Cayin Pearl 30D DAC

Cayin Pearl 30d D/A Converter

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Cayin: The Pearl Series

To commemorate Cayin's 30th anniversary, the Pearl series has been introduced, a tribute to high-end design and technology. This collection includes three standout products: the Pearl 30i integrated amplifier, the Pearl 30d standalone DAC and the Pearl 30c CD transport. Each of these devices features a dual structure in which the power supply is separated from the main unit, minimising interference and ensuring optimal performance. The Pearl series represents the very best in technology and design within the Cayin product family.

Decoding System

The Pearl 30d incorporates two distinct hardware architectures to offer two decoding systems: Classic y Modern . Both are designed to accommodate different audio formats and provide an exceptional listening experience.

Classic Mode

• In this mode, the Pearl 30d uses a hardware configuration consisting of one TDA1307 and two TDA1547s, where the TDA1547s operate in MONO mode to create a fully balanced and differential circuit.
• This design gives the Pearl 30d a retro sound signature, ideal for those seeking a warm, analogue sound.
• The combined current output with a specifically designed external amplifier circuit significantly improves acoustic performance.
• It incorporates a specialised circuit for dual-format PCM/DSD decoding, with integrated gain compensation. PCM signals use the TDA1307 + 2xTDA1547 path, whilst DSD signals pass exclusively through the 2xTDA1547 path.

Modern Mode

• The modern decoding system employs eight ESS ES9039SPRO DACs, operating in MONO mode with multiple parallel channels. Each channel uses four DACs to form a DAC matrix architecture, which guarantees a robust current output, greater dynamism, lower noise and superior driving capability.
• The I/V conversion circuit is made up of discrete components working in class A mode, ensuring exceptional analogue density after conversion.
• Two custom aluminium heatsinks efficiently distribute the heat generated by the DACs, maintaining output signal consistency and preserving analogue quality.
• Compatible with PCM digital signals up to 768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, offering high-resolution performance for the most demanding audio enthusiasts.

Automatic Mode

The Pearl 30d can automatically adjust its decoding system according to the format of the detected audio signal. The mode is selected as follows:

This automatic mode ensures the user always gets the best experience without the need for manual intervention.

Synchronised Ultra-Low Phase Noise Clock

The Pearl 30d integrates a 10MHz oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) with extremely low phase noise and high frequency stability. This clock acts as a reference to generate precise timing signals that are distributed across all digital and analogue circuits.

• A low phase noise multi-channel clock generator converts the reference frequency into specific clock signals for each component of the device.
• Low-loss RF coaxial cables with stable impedance matching (50 ohms) ensure clean transmission of the clock signal, minimising loss and distortion, and suppressing jitter.

Synchronised Clock Input and Output

The Pearl 30d includes both synchronous clock input and output interfaces:

• External Clock Input (10 MHz): Allows the connection of an external high-precision clock.
• Synchronised Clock Output: It can be used as a clock source for other digital devices, improving overall system synchronisation and raising playback quality.

Split Feeding System Design

The Pearl 30d features an innovative split power supply design to minimise interference and maximise sound purity.

Separate Power Supply Unit

• Inspired by the Hi-End concept, this separate unit ensures that all critical components, such as transformers, rectifiers and filters, are completely isolated.
• Dual Type C Transformer dedicated to the power supply for the ES9039SPRO DACs, the oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), the clock board, and the logic/digital circuits. It includes high-frequency inductors to reduce interference.
• Another Dual C-Core transformer handles the power supply for the TDA1307 and TDA1547 circuits, operational amplifiers, discrete I/V circuits and discrete line amplifiers. It uses independent rectifier and filter circuits, as well as high-capacity inductors, to obtain a pure, interference-free DC power supply.

Large-Scale Filtering

The main power supply unit incorporates ten high-current filter capacitors (15000uF) and ten audio capacitors (10000uF), guaranteeing exceptional stability.

DAC Main Unit Power Supply

The main DAC unit features a super-linear voltage stabilisation circuit made up of six groups of discrete components. In addition, it uses ultra-low noise LT1963 linear regulators to provide precise voltage stabilisation.

• The OCXO is powered by an LT1963 LDO regulator, ensuring that the clock system remains active even when the DAC unit is switched off, enabling a quick recovery when powered back on.

Aerospace Power Cable

The cable connecting the power supply unit to the main unit features an aerospace-grade design, using high-quality materials to minimise internal resistance and ensure a solid connection. It includes:

• 12-pin aviation connector.
• 12-core flexible drag chain cable from Germany's LAPP KABEL.
• VIABLUE shock-absorbing protective sleeve.
• Interchangeable connectors at both ends for easy connection.

Full Channel Digital Jitter Cleaner

The Pearl 30d incorporates an advanced jitter elimination circuit that significantly reduces temporal fluctuations in SPDIF and IIS signals. This drastically improves sound quality. The RF coaxial cables used in the data and clock lines ensure precise, loss-free transmission.

Digital Input Interface

The Pearl 30d supports multiple digital input formats:

• IIS (HDMI-A)
• AES/EBU (XLR3)
• Coaxial SPDIF 1 (RCA)
• Coaxial SPDIF 2 (BNC)
• ST Glass Optical
• Plastic Toslink optical
• USB Audio In (Type B)

Analogue Output Interface

It offers single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs, with standard and high-level options to suit different audio equipment.

Conclusion

The Cayin Pearl 30d is a masterpiece of engineering and design, crafted to satisfy the most demanding audiophiles. Its ability to adapt to multiple audio formats, alongside its high-precision design and premium components, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a reference-grade DAC.