Cayin RU6 Review - Finally, an R2R DAC we can all afford!

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  • Опубліковано 12 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 100

  • @lonestar1664
    @lonestar1664 2 роки тому +21

    Thanks for the review, I was truly shocked when I used it first time, I was looking for a long time to replicate the sound of my bulky Chord Mojo for mobile use and in past few years tried lot of DAPs from Fiio, Ibasso some costing 4 times the cost but this little device is so good I prefer it over my Mojo which says a lot.

  • @michaelwright1602
    @michaelwright1602 Рік тому +4

    This thing blew me away, it is stomping all over my Ares II right now. Yes, I hooked the RU6 into my stereo system via XLR using the Cayin 4.4 adapter, the XLR cable was bought on Amazon. I cannot get over how good this damn thing sounds. Open, airy, huge soundstage. The voicing too, it is more forward sounding, clean and clear, much better than the Ares II. Everything is better than the Ares II, seriously.
    And I have had a few Schiit DACs, have the Gumby, Cambridge audio, etc... This little DAC blows them all away.
    My system, Denafrips Iris DDC, Ares II, Hades pre, Thallo amp, pair of SVS SB3000 subs and a pair of KLH Model 5 speakers. This thing ROCKS!

  • @GrahamAtDesk
    @GrahamAtDesk 9 місяців тому +2

    I've had one of these a while now, and really enjoy it with headphones. I've got Sennheiser HD580's, a Feliks Echo II, and this DAC works very nicely with them. I've just tried using it as the main DAC in my hi-fi, connected to a Pi 4 running as a streamer. It's a lot of fun in the hi-fi, but I feel that there's a notch somewhere in the higher mid range/treble area. It's as if there's a veil over that part of the frequency range. I don't get this at all through my tube headphone amp with headphones though, I love it for that.
    I've also had weird distortion issues with the Pi 4. I was running piCorePlayer 6.1.0, and about once per day I'd hit play and music would play at half speed with some significant noise/distortion. Restarting squeezelite (in the web UI, which only takes a few seconds) fixed it each time.
    I'm switching back to my previous Pi based streaming approach though (a HiFiBerry HAT into the S/PDIF input on my Audiolab CDQ).

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  9 місяців тому

      You might look at one of the Wiim options for a value-streamer. My Pi streamer was always a headache.

  • @JTB--
    @JTB-- 2 роки тому +6

    I am firmly now in the R2R DAC camp. I've had the Hifiman EF400 R2R DAC/Amp combo for 2 weeks and just got the latest Bifrost 2/64 DAC today which is some sort of R2R DAC on a chip technology. The EF400 may use the same type R2R technology. Not sure. I've got Both DAC's going to the Schiit Lokius and out to the LYR 3 Hybrid Tube Amp and the new A90 Discrete SS amp. To keep it short I'm blown away by the results. These pairings really breath new life into the HD 600 and take higher end headphones up another notch. And the EF400 and A90 Discrete amp (as well as the LYR 3) can drive the HE6se V2 pretty damn good... especially with a little boost from the Lokius tone control. I will defintltey consider this Cayin RU6 if I need something compact and portable. Looks like good bang for the buck for an R2R DAC/Amp Dongle

  • @marvinkentvillamor1570
    @marvinkentvillamor1570 Рік тому +3

    I have Cayin RU6 and I'm loving it.

  • @kerryvanderkamp5051
    @kerryvanderkamp5051 2 роки тому +2

    Huge thumbs up on this device as a great way to try R2R. It has a lovely sound that I completely agree is spectacular with a tube amp. It was also a surprise to me that this was not too much of a good thing and I preferred that pairing to my very solid delta sigma desktop DAC. It’s also a great portable solution so I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed at the $250 price point.

  • @arthurkillen396
    @arthurkillen396 2 роки тому +4

    I agree with your Switch vs PS5 analogy. Some of my more expensive ESS and AKM DACs have more detail and precision, and that's great for short term listening when I want to be wowed. But long term, the RU6 has more natural sound to me. I run at 100 volume, balanced, OS, from an Android tablet with a big battery, into my living room system. I prefer NOS with headphones and IEMs. I think comments which pull from real world experience are more helpful than the, "I heard/read somewhere that "X" happens", types of comments. Just my opinion.

    • @RiseFall123
      @RiseFall123 Рік тому

      Exact model of the cable you are using to the amp?

  • @francisgallagher4783
    @francisgallagher4783 3 місяці тому

    With my meze 109 pros and schiit midgard amp - for my taste this RU6 (in OS mode) gives me an absolutely perfect sound with all genres. This is a much preferred combination compared to using my bigger and more expensive Musician Draco dac (in NOS mode) which sounds too intense, vocals and instruments too forward, almost cluttered presentation in comparison (even though the soundstage is technically bigger)
    - the RU6 pushes vocals and instruments out into the room a bit more and I can hear more colour and subtleties in the music somehow.
    However the draco sounds much better with my speaker setup (kef Is50
    hegel h95), the ru6 sounds vague and hazy in comparison on speakers. Just shows..
    Taste, synergy and balance are so important in this hobby - not necessarily technicalities and cost.

  • @Trappeur05
    @Trappeur05 Рік тому

    Bonjour
    Je viens de récemment acheter un RU6 et j'en suis très content. J'ai l'impression de retrouver le son de mon Walkman WM-503, j'adore.....
    J'ai trouvé malin ta comparaison avec une Nintendo switch et le son Hi-Res.
    V
    Good morning
    I recently purchased an RU6 and am very happy with it. I have the impression of finding the sound of my Walkman WM-503, I love it.....
    I found your comparison with a Nintendo switch and Hi-Res sound clever.
    V

  • @charlienyc1
    @charlienyc1 2 роки тому +1

    I'm happy with my Musician Pegasus at home. I would definitely try this if my phone didn't already have a more-than-decent DAC and I travelled more. For commuting, though, it's too noisy on public transit to make much of a difference. I've been living in major cities most of my life. How are others using portable rigs? In the car? On a commuter rail from the 'burbs? At work?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      Personally, i like something small that can go to work with me. I also use them doing chores around the house.

  • @cobrabucket
    @cobrabucket 2 роки тому +2

    Cool review. I have one of these and enjoy it quite a lot. Pretty sure the RU-6 is not truly balanced. It sums the single-ended signal, IIRC. DSD is converted to PCM internally. And not every USB C to lightning cable will work. It needs to be able to have enough power, but I have an android so can't remember how much you need. Look look it up if you have an Apple device.

  • @reflection1119
    @reflection1119 2 роки тому +1

    I have the case, the buttons on mine have markers to indicate what does what. Maybe you should get your case replaced
    Love the idea of using it for desktop. Will be great if you could do a long term review at some point.

  • @kerryvanderkamp5051
    @kerryvanderkamp5051 2 роки тому +2

    I’m curious about the settings you are using running it as a desktop DAC. I’m guessing NOS mode? What about gain and volume level? Can you hear any sound quality differences or does it not really matter?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I'm running high gain, NOS, usually around 50 for the volume. I'd say slight differences in NOS and OS, and gain, but nothing crazy. I just set it for what functions well for me and forget about it.

  • @RajivKumar-fn9xw
    @RajivKumar-fn9xw 2 роки тому +1

    @MrAyrit
    Do you sometime get clipping sound with the RU6, especially with Android phones.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I haven’t, but I’m an iPhone user. No issues from iphone, ipad, or mac for me.

  • @619RobdoG
    @619RobdoG 2 роки тому +2

    The RU6 sounds natural at the sacrifice of rolled off treble and bass. Absolutely thumps the mid bass and produces the smoothest treble ever.. best final touch to an iem set up. Instrument placement and imaging are far superior to sigma/delta, it's like it's own instrument (RU6)

  • @nirajktm
    @nirajktm Рік тому

    @MrAyrit, thanks for the review. Will it be abke to drive a planar like Hifiman edition XS?

  • @Winsentc
    @Winsentc 2 роки тому +1

    Hi, thanks for the detailed review. I own a Cayin ru6 with my Beyerdynamic dt 990 250 ohm and am about to buy a Hifiman Arya Stealth.Which I read likes power.Maybe you also tried sound test ru6+Arya?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I haven't tried it, but I can. I'll update when I do (might be a week).

    • @Winsentc
      @Winsentc 2 роки тому

      @@MrAyrit That would be great.

  • @SurrealSaheel
    @SurrealSaheel 2 роки тому +1

    Great Review , just pulled the trigger on this dac as a desktop device feeding my Topping A50s amp. What solid state amps do you use with the RU6? do you think its better to go Balanced connection to the amp?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      I was mainly using the gen 1 Schiit Mjolnir, but I have since sold it. I have a cheaper Lake People amp now, but haven't used it a ton yet--been hooked on tubes lately.

  • @irun2sanaxox
    @irun2sanaxox 2 роки тому +1

    also wanna try their tube dac.. i know that’s also good buuut now to finish the video

  • @petermartin9494
    @petermartin9494 Рік тому

    The RU6 is a kick ass product. I have other dacs that I thought were good, but they have no chance against the RU6. Well done, Cayin!

    • @nirajktm
      @nirajktm Рік тому

      What headphones or IEM are u using

  • @irun2sanaxox
    @irun2sanaxox 2 роки тому +2

    CAYIN DOES NOT PLAY.. i hot ha-1a mkii after a long time having it & its 100% my fave sounding amp, super dynamic, more than my thx & class a sa-6… i hope to get these nos tubes i’ve been also wanting :]

  • @kas4751
    @kas4751 2 роки тому +1

    I saw a review that says that if you're using this with your mobile phone, it's gonna drain the battery at a very fast rate. iPhone 13 Pro Max from 100% gets reduced to 30% in just 1 hour.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I have an iPhone mini, so doing anything drains my battery fast. I’d say that’s probably an more or less accurate statement.

  • @Rsalmond83
    @Rsalmond83 2 роки тому +1

    Nothing like the Moondrop MoonRiver 2! Such a fantastic beast!

    • @619RobdoG
      @619RobdoG 2 роки тому

      That's the point

    • @Viewer13128
      @Viewer13128 2 роки тому

      is moonriver 2 bad sounding?

  • @petetalbert
    @petetalbert Рік тому +1

    What are the best used markets out there to find gear like this? I know about head-fi classifieds. Where else?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому

      Reddit avexchange, and the hifiguides forum are my main go to sites. If you’re looking for an RU6 specifically, I’ve got one for sale currently.

    • @petetalbert
      @petetalbert Рік тому +1

      @@MrAyrit Yes, I'm interested! How to contact?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому

      @@petetalbert Sorry, you missed it. Sold it a couple of weeks ago.

  • @mtnmankeith9069
    @mtnmankeith9069 2 роки тому +1

    What’s your opinion on the schiit modi multibit dac? Is it worth looking into? I would try the RU6 but need an optical connection.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +2

      This comparison is on my to-do list. I have a Modi Multibit, and have used it a lot. I like it, but I prefer the RU6. I’ll try to do that vid soon.

  • @rahul78710
    @rahul78710 11 місяців тому

    Hi! How does the Cayin RU6 compare to the Bluemini R2R that comes with deva pro? I have the Deva Pro + Bluemini R2R right now and wondering if RU6 would be an upgrade

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  11 місяців тому

      I haven’t ever liked Hifimans dac/amps too much. I’d say it would be worth a try.

  • @Viewer13128
    @Viewer13128 2 роки тому +3

    from what i recall, problem with RU6 is the increased battery drain on mobile devices, which is just killing the phone's lifespan. only use for me would be laptop. otherwise, it's too weak at 213mW@32Ω from the 4.4mm balanced to power demanding IEMs and headphones. But it's $250USD, so i wouldn't call it cheap for something that i'd only use with my laptop and easy to drive IEMs.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      I use it as a DAC to feed other amplifiers. I can see the complaint about the battery drain for sure though.

  • @DonutsReview
    @DonutsReview Рік тому +1

    Does the Caryin RU6 produce 2V? I was thinking of trying this out with my Asgard 3 amp with single 3.5mm to RCA cable.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому +1

      Did a little research. Looks like the SE is .5V and the balanced is 1V. Can I ask why you want it to have 2V?

    • @DonutsReview
      @DonutsReview Рік тому +1

      @@MrAyrit I recently went on a trip and took my atom amp and hooked it up to my Dragonfly Black which only produces 1V out I believe. It did not sound right. It sounded shouty and slightly compressed.
      I think I'll look for something like the SMSL SU-9MQA. I heard that one has good spatial qualities too.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому

      @@DonutsReviewout of delta sigma dacs, the Su9 is one that I liked. A solid choice.

    • @DonutsReview
      @DonutsReview Рік тому

      @@MrAyrit does it have that holographic quality similar to the R-2R dacs? I’m honestly torn on whether to upgrade to SU-9.

  • @remedyofficialvlogs47
    @remedyofficialvlogs47 2 роки тому +3

    Thanks for this review. The nintendo comparison is clever!! I have the questyle m15, a pinnacle in resolution and details. But everytime i listen with it, the music doesn't connect with me. It always make me on analyzing mode rather than immersed in the music. I just sold it yesterday and I'm getting this one. I hope I'm making the right decision. I love resolution really. I love details too much. But i think it's time to enjoy more, than being too analytical on my music.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +2

      I'll be curious to hear how it works out for you.

  • @JoseFerreira-zb7wh
    @JoseFerreira-zb7wh Рік тому +1

    Hey. Can anyone tell me if they can use this with Tidal in exclusive mode on an android phone? I'm having trouble with this and would be most appreciated if someone could help with this.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому +1

      I don’t use Tidal or Android, so I can’t be much help. Sorry!

    • @JoseFerreira-zb7wh
      @JoseFerreira-zb7wh Рік тому

      @@MrAyrit thanks

  • @ThinkDoTA
    @ThinkDoTA 2 роки тому +1

    Any chance that you would compare this with the new Ifi go/gold bar?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      I can contact ifi to see if they'll send me a gold bar. I did do a review of the go blu, if you want to check that out.

  • @nibelung1646
    @nibelung1646 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the review, colleague! But I don't quite agree with your assessment of the role of the dac in the headphone setup, especially when it comes to the 800. 8xx, as I heard they are configured somewhat differently (I had 2 pairs of 800), but nevertheless, these headphones require the closest attention to both the amplification and the DAC. Let's go back to the whistle. Most likely, with the accuracy of the resistors that are used, and with their number of 48 pieces (on channel), this is a 10-14-bit DAC, and perhaps its sound will somehow remind me of the wonderful TDA1540D, or something soulful on TDA1543. A curious little thing, which a priori cannot be too technical to reveal all the positive qualities of 800. But it seems that it is able to breathe something into the life of 800, especially if you are inclined to an emotional perception of music, and not to its technical presentation. But I am watching this keychain with great interest, nevertheless, and I also want to try it! Although its abundance on the secondary market, apparently confirms my guesses about the nature of its sound. I wish you good luck and success in everything, sincerely, Nibelung from doctorhead.ru .

  • @villageroma
    @villageroma 2 роки тому +1

    Get the Questyle M15 and thanks me later. I have both and a qudelix 5k as well. Get the M15 especially with cans and discover dynamics.

  • @nikokomac3185
    @nikokomac3185 2 роки тому +1

    Hello.. I have sennhesier hd660s and try it with ifi zen dac but no good sound is to thin sterile and to match highs..how it sond cayin ru6 with sennheiser..it make bolder weighter sound and more relax which is need it?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I enjoyed it, but I’ll give it another listen later today or tomorrow.

    • @nikokomac3185
      @nikokomac3185 2 роки тому

      @@MrAyrit please after testing it with sennheiser hd660s tell me if have less bass and maybe warmer meatier sound that is better match than delta sigma variant...? I also have chord mojo but I search something just litter more mellow relax sound and if cayin ru6 is that I will buy it immediately...

    • @nikokomac3185
      @nikokomac3185 2 роки тому

      If you tell me from you memory which is more mellow relax sound with sennheiser hd660s, mojo or cayin ru6? It would be appreciated for me...thanks

  • @quantumcreator8888
    @quantumcreator8888 Рік тому +1

    RU7 coming soon 🔜 awesome 😎 Cayin

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому +1

      I'll be interested to try that one.

    • @lxmcc
      @lxmcc Рік тому

      ​@@MrAyrit been looking at R2R and I'm real torn between checking out the RU6 and RU7 (I know 7 is not actually R2R).
      Seems like 7 is more technically proficient but leans further away from the more 'organic' or analogue sound of the 6. I feel like I should start with the 6, see if the sound suits me and whether I actually miss the resolution and clarity at all.
      In many reviews its hard to get a read on how these things stack up in a desktop sense, and not just to other dongle DACs. Desktop use is my intent (main source is a JDS Element 3), so I appreciate you primarily using it in that setup for your review.

  • @leonardopapantoniou4227
    @leonardopapantoniou4227 2 роки тому +1

    Do you know Tempotec E44? How does it compare to this one?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      Sorry, don't know that one.

  • @theodorezurla496
    @theodorezurla496 2 роки тому +1

    How do you think this will pair with my gsx mini and he1000v2?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      I think it’s worth a shot. The RU6 is very smooth. If that sounds appealing to you, I say go for it.

  • @amanieux
    @amanieux 11 місяців тому

    is r-2r dac or multi bit type of dac really different sounding than typical delta sigma dacs that represents 95% of the dac designs ?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  11 місяців тому

      I don’t think you can make that general of a statement, but there’s definitely a difference.

    • @amanieux
      @amanieux 11 місяців тому

      @@MrAyrit can the same magnitude of difference be hapening between two delta sigma dacs ?

  • @From_the_mil
    @From_the_mil 2 роки тому +1

    Will the RU6 drive my DT 1990 Pro?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      Same response as on the 5k.

  • @vetreportsaei4605
    @vetreportsaei4605 Рік тому

    Anyone compare this directly to the Hiby FC6 ?

  • @kyron42
    @kyron42 2 роки тому +2

    My understanding is that the Denafrips Ares II is much better.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      It’s possible, how much better? 4x? Like the price? I haven’t tried an Ares yet, but I’d be surprised if it is way better. Again, I’m coming from a $1500 DAC.

    • @kyron42
      @kyron42 2 роки тому +2

      @@MrAyrit hopefully you'll get your hands on one sometime so you can tell us.

    • @JTB--
      @JTB-- 2 роки тому

      Some say the Ares II has latency/lag issues when gaming and watching movies which is a deal breaker for many

  • @leonardopapantoniou4227
    @leonardopapantoniou4227 2 роки тому +1

    How much battery drains from android tablets ?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      Sorry, I don't have an android tablet. It would drain my iPhone Mini pretty quick, but the Mini has a crap battery anyway.

  • @asan1050
    @asan1050 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks MrAyrit

  • @Reeeepicheep
    @Reeeepicheep 2 роки тому +1

    I want an RU-6 without hardware volume control.

    • @RiseFall123
      @RiseFall123 Рік тому

      I’ll going to try it in a normal 2 channel rig. Firstly, with ordinary rca cable.

    • @Reeeepicheep
      @Reeeepicheep Рік тому

      @@RiseFall123 It worked well with my iPad using a short USB cable. But for my PC and Mac, it was a noise magnet (even on the Mac Mini surprisingly) so I added a Topping USB isolator in between which got rid of the noise but then led to the Cayin RU-6 not getting enough power resulting in clicks on tracks. Then I switched to the iFi iGalvanic and that seems to be working. Also had to get a 4.4 to dual RCA cable for the extra power from the balanced output which was needed to get this to work without further power issues.

  • @robertlucskai
    @robertlucskai 2 роки тому

    How owould you compare this to the R2R dac in the Deva Pro, if you remember? Thanks, appreciate all your efforts.

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      I was not super impressed with the Devas DAC/amp. I thought the xCAN was superior.

    • @robertlucskai
      @robertlucskai 2 роки тому +1

      @@MrAyrit Thanks! I have my IFI Zen DAC (as my main DAC at the moment), do you think the Cayin RU6 could be an upgrade?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому

      @@robertlucskai I do.

  • @blejzerosamigos6115
    @blejzerosamigos6115 2 роки тому +1

    This is not a replacement for a desktop setup, not if you are serious about your headphone setup

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  2 роки тому +1

      Maybe not the amp portion, but the DAC in there is excellent (my opinion)

    • @blejzerosamigos6115
      @blejzerosamigos6115 2 роки тому

      @@MrAyrit if you are still planning to do reviews on headphones over 1k I have to strongly disagree. How are you planning to compare or even hear the potential of higher end equipment.? This will always be your bottle neck and the weakest link in the chain.

  • @arrowzen7433
    @arrowzen7433 Рік тому +1

    Got your drift, but a lot of people can’t afford this…

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому

      I imagine that’s true, but in the audio world, it’s a fairly budget friendly option.

  • @HobbyTalk
    @HobbyTalk 2 роки тому +1

    8XX you say…

  • @eddiebaby22
    @eddiebaby22 Рік тому +1

    Needs bluetooth

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому +2

      Yeah, hopefully they'll release one with a battery and bt

    • @edwardh2153
      @edwardh2153 Рік тому +1

      @@MrAyrit Thanks for the great videos. I'm burning in my RU6 as I'm typing this. I had been using a BTR5 for portable use, this RU6 is blowing my mind it sounds great! I have found a solution for the battery drain problem. I use a USBC 3.0 OTG dongle which allows for a power source which can be a battery brick or a wall wart. Now, my question is what amp should I use for power hungry headphones with balanced output. I ordered a Sabaj A20H for $119. but I'm having second thoughts. What do you think of that amp as a desktop with the RU6?

    • @MrAyrit
      @MrAyrit  Рік тому

      @@edwardh2153 I haven't heard it, so I can't comment. Please report back though, and let us know what you think.