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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), both of which promise the highest level of music enjoyment: The Cayin N6II with R01 Board and the Luxury & Precision P6 Pro.
R2R - Please?
The R2R network is an electronic circuit made of resistors and one of several circuit techniques for converting digital values into an analog voltage, see (digital-to-analog conversion). (wikipedia.org)
In other words, not a conventional DAC (Digital Analog Converter) chip is used here, instead the conversion of the digital into analog signals is done using resistors that become one Type “conductor” are connected. This is actually nothing 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 that some compare to the "warmth" of tube amplifiers.
But enough with the technical banter!
Let the fight begin!
Today Cayin's N6II with the R01 motherboard are competing against Luxury & Precision's P6 Pro. The L&P P6 Pro is twice as expensive as the Cayin. An unfair fight?
I don't want to go into the technical details and characteristics of the two opponents but rather focus entirely on the sound - or the differences in sound, because I think that's what ultimately matters.
The Empire Ears Odin in-ears were once again used as playing partners and I know that they can reproduce every little detail.
Comparison
Treble
The P6 Pro surpasses the Cayin in terms of clarity and detail, adding the "sparkle" to the treble that many music lovers love.
Mids
Voices are more intense and prominent on the P6 Pro than on the N6II-R01. The Cayin presents the voices a little softer and with a little less detail. Overall, the vocal reproduction is more impressive on the P6 Pro, which can of course be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your preferences.
Upper midrange
Guitar strings and stringed instruments in general "sing" and have more weight on the P6 Pro. This is the closest thing to the live experience, I would say.
Bass
Slightly more punch, weight and speed - faster decay on the P6 Pro. The N6II-R01 "punches" a little softer, but also offers a very good amount and quality of bass. The difference isn't huge.
Channel and instrument separation
In this category, the P6 Pro outstrips the Cayin: It offers better, clearer separation - individual instruments and voices stand out much more clearly. Even the quietest, weakest sounds can be clearly perceived and assigned. This is top class!
Resolution
Although the R01 shows absolutely no weaknesses in terms of resolution, it still has to admit defeat to the P6 Pro because the smallest nuances are much clearer and reproduces better.
This becomes particularly clear when listening to more elaborate, complex compositions, where the R01 has a few "artifacts" while the P6 Pro picks apart the whole scene with surgical precision, presenting each element clearly and precisely .
That's not to say the R01 does a bad job here.The P6 Pro trumps the performance of the already amazingly good Cayin and takes things to the next level.
In Brief
The Cayin N6II-R01 offers the overall warmer, silkier and more relaxed feel Playback with very good detail and excellent bass foundation.
The L&P P6 Pro is similar to the Cayin in the overall tonality, is a little less "warm", but offers more details, clarity and punch. Compared to the R01, it's almost like lifting a thin veil.
Conclusion
The N6II-R01 isn't too far off from the L&P P6 Pro in terms of overall sound signature and quality. The N6II-R01 combination is probably the best value for money R2R DAP I can think of.
In fact, I consider it one of the best DAPs currently available regardless of price gives to the market. In contrast to the P6Pro, you also get an open Android system with streaming functions and replaceable motherboards. The Cayin N6II(R01) is and will certainly remain one of my absolute favorite DAPs.
You have to take some time to really appreciate the differences to the P6 Pro. These become more apparent the more you use the P6 Pro and switch back and forth between the two devices.
The P6 Pro retains the musicality and emotion typical of many R2R DACs and adds a Adds clarity, precision and a weight that is unique and can only be compared to other top-of-the-line DAPs such as the Lotoo PAW Gold Touch.
The L&P P6 Pro is intended for enthusiasts and audiophiles, who only want the best that is currently available on the market and who can do without streaming on their device. Yes, exactly - there is no streaming and no installation of apps here. The P6 Pro is made solely for playback of local data - but at a level that corresponds to a very good home stereo system!
Everyone has to decide for themselves whether the differences are worth the extra charge . In any case, with both devices you get the sound potential to be permanently happy!
Of course, both devices can be tested at home for free!
R2R DAP Duel Part 2
Next time we'll be joined by 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