USB DAC - Vintage High-End Sound. Cayin RU7

[@agentm83]

I have an RU6, currently feeding my desktop setup a Topping L50 amp and Hifiman Sundaras. I think this setup sounds pretty amazing. I'm still fairly early on in my audio gear journey, but upgrading my DAC from a Schiit Modius (which I thought was pretty good), to the RU6 was significant.

[@Kylosgrande]

im about to buy one, im ditching wireless. This is what im going to buy, iphone - ru6 - Meze Balanced wires - Meze 99 Classic

[@StarFox_SNES]

You saw improvement going from the desktop Modius to a dongle dac? Wow, that’s promising!

[@angisensual56]

I'm gonna do the same but with the RU7, L70 and the Ananda Nano, I'm just saving a bit more and we'll se how it sounds

[@slobry]

Thought i was the only one, i have a soncoz la-qxd1 paired with the thx 789 amp and i sincerely prefer using my RU6 over that stack. Some much more enjoyable

[@slicktricks88]

Great review! I already own the RU7. Great review. I find it's a great dongle to take the edge off trebly headphones. I like it with the Lirics. I only ever use it on a laptop though as a portable DAC.

[@matthewhilty4209]

Thank You for covering this little guy . I have been wondering how this would sound.

[@laszlokiss3578]

Hi, thank you for the review :) I have the RU7 and love it with classical, jazz and rock music. I think it is worth to use it with separate high quality power supply with a usb splitter cable, and the line out is quite good

[@ryN45678]

Really enjoying my RU7, to your point paired with the right IEMs (Dunu Zen Pro in my case) that smoothness is kind of welcome :)

[@arthurkillen396]

The RU7 will also convert incoming DSD files through its regular upsampling process, so there is no way to bypass the dongle's filters. The N7 allows incoming DSD to bypass the filters. I have the RU7, RU6, and Hiby FC6. As a standalone dongle, I prefer the RU6 and FC6 over the RU7. However, when used with a portable headphone amp (I use a PA10), the RU7 sounds really good with its line out. Better than the other dongles when they're paired with an external amp, in my opinion.

[@Currawong]

Thanks for mentioning this. I double-checked, and as the RU7 doesn't have a CPU, for DSD processing to be native, the sample rate in the settings has to be the same as that of the DSD file. Eg: If you have a DSD64 file, then if the RU7 is set to DSD64, the throughput will be native. Any other setting will result in up- or down-sampling.

[@suntanglory]

How powerful is the pa 10 in mini watt if you don't mind.Ak power rating is confusing with their no load....Thanks.

[@arthurkillen396]

@@suntanglory Not sure about mw. It has no problem powering my full sized headphones (AKG K12 Pro, HE1000se, HD560s) in low gain at about half volume. The low end and dynamics sound like there's more power than my Mojo 2, if that helps.

[@davidmthekidd]

oh this is terrible, I have about 90 Records in DSD64/128, this is annoying. @@Currawong

[@kia4335]

Between RU6 and F6C which one you prefer the most? Is there any significance difference of tune between the two?

[@RestleSSOtaKU]

Big thanks to this rewiew!!! ❤ With your mentioning Chord Mojo i was able to buy it 😊😊 Thought buying Ru7 willbe good idea, but then your take about Mojo gave me push to listen it, and after few hours of very good impressions i just bought it. And really happy ❤❤ Hope you'll be doing good, your videos are really big help 🎉🎉

[@Currawong]

Don't forget that you can get the RU7 from the following sites and help support my channel too: Audio46: www.hear.audio/go/RU7Audio56 HiFiGo: www.hear.audio/go/RU7HiFiGo Also, don't forget to check out the music available at NativeDSD. DSD tracks play natively through the RU7. nativedsd.com

[@justadad2304]

Agh, I just got mine Monday and am just beginning to explore it. If I had known Amos was reviewing it I would have waited. I fully trust and rely on the opinion of only the most experienced HeadFi reviewers, like Currawong, Skylab, Project86. Update: I do hear what Amos is saying... But listening to the review again, I think what is hard to tell is whether or not Amos actually liked it (beyond the match with the Solaris). Some of us only buy one or two different audio devices, some have a small collection. A much smaller number have closets full of limitless options to choose from and so most people are really looking for the "sure nothing is perfect, but do you actually like it and do you think I could too?" kind of assessment. (Another thing either he didn't mention or maybe I just missed it is: sometimes, depending on environment and placement, the RU7 gives me a tiny bit of radio noise - though that was supposedly much worse on the RU6 and could really eliminate the RU6 from comparisons for many people. I don't like radio noise but I can live with what the RU7 gives me.) Big picture opinion: For the money/form factor/use-case of nearly ultimate portability, I like it a lot! It is able to create those moments where you find yourself enjoying music... some times, if not all the time. There are some audio products you just love and recommend no matter what, the RU7 is one you recommend "as long as you can accept that it is what it is" kind of a thing. The only things I know are "better" come with substantial compromises in both price and function and are a completely different decision from the RU7. If you think this is the droid you're looking for, I suggest giving it a try. If you are looking for something bigger and more expensive, like Amos says there is the Mojo2 or large DAPs or other things to look at.

[@eatmoreporkporky4342]

It's pretty neutral but more dynamic and resolving than ru6. Ru6 was just too warm (mids) for me, this at 128 isn't. That's after some burn in has fast transients and good prat. Not as ' analog' sounding as ru6 and has better staging. Although ru6 does have a sweeter midrange and and more warmth.

[@JtwasLuck]

I've had the RU7 since launch and its hands down the only thing I need when I am portable. While its debatable whether or not its better than the Mojo, IMO it IS. The RU7 is actually portable whereas something like the Mojo is just too bulky for that. I am also not a fan of Chord's house sound and this is why my main system comprises of a R2R DAC paired to a non-negative feedback Class A headphone amplifier. I also upsample to DSD512 via HQPlayer. Being able to get somewhat the same type of sound in a portable form factor is quite astonishing, something like this just wasn't possible 10 years ago and for the money I honestly think most non-audiophiles would NEVER need anything more than this. If you don't find the RU7 musical enough, make sure to be running on DSD64, another thing I love is how you can suit the DAC to your sound preference. Want more detail and less warmth? Move up to DSD256. With the built in DSD options you can tailor this dongle to just about any headphone.

[@syanhc]

What about R2 D2?

[@natevirtual]

You mean Mojo 1 or Mojo 2?

[@marcopignone9386]

Can you give us any idea of whether the RU7 can drive something like the Hifiman Ananda Nano or the perhaps easier to drive Meze 109pro?

[@arthurkillen396]

I prefer the RU7's overall presentation to my Mojo 2. Mojo has a larger soundstage, and may be more resolving, but it didn't have the same sprinkle of romance. It seems a little mechanical.

[@VanDungLe2510]

Do you have any clicking noise issue regarding the RU7?

[@syanhc]

I have the Mojo 2 and after this review seems little point in investing in the Cayin ru7.

[@purrloftruth]

would love to see you review the questyle m15!

[@wishbone1138]

I'm seeing some reviews of the RU7 having noise issues, bad noise floor or EMI interference. Anyone experienced that with theirs?

[@Natarian86]

I haven't experienced any of that but I don't use IEMs.

[@angisensual56]

Yep, mine just arrived today and they have a "pop" noise when the songs change : /

[@Stylianos.]

How many hours did you burn in the RU7 ? What files did you use , pink , white noise or music ?

[@disastrousemouse]

I have an RU6, and the biggest thing I missed is that line out for the RU7. Is it worth the upgrade from RU6? Can it drive my Edition XS? RU6 can’t.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Did you try ru7 with Tidal in exclusive mode? I had ru6 and sold it because it didn't work that way. I mostly use offline/ downloaded content with Tidal while on the go (and that's when i use dongles the most) so in order for me to think of buying one it's mandatory that it works that way.

[@scotchhifi]

I've spent quite some time with my DF Cobalt, RU6, and RU7 mainly with my Monarch mk2's and 64 audio Nio's. I think gear synergy and per song synergy are important. I've come to settle on mostly preferring the RU6 with the Nio to add some "musicality" to 64 audio's house sound and the RU7 with the Monarch Mk2's. Of course, plenty of exceptions. I think the RU7 4.4mm drives my Senny's and ZMF Atrium well but the Verite Closed struggles a bit (pretty fussy for synergy) and it muddies the Caldera too much to be enjoyable listening to my ear. Overall, I'd say the RU7 is the best of the many dongles I've heard. I think it's cleaner than the RU6 without losing that "natural" sound. Unfortunately, the RU7 is a straight upgrade for me as the RU6 is noisy with my Samsung galaxy phone. Good review. I agree with many of your takes on it.

[@Gambit166]

I got the RU6 for $186 direct from Cayin. It's a very good dongle DAC/amp at that price. Aliexpress often has sales that brings the RU6 down to below $200. Feel no need to upgrade or sidegrade to the RU7. Although I enjoy using the RU6, it does get very hot and draws a lot of power. I prefer using my Sony ZX707 DAP a lot more but the 707 is also a lot bigger, heavier, and over 3x the cost of the RU6.

[@mikeg2491]

I like these dongle DACs because they’re cheap and can add a new sound/flavor to an external amp for less than a full-size dac.

[@charlesnr]

Wonder how all these miniature DAC;s sound and compare to my older Meridian Explorer 2.

[@redrich2000]

Still rocking the Ara. Do you have a daily driver IEM?

[@oliverwright19]

Hi! When purchasing, is the lightning adapter to usb-c cable to connect to the Iphone included?

[@Currawong]

No. It's a separate item.

[@arrowzen7433]

The manual states that LO is only through the 3.5mm socket. Before I buy a balanced LO cable - can you confirm that LO also works balanced through the 4,4mm?

[@petrpulpytel]

I have th RU7 and the LO works on both.. 3.5 and 4.4 too..

[@laszlokiss3578]

what dsd upsampling settings did you use / do you suggest to use in HQPlayer for RU7? thx a lot in advance

[@Currawong]

I basically just set it to SDM (DSD) output at 44.1 (or 48 -- I forgot if this works with it. If so, you need to check the 48k DSD box as well) x256, and then it's really up to individual preference which modulator and filter you use.

[@arrowzen7433]

So no issues running this on an iPhone Pro Max? - heard reports otherwise, where it was not recommended for non-Android users. Could you please shed some light on what that might be about? - Thank you…

[@Currawong]

On the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max, I don't have the issue with drop-outs that I did with my 12 Pro Max at maximum volume. It only happened pushing the power limits to the max with insensitive headphones at near maximum volume though. You'll never come near that with IEMs.

[@arrowzen7433]

@@CurrawongThank you. Much appreciated.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

Latest iphones with USB C are fine. Older iphones have stuttering issues, the lighting port just can't provide enough power.

[@arrowzen7433]

If I am not getting any sound out from my iPhone 14 Max Pro - do you have any suggestion as to why and how to overcome?

[@Currawong]

I suggest asking the manufacturer. Andy Kong is very active on Head-Fi and will answer questions about Cayin products better than I can.

[@manoloinguzman]

Excellent video thank you. So I have a subscription to Qobuz as I listen to a lot of classical and jazz music and typically I can get some HiRes tunes on this platform. I have been using a moondrop Dawn dongle for a while but would really like to upgrade to something that gives me a richer sound. I have found the review and your channel by chance and I am interested by the RU6. I currently have a couple of headphones (closed back and open back) that I absolutely love, but my question is whether the Cayin RU6 or RU7 would be a reasonable investment or a waste of time? I am tempted to jump in the RU6 family, but would welcome any comments from anyone of you. Thanks

[@drnafis]

Do u already try cayin ru7

[@sieoradan]

I'm about to make a tough decision. hipdac 3 or cayin ru7?

[@asotomayor]

Cayin RU7

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Can it be used on lighting iPhones?

[@Currawong]

Yes. You need to order a compatible Lightning to USB-C OTG cable though, either from Cayin or OE Audio.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

@@Currawong i have the one that came with ifi gryphon, would it suffice?

[@Currawong]

No idea to be honest. The manufacturers don't say anything about what chip is in their cables as they aren't authorised by Apple, and don't want to draw so much attention to themselves that Apple shuts down the third-party chips in the next iOS update.

[@alexvls2]

Cayin ru6 my best dongle. Cain ru6 better then fiio btr5 and lotto paw s2

[@FabioKasper]

Is the RU7 somehow comparable with the Modi MB?

[@agentm83]

I heard another reviewer say that the RU6 is comparable to the Modi MB.

[@Currawong]

The RU6 is more similar.

[@Metal_seer]

Excellent revirw.

[@suanenggoh3216]

I love my ru7.

[@arrowzen7433]

We need a battery powered one.

[@terencem881]

Good point, battery drain is concerning. Have a four hour flight coming up plus am regularly on the train for several hours. I am interested in buying but could do with a battery like the btr7. Carrying separate battery packs is starting to defeat the small form factor.

[@arrowzen7433]

@@terencem881the Shanling UA5 imo is the perfect form factor and solution in that regard. I have the BTR7 for office and commuting and will most likely use the RU7 more as a niche IEM/mood matching unit at my couch or bedside at home. We will see. BTR7 works well, but is larger and battery does not last as long as I would like.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

I have never heard anyone call bass, bloomy. Boomy, yes. Bloomy, no.

[@Currawong]

Boomy, in my mind, suggests a lack of control. Bloomy is how I describe a lot of even-order harmonic distortion. It fills the perceived sound space with more musical "colour" (if we are to use flower analogies).

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@@Currawong I see, so it's a useful analogy if it's been explained.. I have heard that sort of thing, it's not necessarily bad..

[@Alex-dj7nc]

Thanks

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@masterazlan6999]

U haven't listen to FC6 frm Hiby... Way better then this.. Cuter in size yet has own fpga, darwin tech frm em etc.. Yup overSamplin or nos.. Nicest r2r otg in the world currently.. Peace!

[@Currawong]

You know... both are made by the same company?

[@masterazlan6999]

Bro, i dun care if its frm moons.. The sounds its produced bro! ur ru6 or ru7 below fc6 n dats my point, sumore cuter n colour screen.. Just compare em U'll know wut i mean.. Peace!

[@Crashboomwallop]

@@masterazlan6999 FC6 Hiby, closely followed by Centrance Dacport HD dongle, are Analog sound. Esp FC6 is closest. I guess you like that sound-scape more. RU7 tends towards that spectrum, but FC6 is more analogue-ish. On the opposite side, what's generally called as 'hi-fi- sound is something like M15 Questyle. You clearly prefer analog. And peace indeed!

[@eboboboy]

Have you tried Questyle M12i? Many reviewers said they have the same analog sound; the only difference is that FC6 brings more frontal voice due to R2R.