Name: Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp
Brand: Cayin
SKU: CAY-RU3-LC
Price: 99.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp x3 standing front left 3 quarter angle in a row whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp x3 standing rear left 3 quarter in a row whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp light cyan front center whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp black front center whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp purple front center whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp light cyan rear face down whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp purple rear face down whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp black rear face down whitebox

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp x3 rear face down in a row closeup whitebox

$99.00

Color

Light Cyan

Black

Purple

Engineered for Precision and Portability, RU3 Packs High-Precision Decoding and Dynamic Power into a Sleek, Pocket-Sized Form

Built around ESS ES9069Q high-performance DAC
Hyper Mode full output: 560mW + 560mW (32ohms)
Decoding up to 768kHz/32bit DSD512
0.96-inch IPS color display
Protective case available

Audiophile-Grade DAC

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.

Unleash Dynamic Performance

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.

Cayin RU3 dac/amp x3 lying on desk in three colors birdseye view with open macbook and three smart phones on each side

HYP/STD Dual Power Modes

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.

Dual-Core Audio Architecture

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 RU3 dac/amp processor whitebox

Additional Features

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.

Specifications

USB Audio Bridge: SPV5068 (RISC-V Dual-Core)
DAC Chip: ESS ES9069Q
Output: 3.5mm SE / 4.4mm BAL (PO/LO shared)
Power Output
- 3.5mm: 180 mW + 180 mW (32ohms)
- 4.4mm: 560 mW + 560 mW (32 ohms)
Supported Formats: PCM 32-bit/768kHz, Native DSD512
SNR: 115dB (SE) / 117dB (BAL)
THD+N: 0.0018% (SE) / 0.0015% (BAL)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz (+- 0.2dB)
Dimensions: 60mm x 25.4mm x 11mm
Weight: 24g

In the Box

Cayin RU3 DAC/amp
USB-C cable

[{"id":41844000817227,"title":"Light Cyan","option1":"Light Cyan","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"CAY-RU3-LC","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":34086127304779,"product_id":7458935668811,"position":3,"created_at":"2025-10-17T11:03:44-04:00","updated_at":"2025-10-17T11:04:20-04:00","alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp light cyan front center whitebox","width":2048,"height":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-8-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460","variant_ids":[41844000817227]},"available":true,"name":"Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp - Light Cyan","public_title":"Light Cyan","options":["Light Cyan"],"price":9900,"weight":454,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","featured_media":{"alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp light cyan front center whitebox","id":25378893955147,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-8-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}},{"id":41844000849995,"title":"Black","option1":"Black","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"CAY-RU3-BLK","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":34086127239243,"product_id":7458935668811,"position":4,"created_at":"2025-10-17T11:03:44-04:00","updated_at":"2025-10-17T11:04:20-04:00","alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp black front center whitebox","width":2048,"height":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-6-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460","variant_ids":[41844000849995]},"available":false,"name":"Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp - Black","public_title":"Black","options":["Black"],"price":9900,"weight":227,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","featured_media":{"alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp black front center whitebox","id":25378893889611,"position":4,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-6-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}},{"id":41844000882763,"title":"Purple","option1":"Purple","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"CAY-RU3-P","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":34086127272011,"product_id":7458935668811,"position":5,"created_at":"2025-10-17T11:03:44-04:00","updated_at":"2025-10-17T11:04:20-04:00","alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp purple front center whitebox","width":2048,"height":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-7-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460","variant_ids":[41844000882763]},"available":true,"name":"Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp - Purple","public_title":"Purple","options":["Purple"],"price":9900,"weight":227,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","featured_media":{"alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp purple front center whitebox","id":25378893922379,"position":5,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-7-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}]

{"id":41844000817227,"title":"Light Cyan","option1":"Light Cyan","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"CAY-RU3-LC","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":34086127304779,"product_id":7458935668811,"position":3,"created_at":"2025-10-17T11:03:44-04:00","updated_at":"2025-10-17T11:04:20-04:00","alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp light cyan front center whitebox","width":2048,"height":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-8-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460","variant_ids":[41844000817227]},"available":true,"name":"Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp - Light Cyan","public_title":"Light Cyan","options":["Light Cyan"],"price":9900,"weight":454,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","featured_media":{"alt":"Cayin RU3 DAC\/amp light cyan front center whitebox","id":25378893955147,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/bloomaudio.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/cayin-8-ru3-thumb.webp?v=1760713460"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}

Amazing dongle

I was going to title this review 'best budget dongle' but that's really doing the RU3 a disservice. It's one of the best sounding dongles I've heard at any price. Rich, warm yet very detailed and with a big, big sound stage it just a delight. There's no weak points,- bass, mids, treble are all on point with an analog flavor but with multi bit precision. It's not completely neutral but it's pretty damn close, and the technicalities are on point, imaging, resolution, dynamics etc. It's also nice and small and has a great display and build. My only nit pic is the custom eq function isn't working and peq would be a cherry on top.

My best compliment I can give is this doesn't sound like a dongle, it's got presence and power and refinement like a nice dap. And of course Bloom was fantastic as always with great communication and fast shipping 😀

Head to head winner.

I compared the RU3 to the Onix Alpha and Time Ear BTE9. It won hands down. More power, musical, and fun as the Onix.

Warm musical precision !

Amazing ! I’m a RU6 and RU7 Fan , as soon as I seen the RU3 I immediately bought it from Bloom Audio ! Let me just say I paid for 3 day delivery and it turns out I got it overnight lol wow ! This is my 3rd product from bloom and it’s fast shipping and packed with care ! Incredible company ! Back to the RU3 ! The RU3 is truly phenomenal . Warm, musical, thick Mids , great bass , treble is smooth but airy and detailed . This RU3 is so Musical ! It’s very different than other Dac dongles ! I have over 15 dongles and this RU3 is a stand out amongst others ! CAYIN just knows how to make products . Well built and very intuitive . It’s smaller than I thought but no biggie . The OTG stock cable is thicker and better than the stock cables from RU6 or RU7 ! I’ve listened to my TOP PRO, Penon Quattro, ISN EST80, ISN H40, ISN H50, H60 , NEO 3 and QoA Adonis new ! Just Amazing ! My FiiO Qx13 was my fav for the last few months but now RU3 in its small form Factor is way more musical and pleasing to listen to ! I’m sure all use my RU6 and 7 as well but the RU3 is a breath of fresh air ! It’s like the Qx13 and RU6 had a Baby it would be RU3 lol warm musical Precision ! Thank you Bloom Audio ! I’m coming back for sumn else very soon !

Cayin RU3 Portable DAC and Amp | Bloom Audio

Cayin RU3 | Portable DAC and Amp