Cayin N3 Ultra
The Cayin N3Ultra is a compact, Android-based Digital Audio Player (DAP) known for its unique Triple Timbre sound, offering Classic Tube, Modern Tube, and Solid-State sound signatures from its dual AK4493S DACs and vintage JAN6418 vacuum tubes, with excellent power output and features like a 10-band Parametric EQ for audiophiles seeking versatile, high-fidelity portable audio in a pocketable device. Get this amazing DAP now from the official dealer of Cayin in Bangladesh, Gears for Ears today with an official 1 year warranty.
The Cayin N3Ultra represents a significant evolution in portable vacuum tube audio. By revisiting the vintage JAN6418 tube and reimagining the architecture around it, Cayin has bridged the gap between classic analog warmth and modern portable convenience.
The Heart of the Timbre: Vintage JAN6418 Tubes
At the core of the N3Ultra’s soul is a pair of NOS (New Old Stock) vintage JAN6418 vacuum tubes from Raytheon. These tubes are uniquely suited for portable audio due to their low heat generation and minimal power consumption. While they are rare in modern DAPs, Cayin has spent years perfecting their implementation. Despite their musicality, these tubes are naturally sensitive to wireless interference and "microphonic" mechanical noise—challenges that the N3Ultra addresses through sophisticated engineering.
Advanced Mechanical and Circuit Stabilization
To eliminate the microphonic effects typically associated with vintage tubes, Cayin developed a Gen3 Vacuum Tube Circuit. The tubes are encased in a custom-molded silicon housing and suspended within the chassis to provide comprehensive stress relief for the filaments.
The electronic architecture has been equally upgraded. By introducing inter-stage loop Negative Feedback (NFB) and using Field Effect Transistors (FET) to stabilize the power supply, engineers have ensured a consistent operating current. This means you can walk, commute, or even jog with the N3Ultra without mechanical vibrations interrupting your music.
Dual Timbre: Classic and Modern Soundscapes
Drawing inspiration from the flagship N30LE, the N3Ultra offers two distinct vacuum tube sound signatures available at the touch of a button:
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Classic: Thick, warm, and rich in overtones. This mode is the perfect companion for vocal-centric tracks where intimacy and soul are paramount.
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Modern: Focused on a more open soundstage, offering better extension at both frequency extremes and superior linearity for a transparent, contemporary feel.
Optimized Power and Universal Compatibility
A major functional leap over its predecessor, the N3Pro, is the N3Ultra’s ability to apply tube timbre across all outputs, including 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone and line levels.
Furthermore, Cayin’s engineers have solved the "power drop" issue common in tube DAPs. By utilizing the JAN6418 as a low-gain voltage amplification device rather than a simple buffer, the N3Ultra delivers the same output power whether you are using the tube or transistor timbre. A hardware analog volume controller is also integrated to keep the tube's inherent floor noise whisper-quiet.
Honesty in Balanced Engineering
While the N3Ultra provides a 4.4mm balanced output, Cayin maintains transparency regarding its internal design. Because the JAN6418 is a single-channel tube, the device uses a signal inversion strategy to provide balanced transmission and drive.
Using four tubes to achieve a "fully balanced" tube path would have drastically reduced manufacturing yields due to the difficulty of matching vintage tubes, while also making the device too bulky for portable use. The result is a masterfully engineered compromise: the stability and purity of a transistor-balanced path combined with the unmistakable character of vintage vacuum tubes.
Specifications
What's in the box
- The Cayin N3 Ultra Digital Audio Player itself.
- A silicone protective case (often smoky transparent or dark gray).
- A tempered glass screen protector (custom-cut).
- A USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer.
- A user manual or quick guide.
- Hi-Res Audio stickers.