Cayin - iDAC-8

The Cayin iDAC-8 is equipped with high-performance DAC chipsets, the AK4191 and dual AK4499EX. This DAC chipset setup allows for a fully balanced operation, ensuring high-quality digital-to-analog conversion of your music data. It processes high-resolution audio formats, including DSD512 decoding and PCM up to 32Bit/768kHz, providing exceptional audio quality and fidelity. What makes this configuration noteworthy is that each channel of the Cayin iDAC-8 is powered by its own AK4499EX chip. This design ensures that the Cayin iDAC-8 always operates in MONO mode, which maximises the potential of the AK4499EX chipset within a fully balanced circuit. 

The Cayin iDAC-8 features two distinct timbre circuits. One based on vacuum tubes and the other on solid-state technology. In the vacuum tube timbre circuit, the 6H6b-B Dual-Triode tube works as a cathode follower, providing a warm and rich sound in your music. The tube paired with two triodes works together simultaneously to increase the power for driving current and minimise noise levels. A fast-switching MOSFET from Vishay serves as the second stage for voltage following. On the other hand, the solid-state timbre circuit utilises high-performance dual-channel operational amplifiers. These op-amps from Texas Instruments are low-noise and deliver precise audio reproduction. The balanced configuration in a tube and solid-state timbre circuits involves two tubes or op-amps per channel. The single-ended setup uses only one tube or op-amp per channel. This balanced and single-ended timbre circuit configuration in the Cayin iDAC-8 offers you flexibility. You can choose between different tonal characteristics and performance levels based on your preferences.

The Cayin iDAC-8 offers dual analog outputs with versatile connectivity options that suit your different amplifier setups. You can easily switch between Pre Out and Line Out modes at the touch of a button. The Pre-Out mode provides variable output with volume control, ideal for connecting to power amplifiers and active speakers. In contrast, the Line Out mode offers a fixed level output without volume control, suitable for integrated amplifiers. The connectivity options in the Cayin iDAC-8 include single-ended analog output (RCA), balanced analog output (XLR), AES/EBU digital input (XLR), optical digital input (Toslink), I2S digital input (HDMI), coaxial digital inputs (RCA and BNC), and USB audio digital input. Cayin has featured the iDAC-8 with a high-precision volume controller, the NJW1195AV, which operates in the analog domain for transparent and accurate playback, ensuring excellent audio quality and consistency between channels.

The Cayin iDAC-8 equips an advanced power system designed for ultra-low noise and high performance. It features in-house designed toroidal power supply transformers with a rated power of up to 45W, ensuring stable and clean power delivery. The main filter capacitors include specialised audio-grade aluminium electrolytic capacitors from Nichicon- 6 x 3300uF and 2 X 4700uF, providing efficient power filtering. For the 6H6b-B anode power supply and Op-Amp power supply, the dedicated 250V220uF capacitors and servo stabilising circuits work in conjunction to maintain excellent voltage stabilisation, low noise and low ripple. The DAC Power Supply in Cayin iDAC-8 utilises cascaded CLC enhanced filtering with ultra-low noise LDOS from TI and Analog Devices, delivering clean power to critical components. To provide a clean audio experience with your Cayin iDAC-8, it features four opamps for the IV conversion, while another two sets manage the LPF, ensuring outstanding audio quality across the entire signal chain.

Cayin has crafted the iDAC-8 in a compact and meticulous sleek body. Being a compact audio device, it effortlessly agrees into home audio setups or desktop environments. Its design features an L-shaped aluminium cover plate crafted with precision mould extrusion, CNC machining, fine sandblasting and anodised surface treatment. These components ensure a durable texture that maintains its quality over time. The left and right side panels of the Cayin iDAC-8 are designed as ridged heat sinks, providing additional surface area for improved heat dissipation and enhancing its overall thermal performance. This optimised design condition enables the Cayin iDAC-8 to deliver its peak performance consistently, ensuring an exceptional audio experience.

Cayin has designed the iDAC-8 to seamlessly blend with the Cayin i-series lineup, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. Its design features an exquisite and compact structure that complements the aesthetics of its companions, the iDAP-8 digital streamer and the iHA-8 headphone amplifier. This similar design language across the i-series products enhances their visual appeal and ensures an elevated user experience. Whether used individually or in combination, each product maintains its unique functionality while harmonising effortlessly within a complete audio setup. This design approach reflects Cayin's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail but also offers users the flexibility to create personalised audio configurations tailored to their preferences and needs.