STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Cayin N3-Ultra mobile digital audio player offers good entertainment in every respect: you can experience your songs with transistor and tube timbre again and again and change the digital filter characteristics from time to time,
Pros
- Very balanced and spatial sound
- Tube and transistor timbre selectable
- Three-stage gain adjustment
Cons
- The MicroSD card is difficult to insert and remove
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Sound9.8
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Usability / Connectivity9.3
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Price/Performance9.5
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The new Cayin N3-Ultra succeeds a successful predecessor: In 2020, Cayin set a milestone with the presentation of the N3-Pro DAP. This device was the first in its price class to use the JAN 6418 NOS vacuum tubes from US defense contractor Raytheon – components that were originally developed for military purposes, such as in mobile radios. This unique configuration with this new-old-stock pentode enabled the N3-Pro to deliver a very special sound experience. It combined the warm, rich tones of dual tube timbres (triode and ultra-linear) with the clarity of solid-state audio. The user could select their preferred sound tuning at the touch of a button. Its high mobility, long battery life, low heat generation and affordable price quickly made the N3-Pro one of Cayin’s bestsellers.
Three and a half years later, Cayin aims to redefine portable audio once again with the launch of its latest high-resolution digital audio player, the N3-Ultra. The N3-Ultra builds on the robust foundation of its predecessor. As mentioned, it continues to use Raytheon’s JAN 6418 tubes. However, the successor to the throne benefits from optimized circuitry and structural improvements that enhance the integration of these tubes into a portable hi-resolution audio player.
Technical sophistication meets tonal refinement
The biggest challenge in using vacuum tubes in a portable audio device is controlling their microphonic effects and susceptibility to interference. However, Cayin has been able to significantly improve the stability of the operating current of the tube circuits and protect them from microphonics with special silicone bearings for enhanced sound quality. The included transparent silicone cover also protects the N3-Ultra from scratches.
In addition to the transistor mode, the Cayin N3-Ultra offers two different tube timbres (Classic and Modern ), which can be used via both the headphone and line level outputs. This represents an improvement on the N3-Pro, which was unable to offer this level of flexibility. In addition, the N3-Ultra achieves the same output power regardless of whether you use its tube and transistor output stages. But the sound individualization is not limited to the different output stages.
In the settings of the DAP, which is easy to operate thanks to the home button under the touch screen, there are also various digital filter characteristics that the user can switch between. However, these differences, which affect the slope and phase behavior, are known to be very subtle. As a result, there is no danger of accidentally bending the sound. This could happen to a layman in conjunction with the sophisticated parametric equalizer. This is why Cayin has integrated an easily controllable graphic equalizer for less experienced users.
Technical ingredients of the upper class
At the heart of the Cayin N3-Ultra are two Asahi Kasei AKM 4493S DAC chips. The two 32-bit D/A converters with a maximum sampling frequency of 768 kHz for PCM audio and support for DSD512 are configured in MONO differential mode. The device features a JRC NJW1195A analog volume control and delivers a maximum output power of 600 mW at its balanced 4.4 mm headphone output. The data sheet shows a distortion factor of only 0.008% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. A notable improvement is the ability to use the balanced 4.4 mm output in tube mode. This function was not yet available on the N3-Pro.
Ease of use is further enhanced by an Android-based system with a 4.1-inch HD TFT LCD touchscreen and a redesigned, audio-centric user interface. With this, Cayin ensures seamless navigation through an intuitive user interface that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, many of the touch command targets are quite tiny and therefore not easy to hit with a finger. In any case, Cayin has done a very good job of returning to the top menu level with the illuminated home button.
Performance and mobility in perfect harmony
One of the outstanding features of the N3-Ultra is its battery life. Equipped with a 4500 mAh battery that supports fast charging, the device offers up to 12 hours of playback time in 3.5 mm single-ended transistor mode and over 8 hours in classic tube mode on the balanced 4.4 mm output. With a weight of only 200 grams and its compact dimensions, the N3-Ultra is ideal for use on the go. Its advanced circuit design ensures reliable temperature control and makes it an everyday companion for long listening sessions.
The question remains: Where does the music come from? On the left-hand side of the high-quality aluminum housing, there is a small slot for the somewhat awkward insertion (danger to fingernails) of MicroSD cards with a storage capacity of 1 TB. Many digital audio players (DAP) don’t actually need memory these days, as they have Wi-Fi and provide access to online music services such as Spotify or Amazon Music. The Cayin consistently does without this and because a great deal of effort has been put into its output stages, there is also no need for a Bluetooth interface to use wireless headphones with this concept. Incidentally, the combination of high-frequency transmitters/receivers such as WLAN or Bluetooth in a device with radiation-sensitive tube audio circuits is not exactly obvious.
The USB-A port on the underside is not just for outputting music. You can also use the Cayin N3-Ultra as an external DAC for a computer or smart device. You can also use your streaming services in this way in conjunction with the audiophile headphone amplifier of the mobile DAP. However, you have to select the appropriate USB mode from three options (charging, file transfer or USB DAC) in the settings.
This is what the Cayin N3-Ultra sounds like
In order to explore the immense possibilities of the two different tube modes and the transistor timbre, we tried out various high-quality headphones: First and foremost among these was the excellent Beyerdynamic Xelento 2, which we reviewed in the wireless version. However, thanks to its outsourced active electronics, the super in-ear from Heilbronn can also be operated like passive earphones on a cable with a 3.5 mm jack plug.
The Teufel Real Blue Pro, which we also used for the sound test as an over-ear in the upper price range with a very good sound rating, can also be used on the wire. I was not surprised that the Cayin N3-Ultra delivered an extremely strong performance with both. After all, I had already reviewed the Cayin C9 headphone amplifier with tubes years ago for AUDIO 06/21 magazine and found it to be good. At that time, however, it didn’t use classic military tubes, but modern Korg Nutube 6P1 (Direct Heated Triodes, DHT for short).
In view of the widespread clichés, I found the slight difference between the transistor output stage and the two tube modes much more surprising after such a long time. Yes, there was a difference in the bass, which was a little tighter with the transistor, but at the same time seemed less rich. There was also an audible difference in vocals, although this is difficult to put into words. Rather, it can be said that the brass of cymbals with both tube modes somehow sounded more concise, finer and simply more authentic. More like brass.
Classic and modern collide in the Cayin N3-Ultra
The differences between the tube mode in “Classic” and “Modern” mode were even more subtle. What seems more beautiful is not only extremely subjective and subtle, it depends above all on the recording. I wouldn’t give either “Classic” or the tube mode itself the traditional title of “warmer” compared to the transistor output stage – even if the Raytheon tubes of the Cayin N3-Ultra need a few seconds to warm up after each switchover. With the old-school technology, it sounds more glamorous, more “golden” than warmer.
The highs in particular come out of the two different headphones more impressively, but without any sharpness. In combination with the excellent Beyerdynamic Xelento 2, this creates a sound image for fine spirits, who can enjoy a width and spaciousness rarely heard with in-ears. Here, precision is created without any penetrance or harshness. The melting sound is unique and turns classical music into an experience that is unparalleled, especially among ear canal headphones. Jazz and singer/songwriters such as Tori Amos also sound extremely delicate, homogeneous and spacious, especially with live recordings.
For electronic music, hip hop and everything that needs to sound not only ultra-precise in the bass, as with the Xelento in-ear, but also particularly voluminous and powerful, the combination of a transistor timbre and a good over-ear like the Teufel is recommended, which we used for the sound test for sound reasons, but which we would not necessarily recommend for the Cayin N3-Ultra – unless you want to use it from time to time via Bluetooth with your smartphone. The best combination in terms of punch and speed was the transistor mode, but the performance in tube mode also had plenty of drive and charm.
Cayin N3-Ultra conclusion and alternatives
With the Cayin N3-Ultra, the tube specialist from China is once again taking a step forward with its HR players for your pocket, which are highly valued by audiophiles. The predecessor caused a sensation, but the small improvements show that the brand is taking up the wishes of users and implementing them at an affordable price despite the high level of effort and solid workmanship. Thanks to the various output stages with different timbres and the three-stage gain adjustment, the DAP can be perfectly tuned to the respective headphones. In terms of price, the Cayin is so far ahead of the Astell&Kern KANN Ultra high-resolution player reviewed in conjunction with the Austrian Audio “The Composer” that we are not presenting an alternative here.
Cayin N3-Ultra: Technical data
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 650 euros
- Type: Hi-Res digital audio player with tube circuitry
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.6 x 12.5 x 1.95 cm
- Weight: 204 g
- Special features: Transistor and tube timbre, line output, USB input/output; tempered glass protective film, silicone case and USB-C cable included in delivery
- Digital audio formats: DSF, DFF, SACD-ISO, WAV, AIF/AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AFF, APE, WMA Lossless, WMA, MP3, AAC, OGG, OPUS
- More at: cayin.com
