Cayin N3Ultra digital audio player

The Cayin N3Ultra is a portable digital audio player built around dual AKM DACs, a Gen3 vacuum tube audio circuit, and a fully-customized Android-based system focused on local playback. It combines solid-state and tube timbres, balanced and single-ended outputs, and practical power for everyday listening at home or on the move. Designed to work equally well as a standalone player, USB DAC, or digital transport, N3Ultra fits naturally into a listening routine that moves between headphones, IEMs, and external amplifiers.

Dual AKM DAC architecture

The N3Ultra uses two AK4493S DAC chips operating in mono mode, dedicating one DAC to each channel. This fully differential design reduces crosstalk and improves channel separation, helping preserve spatial cues and low-level detail. Independent analog circuits for left and right channels support cleaner signal handling from conversion through output.

Selectable tube and solid-state timbres

A Gen3 vacuum tube audio circuit built around Raytheon JAN6418 NOS tubes allows you to choose between Classic tube, Modern tube, and solid-state timbres. Each mode adjusts circuit behavior rather than applying digital coloration, letting you tailor tonal character based on headphones, music library, or listening environment.

Balanced and single-ended outputs

The player offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, each supporting tube and solid-state operation. Balanced output delivers up to 600mW at 32Ω, providing enough headroom for demanding portable headphones while remaining quiet with sensitive IEMs.

Precision volume control

Volume adjustment is handled by a JRC NJW1195A four-channel electronic volume controller, a design commonly used in preamplifiers. This approach maintains channel balance at low listening levels and reduces noise compared to conventional digital attenuation.

Low-jitter clocking and signal control

Two Accusilicon AS318 femtosecond oscillators provide clock signals with very low phase noise, supporting accurate timing during digital-to-analog conversion. An FPGA manages re-clocking, de-jittering, and signal reshaping, helping maintain consistency across PCM and DSD playback.

Android-based system tuned for audio

The N3Ultra runs a customized Android 8.1 system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor. System-level sample rate conversion is bypassed using Cayin’s DTA implementation, allowing audio files to reach the DAC without unwanted processing. The included Cayin Music app focuses on local playback rather than background services.

Touchscreen and physical controls

A 4.1-inch color touchscreen with a 720 × 1280 resolution provides clear navigation and album art display. Physical buttons and a volume knob remain available for one-handed use. The illuminated home button doubles as a sampling rate indicator, offering quick visual confirmation of playback format.

Portable power and fast charging

A 4,500mAh internal battery supports up to 11.8 hours of playback using the 3.5mm output in solid-state mode. Quick Charge 3.0 allows the battery to recharge from 20 percent to 80 percent in about one hour, making short charging windows more practical during daily use.

Flexible connectivity

The N3Ultra functions as a USB DAC, USB digital transport, or standalone player. USB-C supports audio input and output, OTG storage, and S/PDIF coaxial output through a USB-embedded connection. A microSD card slot supports cards up to 1TB for large local libraries.

Product highlights

• Dual AK4493S DACs operating in mono mode
  
• Gen3 vacuum tube audio circuit with selectable timbres
  
• 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs
  
• JRC NJW1195A four-channel volume control
  
• Accusilicon femtosecond oscillators and FPGA signal management
  
• Android-based system with DTA SRC bypass
  
• USB DAC and digital transport functionality
  
• MicroSD card support up to 1TB
  
• 4.1-inch color touchscreen with physical controls
  
• Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging

Specs

• DAC: Dual AK4493S (mono mode)
  
• Vacuum tubes: Raytheon JAN6418 x2
  
• Headphone output power: up to 600mW @ 32Ω (balanced)
  
• THD+N (1kHz, 32Ω, A-weighted): 0.008% solid-state, 2.0% tube
  
• SNR (A-weighted): up to 121dB balanced solid-state
  
• Display: 4.1-inch color touchscreen, 720 × 1280
  
• Battery capacity: 4,500mAh
  
• Playback time: up to 11.8 hours (3.5mm solid-state)
  
• Charging: USB-C, Quick Charge 3.0
  
• Storage: microSD x1, up to 1TB
  
• Dimensions: 4.92 × 2.58 × 0.77 in (125 × 65.5 × 19.5 mm)
  
• Weight: 7.2 oz (204 g)

What’s included

• Cayin N3Ultra digital audio player
  
• Silicone protective case
  
• Tempered glass screen protector
  
• USB-C cable
  
• User manual
  
• Hi-Res labels