is a portable Hi-End player. The N7 model is called Master Quality Digital Audio Player and is aimed at the most demanding music lovers who expect exceptional sound quality even on the go. The audio architecture is based on a native 1-bit DAC on a resistor matrix. The discrete circuit is fully dedicated to digital signal processing and includes unique developments. In addition, the HiRes player offers additional features that ensure universal use in audiophile applications and installations.
Features:
- native DSD up to DSD512
- PCM 32-bit / 768kHz
- fully balanced circuitry
- discrete JFET+BJT transistor amplification
- choice of class "A" and class "AB" amplification modes
- MQA decoding up to x16 (768kHz)
- 2 high-precision Femtoclock oscillators
- four-channel volume controller from JRC
- Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0
- Snapdragon 665 processor
- 4GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage with support for up to 1TB microSD
- up to 10 hours of battery life
- 5" IPS screen 1080x1920
- independent power supply for key circuits
- Home button has color indication of input format
- 4.4mm output power: 500mW at 32 Ohm
- 3.5mm output power: 250mW at 32 Ohm
- aluminum housing with CNC polishing
The core of the player is the 64-bit Snapdragon 665 processor, coupled with 4 GB of RAM and a high-performance FPGA specifically designed for proprietary audio encoding formats. The finely tuned Android version 12.0, along with the Google Play store, ensures seamless installation of music and other applications such as music players or streaming apps.
The DNA (Direct Transport Audio) technology allows all installed apps to bypass the forced SRC frequency scaling during local music playback. The built-in 64 GB of storage is used for file storage and can be expanded using a TF card slot with support for up to 1 TB. Direct playback from a USB OTG device is also supported. The most important feature is a fully balanced circuit design. This complex approach requires significant investment but opens up unimaginable possibilities for fine-tuning sound. While classic stereo circuits provide left (L) and right (R) channels, a balanced circuit requires differential inputs and differential outputs. In this case, L+, L-, R+, R are required. Cayin is the first to use this discrete design for the DAC, low-pass filter, and headphone amplifier in the N7 model. For the discrete low-pass filter, Cayin's developers settled on a balanced class A push-pull amplifier circuit based on dual bipolar transistors after numerous tests.
The headphone amplifier itself is based on a 4-channel circuit with a low-noise junction gate field-effect transistor (JFET) as the differential input stage and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) as the amplifier and output stage. This allows for minimizing noise levels and achieving a new level of audio signal processing and reproduction quality.
Decoding Capabilities
The digital-to-analog converter can decode native DSD up to DSD512. PCM streams up to 32-bit/778 kHz are accepted and internally converted to a DSD signal before being passed on to the DAC circuit. The 1-bit DSD DAC is specially adapted for this DAP: the converted analog signal passes through a network of 128 high-precision thin-film resistors. The output signal is balanced across four channels for optimal distortion-free reproduction. The power supply has also been redesigned specifically for the N7. Various sections of the audio circuit are independently powered according to their voltage requirements. Another sound-enhancing feature is the N7's aluminum chassis, which serves as an antenna, ensuring stable streaming at any time via dual-band 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi.
2 amplifier modes
The dual amplifier mode relies on proven and tested technology: users can switch between Class A and Class AB modes using a drop-down menu to adapt the sound to their personal musical preferences or different types of headphones. Class A amplification provides warm, relatively smooth sound. All channels are amplified almost equally, resulting in detailed and pleasant sound reproduction. Ideal conditions for flawless playback of modern music with lots of detail. Class AB, on the other hand, provides more powerful sound and is likely the preferred choice for demanding dynamic range requirements.
Unique preamp mode
The preamp output is a linear output with variable voltage level and high-precision analog volume control. It serves as a high-quality preamplifier for connecting to a power amplifier (portable or desktop).
4-channel volume controller
The 4-channel integrated controller provides higher accuracy and lower power consumption compared to two stereo volume controllers. The analog volume controller with electronic control ensures low levels of noise and distortion. The special brass volume adjustment knob with patterns for improved grip ensures precise control and an elegant appearance.
Inputs and Outputs
First and foremost, a digital audio player (DAP) like the N7 is used by many users with headphones as a portable music player. For this purpose, Cayin offers two headphone outputs. One is a balanced output with a 4.4mm connector, and the other is an unbalanced output in a 3.5mm single-ended format. Additionally, there are two analog outputs. These allow the DAP to be integrated into Hi-Fi systems. The volume control on the preamp output is achieved using an analog resistor-based volume controller from JRC. It is operated with a noble brass knob. The second analog output is a line-out with fixed voltage.
It bypasses the DAP's volume control. But that's not all, as Cayin doesn't skimp on digital interfaces either. In addition to the I2S digital output, USB-C-Out, and coaxial output, the built-in USB port provides universal application options. Bluetooth version 5.0 is also onboard. In addition to common codecs, this also handles LDAC standards up to 96kHz and UAT. The latter supports a sampling rate of up to 192kHz. As a Bluetooth transmitter, the N7 is also capable of outputting sound and controlling output devices. Cayin also functions as a Bluetooth receiver, thus serving as a wireless DAC.
Superior sound quality with MQA and streaming playback
MQA stands for "Master Quality Authenticated" and is an audio codec that is supported by streaming music service TIDAL, among others. The format is designed to compress music and play it back in its original form, as intended by the mastering studio. However, this only works with the support of a suitable decoder, such as in the N7. With the pre-installed Android 12.0 OS and access to the Google Play Store, content from other streaming services or music apps, such as Qobuz or Apple Music, can also be played through the N7. The MQA format can be decoded up to a maximum value of x16, providing unpacking of the format up to an unprecedented 768 kHz.
If necessary, the Android system's sample rate conversion (SRC) can be bypassed in all installed apps using DTA (Direct Transport Audio). To store local files, the Cayin N7 is equipped with 64GB of internal memory. To be able to carry larger music libraries, TransFlash memory cards up to 1TB in size are supported. The HiBy-Cast DAP can also be controlled via smartphone.
2 quartz generators
In N7, two Femtoclock quartz generators with extremely low phase noise (-100 dBc) are used, which ensures high-precision reproduction and low jitter. Low jitter minimizes digital distortion and enhances the musicality and naturalness of digital sound reproduction.
Hi-Res Wireless DAC Function
Wireless Bluetooth connection is supported by LDAC codecs at 96 kHz and UAT up to 192 kHz. Standard codecs such as SBC and AAC are also supported by the device. In Bluetooth receiver mode, the player is capable of operating at 96/192 kHz.
Power Supply
A clean and stable power source is of fundamental importance for ensuring sound performance. A worthy power source to maintain the entire system in optimal working condition is no less, if not more, important than using expensive components. Cayin pays serious attention to developing a reliable power supply system, even for very compact products like the N7. Although a 1-bit DAC reduces the requirements for resistor accuracy, it requires carefully designed pre-processing to shape the noise and a strict, interference-free power supply system.
To minimize interference between different circuits, the N7 employs a multi-threaded approach that provides independent regulation of power supply to the digital and analog circuits, minimizing interference and ripple from the power source. The power source for the digital circuit is further divided into independent sections according to voltage requirements. To enhance the dynamic characteristics of the power supply system, the N7 uses POSCAP tantalum-polymer capacitors in the primary filter circuit. Premium-class ceramic capacitors (NPO and X7R) are also widely used in the power supply system.
Included items:
- Player
- Leather case
- 4.4mm - 2.5mm adapter
- 3.5mm - 2.5mm adapter
- USB cable
- Protective film
- Documentation