Review: Cayin Ru6 – Many Firsts

Bringing analog musicality to the transportable virtual global.

The Cayin RU6 is getting a bit lengthy within the teeth, given the never-ending torrent of latest dongle DAC/amps. Is it simply me, or does it look like each and every corporate has created near-countless fashions over the previous few years?

For probably the most section, the dongles are all nearly indistinguishable, sharing the similar elementary options, form, measurement, and, in lots of circumstances, extremely equivalent sonic efficiency.

Besides lengthy after the unique free up of the RU6 (past due 2021), it stays a unique product worthy of consideration.

The RU6 is a manufactured from firsts.

It’s the first dongle DAC/amp created by way of mythical audio corporate Cayin and the primary dongle to make use of a discrete 24-bit R-2R (resistor ladder) chipset. Additionally it is probably the most reasonably priced R-2R DAC to be had.

Excluding for the Hiby FC6 and Cayin RU7, the RU6 has nearly no direct R-2R competition. This may occasionally most probably be defined by way of the straightforward reality that ordinary delta-sigma (D-S) chipset-based DACs are more straightforward and less expensive to put into effect.

Or it can be as a result of R-2R DACs measure objectively worse, and skimming tech specifications is a straightforward approach for shoppers to check those gadgets and for firms to market it.

Lovers will throw round phrases like ‘analog-sounding,’ ‘tube-like,’ or ‘musical’ to explain R-2R DACs. Others will flip their noses up at any tool that in all probability provides distortion to the audio chain.

Does a new tackle an old style strategy to virtual audio conversion in point of fact be offering one thing higher for the listener? There’s just one strategy to to find out.

Unboxing and First Impact

Design and Construct

For such an extraordinary tool, the RU6 adopts the usual dongle form and measurement with a unmarried USB-c port on one finish and two (3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced) headphone jacks at the different. In the beginning look, it’s simple to disregard the extraordinary era contained inside.

Upon shut inspection, the 28g aluminum frame does lift itself above the usual fare.

All of the ports are gold-plated, and the entrance floor is glass, housing a 1-inch OLED display screen for menu navigation. The highest has 3 small buttons (quantity +/-, mode) that experience a lovely tactile click on. Each most sensible and backside are reasonably angled outwards, which supplies a satisfying feeling in hand.

Controls

Merely plug the integrated USB-c cable (and, if required, USB-A adapter) right into a DAP or Apple/Android/Home windows tool, and the display screen will light up with the Cayin . The display screen will exchange to turn the quantity, achieve, sampling price, and sampling (NOS/OS) mode. After a couple of seconds, the show will close off to handle the battery lifetime of the supply tool.

Brief press the mode button to show the display screen on or off. Lengthy press the mode button to go into the straightforward menu settings.

• Achieve: Prime/Low
• Sampling: NOS/OS
• Backlight: 10s-60s, On

Oversampling OS and Non-Oversampling NOS modes

If you are most probably acquainted with low and high achieve choices, R-2R DACs ceaselessly be offering the facility to change between oversampling (OS) and non-oversampling (NOS) modes. In a nutshell, the RU6’s OS mode makes use of virtual filters to upsample all audio knowledge to 384kHz, whilst the NOS mode maintains the unique sampling price.

OS advantages are touted as diminished noise and stepped forward decision, leading to cleaner presentation and enhanced main points. NOS mode improves segment distortion and decreases artifacts and jitter, leading to smoother, extra euphonic playback. Or in order that they declare.

Battery

The use of my elementary FNIRSi FNB48 USB energy meter, I measured between 0.11-0.35A energy draw relying at the headphone load. This interprets to a wonderfully affordable energy intake, on par with different delta-sigma dongles I’ve measured.

To not concern, the RU6 isn’t an influence hog.

Beneath the Hood

For the ones involved that an R-2R kind DAC can’t care for high-resolution recordsdata, let me set your thoughts comfortable. The RU6 can decode as much as 24-bit, 384kHz PCM and 256DSD. Whilst those aren’t the best conceivable values, it’s greater than sufficient to care for maximum hi-res recordsdata you are going to most probably come upon.

An R-2R DAC should have two times the selection of resistors in keeping with channel because the selection of ‘bits’ being decoded. So, 24-bit deciphering calls for (24 x 2 = 48 x 2 channel stereo =) 96 discrete resistors. The RU6 makes use of 0.1% ultra-precision TCR25 skinny movie resistors on this case.

The analog and virtual circuits are break up between two forums to attenuate noise.

Analog resistor quantity keep an eye on

I very much respect the bodily quantity keep an eye on buttons at the RU6. Throughout the tool is a artful aggregate of extra resistors and relays that translate to 99 steps of analog quantity manipulation. Masses to exactly dial to your most well-liked loudness.

Whilst it is a extremely correct means of quantity keep an eye on, using relays implies that the sound might be every now and then muted momentarily when converting the quantity. It’s a bit off-putting when first the usage of the RU6, however I quickly were given used to it as I have a tendency to be a ‘set it and overlook it’ roughly listener.

How Does the RU6 Sound?

With lower than 1 Ohm of output impedance, the RU6 performs effectively with mainly any IEMs or headphones.

Despite the fact that the form and measurement of the dongle are fairly extraordinary, Cayin got down to do one thing other with the RU6. Braving the extra value and complexity of an R-2R design is handiest definitely worth the hassle if it brings one thing particular to the desk.

So, used to be it price it? Does the RU6 sound other than Delta-Sigma DACs? Does it sound higher?

Neatly, sure. Sorta.

The variations aren’t fairly as dramatic as you (or I) may be expecting.

The RU6 is a quite blank, uncolored, and natural-sounding dongle. It maintains superb transparency and backbone. Element retrieval is first rate, and the influence of house and soundstage turns out no less than on par with excellent D-S dongle DACs.

What it does properly is to keep away from harshness.

Despite the fact that, from time to time, after I use the NOS surroundings, I believe issues might sound a slightly hazy – a delicate distortion on sharper notes. It’s no longer bothersome and is elusive sufficient that it can be creativeness on my section. Like I stated, it’s delicate.

Simply as nebulous are the audible variations between the OS and NOS modes. With my essential listening ears screwed in position and the usage of superb IEMs, the audio positioning cues could also be a slightly extra outlined the usage of OS mode, leading to a crisper and extra clear general sound.

Alternatively, isn’t NOS mode the purpose of an R-2R DAC?

Maximum of my listening used the NOS mode. This fashion, it’s doing the task in a extra outdated approach – none of this newfangled upsampling and the like. Sure, I could also be delusional, however isn’t this – no less than in part – what R-2R DAC customers are after?

To my ears, the NOS mode sounds softer and fuller. It’s a slightly extra vocal-centric and hotter within the midrange. Tube amps and antique stereos enchantment to me, so I can sacrifice one of the best constancy for a extra real-feeling and visceral musical presentation.

The NOS mode scratches the itch for a ‘large’ sound.

Once more, let me tension that the diversities in point of fact are lovely slight, and also you received’t in an instant really feel the song has been dipped in buttery syrup with NOS mode enabled. Nor does OS mode scream “virtual” to me.

I be expecting to many listeners, no less than in part, that the excitement of the usage of this tool will come from realizing there’s an R-2R DAC within the RU6. But when no person informed you, chances are you’ll by no means suspect it’s hugely other inside of than another competent dongle – without reference to the tech used.

Sadly, I every now and then run into undesirable noise from my telephone. I are living in a digital useless zone for mobile protection, and when my telephone is going into repeated looking for sign mode, I will be able to on occasion listen humming and interference. YMMV (and most probably will) in response to your telephone and protection. Disabling mobile on my telephone fixes the problem.

Comparisons

You’ll be able to make a selection one of the most highest D-S DAC dongles, the Shanling UA5, for roughly the similar value (at a little bit over USD$200). The UA5 boasts a surprisingly wealthy function set and very good sound.

Each gadgets use a small OLED display screen for deciding on choices, are of equivalent measurement and development, and feature balanced and SE headphone outputs with just about same output energy. Neither comes with USB-c to Lightning cables. I choose the sizeable rotating quantity keep an eye on/button at the UA5 to the RU6’s tiny buttons.

The UA5 makes use of twin ESS ES9038Q2M chips, and helps 32-bit/768kHz/DSD512, as in comparison to the RU6 24-bit/384kHz/DSD256. That is of doubtful significance in general sound high quality.

So, in point of fact, it comes right down to which one sounds higher. I be expecting that, on the whole, maximum other folks will choose the UA5.

Listen me out. The UA5 sounds blank and actual – no veil, distortion, or undesirable artifacts exist. On the other hand, in direct comparability with the RU6, chances are you’ll to find the UA5 a slightly lean and medical. But it surely provides a constant efficiency that sounds excellent with the rest you plug into it.

The RU6 is meatier, deeper, and extra grounded sounding than the UA5. It will paintings exceptionally properly with some brighter IEMs and headphones and no more properly with others. It’s a fairly extra coloured sound that may make magic or fall a bit flatter than the tried-and-true sound of the UA5.

The place to Purchase

Who Will have to Purchase This?

The RU6 is an ideal spouse piece when you personal a very good D-S dongle. Fairly than purchasing a nearly identical-sounding dongle with a reasonably other chipset, it’s properly price trying out what R-2R provides.

I be expecting the Cayin RU6 is perhaps to enchantment to these audiophiles excited by equipment that imparts ‘persona’ to the song they concentrate to; tube amp junkies, vinyl creditors, antique stereo geeks, and so forth. Dare I say, fanatics of all issues analog?

The RU6 in point of fact isn’t for many who chase the best specifications, cleanest output, and maximum actual measurements or those that imagine that accuracy is paramount. If you happen to prioritize removing all distortion within the sonic chain, you will have to imagine a dongle just like the Shanling UA5.

Some equipment is designed round the main that musical enjoyment can’t be discovered within the tech specifications and measurements – an ethos that accepts that (in all probability) the best constancy will also be compromised for a extra euphonic listener revel in.

Ultimate Ideas

I had excessive hopes for my first R-2R revel in and the RU6. Bringing R-2R tech to the hundreds with a tiny, reasonably priced dongle isn’t any small accomplishment. Such a lot of issues can have long gone unsuitable, however the RU6 is a luck.

Possibly my expectancies that the RU6 will have to sound ‘extra other’ than different terrific D-S DACs had been erroneous. Realistically, the audible distinction can’t be that vital and now have the song sound correct and right kind. Fairly than anticipating kale after I ordered a steak, I will have to have identified that the RU6 would supply other seasonings to an already implausible meal.

Admittedly, I’m the objective target market for a product just like the RU6. It’s a very easy purchase for audiophile creditors on the lookout for one thing as opposed to the extraordinary. It guarantees a extra analog revel in hidden inside a standard-looking tool.

If a part of your listening excitement will also be present in realizing how the song will get on your ears, the RU6 delivers that at the move. Simply be ready on your non-audiophile pals to glaze over and have a look at you as if you’re talking Martian while you check out to give an explanation for why it’s so particular.

What’s within the Field?

• Cayin RU6
• USB-c to USB-c OTG cable
• USB-c to USB-a adapter
• Consumer handbook
• Hello-Res stickers

Technical Specs

• Shape: Dongle DAC/amp
• DAC: 384kHz/DSD256
• Dynamic Vary: SE: 109dB (20Hz-20kHz, A-Weighted), Balanced: 110dB (20Hz-20kHz, A-Weighted)
• Output Energy: SE: 138mW@32ohms, Balanced: 213mW@32ohms
• Impedance (Ohm): 0.5 Ohms
• Weight (g): 28g
• Measurement: 65×25.4×13.7mm