Portable audio never sounded this good! Cayin RU7 review

[@iiWiReviews]

In the introduction part I made a mistake of calling RU7 an R2R DAC. While it's still using a discrete resistor network, it's not an R2R design but a 1-bit DAC design (volume control is R2R but that's a different part of the device). This doesn't change anything said about the sound quality and comparisons, but I apologize for the mistake.

[@Hijynx87]

I just got an RU6 for $130, holy moly does it sound amazing! It beats my questyle m15i and my btr7/17/qudelix.

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

Thank you very much for the review. I bought the RU6 after seeing your review and I love it. I use it on systems with speakers instead of phones and it always has a pleasant sound, regardless of the system we connect it to.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

These things are great for feeding good powered speakers

[@carlosalvarez7445]

I did the same for some time before I bought the Denafrips Ares 12-1 and it was pretty good, but if you like the sound it provides, don't hesitate to go for the desktop R2R! =)

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

How I understand you@@carlosalvarez7445! On my main system, I replaced the RU6 with the Ares II and more recently, I lost my mind and replaced the Ares II with the Pontus II 😉

[@yeghigmikaelian]

Thank you for including the tracks, always excited to discover new music and glad you liked the RU7 its a keeper :)

[@HermeticAscetic22]

Hey, man. Nice review as always. As far as I know, RU7 isn’t an R2R DAC, though. I have been using my FC6 for quite a while and absolutely love its sound! The instrument-separation and detail-retrieval are phenomenally good.

[@kriskelvin64]

Very detailed and balanced review. I like your music recomendations. You have a good taste.

[@JRVick]

Thanks a bunch for this great review. Waiting for the new Hiby FC6 successor, that hopefully outperforms all of them.

[@arthurkillen396]

I love the RU7 feeding a headphone amp. I prefer the FC6 or RU6 as a standalone dongle because of their more analog sound, even though the RU7 has much better technicalities and more power. RU7 isn't an R2R DAC, it's a 1 bit, DSD DAC.

[@Mark-fs7ok]

I completely agree. I have both and I really like the analog sound of the R6. I usually use the R6 for walking around and the R7 at home. And you're right that it's not R2R.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

How do dsd files sound on it? Any better then anything else?

[@mindhead1]

I use the RU7 into my ifi CAN via balanced it’s a very nice combo.

[@phetmoz]

Just got the RU7. It's really great.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

I like fiio KA5 but also got RU7 and feels much better. More warmth, more body, more refined, more rounded highs (S12 at last doesnt pierce my ears). Worth every penny

[@wazuo8354]

Great review, these are not cheap, I wonder if there's a desktop DAC that would compete with these, I have the RU6 but at $300 surely that would buy a good desktop DAC, obviously not R2R but still it would be useful to know what the other options could be in that price bracket.

[@rob7512]

I sometimes use the RU7 with an Ibasso cb10 usb-cable so you can power it with a powerbank instead of your phone. Than the sound is even better.

[@x-techgaming]

I definitely prefer the more organic, richer sound of RU6 over RU7. I had some playback issues with RU7, that RU6 has no problem with.

[@minhbu95]

I'd say the RU7, while technically several steps ahead of the RU6, does not replace the RU6 at all. The R-2R magic is still there in the RU6 which the RU7 does not have.

[@rob7512]

I mean Ibasso cb19 cable. I think all dongels sound better with it.

[@phantomplastics6582]

I have all of those but for me the QueStyle M15 beats them all. Incredible with the Arya Organics.

[@elthamlad468]

Hi, if you read these comments if you could ever get hold of the Cayin iDAC 6 MKII or iDAC 8 for review that would be fantastic!

[@carlosalvarez7445]

Hi, I usually like your reviews, but this one is not one of your best. To begin with, whether the RU7 is an R2R dongle is subject to debate, Cayin does not advertise it as such and the description appears more as a discrete implementation that uses 1 bit to convert any signal into DSD for processing. Although the architecture is also based on a network of resistors, it's not clear whether they're arranged as parallel binary units that constitute a proper ladder... maybe it is, but it's not clear. Now, the sound, I strongly disagree with the assertion that RU7 is "better" than RU6, it's undeniably different, but by no means better. Soundstage in RU6 is spectacular and its organic and natural timber may be preferred by many, as myself, over a more detailed nuance oriented DAC. They are both great dongles but each is going to please different tastes and preferences, not to mention that also the result will be different depending on the headphones or IEMs you are using. So, for the benefit of your audience, I would not discourage people away from the RU6 because it is labeled as inferior to the RU7, only different and depends on what you want and your gear what would be preferred. Cheers

[@iiWiReviews]

It's OK to disagree of course. I admit calling it an R2R was probably a hasty thing to do and I would change that part if I'd film it again. As for the sound, I can't say if there was some quality control issue with RU6 but the one I still have here with me can't make a huge soundstage. It's decent on it's own, but falls flat and lacks proper separation compared to RU7. Reverbs and tone tails are cut shorter too, and it tends to sound grainy. Also, I never get the feeling of a fully dark background. RU7 is not only more precise and higher in resolution but I simply can't find anything that RU6 is doing better. Whatever the reason for our different perception, I couldn't recommend RU6 next to RU7 and it seems we shall have to disagree on this one.

[@carlosalvarez7445]

@@iiWiReviews The only part I regret is not having this conversation over drinks! Of course it's good to disagree and have different points of view. That said, I've had two RU6 dongles because I gave the first to my wife, and both are not at all grainy or fall short with soundstage. I use it with Hifiman Edition XS and the Hidizs MP145 IEMs and sounds heavenly. The RU7 which I borrowed from a friend was no question more refined with crisper leading edges and more resolving, but in the A B comparison, the RU7 stroke me as more digital, less natural than the RU6 which to my taste is nicer for being softer, organic and natural. So yeah I think they are both great and good for different tastes! Cheers

[@banginghats2]

Do you think the extra money for a Chord Mojo would be worth it for the performance and extra bulk?

[@Maver1ck911]

Yes. Especially with the price drop from the original MSRP of 750

[@Alexander-11.11.]

i have chord mojo 1 and Cayin RU6, driven with good linear power supply. To my ears the mojo don´t even come close to the RU6. But i don´t know, how much the difference of the power supply throws into this.

[@Maver1ck911]

@Alexander-11.11. bro what. Neither device cares what power supply you feed it. The RU6 is drawing device power on a current limited fixed voltage while the mojo or mojo 2 runs off battery regardless if you had a hamster on a wheel charging it. The RU6 in NOS rolls of 44.1/48khz extremely hard while OS and 192 play fine. The Mojo2 is superior in every way unless you're leaning heavy on tonality preference between the OG mojo and Ru6.

[@Alexander-11.11.]

@@Maver1ck911 RU6 "cares" a lot, if it´s fed from USB thru my IBM, or from linear power supply. Clean and stable power is one key to good sound. You never heared, that clean power CAN make a big difference, are you serious? :D I know, that mojo runs of battery, as i OWN one. As i wrote, i have both DACs and.. read carefully: I MYSELF prefere MY RU6 with MY linear power a lot, over MY mojo 1, that of course is battery driven, as EVERY chord mojo. Better? :D I was not aware, that i´d have to explain it for little kids. But.. how ever: my message was for "bangingshats2" - i prefere the RU6 on good power, a lot, over the mojo 1. Both used as DAC, on a pretty good about 8000eu "Desktop" system, and with my Noble Audio Kaiser 10 iems. RU6 is more resolving and more natural sounding, mojo has slightly more PRAT. i have 5 DACS, all in all and i hear only with my Cayin, since about 6 month.

[@artureff3046]

Yes, and ifi gryphon especially for low sensitivity hp.

[@cyesso2141]

I love the analogy of the HD LCD and 4K TV. Such a great way to put it.

[@PL-ri3bz]

Preferred this over the RU6 , nice mix of smoothness and clarity still doesn't knock off my top spot dongle off it's perch....the ifi Gobar superb combination of organic smooth sound , features and sheer muscle

[@Hetsu..]

Go bar gold or kensai?

[@PL-ri3bz]

Standard Gobar, although my top pic in dongles is the new Astell & Kern HC4 Immense power, AKM DAC chips , top build quality and superb sound with note weight power etc I would love to hear your opinion on the HC4 if you get the chance to review it. Great channel btw!

[@artureff3046]

And power (voltage), but gryphon is better and so on to diablo 2 or xduuo xd05pro.....

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

Hi there. Thanks for this review. I have both the RU6 and RU7 and I am in agreement with Your views. Did You do Your testing on the DSD 256 mode? Also did You try the lineout function of the RU7? And what was Your opinion on that?

[@mimimmo]

Thanks for the review, i m considering the ru7 and the Mojo 2, I own focal clear og, grado rs2x and denon ah d2000, so they aren't hard to drive. Do you recommend the ru7 over the mojo2? I know that this last is more powerful and has an eq but I don't need it, maybe is more useful for more demanding headphones?

[@NeilBlanchard]

Thanks for this review! On the Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Louke song - on Qobuz I looked up the album with that cover, but there is no track titled "The Sun Will Rise Again"? Is that a translation of the title, possibly?

[@andymill8552]

It is not on that album, but it is a bonus track brought out separately with the same cover. Just look for 'Gretchen Parlato the sun will rise' on Qobuz and you will find it.

[@iiWiReviews]

This is a single that uses that same cover. If you just type the name of the song in the search, it should appear.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks - I found it now. I usually pause your videos when you post some music, and listen to it so I can better understand what you are referencing.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@andymill8552 Thanks - I did find it.

[@1moderntalking1]

How does this compare to the Audioquest dragonfly?

[@hellobooom]

Absolutely miles ahead, I've been using a Dragonfly red as aux port for years and this is a major upgrade.

[@artureff3046]

Best dongle according to What Hi-Fi 22-24 *****. Too weak for t50rp though as all dongles except for ifi go bar.

[@tsufulzoo1]

Looking for upgrade of my Dragonfly Red, tried Cobalt and didnt like it, too clinical robbed a lot of fun out of the music i listen (EDM mostly). Would RU7 fit the bill? I was thinking more of Mojo 2 that I can adjust to my liking.

[@artureff3046]

Go straight to something powerfull min 1W or more (ifi gryphon balanced or xduuo xd05 (pro even single ended). Don't waste resources for dongles (maybe except for ifi go bar)

[@Arkinos]

Is this dac a good upgrade from a Hidizs S9 Pro ? I will use it with a UM Mest mk3

[@iiWiReviews]

For me it is, more spacious, more detailed...

[@svobodniy_hudozhnik]

RU 7 or Ibasso DC Elite?

[@cobrabucket]

DC-Elite. I have both. Thank me later...

[@Nordi1_0745]

Can RU7 drive headphones such as AKG K701? Also a comparison with Mojo 2 would be very helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

it can drive my 420 ohm Audio Technica R70X so there shoud be no problem

[@niklasnagot6646]

Glad you compared to Moonriver 2 ti.

[@edverbeek6292]

I like your music suggestions very much. Thans!

[@Elementpunx]

Hey. I need a dongle DAC/AMP I will use with PC mostly for my DT1990 Pro 250ohm. Those are not balanced. I have Dekoni Elite Velour pads on them and they got a bit lees exciting. I would like a DAC that will bring the excitement back a little and will be a dongle. Price is irrelevant I just need something decent. Help :)

[@akhilvijayan2933]

Hi, could you please tell me the differences between the sound of SMSL AO 200 mk ii with SMSL AO 300 when using the analog RCA input? Which one you prefer good sounding? Can you please give me solution, because i am confused between topping PA 7 plus, smsl ao 200 mk ii and smsl ao300. Thank you

[@Reeeepicheep]

I had noise issues with both RU6 and the new RU7

[@iiWiReviews]

Do you use their hardware volume control? If they're maxed out there and attenuate in software, you'll have worst noise performance. That's not advisable.

[@sohailahamed7113]

Which one should I go for, RU7 or Hibyr4 DAP? 🤔 I'm so confused! I only use RU7 with my mobile since I don't have a desktop or laptop. Help me decide!

[@iiWiReviews]

They both sound great and similarly good. So it's best to choose by features and which one is more convenient for you personally. For example DAC drains battery but is smaller, DAP saves your phone battery but is another chunky thing that you have to carry around and remember to charge.

[@sohailahamed7113]

@iiWiReviews Bought RU7, but is the hiby R4 that good? 🤔 Is it on par with the RU7?

[@suanenggoh3216]

Cayin RU7 should be on par with most usd500 up to usd700 daps. (Daps pretty redundant for me i just use apple dongle as dap). Using RU7 n og mojo for my chifi iems n ie200. To my ears og mojo still better then RU7 tho. (Nearly wipe the floor). Hiby R4 should be slightly behind in sq vs RU7.

[@Hetsu..]

Wonder if this beats the seemingly over priced ifi go bar kensai.

[@hrvojekant9415]

At 289 US $ it not a bargin at all for a dongele DAC....but as R2R DAC..it could be interesting to be considered.

[@lažjeubićusrbina]

Pozdrav!!! Tvoji recenzije super i uvijek nešto novo👍👋

[@johnh539]

I have small Bose powered speakers that connect via 3.5mm jack can I a dongle dac. At the moment I use the 3.5mm out on my laptop or phone etc ,even if I can't use a dongle would I still be better to use a converter from USB to 3.5mm

[@demimascot]

Yes you can - there is LO (line out) in settings. Depending on your speakers it can be a bit quieter then your laptop. How better will the sound be depends on your speakers.

[@johnh539]

@@demimascot Thanks, appreciated.

[@PKAPE004]

Loved my RU7 until I got DENAFRIPS Ares 12 th-1. That said, I’m still using the RU7 with my IEMs when being away from my desktop or on the road, making a good IEM sound like a $2K desktop system.

[@armo4594]

Hey, can the Cayin Ru7 run my Sennheiser HD600?

[@Alinho295]

What is the added value compared to Fiio KA17? I am asking because the price is two times higher.

[@ramzyrashaun5186]

different taste, ka17 is more analytical or hifi sounding (thin). meanwhile the ru7 and fc6 are more organic and analog (also richer / fuller)

[@jagsjagsjags7110]

Hello, can I have your opinion please, is it better for me to replace the TOPPING E50 (with iFi power supply) with a RU6?

[@Jamy4ya]

Well you can. But actually you can't. Because you are trying to replace a dedicated Desktop DAC with a Dongle DAC with an amplifier (miniature) in it. So the output is effected both in terms of sound quality as well as the level of vrms required. If you want to try, then atleast get an RU7 (expensive) and choose the line out option to get the 2 Vrms, but again it goes thru the Amp section of the dongle so not a perfect advisable solution.

[@iiWiReviews]

As other comment said, I wouldn't replace a good desktop product with a good power supply for a portable one that's powered through USB. It's a downgrade. I praise all portables having in mind their constraints and comparing them to other portables in same conditions. In your case, I would keep enjoying E50 and waiting for next desktop product in that price range that will bring next level price/performance ratio.

[@iiWiReviews]

Of course, to catch that new yet to be launched product, you should visit my channel regularly. 😉

[@Yorozuya777]

review ifi go bar kensei pls

[@sloboat55]

Excellent

[@D1N02]

The Hiby FC6 seems to be mostly out of stock so maybe we will see a successor soon.

[@danielkomanapalli]

How does it compare with Khadas Tea?

[@ramzyrashaun5186]

Trust me if you're only using iems the fc6 is still sounds better than ru7, I have both

[@Maver1ck911]

My guy, you should consider some serious IEMS like the Raven/Rn6/Mentor/Anni 23/

[@MinghaoLi-c7d]

Before the mobs at headfi lynch you: it's dIsCrEtE 1bIt, nOt r2R!!!!11111!

[@jamesk5323]

power a side, could you replace desktop setup with RU7? clarity and resolution wise thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

I wouldn't. Something like FX-Audio DR07 with iFi power supply still sounds better to me and costs the same.

[@alexandrevasconcelos1623]

Is the soundstage also better than the RU7 in your opinion?Love that soundtage of RU7

[@MegaEpstein]

moondrop dark saber is only 800$ nice price

[@elhierronomiente]

Vs Mojo 2???

[@suanenggoh3216]

No competition Og Mojo easily beat RU7 so gen2 mojo should be much better in everyway.

[@brano5006]

🎇🎆🎇🎆🎇🎆 🎆 *40K* 🍻 🎇 🎇🎆🎇🎆🎇🎆

[@paminggggggg]

good

[@markhaneklaus282]

I bought Two "uptier"! dongles this year (Hiby FU 6 and Fiio BTR7) both failed after a couple of momth use, no more Outpu, i guess the Amp stage kind of blew through. Both i had to ship to China for repair on my own expense for repair. But the bad news is that one (the fiio) which is already repaired is still there because they want me to pay the return shipping cost also which i am not willing to do, and the other (Hiby) was on an expensive trip whith China Post for 3 Month before it was returned whithout having even meat the repairshop. I am therefore very sceptic even about reviews of such "Chifi" stuff, especially because they should tell us viewers about these risk. There is no comlience behaiviour from these Chinese Brands, they do not feel responsible after sale any more for their products, which turned out as "one ore two day flies". I got nice sounding donles which turned into rubbish very soon. So i recommend nit to buy this CGIFI suff

[@MetaModern87]

Couldn't even get the DAC type right? Why should I watch the rest of this video?

[@iiWiReviews]

I couldn't. You shouldn't.

[@HermeticAscetic22]

Cut him some slack. It’s a minor and an inadvertent error which doesn’t have anything to do with the rest of the video.

[@MetaModern87]

@@HermeticAscetic22 he literally got the kind of DAC it is wrong. I suppose saying a Tesla runs on gas would also be a minor error following your logic?

[@HermeticAscetic22]

@@MetaModern87 You seem like a fun person. Good luck finding a good DAC.

[@Jamy4ya]

Guys forget about RU7. Its been already 2 years (almost) since on the market. Nothing new. Instead get an Questyle M12i which was recently released for half the price. Very Organic sounding. Opmap less and Current Amplification Design with Autogain function. And very portable too..

[@wahid-lg1kk]

I love autogain, have it on my sonata bhd pro, it's great

[@FabioKasper]

1 year actually. Still not that old. Now is the perfect time to buy ($100 off, for instance).

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@@FabioKasper if it sounded good a year ago it still sounds good

[@krzysztofobodzinski2529]

​@@FabioKasperhi, where can I find it for $100 off?

[@Ricer-b4n]

M12i is weak and doesn't support balance

[@masterazlan6999]

Naa... Fc6 frm hiby way better n cuter Yet r2r otg bra..A-B test bra.. Peace!