Got mine today and I agree. It is excellent even compared to much more expensive options. It's natural and enjoyable. Also agree that the OS mode sounds better. Great review.
Another very good review. I appreciate your ability to verbally describe what you hear. I feel many other reviews re-use the same descriptions over and over, but you don't. You have a great audio vocabulary. Thank you.
Every additional review of this just confirms what I already knew about the RU6, that it' definitely the best piece of audio gear I've purchased this year.
Very truthful review. I ordered the RU6 on the second day after it was released. When I got it I was amazed and after a week I ordered the Ares II since I was captured by R2R replay. Now I do not listen to any other dongle, neither Helm Bolt, nor Hiby RS6, nor Fiio btr5. And yes, it is only the DH80s that is still other choice for me. Do not like to compete on reviewing but I even did a review on the RU6 at Head-fi, under the name of Sharppain.
@@NKF1C I would suggest to start with RU6, you'll never regret the cost. RS6 is better but is huge cost and imagine you like too much the THX technology way off presentation! If you like the the RU6 than for the money of RS6 you may get a Denafrips Are II. RS6 is a bulky luxury with battery and is not at the level od Ares II, despite the big tuning flexibility it has.
How are the highs on the RU6? I seem to get the impression from the video that the treble may be rolled off/not very clear, that's what's holding me back. I currently own the Radsone ES100 Mk1 (2019 version) and the Fiio K3s (2021 newer version)
@@TF2ReplayMaker I think the highs are not rolled down. Just they feel a bit smoother - the big peaks are not that emphasized. I cannot make the comparison vs the dacs you mention since I do not have them. What I can say is that RU6 has the presentation of Ares II, and not the presentation of THX technology. RU6 has very good depth of stage, quite good width of stage and smoothness, and I do not miss details.
@@nikolaygramchev thank you for your detailed response. How are genres like rock,metal and punk on the RU6? Are guitar riffs still striking and do cymbals still have good shimmer/decay?
Just got my RU6 in the mail. Really suits planar my Magnetic headphones. Ordered a Pentacon plug to convert one of my Verum 1's over to balanced :) Thanks for tge recommendation.
A few years ago I went to an ENT to get a sinuplasty. Make a long story short they accidentally dilated my Eustachian tubes as well as crushed my auditory nerves on both sides. I have PET which means my ET dont close. So the tube connecting my ears to my throat is always open. Hence, when I breathe my eardrums literally inflate and deflate, my voice travels directly to the inside part of my eardrum so it's really loud talking. The ET has a muscle that allows in the perfect amount of pressure in your middle ear to balance the eardrum. Mine doesn't work, my eardrum flops around so sound just doesn't sound right at all. I also got hyperacusis due to the nerve damage. So any sound above 6 or 7 kHz is extremely loud. When peop-le talk and pronounce "s" sounds it sounds like static. Clapping my hands will ring my ears, if I drop something and it hits a hard surface it hurts my ears, silverware clinging, doors closing, people talking loudly, dogs barking, music at mid volume sounds like you are putting your ear an inch away from a tweeter. Like static. It has ruined my quality of life. Not only did I love music but im an audiophile, just like you guys. I sold everything from Krell amps to Martin Logan speakers to 1700 Hifiman headphones. There's no cures for these things. I am just really really depressed over it. How would you guy cope with this? Would you be like me and just quit listening to music all together or would you still listen? It brought me so much happiness and ive learned in the last few years that I didn't listen to music to listen to music. I was more addicted to how GOOD or bad the sound was. Thats what kept me addicted is the level of quality of the sound, not the act of listening to a song. I would always sit there in awe of how good something sounds rather than think wow this is a good song. Please share your guys feelings with me. I still find myself watching these types of videos and I dont know why. It's cause I love it so much. Also, I cant sue the doctor because these are impossible to prove because you cant see the nerve damage or hair damage inside of the cochlea, its too small.
I assume that NOS mode has significant HF roll-off courtesy of an analogue filter made as steep as is possible (which is nowhere near as steep as a digital/arithmetical one) probably starting not much above 10KHz. To most people that will sound wrong (and exactly as you describe - lacking 'air' and soundstage) because we're inured to the bright, tinkly, "crystal clear" sound of CD and latterly 16/44.1 delivered via other means. I would propose that 44.1 KHz PCM doesn't really have response covering the entire audio band except in "reconstructing" pure sine waves, and apart from something like a triangle, music - instruments and voices - are not a sine waves, and that what we're accustomed to hearing as the HF reproduction of 16/44.1 is actually _artificial._ IOW, NOS decoding reveals the *real* (+/- 1-2dB) bandwidth of 44.1KHz and it's nowhere near the 'Nyquist' cut off, in fact arguably closer to 4KHz or thereabouts. I can't understand why anything but NOS and analogue low-pass (or perhaps conversion to DSD) is used for 96KHz and up.
With my meze 109 pros and schiit midgard amp - for my taste this RU6 (in OS mode) gives me an absolutely perfect sound with all genres. This is a much preferred combination compared to using my bigger and more expensive Musician Draco dac (in NOS mode) which sounds too intense, vocals and instruments too forward, almost cluttered presentation in comparison (even though the soundstage is technically bigger) - the RU6 pushes vocals and instruments out into the room a bit more and I can hear more colour and subtleties in the music somehow. However the draco sounds much better with my speaker setup (kef ls50 hegel h95), the ru6 sounds vague and hazy in comparison on speakers. Just shows.. Taste, synergy and balance are so important in this hobby - not necessarily technicalities and cost.
I really did not need to see this review. Last year, I bought a Denafrips Pontus 2 R2R dac for... $1600. I love its sound and will keep it as my end game dac for as long as I'm still breathing. However, It feels like a katana pierced my heart when I now read about an excellent R2R dac for $250. Now, I'm sure my Pontus would sound significantly better if compared to the RU6. I'm just not entirely sure it would sound $1350 better. I need to stop reading audio reviews for the sake of my own sanity. LOL!! Great review, mate!!
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your reassuring comments! I compared the Pontus to the Topping D90 (AKM and ES versions), Schiit Gungnir Multibit, RME ADI-2 and Gustard X22. I thought the Pontus sounded much better with a smoother, richer presentation than the others. I'm definitely an R2R guy now.
Thank you, Sir. I just got my RU6 today and it completely blew me away when listening in my 2 channel rig. I have a Topping D70 DAC and the RU6 is on another planet. The RU6 sounds like real music while the Topping sounds clean, detailed and digital. Just to confirm, if you are using an RU6 in a 2 channel rig, would there be any point in getting a Ares II?
@@petermartin9494 Yep! The RU6 is a GIANT killer in my book. Honestly, I had the Ares II... And then on a whim bought the RU6 and used a 2.5mm Balanced to Dual XLR Male Headphone Audio Adapter to hook to my preamp, I was using the Cayin's RU6 balanced adapter, and DAMN! I still believe it sounded better than the Ares II. Others that heard it said the same. But, say that on an audio forum and watch the long knives come out! LOL! Personally, I would stick with the RU6 vs purchasing an Ares II. If you can easily integrate it into your system, for the money, you are going to have to spend a lot more than what you would for the Ares II to get that same sound or better. The RU6 is a hidden gem.
Also, since it is an R2R dac, wouldn't keeping it at the lowest power with the source being at its highest keep the background noise also at a minimum? Also, how is the Sub-bass on R2R dacs like this one? Thank you.
For the sake of the argument, The RU6 isn't the most affordable R2R DAC on the market. At least the Pro-Ject DAC box S FL (which uses 4 TDA1543 chips) is cheaper. But having listened to both, the Pro-ject lags behind the RU6 in pretty much every sonic way.
Won't fit in my setup. I need it to have at least toslink. I would have to introduce more crap in the signal path. This thing is far cheaper than anything else Cayin makes but still 300 euro's on Ali.
Cyain plays great. What would you suggest as a stationary DAC. Hifiman EF400, SMSLS D300 or maybe something old on TDA1541? I have SMSL M500 MKIII but it is boring as DS dac. I prefer something else, and multidacs are playing more nice, I don't care there are less technically accurate in measurements
Would pairing a richer, more musical, less detailed dac amp like this with a similar pair of headphones like the HE-R9 by Hifiman be a good idea, or rather something more analytical and flat like the Fiio BTR7? Thank you.
Very nice and detailed review ! I thing there is a hype that is being built for this RU6. Please I would like your recommendation for the best small portable DAC (dongle DAC ) in terms of sound quality up to 100eu and in the range between 100-150eu. Does choosing a portable DAC has also to do with matching with IEMs-headphones (like in room speakers with receivers and DAC) or it's not so important in this case?
Did by any chance the heavens bless you with the answers to your troublesome questions? I, my friend, to have now come to the same crossroad in my life and feel pretty darn overwhelmed with the possibilities to get sucked into the rat's nest I mean the rabbit hole
Hi, can please tell me which has better audio output when used in usb connection alone Qudelix 5k or Hidizis S9 pro or ibasso DC05? And can u rank them accordingly? And does qudelix get hot when used as Usb dac or in bluetooth mode with LDAC☺️
I believe your review is the only one on TH-cam that covers the use of the RU6 purely as a DAC connected to an external amp; exactly what i was seeking. Tq. Can you pls advise what are the ideal volume & gain settings when using the RU6 this way ? P.S. I was informed by a dealer it could not be done bcoz there is no line out.
I would use it with the volume level maxed out, but try both low gain (1V+) or high gain (2V+), and see which one you prefer, because which voltage will sound better is not universal but amplifier dependent. Both will work just fine, so no reason to worry on that front.
OS is a little shouty but does tighten the bass attack and decay. Would rather software upsample to NOS through UHD upscale on Samsung to 192KBPS (to compensate for the filter treble roll off...but I don't even do that). The OS also has wildly poor measurements while NOS is expected to be. Only advantage of OS MIGHT be lowering the noise floor, but even on CFA Solaris and Andro Gold the hiss isn't that egregious unless nothing is playing and my phone is doing stuff... which is interesting because I can imagine being plugged up to a laptop to be noisy as heck on pause if my Note 20 Ultra off a battery is transmitting processing noise. The NOS, to my ear, has a better sound stage and is less fatiguing. If I preferred the OS sound I'd use my qudelix 5k or RME ADI 2 in SD sharp. (I actually use EQ compensation for AKM's version of linear slow...aka slow... for either 44.1 or 48 sample rates) I'd take this over the Mojo 2 any day for the money. Chords desktop stuff might be worth it... but I'd rather get a Denafrips Ares or Holo Spring KTE as I currently have the last batch of RME AKM chipped DAC's and Loudness and all the EQ and the 3.5mm jack and the remote and the firmware support and the crossover....ALL of that are too excellent to give up for subjectively psychoacoustic gains.
Can't remember what was used in this review... But at some point I've upgraded to Tascam DR100MKIII, and will probably be getting external Rode mics when budget allows... All in an effort to get rid of my sibilantssss that are so difficult to get rid of in post. 😓
So you mention weighty notes, good density, good texture, and organic; would it be right to say it has good "presence" alongside what "air" it has and "balance" and "unforced musicality"... New to "modern" R2R DAC landscape.
You mentioned you can use it as just a DAC and cionnect to a headphone amp. Won't it be double amping that way? Is there a setting or volume level you recommend to use when using it as just a DAC?
It's not double amping because headamp has high input impedance and it doesn't drain any current from the DAC. So it uses no power, just sensing the signal. In that case, volume level on the DAC should be sent to the max, that will create a typical line-level voltage like you would get when using DACs without any volume control.
@@iiWiReviews so the signal will not go to its amp module when it detects high input impedance? (Or it doesn't have an amp module(?)) Is this applicable to any dongle DACs or just exclusive for the RU6?
@iiWi Reviews thank you for the review. If I do use the DAC as only DAC and feed the output to a headphone amp, should I set the DAC volume to 100% then?
This sounds like it's what I might be searching for. Your "cruise control" comment hit the nail on the head. I'm looking for a non fatiguing, natural sound I can get lost in. But it sounds like the DH80S with less treble is better suited for someone treble sensitive. If an instrument catches my interest, I'd like there to be enough separation so I can pick it out to follow along. Bonus points if I can use my HD560S that's collecting dust because for whatever reason I can't stand listening to it. Instead I mainly listen to my Ikko OH10. Anyone know if this might work for me? I listen to many different types of music, from orchestral pieces to rock, rap, and even anything else that catches my interest. I'm all over the place lol
Hello ...would you recommend RU6 r2r (DAC only) over other standalone Delta sigma DACs in 500usd range , such as SMSL D300/M500 Mkiii/Topping D70s/. For fatigue less musical sound over to loudspeakers. We have wharfdale Evo 4.2s . Thanks a lot.
@@noob_strikes0011 I couldn't tell you, I haven't heard it myself and I don't have much experience with DACs in general. However I have seen a few people comment here on TH-cam that it's so good they use as their main DAC. They have it hooked up to an amp with 3.5mm to rca cable. It's something I'm seriously considering because a few reviewers that I trust all have similar opinions on its easy listening. I'm not familiar with your speakers but it's more likely than not the RU6 gives that laid back, easy listening you (and me) are looking for.
@@spamcan9208 thanks. RU6 is r2r using op amp to compensate for lack of dedicated psu. However DAC is DAC. As long it provides clean signal output we should be able to amplify it through amplifier in general. From the samples, we can consider r2r vs has that analogue ... Less fatiguing sound compared to chip based Delta sigma. Speakers wharfdale Evo 4.2/ laid-back with mix of excitement... sweet midrange but treble seems fatiguing.
Wouldn't it be easier ti equalize the sound to one's own preference by lowering high frequencies and lifting low frequencies rather than buying a new DAC?
That's not how it works. EQ can't change harmonics and time domain components of the sound. There's more to what we perceived as different tonality than meets the eye.
Hi 😊, I wouldnt say that something that shows detail in unnatural way (shovel it to your face by timbre and freq response) is technically superior, because thats like to say that the kinera nanna 2.0 is inferior to the UM mest, because it doesnt do details in your face, and it is not the case they are technically equal but do things differently. On the contrary I would say that something that do details in natural smooth way is on the same level if not superior, U can choose if you want to concentrate on the details or not but nothing is missing. So I imagine the ru6 like this ,, smooth and natural not technically inferior but different (for some maybe even superior) to the sharper quicker delta sigma dacs around the price range. Am I too far from the reality??? 😀
I won't speak for iiWi but from my experience in the audio world, cleaner, quicker, sharper mean that sonically they are more accurate to real life. When you actually hear a snare, you get that sharp, crisp sound. Something smoother and more rounded off tends to color that or roll off the crispness to the sound. It isn't bad per say, just different. A true audiophile part, you want something that gives you realism, sharpness, quick transients, like the actual instrument, without it being annoying to listen to over the long term. Something rolled off, tends to be easier to listen to long term, but some equipment (usually the more expensive stuff), will give you that snap and sharpness without being fatiging to the ear. It is a hard balance to strike. Hope that helps.
@@WXSTANG but in real life u dont always hear things always in your face, instruments and interprets are in the different distances with different dynamic range at a time, Iam talking about that. With the sharper I ment it more like leaner and dry and edgy. In comparison to that real life sounds are much more smoother and fuller (when they need to be). Sharp in a smoother natural way more rafined.
Agree with you completely. I am a music producer but I still don't understand why some people call analytical, bright with rolled off bass; neutral sounding. It is not realistic in my opinion and far from being neutral, yes you will hear all the details in your face but at what cost?
Hi, big fan of your work, and would appreciate your inputs on my query, I have ie600 running off iPad/Apple Music/dragonfly red and sound quality is good, but what if I got the ru6-how much in terms of percentage increase (10, 20% etc) in sound quality would I get? Many thanks.
Hi there Love your content How does it compare Luxury and Precision W1 to Lotoo Paw S1 Which is better in sound quality Just to use it with iems (no need for more amplification) Love dongles (Separation, details) Neutral is my thing 🤙🤓 Thank you so much 🤟🎧
This is a quite old video, before I tested Pegasus and Schumann... Nowadays, Ares II is long gone. We had a good run together but it was time to move on.
It applies to all DACs having a separate hardware volume control that is independent from the OS and Player. Doesn't apply to the likes of Dragonflies where OS latches to their inner hardware control.
listening different reviews no 1 conclusion: pay attention to what system reviewer uses for testing. Here small KEFs (I heard only active version of these) will promote beefier DAC and amp. If you have full range speaker, such beefy component may become too much.
My experience with r2r in schit multibit is that it's sound quality is better used when played with speakers. You don't notice the textures and dynamics on headphones. So maybe better to leave r2r on speaker systems
I just ordered one, along with the TRRRS 4.4mm to 2.5mm adapter and a TRRS to XLR cable, to run to my Schiit Freya S and Freya. Also ordered an Ares II...
When using xduuo ta-26 should I get a cayin ru6 or topping e30 to hook up to my integrated amp. I am looking for a wide soundstage but not harsh, hence the tube preamp.
RU6 is more pleasent sounding to my ears but it is a bit thick in the bass. With TA-26 it might be a bit to much of a good thing. You can also take a look at Moondrop Moonriver 2 and Shanling UA5... Awsome devices with very balanced and natural sound signature. My favorites at that price at the moment.
Hey. Can anyone tell me if they can use this with Tidal in exclusive mode on an android phone? I'm having trouble with this and would be most appreciated if someone could help with this.
@@iiWiReviews Many thanks for the reply. Bearing in mind that the RU6 costs €600 less than the Ares II (in Portugal), do you think it could be a good R2R DAC alternative option to connect to a speaker system, or the RU6 is much inferior to the Ares II, and it is preferable to save more money and buy the Denafrips?
Well, Ares II is better, more quite background, more dynamics, bigger soundstage. The price is tough to comment though... There's a diminishing return in works for sure.
I get lost.. Every week/month or so, you praise and describe a new DAC, with sooo many different subjective terms and superlative adjectives, that every new review I get the impression that that is the next best buy..to be overthrown by the next DAC in the next review.🤯
I get it. There are several great DACs at this price point and it is becoming hard to choose the favorite. For example, CU6, Hidizs DH80s, and Audirect Beam 3 pro are all great sounding with small tonality differences that I gave my best to convey. But you wouldn't make a mistake no matter which one you choose. I would focus on other features such as do you want it to have battery or not, do you need a separate volume control or not, etc.
SOS! Has anyone paired RU6 with Moondrop S8? Should I? Need to bring down that upper midrange edge and add some thickness to the midbass. Currently pairing with Earmen TR-amp and it sounds very clinical. Will PAW s2 fit better in my requirements? Please help.
@@iiWiReviews I replaced my Ares II with the RU6, it sounds that good. Seriously. I used a TRRS to L/R XLR cable I found on Amazon to feed my preamp(s). It has that Denafrips sound, but it has better separation along with more overall clarity, along with more bass in the bottom and midrange. Just superior to the Areas II, at least in my system.
I haven't heard those two, but given that people compare them to Ares II as equals, I would say that RU6 can't match them. It's more in line with Modi Multibit.
I did a quick test playing half an hour of music trough Tidal app and it was roughly on pair with other dongles I had in this video (Hidizs S9 pro and Beam 3 Pro). All of them drained my battery around 8-9% for that amount of music over Wi-Fi and occasional glance at the screen. All of these get warm to the touch and drain the battery a bit more than those tiny cable-like dongles.
Thank you for your honest reply to constipated viewer :) Sometimes I worry about getting such a device because I have 1 from very famous company and it was killing my battery. I had to stop using it.
These two sit on the completely opposite sides of tonality. Soncoz is very detailed but also very lean in the bass section and sharp with edges. Basically as analytical and sharp as it gets. RU6 has much fuller bassline and midrange, but much softer edges. Personally I prefer RU6 because it feels less digital and more tonally correct to me.
R5 Gen 2 supports external DACs but it has such a good DAC and amp already that this kind of dongle wouldn't be an upgrade. Compared to the class A mode it would actually probably be a downgrade.
Got mine today and I agree. It is excellent even compared to much more expensive options. It's natural and enjoyable. Also agree that the OS mode sounds better. Great review.
Another very good review. I appreciate your ability to verbally describe what you hear. I feel many other reviews re-use the same descriptions over and over, but you don't. You have a great audio vocabulary. Thank you.
Finally, you have review this dongle R2R dac. I have bought Cayin Ru6 last December as my personal gift. :)
still blown away about the amount of details this little thing can shoot
Congratulations and thank you for yet another review of the absolute highest quality.
NOS mode is much warmer... sounds like analogue to me. I love it.
I leave it on NOS mode since day one.
Every additional review of this just confirms what I already knew about the RU6, that it' definitely the best piece of audio gear I've purchased this year.
Have you tried to connect it to a stereo system? ie not headphones?
@@jungtarcph No I haven't, I have a THX 788 as my desktop setup and my speakers are connected to that.
its the most interesting phone ive heard, think ill hook it to any dac to see the difference
Excellent review - most detailed and informative on TH-cam! :-)
Very truthful review.
I ordered the RU6 on the second day after it was released. When I got it I was amazed and after a week I ordered the Ares II since I was captured by R2R replay. Now I do not listen to any other dongle, neither Helm Bolt, nor Hiby RS6, nor Fiio btr5. And yes, it is only the DH80s that is still other choice for me. Do not like to compete on reviewing but I even did a review on the RU6 at Head-fi, under the name of Sharppain.
Does hiby rs6 is better or the cayin ru6 is enough to taste the r2r sound?
@@NKF1C I would suggest to start with RU6, you'll never regret the cost. RS6 is better but is huge cost and imagine you like too much the THX technology way off presentation! If you like the the RU6 than for the money of RS6 you may get a Denafrips Are II. RS6 is a bulky luxury with battery and is not at the level od Ares II, despite the big tuning flexibility it has.
How are the highs on the RU6? I seem to get the impression from the video that the treble may be rolled off/not very clear, that's what's holding me back. I currently own the Radsone ES100 Mk1 (2019 version) and the Fiio K3s (2021 newer version)
@@TF2ReplayMaker I think the highs are not rolled down. Just they feel a bit smoother - the big peaks are not that emphasized. I cannot make the comparison vs the dacs you mention since I do not have them. What I can say is that RU6 has the presentation of Ares II, and not the presentation of THX technology. RU6 has very good depth of stage, quite good width of stage and smoothness, and I do not miss details.
@@nikolaygramchev thank you for your detailed response. How are genres like rock,metal and punk on the RU6? Are guitar riffs still striking and do cymbals still have good shimmer/decay?
Just got my RU6 in the mail. Really suits planar my Magnetic headphones. Ordered a Pentacon plug to convert one of my Verum 1's over to balanced :) Thanks for tge recommendation.
Excellent review! I am considering this for a while. Your and Porta’s review helped me a lot. Thanks!
Been thinking about getting this myself. Thanks for your review!
A few years ago I went to an ENT to get a sinuplasty. Make a long story short they accidentally dilated my Eustachian tubes as well as crushed my auditory nerves on both sides. I have PET which means my ET dont close. So the tube connecting my ears to my throat is always open. Hence, when I breathe my eardrums literally inflate and deflate, my voice travels directly to the inside part of my eardrum so it's really loud talking. The ET has a muscle that allows in the perfect amount of pressure in your middle ear to balance the eardrum. Mine doesn't work, my eardrum flops around so sound just doesn't sound right at all. I also got hyperacusis due to the nerve damage. So any sound above 6 or 7 kHz is extremely loud. When peop-le talk and pronounce "s" sounds it sounds like static. Clapping my hands will ring my ears, if I drop something and it hits a hard surface it hurts my ears, silverware clinging, doors closing, people talking loudly, dogs barking, music at mid volume sounds like you are putting your ear an inch away from a tweeter. Like static. It has ruined my quality of life. Not only did I love music but im an audiophile, just like you guys. I sold everything from Krell amps to Martin Logan speakers to 1700 Hifiman headphones. There's no cures for these things. I am just really really depressed over it. How would you guy cope with this? Would you be like me and just quit listening to music all together or would you still listen? It brought me so much happiness and ive learned in the last few years that I didn't listen to music to listen to music. I was more addicted to how GOOD or bad the sound was. Thats what kept me addicted is the level of quality of the sound, not the act of listening to a song. I would always sit there in awe of how good something sounds rather than think wow this is a good song. Please share your guys feelings with me. I still find myself watching these types of videos and I dont know why. It's cause I love it so much. Also, I cant sue the doctor because these are impossible to prove because you cant see the nerve damage or hair damage inside of the cochlea, its too small.
I assume that NOS mode has significant HF roll-off courtesy of an analogue filter made as steep as is possible (which is nowhere near as steep as a digital/arithmetical one) probably starting not much above 10KHz. To most people that will sound wrong (and exactly as you describe - lacking 'air' and soundstage) because we're inured to the bright, tinkly, "crystal clear" sound of CD and latterly 16/44.1 delivered via other means.
I would propose that 44.1 KHz PCM doesn't really have response covering the entire audio band except in "reconstructing" pure sine waves, and apart from something like a triangle, music - instruments and voices - are not a sine waves, and that what we're accustomed to hearing as the HF reproduction of 16/44.1 is actually _artificial._ IOW, NOS decoding reveals the *real* (+/- 1-2dB) bandwidth of 44.1KHz and it's nowhere near the 'Nyquist' cut off, in fact arguably closer to 4KHz or thereabouts. I can't understand why anything but NOS and analogue low-pass (or perhaps conversion to DSD) is used for 96KHz and up.
Excellent sound analysis!
With my meze 109 pros and schiit midgard amp - for my taste this RU6 (in OS mode) gives me an absolutely perfect sound with all genres. This is a much preferred combination compared to using my bigger and more expensive Musician Draco dac (in NOS mode) which sounds too intense, vocals and instruments too forward, almost cluttered presentation in comparison (even though the soundstage is technically bigger)
- the RU6 pushes vocals and instruments out into the room a bit more and I can hear more colour and subtleties in the music somehow.
However the draco sounds much better with my speaker setup (kef ls50
hegel h95), the ru6 sounds vague and hazy in comparison on speakers. Just shows..
Taste, synergy and balance are so important in this hobby - not necessarily technicalities and cost.
I really did not need to see this review. Last year, I bought a Denafrips Pontus 2 R2R dac for... $1600. I love its sound and will keep it as my end game dac for as long as I'm still breathing. However, It feels like a katana pierced my heart when I now read about an excellent R2R dac for $250. Now, I'm sure my Pontus would sound significantly better if compared to the RU6. I'm just not entirely sure it would sound $1350 better. I need to stop reading audio reviews for the sake of my own sanity. LOL!! Great review, mate!!
Worry not, even Ares II sounds better, so Pontus must be on a different level altogether... I hope to try it myself sometime. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your reassuring comments! I compared the Pontus to the Topping D90 (AKM and ES versions), Schiit Gungnir Multibit, RME ADI-2 and Gustard X22. I thought the Pontus sounded much better with a smoother, richer presentation than the others. I'm definitely an R2R guy now.
Completely agree with your review great job I love my Ru6
Great review 👍
The RU6 walked all over my Ares II in my 2 channel rig.
Thank you, Sir. I just got my RU6 today and it completely blew me away when listening in my 2 channel rig. I have a Topping D70 DAC and the RU6 is on another planet. The RU6 sounds like real music while the Topping sounds clean, detailed and digital.
Just to confirm, if you are using an RU6 in a 2 channel rig, would there be any point in getting a Ares II?
@@petermartin9494 Yep! The RU6 is a GIANT killer in my book.
Honestly, I had the Ares II... And then on a whim bought the RU6 and used a 2.5mm Balanced to Dual XLR Male Headphone Audio Adapter to hook to my preamp, I was using the Cayin's RU6 balanced adapter, and DAMN!
I still believe it sounded better than the Ares II. Others that heard it said the same.
But, say that on an audio forum and watch the long knives come out! LOL!
Personally, I would stick with the RU6 vs purchasing an Ares II. If you can easily integrate it into your system, for the money, you are going to have to spend a lot more than what you would for the Ares II to get that same sound or better. The RU6 is a hidden gem.
Great review! Explained very nice!
Also, since it is an R2R dac, wouldn't keeping it at the lowest power with the source being at its highest keep the background noise also at a minimum?
Also, how is the Sub-bass on R2R dacs like this one?
Thank you.
For the sake of the argument, The RU6 isn't the most affordable R2R DAC on the market. At least the Pro-Ject DAC box S FL (which uses 4 TDA1543 chips) is cheaper. But having listened to both, the Pro-ject lags behind the RU6 in pretty much every sonic way.
TDA1543 is multibit but not an R2R Chip
@@subcoded And what's the difference between the two?
Thanks, I was wondering if the RU6 would be an upgrade over the Pro-ject. Good to know.
Depressing lyrics in "Slow dance" - nice review 😂
I guess that's why they call it the blues... Now I have to listen to that song too. 😄
Nice review.
Ordered mine today; will pair it up with Final A4000s.
great review really good thank you
Won't fit in my setup. I need it to have at least toslink. I would have to introduce more crap in the signal path. This thing is far cheaper than anything else Cayin makes but still 300 euro's on Ali.
Cyain plays great. What would you suggest as a stationary DAC. Hifiman EF400, SMSLS D300 or maybe something old on TDA1541? I have SMSL M500 MKIII but it is boring as DS dac. I prefer something else, and multidacs are playing more nice, I don't care there are less technically accurate in measurements
11:30 - nice point. 👌🏼
Would pairing a richer, more musical, less detailed dac amp like this with a similar pair of headphones like the HE-R9 by Hifiman be a good idea, or rather something more analytical and flat like the Fiio BTR7?
Thank you.
Very nice and detailed review ! I thing there is a hype that is being built for this RU6.
Please I would like your recommendation for the best small portable DAC (dongle DAC ) in terms of sound quality up to 100eu and in the range between 100-150eu.
Does choosing a portable DAC has also to do with matching with IEMs-headphones (like in room speakers with receivers and DAC) or it's not so important in this case?
Did by any chance the heavens bless you with the answers to your troublesome questions? I, my friend, to have now come to the same crossroad in my life and feel pretty darn overwhelmed with the possibilities to get sucked into the rat's nest I mean the rabbit hole
Hi, can please tell me which has better audio output when used in usb connection alone Qudelix 5k or Hidizis S9 pro or ibasso DC05? And can u rank them accordingly? And does qudelix get hot when used as Usb dac or in bluetooth mode with LDAC☺️
I believe your review is the only one on TH-cam that covers the use of the RU6 purely as a DAC connected to an external amp; exactly what i was seeking. Tq. Can you pls advise what are the ideal volume & gain settings when using the RU6 this way ? P.S. I was informed by a dealer it could not be done bcoz there is no line out.
I would use it with the volume level maxed out, but try both low gain (1V+) or high gain (2V+), and see which one you prefer, because which voltage will sound better is not universal but amplifier dependent. Both will work just fine, so no reason to worry on that front.
@@iiWiReviews TQVM for your prompt response. Much appreciated.
OS is a little shouty but does tighten the bass attack and decay. Would rather software upsample to NOS through UHD upscale on Samsung to 192KBPS (to compensate for the filter treble roll off...but I don't even do that).
The OS also has wildly poor measurements while NOS is expected to be. Only advantage of OS MIGHT be lowering the noise floor, but even on CFA Solaris and Andro Gold the hiss isn't that egregious unless nothing is playing and my phone is doing stuff... which is interesting because I can imagine being plugged up to a laptop to be noisy as heck on pause if my Note 20 Ultra off a battery is transmitting processing noise.
The NOS, to my ear, has a better sound stage and is less fatiguing. If I preferred the OS sound I'd use my qudelix 5k or RME ADI 2 in SD sharp. (I actually use EQ compensation for AKM's version of linear slow...aka slow... for either 44.1 or 48 sample rates)
I'd take this over the Mojo 2 any day for the money. Chords desktop stuff might be worth it... but I'd rather get a Denafrips Ares or Holo Spring KTE as I currently have the last batch of RME AKM chipped DAC's and Loudness and all the EQ and the 3.5mm jack and the remote and the firmware support and the crossover....ALL of that are too excellent to give up for subjectively psychoacoustic gains.
Very helpful information bro...
Hi, did u try this with the verum one? How is the combination?
Mine is now on its way: thank you for the assuring review. May I ask what type of microphone you employ for your reviews?
Can't remember what was used in this review... But at some point I've upgraded to Tascam DR100MKIII, and will probably be getting external Rode mics when budget allows... All in an effort to get rid of my sibilantssss that are so difficult to get rid of in post. 😓
So you mention weighty notes, good density, good texture, and organic; would it be right to say it has good "presence" alongside what "air" it has and "balance" and "unforced musicality"...
New to "modern" R2R DAC landscape.
You mentioned you can use it as just a DAC and cionnect to a headphone amp. Won't it be double amping that way? Is there a setting or volume level you recommend to use when using it as just a DAC?
It's not double amping because headamp has high input impedance and it doesn't drain any current from the DAC. So it uses no power, just sensing the signal.
In that case, volume level on the DAC should be sent to the max, that will create a typical line-level voltage like you would get when using DACs without any volume control.
@@iiWiReviews so the signal will not go to its amp module when it detects high input impedance? (Or it doesn't have an amp module(?)) Is this applicable to any dongle DACs or just exclusive for the RU6?
@iiWi Reviews thank you for the review. If I do use the DAC as only DAC and feed the output to a headphone amp, should I set the DAC volume to 100% then?
Yes I would recommend that, and and then control the volume on the amp.
So you have tried to connect the RU6 to a dedicated amp? I am not sure if the RU6 has a line out feature CMIIW
... I believe the zen stream USB out could power it ? Control by phone as remote ? Good pair for home system ?
This sounds like it's what I might be searching for. Your "cruise control" comment hit the nail on the head.
I'm looking for a non fatiguing, natural sound I can get lost in. But it sounds like the DH80S with less treble is better suited for someone treble sensitive. If an instrument catches my interest, I'd like there to be enough separation so I can pick it out to follow along.
Bonus points if I can use my HD560S that's collecting dust because for whatever reason I can't stand listening to it. Instead I mainly listen to my Ikko OH10.
Anyone know if this might work for me? I listen to many different types of music, from orchestral pieces to rock, rap, and even anything else that catches my interest. I'm all over the place lol
Hello ...would you recommend RU6 r2r (DAC only) over other standalone Delta sigma DACs in 500usd range , such as SMSL D300/M500 Mkiii/Topping D70s/. For fatigue less musical sound over to loudspeakers. We have wharfdale Evo 4.2s . Thanks a lot.
@@noob_strikes0011 I couldn't tell you, I haven't heard it myself and I don't have much experience with DACs in general. However I have seen a few people comment here on TH-cam that it's so good they use as their main DAC. They have it hooked up to an amp with 3.5mm to rca cable. It's something I'm seriously considering because a few reviewers that I trust all have similar opinions on its easy listening. I'm not familiar with your speakers but it's more likely than not the RU6 gives that laid back, easy listening you (and me) are looking for.
@@spamcan9208 thanks. RU6 is r2r using op amp to compensate for lack of dedicated psu. However DAC is DAC. As long it provides clean signal output we should be able to amplify it through amplifier in general. From the samples, we can consider r2r vs has that analogue ... Less fatiguing sound compared to chip based Delta sigma. Speakers wharfdale Evo 4.2/ laid-back with mix of excitement... sweet midrange but treble seems fatiguing.
Any issues with clipping?
Wouldn't it be easier ti equalize the sound to one's own preference by lowering high frequencies and lifting low frequencies rather than buying a new DAC?
That's not how it works. EQ can't change harmonics and time domain components of the sound. There's more to what we perceived as different tonality than meets the eye.
Thank you…
Hi 😊, I wouldnt say that something that shows detail in unnatural way (shovel it to your face by timbre and freq response) is technically superior, because thats like to say that the kinera nanna 2.0 is inferior to the UM mest, because it doesnt do details in your face, and it is not the case they are technically equal but do things differently. On the contrary I would say that something that do details in natural smooth way is on the same level if not superior, U can choose if you want to concentrate on the details or not but nothing is missing. So I imagine the ru6 like this ,, smooth and natural not technically inferior but different (for some maybe even superior) to the sharper quicker delta sigma dacs around the price range. Am I too far from the reality??? 😀
I won't speak for iiWi but from my experience in the audio world, cleaner, quicker, sharper mean that sonically they are more accurate to real life. When you actually hear a snare, you get that sharp, crisp sound. Something smoother and more rounded off tends to color that or roll off the crispness to the sound. It isn't bad per say, just different. A true audiophile part, you want something that gives you realism, sharpness, quick transients, like the actual instrument, without it being annoying to listen to over the long term. Something rolled off, tends to be easier to listen to long term, but some equipment (usually the more expensive stuff), will give you that snap and sharpness without being fatiging to the ear. It is a hard balance to strike. Hope that helps.
@@WXSTANG but in real life u dont always hear things always in your face, instruments and interprets are in the different distances with different dynamic range at a time, Iam talking about that. With the sharper I ment it more like leaner and dry and edgy. In comparison to that real life sounds are much more smoother and fuller (when they need to be). Sharp in a smoother natural way more rafined.
Agree with you completely. I am a music producer but I still don't understand why some people call analytical, bright with rolled off bass; neutral sounding. It is not realistic in my opinion and far from being neutral, yes you will hear all the details in your face but at what cost?
Would the Cayin RU6 be a good DAC paired with the ifi Zen stream for a home system ?
Hi :) you prefer the ru6 over the s9pro. Does it automatically mean that you prefer it over the sparrow also?
Yes it does. I find S9 pro and Sparrow to be on the same level.
hi! The Bluetooth receiver / Dac / amp that comes with deva pro is also R2r?
Between qudelix 5K and Cayin, it is a difficult choice.
If you are using USB Audio Pro (and bit-perfect output) you can turn off software volume altogether. Going that route seems to be the best option no?
Yes it would. No need to introduce any manipulation to the signal if there is no real reason for it.
Hi, big fan of your work, and would appreciate your inputs on my query, I have ie600 running off iPad/Apple Music/dragonfly red and sound quality is good, but what if I got the ru6-how much in terms of percentage increase (10, 20% etc) in sound quality would I get? Many thanks.
Hi there
Love your content
How does it compare Luxury and Precision W1 to Lotoo Paw S1
Which is better in sound quality
Just to use it with iems (no need for more amplification)
Love dongles
(Separation, details)
Neutral is my thing 🤙🤓
Thank you so much 🤟🎧
Hi, do you think this RU6 dac will pair well with the SMSL A300 amplifier? For wharfedale diamond 12.2?
thanks for the Great review
can i use a micro usb output from phone and link to type C
Very interesting device and a indepth review, I have the original ifi hip dac, and was wondering if this dac would be a upgrade over the ifi hip dac,
I have never tried Hip DAC so can't compare this to it.
What external dac does it compare?
Cayin r2r dongle x hiby rs2?
Which is better?
Can someone answer it please?
After testing Ladder Schumann, Gustard R-26 and other R2R DACs
you still use the AresII?
Must be realy good. ;)
This is a quite old video, before I tested Pegasus and Schumann... Nowadays, Ares II is long gone. We had a good run together but it was time to move on.
if ciems are this quality i dont recommend any universals
For ppl that love realism.
Do your comments about DAC/Player volume apply to ALL DAC’s or just R-to-R DAC’s?
Probably all DAC's - software volume control has its issues, so feeding the full resolution digital signal to the DAC is definitely preferable.
@@NeilBlanchard thanks but my query was to Srba (OP of content)
It applies to all DACs having a separate hardware volume control that is independent from the OS and Player. Doesn't apply to the likes of Dragonflies where OS latches to their inner hardware control.
listening different reviews no 1 conclusion: pay attention to what system reviewer uses for testing. Here small KEFs (I heard only active version of these) will promote beefier DAC and amp. If you have full range speaker, such beefy component may become too much.
Please get a cheap iPhone and let us know if these things work well with Apple products or not. Or you can send it to me and I'll test it...
My experience with r2r in schit multibit is that it's sound quality is better used when played with speakers. You don't notice the textures and dynamics on headphones. So maybe better to leave r2r on speaker systems
I just ordered one, along with the TRRRS 4.4mm to 2.5mm adapter and a TRRS to XLR cable, to run to my Schiit Freya S and Freya. Also ordered an Ares II...
Multibit do not equals R2R
Hi! When you are listening to your speakers, what speaker cable do you use! Best regards Mikael
I'm currently using NEOTECH NEMOS-3080 speaker cable.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you for quick response!
Can something compare it to ifi xcan. Only soundquality. Thanks
Hello can you review xDuoo xd 05 basic? I really value your insights. Thanks
Any issue with iPhone?
When using xduuo ta-26 should I get a cayin ru6 or topping e30 to hook up to my integrated amp. I am looking for a wide soundstage but not harsh, hence the tube preamp.
RU6 is more pleasent sounding to my ears but it is a bit thick in the bass. With TA-26 it might be a bit to much of a good thing. You can also take a look at Moondrop Moonriver 2 and Shanling UA5... Awsome devices with very balanced and natural sound signature. My favorites at that price at the moment.
I've got a topping e50 with a linear power supply thinking of giving this dac a go. Is it worth it considering I'd lose optical and coax? Thanks.
If you don't need it to be mobile, I'd stick with E50.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for the response!
Does it work with car audio ?
connect it with Aux into your car radio (if it has)
What do you smoke on cruise control?
Non-smoker here.
competitor to the Lotoo paw s1
If not using UAPP, does it make android bitperfect/no resampling? Or is it still app dependent?
It's app dependent. Android on a system level always resamples sound and it's not bit perfect.
Hey. Can anyone tell me if they can use this with Tidal in exclusive mode on an android phone? I'm having trouble with this and would be most appreciated if someone could help with this.
I wish there was a 2.5mm balanced. I don’t want to buy any new headphone cables!
How does the DS Dac smsl d300 sound in comparison, which itself does not sound like a DS Dac?
Very similar actually. Between these two I would choose according to features and form factor I prefer.
Thank you for another great review. The Dragonfly Cobalt and the RU6 costs arround 300 € in Portugal, which to choose to use with speakers?
I would personally choose RU6 without much hesitation... It sounds bigger and bolder, and I think it layers better too.
@@iiWiReviews Many thanks for the reply. Bearing in mind that the RU6 costs €600 less than the Ares II (in Portugal), do you think it could be a good R2R DAC alternative option to connect to a speaker system, or the RU6 is much inferior to the Ares II, and it is preferable to save more money and buy the Denafrips?
Well, Ares II is better, more quite background, more dynamics, bigger soundstage. The price is tough to comment though... There's a diminishing return in works for sure.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you for your opinion.
@@iiWiReviews Just like a politician.. A simple YES or NO would have been great.. but oh no!! Can't commit. BUCKS!
Do you like more RU6 or UA5?
UA5 for me personally
I get lost.. Every week/month or so, you praise and describe a new DAC, with sooo many different subjective terms and superlative adjectives, that every new review I get the impression that that is the next best buy..to be overthrown by the next DAC in the next review.🤯
I get it. There are several great DACs at this price point and it is becoming hard to choose the favorite. For example, CU6, Hidizs DH80s, and Audirect Beam 3 pro are all great sounding with small tonality differences that I gave my best to convey. But you wouldn't make a mistake no matter which one you choose. I would focus on other features such as do you want it to have battery or not, do you need a separate volume control or not, etc.
@@iiWiReviews 👍🏻
SOS! Has anyone paired RU6 with Moondrop S8? Should I? Need to bring down that upper midrange edge and add some thickness to the midbass. Currently pairing with Earmen TR-amp and it sounds very clinical. Will PAW s2 fit better in my requirements? Please help.
3:30 Which phone do you use?
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE
I just ordered one... ;-)
Hope you'll like it. 🤞
@@iiWiReviews I replaced my Ares II with the RU6, it sounds that good. Seriously. I used a TRRS to L/R XLR cable I found on Amazon to feed my preamp(s). It has that Denafrips sound, but it has better separation along with more overall clarity, along with more bass in the bottom and midrange. Just superior to the Areas II, at least in my system.
can i connect it with nx7 topping for more power?
Yes you can with any amp with analog inputs.
how does it compare to bifrost 2 and Draco??
I haven't heard those two, but given that people compare them to Ares II as equals, I would say that RU6 can't match them. It's more in line with Modi Multibit.
Does it take a lot of energy from the phone?
I did a quick test playing half an hour of music trough Tidal app and it was roughly on pair with other dongles I had in this video (Hidizs S9 pro and Beam 3 Pro). All of them drained my battery around 8-9% for that amount of music over Wi-Fi and occasional glance at the screen.
All of these get warm to the touch and drain the battery a bit more than those tiny cable-like dongles.
Thank you for your honest reply to constipated viewer :) Sometimes I worry about getting such a device because I have 1 from very famous company and it was killing my battery. I had to stop using it.
this or the E30 for sound eq? anyone
How does it compare as a dac with the soncosz qxd1?
These two sit on the completely opposite sides of tonality. Soncoz is very detailed but also very lean in the bass section and sharp with edges. Basically as analytical and sharp as it gets. RU6 has much fuller bassline and midrange, but much softer edges. Personally I prefer RU6 because it feels less digital and more tonally correct to me.
@@iiWiReviewsWhich balanced dac under 300 euro do you prefer?
Topping E50 if you don't need it to be mobile friendly.
If only it had optical and coaxial inputs... Maybe they'll launch a desktop version without increasing price too much... :/
Maybe someone does a suitable convertor? If you really wanted one, might be worth investigating.
@@johncallaghan3097 already did. there aren't any
Can anyone tell me if this works with a Mi Box S through usb?
John darko
Can I connect this to a dap?
That depends on a DAP. If it supports external DACs over USB then you can.
@@iiWiReviews how bout hiby r5 gen 2?
R5 Gen 2 supports external DACs but it has such a good DAC and amp already that this kind of dongle wouldn't be an upgrade. Compared to the class A mode it would actually probably be a downgrade.
@@iiWiReviews thanks mate
Well... R2R was nice 1985 ... it´s modern amongst "audiophiles" who think to hear difference in power cables....
Well, I think R2R generally sounds better than D/S, and I go with stock power cables. Enjoy your charts and graphs, though.
@@davidfairchild1640best comment I’ve read in months. Kudos
Your video is cut every few seconds. It's really annoying to watch, there's no continuity.
Что он несет???
Thanks for reviewing this. Been thinking about getting this myself.