Cayin iDAC-8 | Dual Timbre Desktop DAC

Cayin iDAC-8 is a High-Performance DAC Featuring Dual Timbre Modes, Fully Balanced Architecture, and Precision Volume Control for Hi-Fi Audio

• Dual Timbre Mode: Offers both Tube and Solid-State timbre options, allowing users to customize the audio signature to their preferences
• Utilizes a 4-channel low noise, low distortion resistance ladder circuit for accurate and transparent volume adjustments
• Equipped with a fully balanced circuit architecture, ensuring precise and high-fidelity sound reproduction
  
• Offers versatile connectivity with I2S, USB Audio, Coaxial, AES/EBU, and Optical inputs

Vacuum Tube | Solid-State

Vacuum Tube Timbre: 6H6b-B Dual Triode

• Single-Ended Mode: Utilizes 2x 6H6b-B tubes, one for each channel. Within each tube, two parallel triodes form the first stage of the timbre circuit, operating as cathode followers to enhance current driving capability and reduce noise. A fast-switching, low-resistance Vishay MOSFET is used in the second stage as a voltage follower for improved performance.
  
  
• Balanced Mode: Also employs 2x 6H6b-B tubes, with the two triodes in each tube dedicated to amplifying the current and driving the positive and negative phases of the same channel.

Solid-State Timbre: Utilitarian Op-Amp

The solid-state timbre circuit integrates high-performance, low-noise, dual-channel audio-grade operational amplifiers from Texas Instruments. A single Op-Amp is sufficient for the single-ended circuit, while the balanced circuit uses two Op-Amps for precise audio reproduction.

Pre-Amp Output | Line Level Output

The Apex of Decoding

The AKM flagship AK4191 + AK4499EX chipset powers the digital-to-analog conversion, utilizing dual AK4499EX chips—one dedicated to each channel. This ensures the DAC operates in MONO mode within a fully balanced circuit, maximizing the chipset’s performance potential.

Ultra Low Noise Power System

In-house designed and manufactured high-performance toroidal power supply transformers have a rated power of up to 45W.

High Precision Volume Controller

Volume control is crucial when Preamp mode is active, as it ensures precise adjustment while maintaining transparent and accurate playback.

The iDAC-8 utilizes the NJW1195AV volume controller, which operates through a 4-channel low-noise, low-distortion resistance ladder circuit. This design delivers exceptional inter-channel consistency and a highly accurate audio experience.

Though electronically managed, the volume adjustment is performed entirely in the analog domain for optimal sound integrity.

Compact and Versatile

The iDAC-8 joins the Cayin i-series lineup, sharing a cohesive design language with the iDAP-8 digital streamer and the iHA-8 headphone amplifier. Each product functions seamlessly on its own or can be combined to create a unified audio system.

Compact and thoughtfully designed, the iDAC-8 fits effortlessly into any home audio or desktop setup. Its L-shaped aluminum cover plate is crafted with precision mold extrusion, CNC machining, fine sandblasting, and an anodized finish, offering a sleek and uniform texture that is both stylish and durable.

The ridged heat sink panels on the sides not only enhance the DAC’s aesthetic appeal but also improve heat dissipation by increasing surface area for better airflow. This optimized thermal performance ensures the iDAC-8 operates at peak efficiency for the best possible audio output.

Specifications

• DAC: AK4191 Digital A Modulator + (2x) AK4499EX (Mono Mode)
• Vacuum Tube
  • RCA: (2x) 6H6b-B
  • XLR: (2x) 6H6b-B
• Volume Control: NJW1195AV 4-channel electronic controlled analog volume
• Display: 3.12" 256 x 64 OLED Dot-matrix
• Digital Inputs: 3S, USB Audio, Coaxial (RCA),
  Coaxial (BNC), AES/EBU, + Optical
• Analog Outputs: (2x) BAL XLR + (2x) SE RCA
• Output Modes
  • Fixed Level: Line Out
  • Variable Level: Pre Amp Out
• Power Supply: 45W Toroidal Transformer
• Power Management: 29,200uF Nichicon filtering capacitors + LDO + Regulators
• Weight: 10.14lbs
• Dimensions: 270mm x 215mm x 70mm
• Cayin 1 Year Warranty

Analog Outputs (Line Out)

• Output Level
  • RCA SE: Solid State + Vacuum Tube
    • 2.2V + 2.2V
  • XLR BAL: Solid State | Vacuum Tube
    • 4.2V + 4.2V | 4.1V + 4.1V
      

Analog Outputs (Pre Out)

• Output Level
  • RCA SE: Solid State + Vacuum Tube
    • 6V + 6V
  • XLR BAL: Solid State | Vacuum Tube
    • 12V + 12V | 10V + 10V
      

• Extended Analog Output Specifications
• Digital Input Specifications

In the Box

• Cayin iDAC-8 Desktop DAC
• Power cord
• USB cable
• (2x) Replacement fuse
• User Manual
• Warranty card