A difference I can hear. Cayin N3 Ultra REVIEW

[@SuperReview]

I forgot to mention the price on the N3 Ultra: It's $530, just about $50 more than the N3 Pro.

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

I just got it for $428 including taxes and shipping. Good deal? I was so conflicted. I was picking between this player, the R6 III and the R4. I have no idea what to expect.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

The only time I was genuinely surprised about a dap was when I went to the cayin booth at a canjam. I auditioned the n7, which sounded no different to anything cheaper than it, but the n8 was quite drastically different in a surprisingly pleasant way. 3 times the power of this as an all in one would have been attractive to buy used if the battery was replaceable. I cannot justify $100's and $1000's on any battery powered device that you cant easily replace them.

[@SuperReview]

TBH I've never really considered the necessity of replacing batteries on these things because they're like smart phones, and smart phones I typically replace before I worry about the battery. Analog audio equipment does deserve some different expectations though, and a portable DAP is in an interesting middle ground. I am certainly not going to make replaceable batteries the reason why I would pick a DAP -- there are far too many other usability concerns that I prioritize above replacing the battery in 3 years time, and most DAPs don't get the usability right. Curiously, one of my usability priorities does have knock-on effects for this concern though. I like a battery that I don't have to charge often, I want 30+ hours of playback on a single charge. The knock-on effect is that if I'm only charging a player once every 4 days (instead of once every day), the expected battery life of that battery goes from 3 years to 10 years. At which point, yeah, I don't really care that the battery isn't replaceable.

[@danaillaysen7632]

​@@SuperReview yes because live in a country ruined by consumerism propaganda. When the EU passed the bill to force manufacturers to put replaceable batteries in their products, there were still Americans thar complained. You have these opinions purly because of propaganda. The rest of the world is coming to their senses to reject it.

[@danaillaysen7632]

​@@SuperReview yes because live in a country ruined by consumerism propaganda. When the EU passed the bill to force manufacturers to put replaceable batteries in their products, there were still Americans thar complained.

[@danaillaysen7632]

​@@SuperReview You have these opinions purly because of propaganda. The rest of the world is coming to their senses to reject it.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

​@@SuperReview with all respect, you live in a country that has a completely unhealthy and irrational obsession with consumerism. Most people keep their phone for 5+ years. Most people don't pay more than a $200 for their phone. The n8 even used is $2000. At that price, I would keep it for the next 30 years. No discussion.

[@snozzmcberry2366]

Uuuuhhhhhhhh.... it skipping short tracks is absolutely insane. MANY albums have interludes, intermissions, and skits in their own very short tracks. What the hell? That's something they need to fix in an update *yesterday.*

[@radiofreealbemuth]

I always enjoy your in-depth dap reviews 😊

[@CoffeeXmusic]

The review that I’m looking for. Currently own a N7 and totally enjoy it. Saw this new tube dap, pretty interested in it. Awesome stuff 🎉

[@SuperReview]

I haven't used the N7, I'm curious after you watch this what differences stand out.

[@CoffeeXmusic]

@@SuperReviewI haven’t get the chance to try out N3 ultra. Probably will pop by a local audio store to try it out soon. I’m a fan of cayin, also own RU7 dongle for portability 😊

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

​@@SuperReview you won't hear it. Its the same story as the r8. Both 1bit based architecture, but solid state.

[@7in1]

I am enjoying a lot an old model n3pro with iem planars s12pro in tube mode, it's absolutely perfect combo to me

[@SuperReview]

N3 Pro is a simpler device, and in some ways more desirable because of that TBH.

[@snozzmcberry2366]

I'm someone who struggles immensely with finding new music, which has gone from a non-issue to a rather frustrating problem as I've acquired headphones I'm absolutely in love with the sound of, and want to experience more music with. While I'm not buying this product in a million years, I *am* 100% going to scour your library you so kindly catalogued here. CAS are already a hit. Thanks, Mark!

[@gunzjones]

Have had the N3pro for years and still using it today. Seems that the old school way of handling things came with benefits. Glad to see if have no reason to upgrade. Great review!

[@your_average_cultured_dude]

wow, from the way the UI looks, this thing is running android 7, the version that released in 2016!

[@yuunashiki]

I like how a device with the name "Ultra" is classified as entry-level.

[@ishmone21]

Can you make a short video for newbie’s that don’t know how to add high quality music to daps? I use a steaming service, but I’d like to learn how to add high quality music to my dap

[@SuperReview]

Interesting idea.

[@vicentvanmole]

it's a good thing without actual implementation of full Android because i heard it has restricted or limiting audio encoding as a result lower quality output than without.This sound much better deal than A&K se3000t i had . That's good to be more accessible for many people w tube lover .

[@Xerpocalypse_]

OMG they went for Comic Sans on the case again. Amazing.

[@SuperReview]

Never be the same again ✊

[@Ducbloke]

Short track not playing is a massive issue for albums like The Wall. Some short tracks are an integral part of a story. Cool on the PEQ though. I need to hear one of these tube DAPs to see just how warm it is.

[@SuperReview]

FWIW I think there's now a firmware update to address the short tracks skipping.

[@hpwrotethis]

you know, I relate to the Cayin N3 Ultra since my intestines are kinda like a series of tubes.

[@SuperReview]

Your intestines are the Internet? My condolences.

[@hpwrotethis]

@@SuperReview Wait. Is Al Gore my dad?

[@psysword]

Great review

[@SuperReview]

Thanks mang.

[@surreal9239]

My ideal DAP would be with the design of the Hiby R4 but significantly higher specs and better internals, preferably tubes like this one. I absolutely love the R4 design but it'd be a downgrade from my current DAP in every other way. The N3 Ultra just looks eh for a device I'd carry with me daily. That chin is gross and only acceptable because DAPs are niche, I hope that changes eventually. Looks like a solid DAP other than that.

[@daviddier9865]

There is the n8ii. That's a very normal looking dap, but its mega money. You won't get a nutube product that's not chonk.

[@inbaralfasi8474]

I have the fiio fa19, which are very sensitive, which mid range daps would you recommend for those?

[@SuperReview]

What?

[@inbaralfasi8474]

@@SuperReview Which daps that cost up to about 600$ work well with sensitive IEMs ? 😅

[@SuperReview]

Hiby M300 is good, no hiss.

[@miaobinhuang2315]

Non android based dap are they more lasting than android based dap?

[@lokrj]

That Android OS reminds me the day of flashing custom ROM on my old Samsung phone yearssssss ago, that thing is basically ancient at this point

[@WildfireX]

Who's buying a DAP for the android experience though... I want it less like a phone, not more... DAPs are the king of the gym device.

[@sofuckingwong]

Heya, love the video as always. And your honesty about how subtle the difference is. I'm just wondering if you had any plans to cover the Muse M5 Ultra. Half the price of this DAP and with bluetooth, so it seems like a much more reasonable entrypoint into tube tomfoolery. I've very curious if I can hear a difference with one of these portable tube implementations myself, or if I should just get a full on desktop tube amp. Can't deny the convenience of something portable though, and for roughly the same price as a xDuo TA-66/26s.

[@SuperReview]

No, no plans to cover the Muse sorry.

[@tomh8544]

I am not surprised the Ultra is without bluetooth. I have the N3 Pro and the bluetooth is awful. The player does not hold a bluetooth connection even when it’s in my jacket pocket.

[@SuperReview]

Yeah sounds like they had some issues with the old implementation. TBH I never use Bluetooth on DAPs, it's a bit of a blind spot for me.

[@Rockapotamus91]

Can you independently PEQ left and right channels?

[@SuperReview]

Don't think so, no.

[@dtz1000]

Does the tube mode add any ultrasonic frequencies like you get with vinyl?

[@SuperReview]

I can't measure nor hear ultrasonic frequencies, so dunno.

[@sofuckingwong]

😂

[@user-pj5ju9sm5r]

anyone know any music player that can play any song at 432hz instead of the standard 440?

[@moghysorinel9883]

432 EVO Standard HiFi Music Server

[@sorysrgee]

It would be great to hear your thoughts of on the ibasso dx180. Another dap i actually heard a different on even though it is a solid state dap

[@SuperReview]

Looks pretty good on paper, though the 15 hours claimed battery life is not great.

[@sorysrgee]

@SuperReview it is 15 hours on balanced mind you while 30 hours on line out 3.5mm

[@SuperReview]

@@sorysrgee Oh that is pretty good!

[@miller_boss89]

Is DT 770 Pro 250ohm Beyerdynamic compatible with this device? or better 80ohms or 32ohms?

[@SuperReview]

It powers Sennheiser HD 600 without problem (300 ohms), I don't have the Beyers to test.

[@Tlanesi]

770 Beyers are harder than 600 to run but if it can run 600s then 770 might be acceptable. Depends on how easy it could run it

[@elasmojones]

Don't worry about the Cure...Casiopea is right there.

[@SuperReview]

Based.

[@louiev.3367]

Casiopea is goated birthed my love for jazz music instrumentals

[@saintckk]

Take it apart, there is LED light! The tubes sit in the center of the player wrapped. The tubes are just like the previous one doesn't grow light

[@SuperReview]

Confirmed?

[@ronenbuium7699]

I reccomend to review the IBASSO D16 (VS cheaper products). Thsnks

[@gdwlaw5549]

You can hear distortion…well done !

[@SuperReview]

It's something.

[@galactus2k383]

can you review the letshouer s08 pls?

[@jlopez54]

Would you review the hiby r4?

[@SuperReview]

Just got it in yesterday for review 👍

[@krimke881]

....when this thing goes wrong. How easy is it to repair?

[@SuperReview]

Probably not at all.

[@dm95422]

Isn't this unit a carbon copy of the Shanling M3 Ultra ??????

[@Tssukiii]

Love your reviews man, I watched most a couple times already, your style is just unbeatable (except for the horrible outro song AHAHHAHAHA - no hate, I'll just skip it)

[@MaxisMaximal]

Home Button very convenient

[@rubenthekid]

The chameleons? Based

[@SuperReview]

IT'S JUST A TRICK OF THE LIGHT

[@rubenthekid]

@@SuperReview Is It Any Wonder? and As High As You Can Go gotta be my two all time favorites. You know anything about comsat angels?

[@SuperReview]

I don't, should I?

[@rubenthekid]

@@SuperReview if you like the chameleons and the cure, you'll like the comsat angels, at least their "Waiting For a Miracle" and "Fiction" albums that is. Their newer albums (relative to when they were still active two decades ago) are very hit or miss as a result of the record label wanting them to be more pop-like.

[@rubenthekid]

@@SuperReview though one thing you gotta note about them, their discography is very elusive on the streaming services, and they don't have any digital albums on sale, so you'd have to find their full discography on something like pirate bay. Fun fact: the only streaming service that ever had their music was Pandora, you can find their songs on KZbin too though.

[@Gorgamak]

I would really appreciate reviewing more nutube devices if you get offered. Ibasso has a 1.7w portable amp with them. Very impressive.

[@hunteer963]

N3 Ultra is a huge upgrade over the N3 Pro(in terms of sonic performance). I used to own N3 Pro and then bought the N3 ultra as well upon launch in my country. For me the N3 Ultra sounds cleaner and crispier, N3 Pro had a warmer tone.

[@karolkedzierski5824]

There is no such thing like "huge upgrade" in sources. Come down to Earth, open your eyes and welcome reality.

[@hunteer963]

@@karolkedzierski5824 You are free to have an opinion my man and so do I. Having owned both the products for good amount of time, I would say that the N3 Ultra is a huge upgrade over the N3 Pro.

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

I can tell the difference between one player and the next. Most times the difference sounds like night and day. I have a player right now that is holding me over until I get something to replace my now dead Hiby R5 Saber and I can hear the difference between the two and I don't really enjoy this cheaper player, the Surfans f28. It's better than my Sony 1V and also better than my Hiby fc4 dongle I use with my phone but it's just not good enough. I don't know why it sounds better than my dongle DAC though.

[@ytn00b3]

Not supporting Bluetooth turns me off.

[@SuperReview]

Are you Bluetooth?

[@cxmxc]

Mark, the only affordable DAPS Sony a306 JP and the m300 are not bit-perfect (no wide SRC by-pass) when streaming, they upsamble everything. I’m sort of paranoid about it, the only other semi affordable choice is the r5 mk2 and the Fiio m11s. What are your thoughts on upsampling?

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Don't forget the dx180

[@SuperReview]

"Bit perfect" is a meme, do not worry about it. It is about the least important factor in picking a DAP I can imagine.

[@cxmxc]

@@SuperReviewI just bought the m300….non-buyers-remorse purchase to listen on my way to the office mostly through tidal/spotify. Thanks man!

[@hahafunny988]

Outro 😂

[@GadZookz]

Thanks Mr. Ryan. The N3 Pro was my first media player but I found it next to useless despite the very decent sound quality. Finally settled on the tubeless Ibasso DX300 which provides much better access to the music.

[@SuperReview]

Useless cuz no apps?

[@liamhenderson3958]

Sonically or it's software?

[@GadZookz]

@@SuperReview well the OS was nothing to write home about but the lack of wifi connectivity was the main problem. It had Bluetooth but using it degraded the SQ. I came to regret buying a portable player that always wanted to be tethered to the source.

[@dentReviews]

Send it to me and I’ll measure it🎉

[@SuperReview]

OK

[@Tkarma77]

Soinds like another bland dap in a crowded market

[@SuperReview]

What gives you that impression, it's more different than average.

[@rubenthekid]

Worthless if you can't change the battery/tubes. Sticking to the LG V20 and/or the Samsung xcover 6pro.

[@jameskegen6812]

Ibasso products have replaceable batteries. Only portable manufacturer I would buy from above $200.

[@rubenthekid]

@@jameskegen6812 is that so? Interesting

[@rubenthekid]

@@jameskegen6812 I've heard about that, but I don't know which models in particular have replaceable batteries

[@barbasour]

just want to comment here because I see many people with cool album as profile photo commenting here - oh, my photo is not a cool album. it's... dark

[@Dark_Acoustic]

How does it sound comparing to DX180?

[@MusicHoldsTheSecret33]

I know everyone says Hibby. But, shouldn't it be pronounced Hi-Bye? To pronounce it the way everyone does it should be spelled Hibby. Only one b make the i a hard i.

[@MusicHoldsTheSecret33]

How do you pronounce: Hifi? Hiffy?

[@SuperReview]

Yes, I pronounce it hiffy.

[@natalyakeane]

was a little tempted by this for a moment then found out that it uses raytheon tubes and id really prefer not to give money to raytheon lol

[@SuperReview]

Maybe if the audiophiles spend enough, they'll refocus their business away from military :P

[@patrickdanneker5480]

I don't understand this product.

[@doubleXnickel]

Musicbox

[@SuperReview]

@@doubleXnickel Small box. Play music in pocket. No have to stay by desk for tube-flavored sound. Glows.

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

Adding tubes to anything is dumb. Adding them to a dap is just completely brain-dead. I guess some "special" people will think it is a good idea.

[@SuperReview]

It's pretty cool TBH.

[@human6.045]

How many decent tube amps have you listen to Brian? I discovered the sound of tubes by accident really. One of my friends acquired a hybrid tube amp but didn't really know what to do with it, he sold it to me for very little money, just to play around with. I knew nothing about tubes and their sound, it was quite some years ago. I connected a pair of speakers that I had sitting around to it and all I can say is the sound was different, special indeed and it really surprised me; especially on vocals. I think tube amps sound great with certain music, not all. I also think less cluttered pieces of music and/or less demanding, more personal with emphasis on vocals works great, I really think tubes still have their place; just not with all music. A friend once said to me, regarding music and equipment, you either like the noise or you don't; but it's all noise non the less.

[@Mr_Nice_Watch]

Too boring to continue

[@Rorensuwl8]

Expensive snake oil

[@SuperReview]

Price is not that expensive compared to other DAPs, and I measured differences that most people would agree are in the realm of audibility. Not sure I follow.

[@samburden5053]

Just because you cant afford something doesn't make it snake oil.

[@SuperReview]

@@samburden5053 No need to insult.