Cayin R202 - Dual R2R/1 -bit DAC Audio Motherboard for Cayin N6III DAP

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Delivery time approx. 1-2 weeks

The new R202 motherboard for the Cayin N6III builds on the success of the legendary N6II-R01 and delivers a sound previously reserved only for R2R flagship DAPs. With a dual R2R/1-bit DAC, fully discrete architecture, and three sound modes, Cayin raises the bar even higher and offers truly incredible value!

Fully discrete, fully symmetrical dual DAC architecture

Contains 320 ultra-precise thin-film resistors with an accuracy of 0.1% (1/1000).
The discrete R-2R PCM DAC consists of 192 high-precision 0.1% thin-film resistors in a symmetrical 24-bit DAC configuration and supports native PCM decoding up to 384 kHz.

The discrete 1-bit DSD DAC consists of 128 high-precision 0.1% thin-film resistors in a symmetric 1-bit DAC architecture and supports native DSD256 decoding.

Dual digital audio processor

Equipped with powerful algorithmic processing, the R202 supports decoding up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD512 with sample rate and format conversion.

Three decoding modes: Auto, R-2R and 1-bit

Auto mode – Intelligent format matching. In Auto mode, the system intelligently selects the optimal DAC architecture based on the source format—PCM signals are decoded by the R-2R DAC, while DSD signals are processed by the 1-bit DAC. This seamless switching ensures that each decoding occurs with maximum performance, delivering authentic, faithful sound reproduction that preserves the full character and nuances of the original recording.

R-2R mode: Delivers a rich, smooth and emotionally engaging sound with a room-filling, relaxed reproduction.

1-bit mode: Provides a more natural reproduction of high harmonics with a clear soundstage and precise imaging.

Four-channel, fully balanced headphone amplifier

The amplifier section, based on a fully symmetrical DAC architecture, uses six OPA1612 and OPA1662 operational amplifiers to form a fully symmetrical differential signal chain. Four INA1620 operational amplifiers form the four-channel symmetrical headphone amplifier with two parallel internal channels per chip and four chip-symmetrical drives.

This enables full differential amplification of analog audio signals and ensures precise detail reproduction and exceptional dynamics.

Matrix-structured design for clean power supply

The headphone amplifier is powered by a powerful dual-polarity boost power supply based on the LT8582, which uses LC filtering to ensure an extremely clean power supply with ripple suppression in the microvolt range, thus significantly improving the dynamics during load fluctuations.

The DAC and operational amplifiers are powered by a matrix of TPS61087 and TPS61240 converters, followed by seven ultra-low-noise LDOs that independently power the digital, analog, and clock sections. This minimizes noise density and provides a robust foundation for high-resolution audio output.

Four-channel precise analog volume control

Uses the fully symmetrical volume control chip JRC NJW1195, which allows 256-step adjustment in 0.5 dB increments.Through rigorous parameter analysis and acoustic tuning, 100 core levels were carefully selected to ensure low distortion and excellent channel balance across the entire adjustment range – for pure sound quality with precise and efficient volume control.

Headphone output only: Pure and functional

Within the limited space of the circuit board, a dedicated audio circuit architecture was carefully optimized for direct load drive with fully symmetrical signal transmission and amplification.

The R202 has only a PO (Phone Out) output with no LO (Line Out) function – a design decision made to ensure the purity and focus of the audio output.

Battery life

Technical details