New Cayin RU9 Portable DAC/AMP with Tubes

Cayin has implemented a fifth-generation Korg NuTube 6P1 tube on the RU9. The tube circuit adopts a three-stage amplification architecture, consisting of 6 Toshiba 2SK209 audio-specific junction field effect transistors(JFETs) and a manually tested paired KORG Nature 6P1 dual triode tube. Both the single-ended and balanced ports on the RU9 can output rich tube sound. It has three unique timbre options available for the users: Classic Tube, Modern Tube, and Solid-State Transistors. As the name suggests, Classic Tube mode delivers a smooth, rich, warm sound profile, while the modern tube timbre delivers a more modern, more refined approach to the output. It sounds cleaner and slightly brighter than the Classic mode. Lastly, the Solid-State timbre option gets the OPA1662 setup to work. It delivers a neutral tone with fast and quick transients. Enjoy these three unique profiles on the mighty Cayin RU9.

Cayin has years of expertise in designing premium-quality HiFi audio gear. They have used that expertise to design top-quality hardware for the RU9. The audio signal processing section is handled by a strong dual DAC setup featuring two AK4493SEQ DAC chips. Combined with the latest XMOS XU316 16-core USB processor, Cayin RU9 supports high-resolution audio signal processing. It supports native DSD512 and 32bit/768kHz PCM signals. The processed signal is then amplified using a professionally designed four-channel balanced headphone amplifier circuit. It uses dual ultra-low noise and ultra-low distortion OPA1662 OPAMPs with four Nexperia audio power tubes. This carefully engineered architecture produces a strong output thrust through both single-ended and balanced output ports. We have 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output ports on the RU9. Both these ports provide both headphone as well as line-out functions.

Cayin RU9 features a dynamic DC Hyper Mode. It produces a strong output thrust in Hyper mode, with output reaching 1000mW at 32Ω impedance load. In order to use the Cayin RU9 in DC mode, users will have to connect the RU9 to an external DC adapter and switch the device to DC mode as well. With immensely strong output in Hyper mode, Cayin RU9 sounds more dynamic, cleaner, and more transparent in this mode. While the RU9 works in DC mode, there’s a built-in battery as well that has a rated durability of about 4.7 hours. Cayin has also equipped the RU9 with Qualcomm’s latest QCC5125 Bluetooth chipset. It enables wireless Bluetooth V5.1 connection for sound signal input. Cayin RU9 supports high-definition Bluetooth protocols including LDAC, AptX HD, AptX LL, and more. Users can feed the audio signal to RU9 using USB, Bluetooth, or SPDIF connections.

Cayin RU9 has an exquisite build quality. The device has a compact, handy form factor. It is made up of high-quality CNC-machined metal material. RU9 also has a magnetic back panel which connects is seamlessly to smartphones and other devices. It has a small 0.96” display screen that displays default settings on the DAC/AMP, such as volume level, active timbre option, gain mode, connection type, etc. Despite having a complete metallic frame, Cayin has designed the RU9 to be highly portable with its lightweight aesthetics. The device weighs just 150 grams, so you can carry it anywhere you go. Its thickness is just 15mm, which helps you carry the device easily into your pocket.

Cayin RU9 is a very innovative and interesting portable DAC/AMP. It packs strong HiFi hardware featuring a high-performance Dual DAC setup, fully-balanced headphone amplification section, Korg NuTube 6P1 tubes, an imported NJW1195 digital volume control, etc. All these features make the Cayin RU9 a must-have in every audiophile’s collection!! Enjoy your music with three unique favour on the RU9.