{"product_id":"cayin-n6iii-dap","title":"Cayin N6iii | Digital Audio Player or Motherboard Only","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-logo-gold-shadow.jpg?v=1691786430\" alt=\"Cayin logo\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 65%;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReimagine the Boundaries of Portable Audio With Cayin's N6iii Digital Audio Player\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully modularized DAP succeeding the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.cayin.cn\/features\/7\/15\/150\/339.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCayin N6ii\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstructed with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.qualcomm.com\/products\/mobile\/snapdragon\/smartphones\/snapdragon-6-series-mobile-platforms\/snapdragon-665-mobile-platform\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQualcomm Snapdragon 665\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser-replaceable C201, E203 or R202 Audio Motherboards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated 3.5mm SE + 4.4mm BAL + shared line\/pre output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased stability, higher dynamic range, and reduced distortion with (x8) DAC chips total\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproved channel separation and stereo imaging due to dedicated DAC chips and multiple power supplies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdated UI and faster processor for smoother navigation and playback performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-highlight.webp?v=1730148084\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"Cayin N6iii DAP banner with arctic background\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bloom-take\"\u003e\n\u003ctable bgcolor=\"”#f6f6f6”\" width=\"90%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #a30e0b;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin N6iii is a versatile DAP that adapts to your evolving audio preferences. Its modular design allows for easy swapping of audio motherboards, each featuring distinct DAC and Amp configurations, enabling you to tailor the sound to your liking. N6iii’s robust build quality and intuitive Android-based UI provide a pretty seamless user experience. With support for high-res audio formats and a powerful amp section, it delivers exceptional sound quality across various headphones and IEMs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you prefer a neutral, analytical sound or a warmer, more musical presentation, N6iii’s customizable architecture makes Cayin's latest flavor a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking flexibility and performance in a single package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/blogs\/articles\/digital-audio-player-evolution-cayin-n6iii-review?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=a28b93124\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Cayin N6iii Digital Audio Player Review\"\u003eRead our full review\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNew and Improved\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin N6iii boasts a 5” all-screen display, larger than the N6ii’s 4.2” but still compact and ergonomic for one-handed use. By eliminating chassis extensions and neatly placing playback buttons and the volume knob under the screen, the N6iii balances enhanced visuals with portability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurved sides improve grip, ensuring comfort despite the larger display, while maintaining the device’s portability and sleek design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor improved streaming, the N6iii uses a semi-exposed antenna below the top panel, offering better performance than the N6ii. Though it provides slightly less gain than external antennas on models like the N7 or N8ii, this design enhances connectivity without increasing size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin N6iii high angle closeup display, volume wheel, and control buttons\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-vol-screen.webp?v=1730147995\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReplaceable Audio Motherboard\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe N6iii introduces a quick-release 3-point locking system for easy, tool-free audio motherboard swaps, inspired by the C9ii. Its Gen2 Audio Motherboard, featuring Cayin’s latest audio technologies, is larger for enhanced performance but not backward-compatible with N6ii boards, balancing innovation with portability. Each motherboard tailors the N6iii to unique listening preferences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eC201, E203 and R202 Audio Motherboards\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-motherboards.webp?v=1735679713\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1600\" alt=\"Cayin N6iii Motherboard features\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin N6iii DAP R202 features\" height=\"1200\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-r202-graphic.webp?v=1752674868\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe C201, E203 and R202 motherboards for the Cayin N6iii differ in design and sound performance. The C201 features 8x Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, delivering a clean and transparent playback with a slight smoothness to the highs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe E203 uses dual ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips, offering a more analytical, precise sound with enhanced clarity and dynamic range, catering to those seeking a highly detailed and neutral listening experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe R202 features both a 24-bit R-2R ladder DAC and a discrete 1-bit DAC, each using ultra-precise 0.1% thin-film resistors for native PCM and DSD decoding. While R-2R Mode provides a rich, smooth sound, 1-Bit Mode offers a more natural rendering with a clear soundstage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eC201\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe C201 is the first time Cayin has used a Cirrus Logic DAC chip in a portable product. Historically, in the early 2000s, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cirrus.com\/products\/cs4398\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCS4398\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ti.com\/lit\/ds\/symlink\/pcm1792.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePCM1792 DAC chips\u003c\/a\u003e were dominant in the audio industry, and Cayin used them extensively in its early DAC and CD players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6-iii-dac-chip.webp?v=1730132822\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" alt=\"Cayin N6iii digital audio player dac chip closeup\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe C201 audio motherboard in the N6iii features (x8) \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cirrus.com\/products\/cs43198\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCirrus Logic CS43198\u003c\/a\u003e DAC chips, arranged in a “Parallel Full-Differential Matrix DAC” design. Each DAC operates in MONO mode, receiving individual I2S signals and outputting differential signals. Groups of (x4) DACs combine for a full-differential output channel, with discrete, symmetrical power supplies ensuring stability and precise phase alignment. This low-jitter, high-performance design enhances sound density, reduces distortion, and delivers exceptional audio quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin N6iii rear right quarter closeup highlighting volume knob with Bokeh yellow roses\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-1-highlight.webp?v=1730148353\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eE203\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAC chip in the E203, the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"ESS ES9039SPRO DAC chip\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mouser.com\/ProductDetail\/ESS-Technology\/ES9039SPRO?qs=rQFj71Wb1eXFCjpgFWbzsg%3D%3D\u0026amp;srsltid=AfmBOopFjhJjTNHKS2FJoxbt_qY2rt9YujseqUVrXWvjjGSsm_4NsAwr\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eES9039SPRO\u003c\/a\u003e, was developed under the latest Hyperstream® IV architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES9039SPRO features an 8-channel independent current output path, to align with this design, Cayin has implemented an 8-channel independent I\/V (Current-to-Voltage) conversion circuit corresponding. It is followed by the LPF circuit to extract four fully-differential signals, which are then paired with a Buffer driver circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6-iii-lifestyle.webp?v=1730132907\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" alt=\"Cayin N6iii digital audio player laying on table with leather case and headphone\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eR202\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin R202 motherboard is a high-performance audio module built around a fully discrete, fully balanced dual-DAC architecture. It features both a 24-bit R-2R ladder DAC and a discrete 1-bit DAC, each using ultra-precise 0.1% thin-film resistors for native PCM and DSD decoding. A dual digital audio processor supports up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, with smart triple decoding modes—automatically selecting the best DAC architecture for the input format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe motherboard also includes a quad-channel, fully balanced headphone amplifier built from high-grade op-amps and INA1620 drivers, delivering dynamic, transparent sound. Power is delivered through a matrix-structured clean supply with ultra-low-noise LDO regulators, ensuring a quiet, stable signal path.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlighted Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterchangeable Audio Motherboards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe N6iii allows users to swap audio motherboards, enabling customization of the device’s sound signature to suit personal preferences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual DAC Configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEquipped with dual AK4497EQ DACs, the N6iii delivers precise and detailed audio reproduction, ensuring a rich listening experience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced and Single-Ended Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe player offers both balanced (4.4mm) and single-ended (3.5mm) headphone outputs, providing flexibility for various headphone types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndroid Operating System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRunning on an open Android OS, the N6iii supports a wide range of music streaming apps, enhancing its versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Resolution Audio Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe device supports high-resolution audio formats, including DSD and PCM up to 32-bit\/768kHz, catering to audiophiles seeking superior sound quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpandable Storage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a microSD card slot, the N6iii allows for expandable storage, accommodating extensive music libraries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWireless Connectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, the player enables wireless streaming and easy file transfers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong Battery Life\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned for extended use, the N6iii offers substantial battery life, making it suitable for long listening sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-features.webp?v=1730487305\" height=\"1080\" width=\"2048\" alt=\"Cayin N6iii all features thumbnails\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC201 Motherboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e (8x) CS43198\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e (4x) NJU72315\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmplification:\u003c\/strong\u003e (4x) OPA1622 (Parallel for two channels)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParallel Connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Synchronous 4x DAC Chip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm + 4.4mm Balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLine Out:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm (Dedicated) + 4.4mm (Shared)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE203 Motherboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e ES9039SPRO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOp-Amp Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e (11x) OPA1612\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Amp Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e OPA1612 + Four Channels Discrete Output Stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmplification Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e AB Class \/ A Class \/ Hyper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Functions:\u003c\/strong\u003e SE 3.5mm PO + BAL 4.4mm PO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR202 Motherboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully discrete 24-bit balanced R-2R DAC built with 192 x 0.1% ultra-precision thin-film resistors (48 x 4 configuration)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully discrete 1-bit balanced DAC built with 128 x 0.1% ultra-precision thin-film resistors (32 x 4 configuration)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOP-AMP IC:\u003c\/strong\u003e (4x) OPA1612 + (2x) OPA1662\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Amp Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e (4x) INA1620 Dual-channel op-amps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e SE 3.5mm PO + BAL 4.4mm PO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cayin N6iii high angle with case and all included accessories\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1232\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-in-the-box.webp?v=1730487223\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cayin","offers":[{"title":"N6iii + T201 MB","offer_id":42056707997771,"sku":"CAY-N6III-T201","price":1399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"N6iii + C201 MB","offer_id":41188447453259,"sku":"CAY-N6III-C201","price":1299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"N6iii + E203 MB","offer_id":41207415701579,"sku":"CAY-N6III-E203","price":1299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"N6iii + R202 MB","offer_id":41606495731787,"sku":"CAY-N6III-R202","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"T201 MB Only","offer_id":42056708030539,"sku":"CAY-T201-MB","price":459.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"C201 MB Only","offer_id":41250289549387,"sku":"CAY-C201-MB","price":359.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"E203 MB Only","offer_id":41250289582155,"sku":"CAY-E203-MB","price":359.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"R202 MB Only","offer_id":41567229444171,"sku":"CAY-R202-MB","price":559.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"N6iii + R202 MB - Open Box","offer_id":41778546606155,"sku":"CAY-N6III-R202-OB","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"T201 MB Only - Open Box","offer_id":42312040251467,"sku":"CAY-T201-MB-OB","price":459.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"E203 MB Only - Open Box","offer_id":42312051097675,"sku":"CAY-E203-MB-OB","price":323.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/cayin-n6iii-0-thumb.webp?v=1730149890","url":"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/products\/cayin-n6iii-dap","provider":"Bloom Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}