Cayin iDAC-8

1450 €

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

Pre-Amp Output | Line Level Output

Easily switch between output modes to suit your amplifiers with the push of a button:

Pre Out: Provides a variable output with volume control, ideal for use with power amplifiers or active speakers

Line Out: Delivers a fixed-level output that bypasses the volume control, perfect for integrated amplifiers

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

System type	Desktop DAC / Digital Preamplifier
DAC architecture	Fully balanced dual-mono design
DAC chipset	AK4191 + 2 × AK4499EX
DAC mode	Dual-mono AK4499EX configuration
Timbre modes	Vacuum Tube / Solid-State selectable
Tube complement	2 × 6H6B-B dual triodes
Volume control	NJW1195AV 4-channel analog resistor ladder
Output modes	Fixed Line Out / Variable Pre Out
Digital inputs	USB Audio, I²S (HDMI), AES/EBU, Optical, Coaxial RCA, Coaxial BNC
Analog outputs	RCA, Balanced XLR
USB PCM support	Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
USB DSD support	Up to DSD512
Optical / Coaxial PCM support	Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
Line Output (RCA)	2.2 Vrms
Line Output (XLR)	4.2 Vrms (Solid-State), 4.1 Vrms (Tube)
Pre Output (RCA)	6 Vrms
Pre Output (XLR)	12 Vrms (Solid-State), 10 Vrms (Tube)
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 50 kHz
Power Supply	45 W toroidal linear transformer
Display	3.12” OLED dot-matrix display
Chassis	CNC-machined aluminum
Dimensions (W × H × D)	270 × 70 × 215 mm
Weight	4.6 kg