The Cayin RU9 pairs Nutube 6P1 vacuum tube charm with precision solid-state circuitry in a sleek, palm‑sized design—ideal for today’s discerning audiophile.
Dual headphone outputs, each with three selectable timbres:
Classic Tube – Uses Nutube 6P1 without global feedback, delivering rich harmonic distortion (THD ≤3.1%) and warm, nostalgically “tubey” tones.
Modern Tube – Adds global negative feedback, offering smoother, cleaner warmth with tightly controlled THD (~≤0.6%).
Solid‑State – Driven by op‑amp ICs for fast transients, neutral reproduction, ultra‑low THD (≤0.008%), and pristine clarity.
Two AK4493SEQ DAC chips decode left and right channels separately. This results in superb channel separation and low crosstalk, delivering high-resolution clarity in every note.
Supports UAC1.0/2.0 compatibility—plug-and-play for Macs, PCs, Android, iOS, and consoles—with full PCM (up to 32-bit/768 kHz) and native DSD (up to DSD512) support.
Battery (2000 mAh): Up to 4.7 hrs on single-ended solid-state; slightly less with tube modes.
USB-Powered: Streamlined operation without charging.
DC External Input: Unlocks Hyper Mode—boosted current/voltage for stronger headphone drive:
Balanced DC: 1 000 mW (32 Ω) / 1 170 mW (16 Ω)
Single‑ended DC: 420 → 610 mW depending on impedance
Battery-powered THD and power output specs highlight the shift between battery and DC modes.
Built-in Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset delivers Bluetooth v5.1, supporting LDAC, aptX HD, LL, SBC, and AAC. S/PDIF I/O is also available for integrating with digital audio sources.
Magnetic rear panel and hand-stitched Cayin leather case provide secure attachment and premium look.
Slim (15 mm), CNC-machined metal chassis weighing just 150 g.
Premium details: vibration-isolated Nutube, knurled volume knob, adjustable 0.96″ color LCD, and multi-color LED indicators.
Ergonomic L-shaped USB cable included.
Portable USB DAC/Amp: Full UAC compatibility and ASIO for high fidelity playback.
DAC/Preamp: Use via S/PDIF for hi-res system integration.
Wireless Input: Bluetooth connectivity lets you enjoy HD streaming from any device.
Combines warmth of tube, clarity of modern tube, and precision of solid-state—all in one ultra-portable unit.
Tuned for everyday and desktop use with fast charging (QC3.0/PD2.0) and versatile power modes.
Exceptional specs: high dynamic range, low noise, and channel separation across modes, ensuring reference-grade audio wherever you go.
Cayin RU9 is the new-age audio dongle that caters to nostalgia seekers, detail lovers, and purists alike—delivering high-end performance in a compact, thoughtfully engineered package.
Category | Specification | Details |
---|---|---|
General | Product Type | Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier |
General | DAC Chipset | Dual AKM AK4493SEQ (Mono mode per channel) |
General | Tube | Korg Nutube 6P1 |
General | Output Types | 3.5mm Single-ended PO/LO, 4.4mm Balanced PO/LO |
General | Timbre Modes | Classic, Modern, Solid-State |
General | Chassis | CNC-machined aluminium alloy |
General | Weight | 150g |
General | Dimensions | 124.7 × 65 × 15mm |
Digital Input | USB Input | USB-C (XMOS XU316, 16-core) |
Digital Input | Compatibility | UAC1.0 (Driverless), UAC2.0 |
Digital Input | Bluetooth Input | Qualcomm QCC5125 (BT 5.1) |
Digital Input | Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC, SBC |
Digital Input | S/PDIF I/O | Yes |
Supported Audio Formats | PCM | Up to 32-bit / 768kHz |
Supported Audio Formats | DSD | Native DSD512 |
Power Supply | Battery | 2000mAh Lithium Battery |
Power Supply | Battery Life | ~4.7 hours (solid-state SE mode) |
Power Supply | Power Modes | Battery, USB, External DC (Hyper Mode) |
Power Supply | Charging Support | QC 3.0 / PD 2.0 fast charging |
Hyper Mode Output Power | Balanced | 1000mW @ 32Ω, 1170mW @ 16Ω |
Hyper Mode Output Power | Single-ended | 420mW @ 32Ω, 610mW @ 16Ω |
Measured Performance - Classic Tube | THD+N | ≤ 3.1% |
Measured Performance - Classic Tube | SNR | ≥ 105dB |
Measured Performance - Classic Tube | Frequency Response | 20Hz – 50kHz (-3dB) |
Measured Performance - Modern Tube | THD+N | ≤ 0.6% |
Measured Performance - Modern Tube | SNR | ≥ 114dB |
Measured Performance - Modern Tube | Frequency Response | 20Hz – 80kHz (-3dB) |
Measured Performance - Solid-State | THD+N | ≤ 0.008% |
Measured Performance - Solid-State | SNR | ≥ 118dB |
Measured Performance - Solid-State | Frequency Response | 20Hz – 90kHz (-3dB) |
Display & Controls | Display | 0.96" color OLED (adjustable brightness) |
Display & Controls | Indicators | Multicolor LED (charging status, sample rate, format) |
Display & Controls | Volume Control | Knurled, tactile rotary knob |
Display & Controls | Mode Switch | Side-mounted toggle for timbre selection |
Design Features | Vibration Isolation | Custom silicon Nutube housing, FPC PCB, suspension |
Design Features | Magnetic Rear | Smartphone-friendly mounting |
Design Features | Accessories | Leather case, L-shaped USB-C cable, USB-A adapter |
Item Ships from our UK Warehouse - Typical delivery is 3 - 5 business days for mainland UK. OTIC can be contacted for updates.
Free shipping on all baskets over £250.
We offer a refund on any unused items, subject to our returns policy.
Click here to view all delivery & returns info - including shipping, tax, and duty information for International Customers.
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