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R2R DAP Duel Part 1: Cayin N6II-R01 vs. L&P P6 Pro
Today I would like to compare two R2R DAPs (Digital Audio Players) that both promise the highest level of music enjoyment: The Cayin N6II with R01 board and the Luxury &Precision P6 Pro.
R2R - Excuse me?
The R2R-Network is an electronic circuit of resistors and one of several circuit techniques to convert digital values into an analog voltage, see (digital-to-analog conversion). (wikipedia.org)
In other words, this doesn't use a conventional DAC (digital-to-analog converter) chip; instead, the conversion of digital signals to analog is performed using resistors connected to form a kind of "ladder." This isn't really anything new. However, its use in mobile audio devices is relatively new, as the miniaturization of these R2R ladders is a remarkable technical achievement.
R2R DACs are said to have a unique musicality and emotionality, which some compare to the "warmth" of tube amplifiers.
But enough of the technical preamble!
Let the fight begin!
Today Cayins N6II with the R01 Motherboard against Luxury && Precision's P6 Pro. The L&The P6 Pro, by the way, is twice as expensive as the Cayin. An unfair fight?
I don't want to go into the technical details and features of the two competitors, but rather focus entirely on the sound - or rather the sound differences, because I believe that's what ultimately matters.
The playing partners were once again the Empire Ears Odin In-ears for use that I know that they are able to reproduce even the smallest detail.
Comparison
Heights
The P6 Pro outperforms the Cayin in terms of clarity and detail reproduction and adds the heights the "Sparkle" so loved by many music lovers.
Middle
Voices are on the P6 Pro more intense and prominent than the N6II-R01. The Cayin presents the Voices a little softer and with slightly less detail. Overall, the voice reproduction is more immersive on the P6 Pro, which can of course be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preferences.
Upper mids
Guitar strings and stringed instruments in general "sing" and have more weight on the P6 Pro. This is the closest thing to a live experience, I'd say.
bass
Something More punch, weight and speed - faster decay on the P6 Pro. The N6II-R01 punches a bit softer, but also offers very good bass volume and quality. The difference isn't huge.
Channel and instrument separation
In this category, the P6 Pro definitely outshines the Cayin: It offers better, clearer separation – individual instruments and voices stand out much more clearly. Even the quietest, faintest sounds can be clearly perceived and identified. This is top-notch!
resolution
Although the R01 shows absolutely no weaknesses in terms of resolution, he is the P6 Pro because this reproduces the smallest nuances much more clearly and better.
This becomes particularly clear when you look at more elaborate, complex Listening to compositions where the R01 has a few "artifacts", while the P6 Pro takes the whole scene apart with surgical precision, presenting each element clearly and precisely.
That's not to say that the R01 does a bad job here.The P6 Pro surpasses the performance of the already amazing good Cayins and takes the action to the next level.
In Brevity
The Cayin N6II-R01 offers an overall warmer, silkier and more relaxed reproduction with very good detail and excellent bass foundation.
The L&P P6 Pro resembles the Cayin in the The overall tonality is slightly less "warm," but offers more detail, clarity, and punch. Compared to the R01, it's almost like lifting a thin veil.
Conclusion
The N6II-R01 is not too far from the L in terms of overall sound signature and quality&P P6 Pro removed. The N6II-R01 combination is probably the best value R2R DAP I can imagine.
I even consider it one of the best DAPs currently on the market, regardless of price. Unlike the P6Pro, you also get an open Android system with streaming features and interchangeable motherboards. The Cayin N6II(R01) is and remains one of my absolute favorite DAPs.
You have to take some time to truly appreciate the differences between the P6 Pro and the P6 Pro. These become even more apparent the more you use the P6 Pro and switch between the two devices.
The P6 Pro retains the musicality and emotion typical of many R2R DACs and adds a clarity, precision and weight that is unique and can only be compared to other top-of-the-line DAPs like the Lotoo PAW Gold Touch.
The L&P P6 Pro is designed for enthusiasts and audiophiles who want only the best currently available on the market and who can do without streaming on the device. Yes, exactly – there is no streaming or app installation. The P6 Pro is solely for local playback. Data made - the but at a level that corresponds to that of a very good home stereo system!
Whether the differences are worth the extra cost is something everyone has to decide for themselves. In any case, both devices offer sound potential that will keep you happy for a long time!
Of course, both devices can be used to your heart’s content tested at home for free become!
R2R DAP Duel Part 2
Next time the new Hiby RS6 Let's see what it has to offer in comparison.
More blogs about DAP
Hail to the King, baby! - Luxury && Precision P6 Pro Unboxing
Lotoo PAW6000 - Review by The Vagrant Audiophile