Cayin iDAC-8 Tube DAC

Cayin iDAC-8

DAC & preamplifier with tube / solid-state output stage

Two triode tubes per channel handle current amplification and drive the positive and negative phase of each channel – delivering excellent musical reproduction.

The first output stage of the iDAC-8 uses two triodes operating in parallel within the 6H6b-B tube as cathode followers. This increases current capability while reducing noise. A fast-switching Vishay MOSFET with low on-resistance is connected in series as the voltage follower for the second output stage.

This design allows the iDAC-8 to operate either as a tube preamp or as an alternative solid-state preamp. Regardless of how precisely the AK4191EQ’s 64-bit digital filters and volume control perform, Cayin additionally opted for an analog volume controller. By using the JRC NJW1195A chip, digital losses are avoided – preserving full resolution at every attenuation level.

Demanding, open, and airy: beyond its neutral transparency and excellent sound, the iDAC-8 also offers technically and visually matching pairing options. It forms a perfectly matched system with Cayin’s iHA-8 headphone amplifier and iDAP-8 audio player, and it can also serve as an external converter for the Mini-CD MK2. Its I2S and AES/EBU inputs make it a superb hub for digital-to-analog conversion.

Alternatively, pair the iDAC-8 with the newly released Cayin HA-2A tube headphone amplifier.

Technical Specifications