On its 25th anniversary in 2018, Cayin stunned everyone by releasing the world's first portable tube music player. The second generation of this legendary model - the Cayin N8 II player - builds on the success of its predecessor.
The new device features two flagship chips, the ROHM BD34301EKV, which work in parallel. It also incorporates two Nutube radio tubes from Korg. The player offers the option to choose between two amplification classes (A and AB) and provides two output power modes: 720 mW and 1200 mW.
Double flagship chipset
The digital circuit is built on two ROHM BD34301EKV chipsets. This is the first case of using this chipset in a portable player. Each of them operates in monomode, which maximizes performance.
Two low-frequency smoothing filters (in PCM mode) and three DSD filters are available for precise sound tuning.
Two radio tubes from Korg
The player uses a fully balanced tube circuit: it features two double triodes Nutube 6P1 from Korg. They undergo thorough testing before installation. Both triodes provide smooth and warm sound through a 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced headphone output.
The Zero Gain Negative Feedback Loop scheme provides strong current and impressive stability under heavy load. This results in transparent sound quality inherent in the best transistor circuits. At the same time, the sound retains the warmth, softness, and incredible musicality characteristic of tubes.
Innovative Lamp Suspension System
The exclusive system is designed to minimize the impact of shock and vibrations on lamps and eliminate the so-called microphone effect.
Among the technologies used:
- Modular aluminum housing with isolated damping compartments for lamps;
- Flexible printed circuit board to minimize vibration transfer from the main board;
- Vibration-absorbing silicone lamp mount;
- Spring-loaded fixture for installing Nutube in the silicone mount inside the housing.
Two Output Power Modes
Adjusting the operating voltage of the amplifier allows you to change the output power for headphones. The Cayin N8 II player offers users a choice of two output power modes: P (standard) and P+ (increased power with a more enriched sound character).
The power output for unbalanced mode at 16 Ohms is 720 mW, while the balanced output at the same impedance provides 1200 mW.
Switching between amplification classes
The Cayin N8 II features a dual amplification mode, allowing users to easily switch between Class A and AB amplification classes. This enables users to tailor the sound character according to personal preferences or musical genres, as well as find the optimal pairing with different headphone models.
Class A offers a low distortion level and a soft, smooth, and warm sound. It is suitable for delicate lyrical music with intricate details and macrodynamics.
Class AB, on the other hand, provides a bold and dynamic sound. It is clean, dense, and powerful, making it ideal for dynamic music with a focus on groove.
A fully discrete amplifier
The Cayin N8 II utilizes a 4-channel discrete circuitry with low-noise JFET and BJT transistors. This design provides ample room for precise tuning, resulting in unparalleled sound performance.
To ensure identical amplification across all channels in Class A, Cayin engineers meticulously select and manually install all critical components.
Customizable levels of line outputs
Both the 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced line outputs completely bypass the headphone amplifier circuit. This allows the N8 II to become a high-quality analog source for active speakers and portable amplifiers.
This implementation is suitable for amplifiers with high output impedance. Maximum compatibility with customizable output levels.
3.5mm: 2.0V (high), 1.5V (medium), 1.0V (low); 4.4mm: 4.0V (high), 3.0V (medium), 2.0V (low).
Professional accuracy
The player uses a low-noise, low-distortion electronic volume control by JRC, widely used in high-quality preamplifiers. The 4-channel volume control provides higher precision, zero channel imbalance, and lower power consumption than two stereo volume controls.
The brass volume knob with a gold PVD coating and stylish engraving ensures precise control and a stylish appearance.
The Ideal User Interface
Cayin offers an ideal user interface based on Android 9 with pre-installed Google Play. In addition, it has the ability to connect to streaming services, including high-resolution content: TIDAL MQA, Qobuz, and Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music.
Features:
- Dual ROHM BD34301EKV DAC, 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512
- Balanced tube amplifier with a pair of KORG Nutube 6P1
- Fully balanced and discrete amplification scheme for headphones
- Class A/Class AB amplifier selection
- Two operation modes: standard and high power
- 3 audio outputs: Pentacon 4.4mm (balanced line out), TRS 3.5mm (line out), TRS 3.5mm (headphones)
- 3 digital interfaces: USB-C, coaxial (on the USB-C connector), and i2s
- 5" AMOLED screen (with a resolution of 1280x720) with multi-touch support
- 128GB built-in memory, MicroSD slot (supporting up to 1TB), and OTG support
- Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0
- 8-11 hours of continuous operation and support for QuikCharge 3.0 fast charging
- DTA bypass Android SRC, support Hi-Res in any application
Package:
- Player
- USB-C cable
- Case
- Documentation