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Flagship without a flagship price - Cayin N7
Just in time for its 30th anniversary, Cayin is releasing a device that I have been eagerly waiting for.
The Cayin N7 is something like the successor to the great N6II-R01 and then again not. It doesn't have a classic DAC chip, but rather implements the digital-to-analog conversion using resistors - similar to the N6II with R01 module. However, it is obviously not a classic R2R structure.
Cayin describes the N7's converter as a "1-bit miniature DAC circuit with four rails with resistor network".
I haven't quite grasped what it all means exactly and where exactly the differences lie. One thing is clear: the N7 can natively decode up to DSD512 and processes PCM up to 32 bit/768kHz. - Not bad! 🤩
And - similar to a classic R2R converter, the new circuit should sound very natural and "analog". However, Cayin have placed the N7 in the middle between the N6II and the new N8II in terms of price. But only in terms of price, mind you!
Because in terms of sound - I will go into this in more detail later - the N7 is much closer to the N8II than to the N6II. Pretty damn close!
But let's take a closer look at the part first...
The packaging is chic and simple and contains everything you need...
The design language of the N7 has been adapted to that of its big brother N8II - at first glance the two even look very similar. The dimensions are also very similar. However, the N8II is thicker and heavier.
The "Sundial" of the N8II can also be found on the N8II.
After the blue-green cover of the N8II was not so well received, a new cover was designed in pale orange with gold - and also adopted for the N7.
The quality and fit are very good and the biggest point of criticism was also addressed: While the original N8II case is open at the top and therefore the DAP is unprotected at this point, the new case can be closed at the top using a magnetic closure.
The back has a polygonal pattern, which reflects depending on the light.
And the sound?
The headline already suggests it: What's on offer here is at absolute flagship level. The technical features alone are impressive and can even surpass the N8II in some respects!
In some aspects this also applies to the sound. In my opinion, the N6II-R01 was able to beat the "old" N8 in terms of sound. It's not quite that simple here, but the N7 is very, very close to the N8II.
Test equipment
The N7 was based on its big brother N8II, but left out everything that wasn't absolutely necessary: no dual Korg Nutubes, no Power+ mode. The new 1-bit DSD DAC will have to do. You can only switch between Class A and A-B and the differences are marginal.
But: The N7 sounds incredibly clear, transparent and natural out-of-the-box.
The details presented are at least on the same level as on the N8II and the heights have a lot of "sparkle".
Voices are brought a little further to the fore than on the N8II and sound wonderfully sonorous and haunting.The entire ensemble plays extremely coherently - every instrument, every voice can be clearly distinguished and located.
The channel separation is excellent - provided you have the right IEM or headphones.
The stage presentation is particularly noteworthy, because in my opinion the N7 even surpasses the N8II. With an appropriate flagship IEM or headphones, it sounds really three-dimensional - great!
Last but not least I would like to mention the bass, because it is really huge. The N8II and Hiby RS8 are not bad parents here, but the bass of the N7 takes both of them one step further. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your taste and headphones.
I immediately noticed that the Odin, which is not weak in bass anyway, produces significantly more pressure and "rumble" with the N7 in the "basement" and with the Traiillii it finally gets the bass that its BA drivers have previously been denied stayed.
In other words: If you wanted more bass from your IEMs or headphones, you'll get it with the N7!
I haven't had enough of the Oriolus Traillii for a long time out of the closet - with the N7 it's as if I already had Traillii Version 2 in my ears and I can hardly get enough of the details, the stage and the wonderfully powerful bass!
Conclusion
If you can do without the tube mode and Power+ of the N8II, the N7 is an all-round, worry-free DAP that not only sounds absolutely great, but also has a modern platform with Android 12 - and is significantly cheaper too , than the other flagship DAPs on the market.
In view of the performance and features on offer, I would even like to talk about a competitive price! Well done, Cayin!
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