Cayin CS-100 DAC

Review:

... outstanding price/performance ratio ... But that's not all: it's by far the best digital stereo source I've come across so far.

Cayin's flagship tube D/A converter processes up to 32 bit / 768 kHz as well as DSD512 and DoP256 in native mode with its high-quality ESS Sabre ES9038Pro. There are six different digital inputs on the rear of the solid, contemporary housing: USB audio, AES/EBU, BNC, RCA, Toslink and I2S via mini-HDMI. By switching between vacuum tube or semiconductor buffer stage for the RCA and XLR outputs, users can change the sound of their CS-100DAC to suit their taste. This also applies to the many different filter characteristics.

Two RCA and two XLR outputs with fixed level and controlled volume extend the range of applications. The Cayin CS-100DAC can also be used for direct control of power amplifiers or active speakers. A high-quality all-metal remote control and the smart user interface with 3.95-inch AMOLED display also make operation a pleasure. AUDIO magazine gave the following verdict on the Cayin CS-100DAC in its 5/19 issue: "Those who expected the transistor to sound sober were proved wrong, as were those who expected a warm, beautifully colored tube sound. No matter what combinations of timbre adjustment and digital filter we tried, the result was an incredibly multi-faceted, balanced and extremely high-resolution sound."