Introduction:
Cayin is back with their unique take on the DAP world with the N7! Previous iterations of Cayin DAPs have been equipped with uncommon hardware implementations such as R2R DACs and tube amps. This time around, the N7 features a fully balanced in-house discrete 1-bit digital-to-analog circuit, it’s the start of the 1-bit line-up, followed by the RU7 dongle (for which I first heard the technology). But at just under $2000, is the digital audio player really worth your money, or just a gimmick?
Pros:
- Significantly better sound quality than offered by dongles
- Myriad of inputs and outputs
- Discrete 1-bit DAC design
- Powerful & clean amplifier to drive most headphones
- Included leather case
Cons:
- Expensive
- Large size & heavy weight
- Knob could be a bit nicer
- Gets quite hot
- USB DAC mode has high latency
Specs:
OS: Android 12
CPU: Snapdragon 665
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB internal + MicroSD slot
DAC: 1-bit Resistor DSD DAC
Power Output: 250mW/500mW @ 32 Ω
DSD Upsampling Modes: 64/128/256/512
THD+N: 0.004%
DNR: 110dB/112dB
SNR: 115dB/116dB
Channel Separation: 78dB/110dB
Battery: 3.8V 9000mAh
Display: 5” 1080p TFT touch screen
Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm/4.4mm
Line Out: 3.5mm/4.4mm
Digital Inputs: USB, I²S
Weight: 385g/432g with case
Accessories:
- USB-C charging cable
- 2.5mm adapters
- Pale-yellow Leather case
- Screen protectors
- Manual
Build Quality & Design:
The build quality of the Cayin N7 is overall quite good. The main construction is a one solid piece aluminum chassis. Media buttons feel sturdy and don’t wobble. The N7 is a very large device, don’t expect to fit this into any jeans pockets comfortably. The included pale-yellow leather case is nicely made with a gold heatsink design on the back. A royal blue color option can be purchased separately. Buttons become hard to feel in the thick case and due to the weight, I find myself pressing the buttons unintentionally just by picking up the device. My nitpicks with the N7’s build come down to the knob. The knob has very little resistance and soft segmented clicks that don’t have a premium feel at this price point.
User Experience:
The Cayin N7 is a pretty standard Android 12 experience. Upon powering on, you’re greeted with Cayin’s signature “Never Be The Same Again” (yes, in Comic Sans) and a nice wallpaper of the Cayin A-805. The Google Play Store is preinstalled, along with Cayin Music and Hiby Music. The UI is very smooth by DAP standards (no 120Hz phone screens we’ve gotten used to) and scanning music from the MicroSD or internal storage is quick. 17.6GB of music took 33 seconds to scan when I tested its speed. The dropdown menu has been customized to add some audio related device control such as gain settings, amplifier type, output switch, digital outputs, and quick access to the other audio settings (such as DSD modes and channel balance). After some use the DAP does get quite warm, especially while using it in Class A mode. When using the DAP as a DAC/Amp for a Windows PC, there’s quite a noticeable latency, making it unsuitable for gaming.
Sound Quality:
Now for the main reason we all buy expensive audio products: The Sound. Cayin’s 1-bit products seem to excel in a few areas; mainly in creating a wide soundstage and a natural tonality. I bought the N7 after really enjoying the RU7 dongle, however the two are a bit different in some areas. The N7 is a noticeably more technical sounding device and overall cleaner in its soundstage and separation. N7 steps it up a notch in terms of a realistic and immersive sounding playback. Vocals are sweeter on the N7, where they come off a bit flat on the RU7.
Another feature that the N7 shares with the RU7 is the ability to change which DSD mode your music is upsampled to. But unlike RU7’s quite noticeable differences between DSD64 & DSD256, DSD modes on the N7 are significantly closer to each other in overall performance.
The overall tonality in my experience is mostly neutral. Not super bright like you’d hear from something like a FiiO BTR5 or super thick and lush like you’d hear from Cayin’s own RU6. I typically prefer to listen in Class A mode, which gives the sound a hint of more richness in the lower end frequencies (at the cost of battery life). The N7 is just natural & laid back sounding with the exceptional technical ability you’d expect from such a high end mobile device.
Comparing the 3.5mm line-out to other DACs I had on hand, the N7 falls in between the RU7/other high end dongles and a medium-high end desktop DAC like Toppings D70 Pro Saber in terms of stage width and separation.
Power wise, N7’s 500mW balanced output is enough for nearly every headphone you throw at it. I’ve tested it with the 600Ω TGXEar Alpha and the rather insensitive HEDD Heddphone 2. While some benefits can be heard going to a full sized desktop setup, it’s hard to complain.
Battery Life:
Battery Life on the N7 can vary quite a bit. Expect an average of 7 to 10 hours depending on which modes you use. Class A mode uses much more power than Class AB. I’ve found Class AB to last around 25% longer. DSD512 mode doesn’t seem to drain any more battery than DSD64 mode. Charging the 9000mAh battery takes about 5 hours from 0 to 100%.
Who is this for?
There’s no denying DAPs are a niche within a niche, and an expensive one at that. Maybe you want to keep your music listening separate from your phone, without the distractions of social media. Perhaps you want to start a high quality local music collection. It’s possible you do most of your listening away from a desktop setup, but want as close of an audio experience as that on the go. Although you do pay a premium, if these conditions sound like they relate to you, a DAP may be a good option for you to consider. Cayin’s N7 strikes a fair balance of audio performance, features, build, and discrete hardware for the price and should 100% be considered if you find yourself in the market for such a device!
