Cayin RU6 R2R DAC/AMP

As I was working on this review and thinking about RU6 and Cayin’s recent announcement of the upcoming N8ii flagship model, I realized that we no longer have the need for entry level DAPs.  Now, it all comes down to feature-packed mid-fi DAP releases and summit-fi price-no-object flagship releases.  And these new advanced usb DAC/amp dongles are becoming replacements for entry level DAPs, turning your smartphone into the high-res DAP for use with IEMs and headphones which are not super demanding.  And if you really need something ultra-portable while exercising, grab your TWS earphones and leave your smartphone a few feet behind.

But RU6 is more then just turning your smartphone into DAP or enhancing your laptop with external audio interface.  This is a piece of technology (discrete R-2R DAC) which until now was available either in advanced desktop audio systems or in a few of the recent DAPs.  Now, you can take this 28g dongle and “upgrade” your smartphone with a discrete R-2R DAC.  Let that sink in.  And of course, this is not just a cool tech, but a piece of audio gear that gives you a natural analog tonality with a resolving sound and NOS implementation.  And just because I’m talking about natural smooth analog tonality, I didn’t find it to compromise the resolution of the sound or the retrieval of details.

And last, but not least, I did mention that R01 gave N6ii a second wind.  But, if you are into streaming, sooner or later you will face limitations of outdated Android OS which is inevitable in case of N6ii (on Android 8).  Having R-2R usb DAC/amp dongle and being independent of OS, futureproofs your investment and gives you a longevity for years to come since you are no longer tied up to DAC chips and their procurement.  The only thing I wish for is to have this tech in a dongle with a Bluetooth/LDAC to cut all the wires.  Maybe one day!

Cayin RU6

The Cayin RU6 offers a different “analog” approach in the world of highly integrated delta-sigma chipset packages and DSP filters. One that preserves a tube-like musical quality but with much finer volume control and packed within a favorable form factor.

I have never imagined an R-2R dongle could come alive let alone offer oversampling features and step volume features on USB-powered devices. It gives the system a lot of flexibility and modern technicalities yet still deliver a distinctly natural sound with a lot of character.

Cayin RU6 Review