Cayin presents the N7, a powerful Hi-Res audio player designed for top-notch music enjoyment on the go. Thanks to discretely built circuits for DAC, LPF, and headphone amplifier, as well as a fully symmetrical architecture, it offers outstanding sound quality. Additionally, the device features both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs to ensure maximum flexibility.

The Highlights

After Cayin made quite an impression last year with the N8ii – a DAP with tube amplifier – this year they are taking a slightly different direction. The N7 is labeled as a Master Quality Digital Audio Player and is aimed at the most demanding music fans who expect the highest sound quality on the go. The core of the audio architecture is a pure 1-Bit DSD DAC. The discrete circuit is entirely aimed at digital signal processing and includes some interesting developments. In addition, this HiRes player offers additional features that enable versatile use in audiophile applications and setups.

The facts

Fully symmetrical system design for maximum quality

The most important feature is the fully symmetrical circuit design. This demanding approach is complex but offers unprecedented possibilities for tonal fine-tuning. While a classic stereo circuit provides a left (L) and a right (R) channel, a symmetrical circuit requires differential inputs and differential outputs. In this case, L+, L-, R+, R+ are consequently needed. Cayin implements this discrete circuit design for DAC, LPF, and headphone amplifier in the N7 for the first time ina DAP. For the discrete LPF, the Cayin developers chose a symmetrical Class-A push-pull amplifier circuit based on dual bipolar transistors after numerous attempts. The headphone amplifier itself is based on a 4-channel circuit with a low-noise JFET (Junction Gate Field Effect Transistor) as the differential input stage and BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) as the amplifier and output stage. This minimizes interference and achieves a new level of quality in the processing ofaudio signals and their playback.

decoding

The digital-to-analog converter can natively decode up to DSD512. PCM streams are accepted up to 32-bit and 778 kHz and are internally converted into a DSD signal before the N7 passes the signal to the DAC circuit. Also specially tuned for this DAP is the 1-bit DSD DAC: the converted signal is routed through a network of 128 high-precision thin-film resistors. The output is symmetrical across four channels for the best possible and interference-free playback. The power supply has also been newly developed specifically for the N7.Developed. Thus, the various sections of the audio circuit are powered independently according to their voltage requirements. The aluminum frame of the N7 also enhances sound. It acts as an antenna and ensures stable streaming via 2.4GHz or 5GHz dual-band WiFi at all times.

Dual amplifier operation

When using dual amplifier operation, you rely on what works: Through a pulldown menu, users can switch between Class A and Class AB modes to adapt the sound to personal musical preferences or different types of headphones. Class A amplification stands for a warm, rather soft sound. All channels are amplified almost evenly. This creates a detailed, pleasant sound. Perfect conditions for the unadulterated reproduction of modern music with many details. Class AB, on the other hand, brings more punch and is probably the preferred choice for higher demands on dynamic range in playback.probably the preferred choice for higher demands on dynamic range in playback.

Versatile inputs and outputs / Bluetooth

A digital audio player (DAP) like the N7 is primarily used by many users with headphones as a portable music player. For this purpose, the Cayin offers two headphone outputs. A balanced one with a 4.4 millimeter socket and an unbalanced one in a 3.5 millimeter single ended format. There are also two further analog outputs. Thanks to them, the DAP can also be integrated into stationary HiFi/high-end systems. An analog resistor ladder volume control from JRC was installed to adjust the volume at the pre-out. This is controlled via an elegant brass rotary control. A line out with a fixed voltage is available as a second analogue output. This bypasses the DAP's volume control. But that's not all, because Cayin doesn't skimp on digital interfaces either. In addition to an I2S digital output, a USB-C out and a coax output embedded in the USB port ensure a wide range of possible uses. Bluetooth version 5.0 is also on board. In addition to the common codes, the LDAC standards for up to 96 kHz and UAT are also processed here. The latter supports sample rates up to 192 kHz. As a Bluetooth transmitter, the N7 is also able to output sound and control output devices. The Cayin also functions as a Bluetooth receiver and can therefore be used as a wireless DAC.

Price about 2298,- Euro

Masterful audio quality with MQA and streaming

MQA stands for 'Master Quality Authenticated' and is an audio codec that is supported by the music streaming service TIDAL, among others. The format is supposed to compress music and then reproduce it in the unaltered form intended by the mastering studio. However, this only works with the support of a suitable decoder like the one in the N7. Thanks to the customized and pre-installed Android 12.0 and access to the Google Play Store, content from other streaming services or music apps like Qobuzor Apple Music can also be played through the N7. If needed, the sample rate conversion (SRC) of the Android system can be bypassed in all installed applications using DTA (Direct Transport Audio). For local files, the Cayin N7 is equipped with an internal 64 GB storage. To handle larger music libraries, TransFlash memory cards up to 1TB are supported. The DAP can also be controlled via smartphone using HiBy-Cast.

More info from the Germany distribution or here in our shop: https://cayin.com/produkt/n7-high-resolution-player/?v=5f02f0889301