The Cayin iDAC-8 is equipped with high-performance DAC chipsets, the AK4191 plus dual AK4499EX. This DAC chipset configuration 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 — one for left, and one for right. This design ensures that the Cayin iDAC-8's chips always operate in mono mode, which maximizes the potential of the AK4499EX chipset within a fully balanced circuit. As a result, the Cayin iDAC-8 delivers exceptional audio performance, taking full advantage of the capabilities of the AK4499EX DAC chipset for both channels.
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 6H16B-B Dual-Triode tube provides a warm and rich sound in your music. The tube is paired with two triodes, works together simultaneously to increase the power for driving current and minimize noise levels. A fast-switching MOSFET from Vishay serves as the second stage for voltage following.
The solid-state timbre circuit utilizes high-performance dual-channel operational amplifiers. These op-amps from Texas Instruments are low-noise and deliver precise audio reproduction.The clean sound from this setting provides the utmost of accuracy and transparency.
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.
Selectable dual output mode.
Pre Out: variable output (with volume control) suitable with power amplifier and active speakers.
Line Out: fixed level output (bypassing volume control) suitable for use with integrated amplifiers that have their own volume control.
The iHA-8 features an in-house designed toroidal power transformer for noise-free audio performance, with quality rarely found at this price point. It's a testament to Cayin's engineering prowess.
Volume control plays an important role when Preamp mode is engaged. On top of providing a precise adjustment, it is the key to transparent and accurate playback.
The NJW1195AV volume controller in iDAC-8 adjusts volume via a 4-channel low noise, low distortion resistance ladder circuit that offers good inter-channel consistency and a highly accurate audio experience.
While controlled electronically, the volume is adjusted purely in the analog domain.
The new Cayin i-Series features an L-shaped aluminium cover plate, precision mould extrusion, CNC precision machining, fine sandblasting, and anodized surface treatment. The DAC has a uniform texture, designed to be durable over time. The left and right side panels are designed as ridged heat sinks — the resulting extra surface area enhances heat exchange and improves heat dissipation capacity.
