The Cayin iDAC-6 MK II is a highly regarded DAC designed for serious sound enthusiasts. Known for their tube and transistor amplifiers, transports, and speaker systems, Cayin has decided to enter the portable audio market with this new release.
The iDAC-6 MK II is a fully balanced and versatile DAC that supports DSD decoding through both USB and coaxial inputs utilizing the DoP protocol (e.g., Cayin N6 with the latest firmware). It offers a wide range of digital input options and can serve as a preamplifier for active monitors or power amplifier for passive speakers.
Featuring a hybrid semiconductor and tube analog output circuit, listeners have the option to choose between the two output modes. The tube output is implemented using 6N16B vacuum tubes. At its core, the iDAC-6 MK II employs the top-level ES9028PRO DAC chip from SABRE, ensuring high-quality digital decoding for both PCM and DSD files.
The DAC provides 7 digital filters for PCM mode and 4 filters for DSD via USB or coaxial input (using DOP).
A unique feature of the iDAC-6 MK II is the switchable preamplifier volume control, enabling users to switch between tube and transistor modes.
Despite its compact size, the DAC is solidly built and weighs approximately 4 kg.
For optimal performance, the iDAC-6 MK II pairs perfectly with the balanced headphone amplifier iHA-6. However, they can also be used separately and still deliver exceptional results, maintaining their status as top models in their respective classes.
Key Features:
- DAC: ES9028PRO
- Tubes: 4x 6N1B
- Operational amplifiers: OPA134
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 50 kHz (-0.5 dB Fs = 192 kHz)
- THD+N, Tube mode: > 0.8% (Fs = 192 kHz)
- THD+N, Transistor mode: > 0.004% (Fs = 192 kHz)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB (tube mode) / 122 dB (transistor mode)
- Output Levels: 2.2V RMS (RCA), 4.4V RMS (XLR)
- Power Consumption: 30W
- Inputs: USB 2.0, AES/EBU, optical, coaxial
- Outputs: XLR 3-pin (BAL), RCA (SE)
- Sampling frequency support: USB-PCM up to 32-bit/784 kHz; DSD modes up to DSD512; AES/EBU/OPT/COAX up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- Dimensions: 240 x 252 x 69 mm
- Weight: approximately 4 kg
Package includes:
- Cayin iDAC-6 DAC
- Power cable
- Documentation