Description
The N6iii features a 4.97-inch display, noticeably larger than the 4.2-inch screen on the
N6ii but well within the one-handed operation limit. To avoid getting bulkier, Cayin eliminated
any structural extension around the chassis, giving the front an all-screen appearance. To
minimize the width of the DAP, the playback control buttons, and volume knob are tucked
beneath the screen. The curved sides improve grip, ensuring that even with a slightly larger
screen, the device remains comfortable to hold. As a result, the N6iii delivers a superior visual
and control experience, while its size increase is minimal. In today’s era of ever-larger DAPs,
the N6iii retains excellent portability.
One of the N6iii’s most significant design breakthroughs is the development of a new
quick-release locking mechanism to swap the audio motherboards swiftly. Fortunately, we
have dealt with a similar problem when we develop C9ii and we can modify the “tool-free”
quick-release latch into a three-point locking mechanism with a self-locking push-button
system, completely doing away with the need for screws. You can watch the video below to
see how incredibly easy it is to switch audio motherboards on the N6iii.
The N6iii also has a unique antenna design. In earlier models like the N6ii, the antenna
was integrated into the upper back section of the device, with relatively low signal gain to
avoid interference. In more recent models (N8ii, N7, N30LE), Cayin adopted an external ring
antenna placed on the top of the device, providing high gain and interference-free audio
circuitry for a better online streaming experience. For the N6iii, due to strict size limitations,
the antenna has been moved to a semi-exposed area, right beneath the top panel of the N6iii
DAP. While this placement results in a slightly lower gain than the external antenna design
used in N7.N8ii and N30LE, it offers a significant improvement over the previous N6ii without
increasing the length of the DAP. It offers excellent streaming performance with minimal
interference with analog audio processing.
The C201 is the first time Cayin has used a Cirrus Logic DAC chip in a portable
product. Historically, in the early 2000s, the CS4398 and PCM1792 DAC chips were dominant
in the audio industry, and Cayin used them extensively in its early DAC and CD players.
The CS43198 chip featured in the C201 is no stranger to audiophiles, as it is a low-power,
high-quality DAC developed by Cirrus Logic based on the CS4398. It has been widely
recognized and adopted in the audio industry.
In the C201, Cayin uses eight pieces of CS43198 chips, forming a “Parallel FullDifferential Matrix DAC” design. The core principle is that the digital audio processor (FPGA)
in the N6iii main unit feeds each DAC individually with I²S signals. All DACs work in MONO
mode, outputting differential signals (L+, L-, R+, and R-).
Four DACs form a group, and their outputs are paralleled to create a full-differential
output channel. The power supply and peripheral circuitry for each DAC chip are fully discrete
and symmetric, ensuring highly stable DAC performance. This design ensures precise phase
alignment for all DACs, while low-jitter synchronous clock technology, and minimizes
distortion in the parallel DAC output, significantly improving sound density and overall audio
performance.
High-precision Cascade Volume Control
Volume control in the C201 also features a unique cascade volume control system. It
uses four Nisshinbo passive volume chips (NJU72315) forming a
We employed four Nisshinbo passive volume chips (NJU72315), with every two chips connected
in series to control one channel. When the first stage volume chip adjusts the volume partially (in 2db
steps), the audio signal will then go through the second volume chip for further adjustment. A buffer
circuit built with independent op-amps follows each volume stage, significantly improving load capacity
and reducing distortion.
The advantage is that the control range for each stage is smaller and more precise,
ensuring a smoother volume adjustment process. This ensures the left and right channels
maintain consistent signal levels across the entire volume range, delivering clearer, purer
sound with enhanced transparency. The Nisshinbo NJU volume chip being a passive device,
is very compact. Its low power consumption and low heat generation make it an ideal solution
for DAP implementation.
Parallel Amplifier
For headphone amplification, the C201 employs four pieces of Texas Instruments
OPA1622 chips, each configured in parallel to drive the headphone load. Combined with the
buffer circuits, this greatly improves control, sustains a heavier loading, and reduces output
impedance. This circuit design pays homage to the headphone amplification circuit of the
classic N8 DAP.
Start with an All-rounder
Rather than dive into too many technical details, let’s summarize the key features of the
N6iii with the C201 audio motherboard:
1. Long battery life: The CS43198 is a voltage-output DAC, known for its low power
consumption. Despite having eight DACs, the N6iii—equipped with a 9000mAh battery –
can achieve balanced PO output for 12 hours and single-ended PO output for over 14
hours.
2. Low heat generation: Our tests show that after more than three hours of continuous
operation, the surface temperature only increased by about 7 degrees, thanks to the
DAC’s low power consumption and the circuit design.
3. High-performance specs: With its advanced DAC architecture, volume control, and
power circuit design, the N6iii delivers impressive performance. On the 4.4mm balanced
PO, it reaches 130dB for dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio, with a total harmonic
distortion of 108dB (0.0004%).
4. Comprehensive functionality: As the first audio motherboard for the N6iii, the C201
offers balanced performance and powerful features. In addition to PO (headphone
output), it also supports fully independent LO (line out) for both single-ended and
balanced connections, allowing users to connect to external amplifiers easily. For the
record, our subsequent Audio Motherboard will adopt a specialized approach. We’ll
attempt to deliver ultimate performance in a compact form factor by focusing on a
specific feature at a time.
Now, let’s briefly describe the sound characteristics of the N6iii equipped with the C201.
The sound offers excellent transparency and layering, with an ethereal, airy quality. At the
same time, it delivers powerful energy in dynamic moments and offers a tight, deep bass
extension. To reiterate: whether you’re focused on technical specs or sound descriptions, the
true value of a HiFi product can only be fully appreciated through hands-on listening. The ear
is the final judge.
