Cayin N8ii flagship Android player review

[@fernandesfernandes5997]

Tenho Ibasso DX220 com AMP9 e AMP8 , no que esse Cayin seria melhor ?

[@PortaFi]

More dynamic and emotional, with better treble rendering and more natural stage. But difference isn't big of course

[@AKL764]

I have the qdc anole vx paired with LP W2 dongle. To get a better sound would you buy a n8ii or sell the qdc and buy a tonalli iem? Thanks!!

[@PortaFi]

I'm sorry, but I actually didn't test this QDC or Tonalli, so I can't say something useful here

[@iScorpio1971]

Hi, I'm already waiting for the BTR7 :) still looking into a TOL DAP. Already know that you're not aware only Sony output but between the Canyin N8 vs iBasso 320, aldought though Q, which do you think is better sounding and a overall buy? Thanks so much.

[@PortaFi]

do you mean first or second version of N8? If second, then it's better than DX320

[@AlexeyDubkov]

Assuming all top DAPs are sound good. Which one has most refined firmware, UI and general stability?

[@PortaFi]

Actually, they all are pretty decent in terms of firmware, but offering a different experience. Cayin has an open Android, so you'll get streaming services, possibility to install custom player, etc. Lotoo Paw Gold Touch is an opposite: no Android, no streaming, but custom FW that boots up fast and works really rapidly. A&K are in between, they use Android, but behind a custom launcher, so third-party software is limited to just main streamin apps, without flexibility And in terms of features they are about on par: good media library with lots of dispaly options, convenient playback screen, equaliser, DAC mode, etc. Just this features are differently organised in terms of menus and stuff Subjectively, I like FiiO's UI, maybe I just used to it

[@TheLORDNIGHTSHIELD]

Hi. Could you please compare it to SP2000? (at least on your opinion) I mean it is slightly more expensive than SP2000. But what about Sound? Because it is big (i mean fat), and not that good looking in comparison to A&K. Also in case in ergonomics, how comfortable it is when you connect 3.5mm from bottom? Is not that player is better for system than for headphones on hand? Thanks!

[@PortaFi]

> But what about Sound? in the TOTL segment, it's totally a matter of preferences. SP2000 offers A&K signature "fluid" mids, which is their distinguishing feature in signature. While N8ii offers six different sound signatures, they all are different from the SP2000 one. There is no "winner" here. Or, to be more precise, there is one, but it's definitely a matter of your taste, and no one can tell you which will be best FOR YOU > how comfortable it is when you connect 3.5mm from bottom? for me doesn't matter at all. both players aren't really pocketable for me, and when they are on the table, I can connect from any side without the difference in comfort

[@mujtababbq8454]

how does it compare with the ibasso dx300 max

[@PortaFi]

Haven't test DX300 Max unfortunately

[@garygriffiths7353]

I own this dap and I don’t like it as much as I thought I would. It’s very bright in my opinion. All 5 options sure pretty bright. I would take an Sp2k over it and probably the m9 too

[@PortaFi]

Thank you for sharing. I'm really curious about SP3K, but current local price is kinda… refreshing

[@garygriffiths7353]

@@PortaFi the sp3k is out of my price range as it is. Apparently it’s very similar to the Sp2k sound wise. I might see if the sp3k comes out at a reasonable price on the used market

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

sounded like they still implemented the cayin signature sound with more option in the amplifier section and much more on the price! great review as always pavlo, God Bless u & your family.... keep save...

[@PortaFi]

Hello, thank you, friend! All the best wishes to you too! You've summarised it right actually :)

[@xdrixntkd]

Hello excellent review, see the n8ii has better technical skills than the sp2000 In general, which device is better? Thank you

[@PortaFi]

Hello, not sure what you mean by technical skills, if you mean Android version and chipset then yes, Cayin is better, but SP2000 is pretty old and soon will be replaced by something more modern, so it's more fair to compare this future "new Ultima" But in terms of sound, SP2000 is still a really good offer, and I'd said that it's a matter of taste what signature to chose. Or if you like the idea of different representations, than, of course Cayin will be better

[@uriy1437]

👍

[@viorgu]

forgot to mention the comparison to Shanling M9

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I don't have M9, it was a loaner unit. so I can't do a side-by-side comparison. and without that it's really hard to say something about the difference "by memory" N8ii in tube A mode is pretty close to M9, but N8ii has 5 other options of sound :)