Cayin N3Ultra Manual
PDF manual · 39 Pages
English
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Dual AK4493SEQ DACs and vacuum‑tube option offer both technical precision and warm tube coloration.
- Extensive digital format support including PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD512 playback.
- Balanced 4.4mm and single‑ended 3.5mm outputs plus line out and S/PDIF/USB options for versatile connectivity.
- Expandable storage via MicroSD (up to 1TB) and USB‑OTG makes large libraries portable.
- Physical volume knob, dedicated transport buttons and 4.1" IPS touchscreen for ergonomic control.
Disadvantages
- Using balanced vs line output requires menu changes and line out disables onboard volume control.
- Some advanced USB DAC features require Windows driver installation and may need configuration.
- Vacuum‑tube mode increases distortion and reduces some measured performance versus solid‑state.
- Charging and playback raise device temperature; avoid covering the unit while charging.
- Adapting single‑ended headphones with passive adapters to the 4.4mm balanced jack can damage the circuitry.
Ask a Question
Frequently Asked Questions
The N3Ultra offers a 3.5mm single‑ended headphone out, a 4.4mm balanced headphone out (shared with balanced line out), a 3.5mm line out, S/PDIF via Type‑C and USB Audio via Type‑C for digital output.
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Set USB mode to USB DAC in the pull‑down menu, connect via the supplied Type‑C cable to a host. The player will show the DAC interface and suspend local playback. Windows may require Cayin USB Audio drivers; Mac and many Android devices work natively.
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Yes. The player supports MicroSD/TF cards up to 1TB and OTG USB devices (flash drives, card readers) via the Type‑C connector to expand storage.
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The N3Ultra supports PCM up to 32‑bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 in native mode (DSD256 or DoP options also supported). S/PDIF coaxial output supports PCM to 192kHz and DSD64 via DoP.
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Open the pull‑down settings menu and choose either 'Tube' or 'Solid State.' In tube mode you can further select 'Classic' or 'Modern' timbre options to tailor warmth and harmonic character.
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When USB Audio or an external DAC is active, the N3Ultra routes digital output via Type‑C and disables its internal analog outputs to prevent signal conflicts and ensure proper digital handoff.
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Install the Cayin USB Audio driver from the official site for Windows. Also ensure the PC playback software selects N3Ultra as its audio output device and try different USB ports or cables if needed.
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Product Description
Cayin N3Ultra — Master-Quality Portable Music Player
The Cayin N3Ultra is a high-fidelity portable digital audio player designed for audiophiles who want flexibility, power, and rich tonal options on the go. Built around dual AK4493SEQ DACs and an optional vacuum-tube stage, the N3Ultra delivers detailed, dynamic playback across both single-ended (3.5mm) and balanced (4.4mm) outputs. Its 4.1" IPS touchscreen, solid build and compact dimensions make it a practical companion for critical listening and daily use.
Functionality is comprehensive: local storage plus TF card and OTG USB expansion (up to 1TB), S/PDIF and USB Audio digital outputs, and USB DAC/USB storage modes for direct computer connectivity. The player supports extremely high-resolution formats (PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 in native modes) and can be toggled between solid‑state and vacuum‑tube timbres (Classic and Modern tube modes) to tailor warmth and character.
Controls include a physical volume knob, dedicated transport buttons (prev/rewind, play/pause, next/fast-forward) and a Home/Return button with multi‑function LED status. The unit offers multiple line-out levels and disables local volume control when set to line output, ensuring consistent signal levels to external amplifiers. Safety and usability features include a smart LED that indicates sample rate and charging state, clear charging guidelines, and firmware update support to keep the platform current.
Battery performance is generous for a feature-rich DAP: typical runtime varies by output mode and tube/solid‑state selection, while QC3.0 fast‑charging support reduces downtime. The user interface supports music scanning and library sorting by songs, artists, albums and genres for straightforward navigation. Extensive safety and troubleshooting notes address common issues (no power, no sound, USB DAC recognition) and guide driver installation for Windows when necessary.
For users who value sonic versatility, precise analog outputs and extensive format support, the Cayin N3Ultra combines engineering depth with approachable controls and convenient file management. Whether used as a primary transport, a desktop USB DAC, or a mobile high-resolution player, it offers a flexible toolkit for listening across headphones and outboard systems.
Notes
- Choose PO (phone out) or LO (line out) appropriately; LO disables device volume control.
- Disconnect analog plugs to enable S/PDIF via Type‑C.
- Windows users may need Cayin USB Audio drivers for USB DAC mode.
- Do not use 4.4mm adapters to connect single‑ended headphones to the balanced jack — this can damage the unit.
- Keep firmware updated via Cayin official site for improvements.
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