Cayin N3 Ultra Hi Res Digital Audio Player with tube output stage

Cayin N3 Ultra Hi Res Digital Audio Player with tube output stage

Cayin N3-Ultra HR player with tube technology

August 2020 marked a turning point in the history of portable audio players when Cayin introduced the groundbreaking N3-Pro DAP. With its innovative use of Raytheon's JAN 6418 vacuum tubes, a military-spec component, the N3-Pro redefined the concept of ultimate digital sound with analog flair. Thanks to the unique combination of tube and solid-state timbres with high portability, long battery life and moderate price, the N3-Pro quickly became a bestseller.

Now, three and a half years later, Cayin is proud to present the N3-Ultra, the latest addition to its high-resolution digital audio player range. Officially unveiled at Canjam New York 2024 and announced in the HeadFI forum, the N3-Ultra builds on the achievements of its predecessor by utilizing the proven JAN 6418 tubes while benefiting from an optimized circuit and structural concept. This concept significantly improves the use of tubes in portable devices by overcoming the challenges of microphonic effects and susceptibility to interference.

Innovative sound adjustment and technological advances

The N3-Ultra allows users to switch between two tube timbres – Classic and Modern – available on both the headphone and line-level outputs, a significant advantage over the N3-Pro. There is now the option to control the balanced 4.4 output and also the 3.5 mm line output in tube mode, a function that was not available on the previous model.

In addition, the N3-Ultra achieves the same output power with the tube and transistor timbres, a milestone that represents the result of years of research and development.

Equipped with two AKM 4493S DAC chips in MONO mode for fully differential output and a JRC NJW1195A analog volume controller, the N3-Ultra provides a maximum output power of 600mW on the balanced 4.4mm headphone output.

Optimized user experience and longer battery life

The N3-Ultra, based on Android, offers an improved user experience through a 4.1-inch HD TFT LCD touchscreen and a new audio-only UI system. With a 4500mAh battery that supports QC3.0 fast charging, the player promises up to 12 hours of battery life via the 3.5mm headphone output in solid state mode and over 8 hours via the 4.4mm output in tube classic mode. Weighing only 200 grams and compact dimensions, the N3-Ultra is ideal for mobile use.

With the introduction of the N3-Ultra, Cayin continues its tradition of innovation in tube technology and offers users an unparalleled audiovisual experience. The combination of advanced technology, user-friendly operation and the unique sound quality that only tubes can provide positions the N3-Ultra as a standout product in Cayin's portfolio and reinforces the company's commitment to continuous improvement and audiophile excellence.

Specifications

• Model: Cayin N3 Ultra
• DAC: AK4493SEQ X2 (Mono mode)
• Vacuum tube: Raytheon JAN6418 X2
• Timber Circuit: Gen3 vacuum tube audio circuit
• Vol. Control: JRC NJW1195A 4 channels E-Volume
• LPF: Dual Op Amp X2
• FPGA: Reclock DDC, eliminate jitter, redesign DDC
• Headphone Amplifier: Parallel amplification, 4 low noise operational amplifiers, 2 amplifiers in parallel
• Phone Out: 3.5mm (single-ended), 4.4mm (balanced, split)
• Line Out: 3.5mm (single-ended), 4.4mm (balanced, split)
• Digital interface: USB audio (input and output), SPDIF coaxial (USB embedded)
• USB Type-CUSB3.1, OTG storage, Digital Audio QC3.0 (PD2.0 not supported),
• MCU: Snapdragon 425
• System: Custom Android 8.1
• Lossless: DTA Bypass Android SRC
• Storage: TF X1 (Support up to 1TB)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Battery: 3.85V 4500mAh (17.3Wh)
• Display: 4.1" (720 x 1280) TFT multi-point touchscreen
• Player: Cayin music app
• Physical operation: volume control, power on/off, playback control
• Colored LED: playback sample rate, home, charging indicator
• Chassis: Undblasted CNC machined aluminum
• Dimensions: 125 x 65.5 x 19.5 (mm)
• Weight: approx. 204g (±10g)

N3 Ultra Digital interface

• USB audio output: port|| USB-C, PCM|| Up to 32Bit/768kHz*; DSD|| Up to DSD512 (native) or DSD256 (DoP) or PCM88.2 kHz (D2P).
• USB audio DAC: connection|| USB-C, PCM|| Up to 32Bit/768kHz*; DSD|| Up to DSD512 (native) or DSD256 (DOP), systems|| Windows (driver required), MacOS, Android (partial), IOS, Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0
• S/PDIF Coaxial: Connection|| Embedded in USB-C (750), PCM|| Up to 24bit/192kHz; DSD|| Up to DSD64 (DoP)