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N6iii: Nothing is impossible
Just like the N6ii, the N6iii continues the innovative approach of using interchangeable audio motherboards, with each board optimized for the characteristics of the DAC and designed for maximum analog circuit performance.
The focus remains on showcasing different personalities and musical styles, rather than cramming all possible features into a "Swiss Army Knife" player. At the start of the N6iii project, two key design goals were established. First, Cayin wanted to maintain the portability and ease of use of the N6ii despite the trend towards mega DAPs.
Second, we received a lot of feedback from N6ii users who wanted a “tool-free” quick release so they could easily swap audio motherboards. These two requirements posed a big challenge to the design and structure of the N6iii.
The N6iii has a 4.97-inch display, which is significantly larger than the 4.2-inch screen of the N6ii, but can still be easily operated with one hand. In order not to make the device even more bulky, Cayin refrained from any structural extension of the housing, so that the front appears like a continuous screen.
To minimize the width of the DAP, the playback buttons and volume control are placed below the screen. The curved sides improve grip and ensure that the device is comfortable to hold even with a slightly larger screen. This allows the N6iii to provide an excellent viewing and control experience while only minimally increasing its size. In this day and age of ever larger DAPs, the N6iii maintains its excellent portability.
quick release
One of the most significant design breakthroughs of the N6iii is the development of a new quick release mechanism for quickly swapping out the audio motherboards. Fortunately, we faced a similar problem when developing the C9ii. In the video below, you can see how incredibly easy it is to swap out the audio motherboards on the N6iii.
New antenna
The N6iii also features a unique antenna design. In earlier models like the N6ii, the antenna was integrated into the top rear part of the device and offered relatively low signal gain to avoid interference. In newer models (N8ii, N7, N30LE), Cayin has placed an external ring antenna on the top of the device that offers high gain and interference-free audio circuits for a better online streaming experience.
On the N6iii, due to strict size constraints, the antenna has been moved to a semi-exposed area just below the top cover of the N6iii DAP. While this placement results in slightly lower gain than the external antenna design used on the N7, N8ii and N30LE, it offers a significant improvement over the previous N6ii without increasing the length of the DAP, providing excellent streaming performance with minimal interference with analog audio processing.
Further upgrades
Five years after the N6ii, the N6iii brings major upgrades in its main processor, RAM, operating system and numerous improvements to meet the growing demand for streaming services.
This brings us to the end of the N6iii core design: details of what is applicable regardless of which audio motherboard you will be using with the DAP. Now let's get to what makes each model unique: the audio motherboards.
C201 Audio Motherboard – Parallel Amplifier, Parallel Full Differential Matrix DAC
The C201 was Cayin's first use of a Cirrus Logic DAC chip in a portable product. 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 included 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 is widely recognized and used in the audio industry. In the C201, Cayin uses eight CS43198 chips that form a "Parallel Full Differential 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 operate in MONO mode and output differential signals (L+, L-, R+ and R-). Four DACs form a group and their outputs are connected in parallel to create a complete differential output channel.
The power supply and peripheral circuits for each DAC chip are fully discrete and symmetrical, ensuring extremely stable DAC performance.
This design ensures precise phase alignment for all DACs, while low-jitter synchronous clock technology minimizes distortion in the parallel DAC output, significantly improving sound density and overall audio performance.
High-precision cascade volume control
The C201 also features a unique cascade volume control system. It uses four Nisshinbo passive volume control chips (NJU72315) that form a cascade. We used four Nisshinbo passive volume control chips (NJU72315), with two chips connected in series at a time to control one channel. When the first stage volume control chip partially adjusts the volume (in 2dB steps), the audio signal passes through the second volume control chip for further adjustment.
Each volume level is followed by a buffer circuit with independent operational amplifiers, which significantly improves power handling and reduces distortion. The advantage is that the control range for each level is smaller and more precise, ensuring a smoother volume control process. This ensures that the left and right channels maintain constant signal levels across the entire volume range, resulting in a clearer, purer sound with improved transparency.
The Nisshinbo NJU volume control is a passive device and its low power consumption and low heat generation make it the ideal solution for DAP implementation.
parallel amplifier for headphone amplification
The C201 uses four Texas Instruments OPA1622 chips, each configured in parallel to control the headphone loading. Combined with the buffer circuits, this greatly improves control, sustains higher loading, and reduces output impedance. This circuit design pays homage to the headphone amplifier circuit of the classic N8 DAP.
Let's start with an all-rounder
Instead of diving too deeply into technical details, let's summarize the main features of the N6iii with the C201 audio motherboard: 1.Long battery life: The CS43 Despite the eight DACs, the N6iii – equipped with a 9000 mAh battery – can achieve a balanced PO output for 12 hours and an unbalanced PO output for over 14 hours. 2. 3. 4.
Low heat generation
Our tests show that after more than three hours of continuous operation, the surface temperature only rose by about 7 degrees thanks to the low power consumption of the DAC and the circuit design.
Powerful specifications
With its advanced DAC architecture, volume control and circuit design, the N6iii delivers impressive performance. At the 4.4mm balanced PO, it achieves a dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB with a total harmonic distortion of 108 dB (0.0004%).
Comprehensive functionality
As the first audio motherboard for the N6iii, the C201 offers balanced performance and powerful features. In addition to the PO (headphone output), it also supports a fully independent LO (line output) for unbalanced and balanced connections, allowing users to easily connect external amplifiers.
For the record, our subsequent audio motherboard will take a specialized approach. We will try to deliver ultimate performance in a compact form factor by focusing on one specific feature at a time.
sound characteristics
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 tight, deep bass response.
To reiterate, whether you focus on technical specifications or sound descriptions, the true value of a hi-fi product can only be fully appreciated through hands-on listening. The ear is the final judge.
