Cayin Audio iDAC-8 Silver
Dual Timbre Digital Analog Converter
High Power High Current Headphone Amplifier
Pre-Amp Output | Line Level Output Dual Analog Outputs with Flexible Connectivity
You can select the desired output mode to match your amplifiers at the push of a button. Pre Out: variable output (with volume control) suitable with power amplifier and active speakers. Line Out: fixed level output (bypassing volume control) suitable with integrated amplifiers.
Fully Balanced AK4191+ Dual AK4499EX DAC Circuit AKM’s new flagship AK4191+AK4499EX chipset was employed to handle the digital-to-analogue conversion function. With two AK4499EX, one for each channel, the DAC will always operate in MONO mode, delivering the full potential of the chipset in a fully balanced circuit.
Architecture
- Main Filter Capacitor: 6 x 3300uF and 2 x 4700uF Nichicon specialized audio grade power filtering aluminium electrolytic capacitors.
- Main Filter of 6H6b-B Anode Power Supply: 2x Nichicon 250V220uF specialized aluminium electrolytic capacitors.
- Op-Amp Power Supply: Servo stabilizing circuit via a pair of +ve/-ve linear voltage regulators, excellent voltage stabilization performance, low noise, low ripple, and reliability.
- DAC Power Supply: cascaded CLC enhanced filtering power supply with ultra-low noise LDOs from TI and Analog Devices, providing clean and high-quality power to the critical components.
- DAC Output Stage: ultra-low noise, ultra-low THD dual-stage audio grade Op-Amp. The IV conversion is handled by a set of 4 Op-Amp and LPF is handled by a set of 2 Op-Amp.
- Analog Output: one piece of ultra-low noise, ultra-low THD dual-stage audio grade Op-Amp handles the balanced to single-ended conversion on Line output and output driving circuit.
Vacuum Tube Timbre: 6H6b-B Dual Triode
Single-ended: 2x 6H6b-B, one per channel. The first stage of the timber circuit consists of two triodes operating in parallel inside the 6H6b-B tube as a cathode follower. This will enhance current drive capability and reduce noise. A fast switching on-resistance MOSFET from Vishay is connected in series as a second-stage voltage follower. Balanced: 2x 6H6b-B, one per channel. The two triode tubes inside the 6H6b-B cathode follower are responsible for the current amplification and driving of the positive and negative phases of the same channel respectively.
Solid-state Timbre: utilitarian Op-Amp
High-performance dual-channel, low-noise, audio-grade operational amplifiers from Texas Instruments are used in the solid-state timbre circuit. The single-ended circuit requires one Op-Amp only while the balanced circuit involves two pieces.
The iDAC-8 is a new member of the Cayin i-series products, it shares a unified design language with the iDAP-8 digital streamer and the iHA-8 headphone amplifier. Each product can be used individually or can be combined to form a set.
A Dear Connection to Music High Precision Volume Controller
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 iDAP- 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 analogue domain.
Exquisite, Compact and Blend
Featuring an L-shaped aluminium cover plate, precision mould extrusion, CNC precision machining, fine sandblasting, and anodized surface treatment, the DAC has a uniform and delicate texture, making it durable over time.
The left and right side panels are designed as ridged heat sinks. The extra surface area enhances heat exchanges and improves heat dissipation capacity. The optimized operation condition allows the DAC to deliver its best performance.
Connectivity Meets Every Need
- Single-ended Analog Output (RCA)
- Balanced Analog Output (XLR)
- AES/EBU Digital Input (XLR)
- Optical Digital Input (Toslink)
- I2S Digital Input (HDMI)
- Coaxial Digital Input (RCA)
- Coaxial Digital Input (BNC)
- USB Audio Digital Input
- Fuse Holder
- AC Power Socket
