Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and AmpFrom $85.00 |
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RU3 is powered by a single ESS ES9069Q DAC in a dual-channel configuration, built around ESS’s latest HyperStream IV Dual DAC architecture and advanced SABRE HiFi technology. Each channel features its own independent op-amp stage, delivering pinpoint signal precision and outstanding channel separation.
A dedicated LDO power system and ultra–low phase noise crystal oscillator further refine performance, reducing distortion and crosstalk to vanishing levels. The result is a soundstage that opens up with greater width and depth, unveiling layers of crystal-clear detail and breathtaking musical realism.
RU3 is built with two TI OPA1602 op-amps for high-precision I/V conversion and line driving, paired with two SGM8262 low-noise amplifiers to form a fully balanced quad-drive design.
In Hyper Mode, RU3 delivers greater output power and extended dynamic range while maintaining exceptional stability and tonal purity. Distortion and noise are effectively minimized, ensuring accurate imaging, a wider soundstage, and a deeply immersive listening experience.

RU3 integrates a high-efficiency power management system with intelligent energy control, delivering high output while maintaining optimal efficiency. Users can switch between HYP/STD modes to adjust output levels for different listening environments. Its advanced regulation circuitry ensures stable, high-fidelity sound in both modes, completely free from USB power constraints.
Hyper (HYP) Mode
Up to 50mW of power output. Effortlessly drives a wide range of headphones with full dynamics and clarity.
Standard (STD) Mode
Reduces power load on mobile devices. Lowers consumption and heat for cooler, more efficient operation.
RU3 is powered by the SPV5068 processor with a high-performance RISC-V dual-core audio architecture. This design offers low latency, high compatibility, and outstanding energy efficiency, significantly reducing distortion and noise for a cleaner background and richer detail. Supporting 32-bit / 768kHz PCM and native DSD512, RU3 delivers high-resolution playback that meets the demands of true audiophiles.

Cayin Control App
RU3 integrates seamlessly with the Cayin Control App, providing intuitive access to essential audio settings. RU3 features a 10-band high-precision lossless EQ for in-depth sound customization in the app.
3.5mm + 4.4mm Phone/Line Output
Despite its compact size, RU3 delivers outstanding output capability. Selectable high/low gain modes match various headphone impedances.
Broad Compatibility
RU3 offers seamless compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS systems, allowing flexible switching between UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modules.
Elegant and Portable
The DAC/amp features a unibody CNC-milled chassis made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. Its anodized surface finish forms a dense oxide layer that enhances both durability and metallic texture.
This is a great dongle. Excellent build quality and sound. Only gripe is the small screen which is hard for my old eyes.
This is a fantastic little dongle. Particularly great for headphones and some IEMs that need some juice to drive. Provides some great articulation and punch to the sound. Not having to charge or replace a battery is also helpful. Among all the great portable DAC options out there, this one is my favorite.
This little DAC has a great sound and makes my connected devices sound fantastic. Was skeptical at this price point that it would deliver great sound but this was a pleasant surprise. Had always believed the more money you spend the better the product but this purchase proves otherwise.
And the final icing on the cake is the wonderful customer service received when purchasing from Bloom Audio. They will always be my first choice when purchasing any audio products. You will not be disappointed!
The Cayin RU3 is tiny, stylish, and way more powerful than it looks. Also, the purple version just makes me happy every time I pick it up.
What it does: turns your phone into a legit portable audio setup with surprising output and clean performance.
How it does it: compact DAC/amp design with enough power to handle most IEMs and even some harder-to-drive gear without breaking a sweat.
Who it’s for: anyone who wants real audio performance in a pocketable form factor.
Power is the standout. For something this small, it hits harder than expected and keeps things controlled.
The micro screen is a bit tough to read, especially if your aging eyes aren’t what they used to be (self directed gripe). Tweaking the brightness helps, but it’s still on the tiny side.
The magnetic system is a mixed bag. It comes with a sticker magnet for your phone, but the hold isn’t very strong and it can slip off, so I wouldn’t rely on it.
That said, it’s so compact it doesn’t really matter. It fits perfectly into my ddHiFi CZ120 case alongside my cable and IEMs, which makes it an easy grab-and-go setup.
Kaiju rating: 4 out of 5
Pocket kaiju. Small, powerful, a little quirky, but easy to love.
Sounds great, better sound stage and imiging than ths RU6 and RU7 which surprised me but a delta sigma from ESS prol has some new voodo in it. It sounds good and can drive my iems perfectly, honestly, the RU6 drives all my iems perfectly and sounds better than the RU7 and RU3 with certain live music. But none the less the RU3 is a steal at this price. BTW, if your units buttons for volume up and down are not working correctly, you need to be gentle with them, then they'll work correctly but over all i would reccommend the RU3 ir sounds as good as the questyle m15i or better andfor this price its a steal. Get it from bloom because their a US based company and not alibaba/express or whatever its called.