WIIM Mini Streamer amzn.to/3Mg8SxL --Cayin RU6 bit.ly/3vGDmmC ---Topping NX7 bit.ly/3MkIOli ----Sennheiser 560S shop-links.co/cf1uesYIaco ----Meze Lyric shop-links.co/cgJ5OWpxlIj -----Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt -----Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH -----amzn.to/3GkNaop -----CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K -----apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P ---massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 -------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 ---------www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman

I've had my RU6 for a while now, but it' always nice to see another positive review from a channel I trust. Also when it comes to the price, I think it's worth considering that other "high end" dongle DACs with comparable build quality and features such as the L&P W2 and Lotoo Paw S2 are actually even more expensive. The Dragonfly Cobalt which I still see frequently recommended is fully $100 more and underperforms even compared to many under $100 Delta Sigma DACs. Regardless of all that, when you consider that this is literally the only R2R dongle on the market currently, it essentially has no direct competition. In my own use, I've tested it on the Moondrop Starfield, Ikko OH1, Beyerdynamic DT1350, Audio Technica AD700X, Focal Elegia and Sennheiser HD660s. In every case it had an extremely smooth and enjoyable delivery that in some ways was more enjoyable than the output of my 3w per channel balanced desktop setup. It was just plain nice to listen to, regardless of how it measures, to the point where I would gladly use it as a dedicated desktop dac/amp as well as a portable. I will say I did not bother trying it with my HD650 because I already figured it probably would not be worthwhile trying to drive a 300ohm headphone, and it seems like I was right, but it had no problem with the 150ohm of the HD660s.

@JMN_ALC

10 ай бұрын

HiBy FC6 is another R2R dongle option.

Thank you Randy for this (and many many others) nice review. I bought this Cayin RU6 recently and I'm using it with my Sennheiser HD560s. I'm blown away with the synergy of these two. I'm usinig it mostly in the NOS mode and I think it toned down a bit the bright nature of the 560s, made them super enjoyable to listen, added the analog character. I'm fully recommending this combo and maybe (maybe;)) that's might be it... My endgame setup.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

If you have a two channel stereo rig, hook this baby up!

Got a RU6, and hooked it to a Verum-1 mk2 headphone with a pentaconn balanced cable. The result is absolutely excellent. Over-Sampling mode was lMO the best.

Yes not hype. Best $$ I ever spent in audio. R2r brings realism.

I run an Android TV micro PC running Kodi > RU6 > Schiit Saga Plus > Parasound HCA-1000 > Apogee Stages. The dynamics, clarity, naturalness and soundstage are outstanding considering the $250 price.

Great review. Love the scream at 1:31, thought it was my wife (not another dongle)

I've recently been using the Cayin RU-6 instead of my Topping D90. The former brings the midrange more forward than the latter without sacrificing detail. I use a 4.4 pentacon to rca cable to connect to my receiver. For best results I set the volume on the receiver to 75% of max and use the volume controls on the RU6.

I have the HD560S and I've always had the suspicion I was leaving some of its performance on the table with my other dongle because I don't have a desktop set-up. Crash symbols are especially noticeable for their harsh, grating sound and it can be hard to pick out individual instruments.

I seem to be one of the few who is R2R agnostic. I have the Ares II, and although it's still the best DAC I have, and I hear the benefits everyone talks about in soundstage, cohesion, and fullness, it also comes along with audible distortion if you pair it with a resolving amp and IEMs. Everything has artifically added "hair" all over it. I get that's exactly what makes it sound "analog" and "natural" (sounds like everything got transfered to reel-to-reel), but it's hard to get behind anything that so obviously gets between the recorded material and your ears. If richness is just another word for audible distortion, I'm not sure I need it. An R2R might be fine on less resolving systems as they will blur all that hair out before it hits your ears anyway.

@farbschlachterei

2 жыл бұрын

Even Amir, who is known to be very critical, couldn't measure the distortions you mentioned. I'm assuming there's either something wrong with your chain or with your Ares.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

Not my experience with the Ares II or RU6, something is going on in your system.

I bought the S9 Pro based on other people saying it was nearly as good as the Cobalt for far less money. Even if the RU6 sounds better than the S9, it would have to be a considerable upgrade given its price.

Would a "musical" dac amp and a "musical" headphone be a good combination? Or should it be the other way around? Considering getting the HE-R9 by Hifiman, would this or something more neutral like a Fiio BTR7 be better? Thank you.

Hello, how do you connect RU6 to Topping NX7? line-out?

Hi there Love your content How does it compare Luxury and Precision W1 to Lotoo Paw S1 Which is better in sound quality Just to use it with iems (no need for more amplification) Love dongles (Separation, details) Neutral is my thing 🤙🤓 Thank you so much 🤟🎧

Hi there Love your content How does it compare Luxury and Precision W1 to Lotoo Paw S1 Which is better in sound quality Thank you so much 🤟🎧 Just to use it with iems (no need for more amplification) Love dongles (Looking for separation, details Not warming is also important Neutral is my thing 🤙🤓

When will Syth Audio release a combination portable headphone amp whiskey flask?

Can you also compare it with the apple dongle, its the cheapest dac, how much more do you get by going with the cayin.

So I might not be there brightest bulb on the tree. At least, I am smart enough to follow you. Any how, would love to see a video of this DAC run to the Xduoo MT-04. The MT-04 is in my near future. I have the Ifi Zen DAC. This Dongle DAC might be a serious upgrade.

If I use 3.5mm to RCA adapter, I don't see why I couldn't use this for my speaker system? Right? I just bought one on ebay for $220 all in. It is on the way.

Hi and thanks for the video, I am actually looking for a warm punchy alive dongle dac, and this might be a fit, do u think it will drive my focal celestee headphones well? I've tried the dawn moondrop dac but it was killing all life of the headphones, very bright and analytical souding, killing the bass punch, and the bass in general compared to ... MY LAPTOP'S DAC, YES. It did sound "cleaner" but well I am working on studio stuff. I want life in them, hope this Cayin could do the job... thanks!

You should hear Luxury & Precision W2-131 @ 260mw dongle

Randy have you looked at the new RU7? How does it compare to this unit?

I think the combo you suggest, cayin RU6 with topping nx7 will be total awesome indeed, but if i have to pick one of them for starters when i already have other dacs (smsl su8, hip dac, hidisz dh80s). Which is the first/most important device of these to go for full musicality and sound layering, sweet vocals? Does the topping nx7 adds also musicality and strong sound scene to a good dac like smsl or does the Cayin does all the job?

@iikatinggangsengii2471

7 ай бұрын

yes fun but still monitor, so not exactly a pro monitor but monitor enough to monitor videos, music etc

@iikatinggangsengii2471

7 ай бұрын

but tbh i dont remember a single true flat monitor except mest mk2, then le jardin which far more expensive

Hey Randy, not much for headphones (tinnitus) but I use my IPhone with a Dragonfly Red connected to my system by a long 3.5 ml to rca. Would the Cayin be a major upgrade over the Red?

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

Red is warmer. I didn’t directly compare them. I’d just stick with the red if you’re happy

How it compared to hidiz s9 pro?

Excellent - I to am a big fan of R2R DACs. And this is a great value. I am wishing that car stereos still had 3.5mm analog inputs - so we could use a dongle DAC like this Cayin RU6. The irony is, that when the iPod came out, we got 3.5mm jacks in many cars. But then, we got into the age of smartphones, and Bluetooth connections to our cars seemed like a good thing. But then, you are locked into the DAC built into your car stereo.

Hi Randy, Love your reviews. Any chance of commenting on what 'extra' you get with the Denafrips Ares 2 over the Cayin RU6 in terms of sound quality alone with speakers (I.e., ignoring use case, connections etc)? Keep up the terrific work, and great sense of humour! James

I got the IKKO Zerda ITM01 coming today. I will let you know how it is on Patreon

Having the RU6 and W2-131 , i prefer W2 more .

What about the current consumption of this R2R DAC?

Thanks Randy, great review of the Cayin RU6 dongle dac. Don't play poker because when you get a winner like this your tell is you get all excited and you can't wait to share.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

lol. yeah. I guess I don't have a good poker face

Very interested in your experiment using the Cayin RU 6 with a Raspberry Pi. Would love it if a cheaper way to get the R2R sound through my main system. Want a Denafrips Aires II but would love a cheaper solution. Please do a video on this. Imagine the problem is getting the connection from the PI to the Cayin then out to stereo. Lots of adapters maybe some sound quality degradation?

@pavlo687

Жыл бұрын

I strongly second that 'emotion'! I have been using a Pi 3 with the HiFiBerry Pro tophat DAC. I would love to find something better for my system (based on McIntosh 2105 and Mc preamp and Zaph Audio 2.5 speaks) than that HiFiBerry.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

I have my RU6 hooked to my stereo, listening to it right now. I'm using the Cayin 4.4 XLR adapter with a set of 4.4 XLR cables direct to my Denafrips Hades preamp. Using a 6th gen iPad mini as the source. Honestly, the way I have this set up right now, it sounds better than my Ares II. Seriously.

@robertgruber982

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelwright1602 So if I wanted to go from the coax output of my Raspberry Pi with a HiFiBerry Digi2 Pro HAT into the RU6, could I just buy their coax to usb c adapter and then from the RU6 to get it to the RCA in's on my receiver I'd need a 4.4 to RCA adapter, if such a thing exists?

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@robertgruber982yep, 4.4 to RCA, or 2.5 TRRS to RCA. Amazon has them.

So, I have the hifiman edition xs headphones, and use them through my samsung galaxy ultra smartphone. Will this dongle be powerful enough? And will it drain my phone battery quickly? Or, should I go with the hip dac 2, which has it's own battery?

Love my Ru6 !! Great review Randy 👍 you should review the focal Celestee next! 🙏

Hi! I love your review! I wonder if you have had experience with the Luxury & Precision W2-131? If so, how would you compare those to these RU6? I don't care about technically "precise", or "correct" with my music, I just want to enjoy my music, so the RU6 sounds more like a good buy for me, but I own the CA Dorado 2020, and these IEMs already sound very colored and punchy, so I'm a bit worried the RU6 might add too much coloration??

@Riomulen

2 жыл бұрын

I owned L&P W2 before (sold it after got RU6). My other iem is colored as well but I find W2 sounds so boring. The details and soundstage is a bit better but… I don’t feel it… it’s no fun at all using W2 even though I listen to my favorite song. So I’d recommend RU6 over W2.

@minhbu95

Жыл бұрын

@@RiomulenHi! Thank you for your reply, Idk why I didn't respond sooner. I got the RU6 for more than a year now, been loving it so far! I do agree with you the W2 is sterile-sounding, although it punches a bit stronger from what I can feel. Been using the RU6 with campfire ara for a while now, although I love it, I just can't help but wanting more details from my music. If you have any experience with Mojo 2, do you think it would be a good pair with sensitive IEMs like the Campfire Ara? I've been looking for that pairing on the internet but apparently nobody has tried that 🤷🏻‍♂️

@Riomulen

Жыл бұрын

@@minhbu95 it has been so long haha. I never listen to mojo 2 but own topping g5. G5 and ru6 is very different. G5 is like an upgrade of l&p w2, wide soundstage, full of detail, a deeper and punchier bass than both w2 and ru6. But you know what, I still prefer the tone of ru6 😂. It's a very fun dac to listen to even with a worse technical performance. So for now I only have these 2 dacs. New dac is very tempting, l&p w4, cayin ru7, shanling h5 but I don't really feel like I lack anything and need to get a new dac at the moment😊

Interesting video. How can you get soundstage from headfi gear? I’m an audio enthusiast who’s been trying to get into headfi but so far I’ve never find a system that can get me sold into, specifically when it comes to soundstage. I’ve tried the top line of Stax system with some very good source and still couldn’t get the same sensation. Enlighten me pls

@abhimawa1

2 жыл бұрын

@Milo Prager thank you for the interesting reply. A good home audio setup is actually not that ‘nearly’ comparable to headfi (if I remember correctly, the source was fed through DcS source equipment, and STAX is no toy, either). The issue is getting good synergy from home audio is no child’s play. A lot of factors play into it and one can easily gets lost. Back to topic: perhaps I should adjust my expectation, as you said in the beginning. Thanks!

Always with the good reviews sadly I am a cheap audio man too. Leaves more money for food liquor and travel. Spending my daughters inheritance lol.

@cheapaudioman or anybody else. So what is better to get to use in my car, The RU6 or the S9 Pro & why? Thx

@tonystoll32

2 жыл бұрын

Do these 2 DAC’s compare at all? Which is better? What are the differences? Thanks!

I love the hidizs S9 pro. It punches hard and music is way out past your shoulder. Very detailed super clean sound. I love that dac. From Gucci Mane to Nirvana and everything in between.. It's incredible

maybe someone can answer me, im wondering if it will work fine on HD600??

Wow, on the Diablo comment!

Please consider checking out the Violectric CHRONOS. I am curious how it stacks up with competitors like this one. Chifi and made in China stuff seems to dominate the IEM and portable amp/DAC market. It is rare to see reasonably affordable and competitive options from anywhere else. I would rather not support China for various reasons, so I am putting my money where my mouth is whenever possible. The Chonos is made in Germany. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to have many reviews yet on KZread.

@LencoTB

Жыл бұрын

My words exactly. Only Dongle DACs you can buy that are not made in China are Earmen, AudioQuest and Violectric.

Update* Can i use this to go from my laptop that has HD tracks and lossless files and connect a 3.5 to left right rca cable to my NAD 7100 reciever , * you answered my question as i continued watching , lesson learned do not begin commentin till video endz 😁

Hey. Can anyone tell me if they can use this with Tidal in exclusive mode on an android phone? I'm having trouble with this and would be most appreciated if someone could help with this.

If you’re using the RU-6 with an iPhone, you need to buy the lightning to usb c cable from Cayin. The Fiio LT-1 cable doesn’t work with this.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

You can use the Apple camera adapter. I am using the Lightning to USB A and Lightning adapter on my 6th gen iPad mini. Works like a champ and plays well with the Cayin and my stereo system. No issues whatsoever.

Could I stalk it with my ifi XCAN

Love Sennheiser 560S as well. Using Aries II + Topping A90. Maybe will buy Cayin and try it as well :)

Can anyone tell me if this works with a Mi Box S through usb?

This RU6 with sony xba-z5 sounds fantastic, which was expected compared to the dongle that came with the Xiaomi Mi 11 😅

Very entertaining video. I laughed out loud at the flask headphone amp. I also want those earphone pads that will collect all the hair in the house.

Randy I'm just getting into this hobby and I'm trying to get the most out of my portable equipment. I get abit overwhelmed with the bit rate and sample stuff, wired vs Ldac, FLAC MQA. For example if my phone is capable 32 bik/960khz and my streaming service supports this how do i get that to my ears. I'm looking to get the most out of my Samasung S22 ultra, I am currently using Amazon HD becuase I heard FLAC is lossless compared to MQA. Can you help me get the most out of my set up? Maybe a example for easy to drive and harder to drive headphones. Does the dongle dac you are talking about in this video support FLAC? I'm so lost. I'm currently wanting to use my phone as I'm not sure if there are any advantages of using a DAP for quility of sound from what I've read so far but if there are please let me know. Thanks in advance.

@spamcan9208

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to get the maximum amount of resolution possible, at least in the beginning. The number one thing is to listen to different headphones/iem's etc to figure out what sound and form factor you enjoy. Don't spend large amounts of money chasing something you can't even identify. With time you'll eventually put the puzzle pieces in place and learn more about your preferences. From there you'll have a much better idea for an upgrade path. You'd also be surprised how good some of these latest Bluetooth codecs sound.

Damn this guy is smoooooooth !

I believe oversampling has to do with noise shaping. Attempts to reduce the negative effects of noise filtering on upper audible frequencies.

ANSWERS to Vintage Amp or Speaker Company? Of the 50 mostly vintage audio manufacturers listed. These were the amplifier companies. The rest were speaker companies. AMP COMPANIES: 1970's/80s (heydey years) Amber, Levinson, Spatial, Wingate, Pheonix, Gott Labs, Sumiko, Sumo, PSE, SME, Audio Dynamics, McMartin. 1990's to present (heyday years) Mirror Image, Edge Audio, Vendetta Research, Halcro, Bottleneck, Samuel's, McLaren McCormick. George Gott (Got t Labs) made good tube amps out in California. Phoenix was mail order. They made a dirt cheap very clear preamp that they would send you for a free money back trial. Spatial was known for its cutting edge T-fet amp. Mirror Image was probably guessed as a speaker company, but they made high end power amps instead, as did Sumo, Edge Audio and Halcro. Amber was an underground audio review magazine budget favorite in the early 1980's for its power amp and preamp. Audio Dynamics made everything from amps to CD players and were sold at Montgomery Ward. Audio Dynamics was not ADC the vintage cartridge company. Sumiko made a small wooden box, phono preamp, but was known for turntable stuff more. Jadis made ultra expensive tube amps (a Harry Pearson favorite) and Vendetta Research hit the market with a state of the art preamp for people who used phono too, designed by John Curl. Of the more interesting speakers; Koss, known as a headphone company, came out with a series of computer maximized speakers using sophisticated computer analysis before that was universally being done in the late 1970s. Most of the model line was highly efficient floorstanders, known for their clean sound and dynamic range. Hegeman came out with early examples of "metal" midrange/woofers that were employed in their speakers. Sonab were huge impressive expensive costly speakers. Watson Labs made by Dayton Wright, used woofer modules filled and sealed with heavier than air gas, to improve the way woofers respond in air. The bass they had is very memorable as is the dipole midrange and tweeter panels. They were made in Canada and may have been the best speakers for several years until a driver manufacturer stopped making a driver they used, and rather than re-design a speaker line that was challenged by having a very "different" unconventional appearance, they stopped making them. Too bad for real. Gale was a U.K. company that made a bookshelf speaker with a horizontal metal cabinet. It was a controversial speaker. Some loved its sound; some didn't. Heybrook (U.K. also), made nice bookshelf speakers. They were one of the few high end audio speaker manufacturers that also made a turntable. The David Visonik Company also made a tiny bookshelf speaker that caused a sensation. It passed the German Hi fi standard DIN 45 500 for quality of sound which only big speakers were known to pass. The Hartley subwoofer was used in the $25,000 Levinson HQD system back near 1980, which consisted of stacked Quad electrostatics speakers and Decca super tweeters. Hartley also made full range speakers. The imposter company, which has nothing to do with audio manufacture was Varney. They made model trains, starting in 1936, and in 1963 they entered the slot car field with 1/32 scale race sets with cars that did not go off the track and could make 360 degree spins and still stay in the groove or slot. A major problem with other slot car sets, especially HO scale.

I am a bit confused..still learning, Does a phone( iPhone or Android) have an internal Dac? if so, why hook this up to it? is the sound that much better..clarity, soundstage, tonality.. etc? why not spend the money towards a better System DAC and hook you headphones to that? or is this about portability?

@farbschlachterei

2 жыл бұрын

The internal DAC of the iPhone is almost crap. Almost every external DAC sounds better. And yes. It's about mobility.

@mden2490

2 жыл бұрын

@@farbschlachterei thanks

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

I hooked my RU6 up to my two channel stereo system, for $249 this thing is blowing my mind! I do not own a set of headphones, so I cannot comment there. The internal phone DACs suck, that is why you want a good external DAC like the RU6.

I know we have Walkman fans here.The new digital music players are a great option. SD flash storage, integrated DAC, 24 bit FLAC & DSF support, plus album art. Love the dongle DACs - also like integrated devices. Fun review, Randy - Thanks!

Great review, you rock Randy 🔥♥️

Well I sure love my $100 Hidizs S9 Pro dongle DAC-AMP 😁 Can't wait to pair it with a Galaxy M51 for it's huuuge 7000mAh battery as a budget DAP setup........that is, when I can find one on sale.

@mediauser8966

2 жыл бұрын

Will be interesting to know how would Hidizs S9 Pro compare against Cayin RU6!!! @cheapaudioman Would you share your feedback as you have reviewed both?

@handlemonium

2 жыл бұрын

@@mediauser8966 well they have different DAC-AMP circuits and the RU6 has physical buttons and switches for independent control. Would be an interesting comparison nonetheless 👍

@Riomulen

2 жыл бұрын

I owned S9 pro before. It is no match at all. RU6 wins at almost anything. Sounds more natural, wider&deeper soundstage, better details. Yes it’s $200 more expensive but it worths the extra $. Also that physical volume button is really useful if you use a sensitive iem which a step up in your phone volume could kill your ears. Those 100-level volume means a lot to me.

I own the RU6 and an Ares II. I actually prefer the RU6, as it has richer bass, along with more clarity and a larger soundstage. For $250, if you want to experience an R2R DAC, buy the RU6. I have mine connected to my 2 channel rig via a 2.5 TRRS to L/R XLR connectors. Works flawlessly. I think it may just replace my Area II. ;-)

@spamcan9208

Жыл бұрын

That's a pretty wild statement. The Cayin is very tempting, especially because I never listen to my HD560S. It's too fatiguing so I don't bother using it.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@spamcan9208 I get bashed a lot for making the comparison, but it is what myself and others in the room heard, the Cayin on my system sounded better. And it is a decent system, Ares II, Denafrips Hades preamp, Denafrips Thallo Amplifier, KLH Model 5 speakers and two SVS SB3000 subs. It sounded just as good on the Schiit Freya S and XTZ Edge A2-400. It just sounded better. Source was the Node N130 with the LHY linear power supply upgrade. I have the Venus II 12th on the way, it should be here in a few days. That Cayin DAC is what motivated me to upgrade DACs. The sound improvement was that much, and I was very happy with the Ares II. And yes, I adjusted the filtering and NOS, the Cayin simply sounded better. Others have stated the same on other forums that own the Ares II. I am not the only one.

@spamcan9208

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelwright1602 That's awesome, the more hear about it the more I want it. I wish it had either a battery or another usb port for power so it didn't drain my phone's aging battery. That's my biggest concern but I think I can get away with using a powered usb hub. So far it works with my ES100. I think the reason why you catch so much crap for that statement is because there are people who think the higher the price the better the sound and they don't want to admit they wasted wheelbarrows filled with cash.

@noob_strikes0011

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what I was looking for .. just to clarify, USB dongle DAC RU6 (compared to standalone,Psu DAC such as SMSL D300) works well through integrated amplifier over to loudspeakers??? We have the 4.2 Evo. Amp is class A/B vintage type.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@spamcan9208 Yep, on the wasting wheelbarrows loaded with cash. The technology today has far surpassed anything we had just a few years ago. Moore's Law does not only apply to computers.

Randy just wanted to say thank you for all the videos you make and share with us. I’m a full out cd guy myself but would like to dabble in the whole streaming world and saw I can buy a brand new chrome book laptop now for $150 and wanted to know if that would work ok or if I need a more substantial. Thank you very much

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

That will work for sure. You’ll be tethered though and I’d recommend going into an external DAC

@michaelwright1602

2 жыл бұрын

I would look at that WiiM streamer Randy is advertising for $99

@matthewcullen7106

2 жыл бұрын

I have a Chromebook, but I would not recommend it as a hifi audio source. Much like most stock android devices, system wide output is limited to 16 bit 48khz, but unlike android, app like Uapp which bypass this when connecting a USB Audio device are not available. You can connect a device, I have connected my RU6, and it will play jut fine, but it won't receive anything more than the system bitrate and sample rate. You'd be better off with a cheap android phone or tablet.

I like these types of products. You just get immersed and enjoy the music.

What is that tshirt? I was born in Ware MA

I really like the Schiit Modi Multibit.

Thanks for the review! Randy (or anyone) have you been able to figure out if the attached computer/phone/whatever can drive the volume system from software? I know that the volume system is not digital; I’m wondering if the drivers can affect that system or one has to actually click the buttons. (I’m thinking about using one of these in a system without a pre-amp). Thanks!!

@peterlarkin762

2 жыл бұрын

The volume control is in the digital domain. It should be controllable from software, and on the device. I wouldn't personally use digital volume control only on anything plugged into a power amp. Get a passive volume control device that doesn't cost a stupid amount, it will be perfect.

@mfeif

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterlarkin762 thanks for the reply! The company's website goes out of its way to say it's not a digital volume, and that having upstream software controlled volume is problematic for R2R dacs... I just don't know if what the buttons do (which they imply is analog) is controllable from the driver. My situation is weird; I have 4 channels (dsp powered "crossover" with each driver having its own amp)... Finding a passive volume for 4x balanced connections is hard, but otherwise I would do what you suggest. Thanks!

Can it drive Sundara balanced? Update Answer: No

I'm really impressed with my kph30i and kph40i , what do you think is high end with a similar signature. I love them compared to my k371 , I even sold them

Very interesting. I was thinking about getting a denafrips Ares 2 at some point. Instead I can just get on of these things.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

if you only need a USB it is an option

I've been saving money to buy Ares II, due to the excellent reviews it has. Taking into account the qualities of the RU6, do you think it could be a good alternative to connect to an amplifier and speakers, or is it much inferior to Ares II, being better to add more money and buy the Denafrips?

@PauloFerreira-hh6zv

2 жыл бұрын

@Milo Prager Hi Milo, thank you very much for your opinion. I already bought the RU6 and connected it to my wife's stereo (Pioneer from the 90s) and the sound is excellent. I've had a soundstage boost and it sounds great with any kind of music, from classical to electronic. Regarding my system (Totem Skytower + Rega Elicit-R + Allo Digione Signature + Allo Shanti + Topping E50), I'm thinking of replacing the E50 with Ares II, but for now I'm switching between the E50 and the RU6, while I don't have all the money ;)

@pavlo687

Жыл бұрын

@@PauloFerreira-hh6zv Which one do you like best - the RU6 or the E50? I just bought an E50 and can still return it if I wanted to.

@PauloFerreira-hh6zv

Жыл бұрын

@@pavlo687 I prefer the RU6 because my 2 systems are a bit bright and the E50 even makes them brighter. With the RU6 the sound is also detailed, but never aggressive and the voices are spectacular. If you want to improve the sound of the RU6 even more, just buy some cables from audioquest. I have the RU6 connected to an RPi4 via USB A>C (Carbon) and to an amplifier via RCA-RCA (Sydney) with an RCA-Jack adapter. I know it's crazy and that each of the cables costs almost as much as the DAC, but I can say that the sound is brutal, with a big improvement in the soundstage depth and with more air between the instruments. This month I bought the Ares II and I can say that the RU6 with the audioquest cables, in OS with High filter, came very close to the Ares performance.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

I have mine hooked up to my stereo, and I have the Ares II. Honestly, I can hear no discernible difference between the Cayin and the Ares II. When I tapped my 6th gen iPad mini into my system, the Cayin actually blew away the Ares II. Long story, see my post at the top.

Really interested in the Aiyima t9 but I’ll wait until you review it before I decide or not.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

Tomorrow

I have a couple very ignorant, random questions I bought the edifier MR4s and was looking to get the Edifier T5 to go with it at the end of the month, is it a good idea to stay with the same brands? And do I NEED an AMP if both are already "powered"?

RU6 goes to "limp mode" when using iphones. You either want to buy an ipad or buy or switch to android (samsung) phone. L&P W2-131 tho $50-$70 won't give you that problem, isn't power hungry yet still gives you more driving power than the RU6. What I won't take away from the RU6 is it's successful implementation of R2R as a dongle. I would give it another generation or two tho to really get things right and by then we should see competitors releasing their own R2R dongle offering.

@tc9929

2 жыл бұрын

I’m also looking into this but will only use iPhone as the source, could you elaborate a bit on what you meant “limp mode” eg the sound signature or the power ? Thanks

@dentboxhero1717

2 жыл бұрын

@@tc9929 power

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@dougleydorite No, it runs off the device you have it plugged into. I have mine connected to a 6th gen iPad mini and it is blowing my socks off hooked up to my two channel stereo system. Sounds better than my Ares II.

@spamcan9208

Жыл бұрын

​@@tc9929I believe you need a special apple cable that's used for cameras. Camera flash cable maybe. I'm assuming that's because it allows the phone to deliver more power than it normally does.

Hi Randy. Great video. How would the RU6 work with Verum? Also, the only place I see them for sale is Aliexpress. Is that correct? Thanks!

does a dac really make the hd560s sound better than a laptop or smartphone integrated dacs?

Pretty impressive, very cool 😎

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

yeah. it's cool that they made this product.

Got the wii, DACs are crazy good now, it's not like the difference from high end to budget is that wide a margin .

Damn sounds very intresting, I almost pulled the trigger on a Ifi zen dac v2 but decided not to.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

Buggy as hell, sent mine back.

@cheapaudiman Have you experienced any clipping issues?

@gregoryaleardi2458

2 жыл бұрын

@cheapaudioman any issues with clipping?

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@gregoryaleardi2458 Cranking the crap out of mine, no clipping here.

Cayin RU6 +7hz Timeless is a great combo 👍

you have to try E1DA ones, especially the Powerdac v2.1

How do you think of Hidizs S9 Pro compare against Cayin RU6??? You have reviewed both.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

RU6 is more open and airy and less hard on the top end

@mediauser8966

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Thank You for responding

Thanks for doing this one, been on the fence. Looked really cool back when Darko did an article, but them someone did a review saying it was just alright. So far looks like “negative Nelly” is odd man out and this is worthwhile purchase.

Just checked out the Sennheiser 560s at Amazon. They've got them on sale right now for under $145. First choice is a Chinese marketplace seller with a rating in the 70's, but there's also a choice to buy them from Amazon for a couple bucks more. Won't touch the marketplace ones out of concern that they're fake, but I'm going to try out the ones in Amazon's stock in hopes they're legit but just trying to meet a competitor's price. No one else has them on sale so I'm going to look these over very carefully when they arrive.

I'd be interested in the RU6 + RoPieee setup, when you get that up and running :D

Do you know how they compare against Chord Mojo 2 ??

Randy, have you ever listened to the Magnepan LRS speakers? The Schiit Heads Facebook group seems to just love them. Wonder what your thoughts are.

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

working on it

I love how your genuineness and enthusiasm come through on your reviews. This review was a true pleasure to watch from beginning to end.

Review the Luxury and Precision W2 131 Dongle Dac I have mine And it's great 👌

I have a Cayin DAP, very good ! Good subject, thank you.

ifi Go Blue is a great "dongle" DACs for $200 with Bluetooth. Really nice. This DOngle DAC seems expensive for what you get. Might be worth checking out if you need a good dongle DAC.

Does it work with iPhone using lightning adapter?

Snake oil! You can't have a ladder dac using micro components and chips!

@peterlarkin762

2 жыл бұрын

Lol yes ya can. Discrete SMD components are tiny. Like very, very small. You cannot however, put a good power supply in there. It's completely reliant on your laptop supply spec.

Seriously, makes me want to run out and buy one.

Will it fit with Sony wh1000xm4 (wired)?

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

yes

"Musical" to me means its able to pull you into your music. An "analytical" IEM would be the opposite, focused more on cold detail.

Not cheap.

R2 or U6 is better??

Compared to the ifi zen dac?

@cheapaudioman

2 жыл бұрын

better

for something new to review check out the nad c538 cd player.

Try out the denon ah-d9200 and compare it with the lyric!

Damn 250$ ain't cheap for a dongle