Postcode 6

Description

Cayin CP6 – Portable valve CD player with triple timbre

The Cayin CP6 returns the compact disc to the prominence it deserves. It is a true High-End portable CD player that combines two NOS valves, digital conversion via dual DACs, balanced headphone amplification, USB DAC operation, two-way Bluetooth and digital CD ripping.

It doesn't try to imitate vintage portable players. The CP6 is, in fact, a complete headphone audio system and desktop digital source that can be easily moved from room to room or accompany us on a trip.

Its aluminium construction, the reading mechanism with an anti-shock system and its 7,300 mAh rechargeable battery confirm that we are dealing with a serious device, conceived to enjoy a record collection once again without giving up the possibilities of modern high fidelity.

Three sonic personalities

One of the great virtues of the Cayin CP6 is its Triple Timbre system. By means of a dedicated button, we can choose between three clearly differentiated sound profiles:

• Classic Tube: warm, smooth and musical sound, with a special beauty in the vocals and a relaxed presentation.
• Modern Tube: it preserves the natural quality of valves, but provides greater openness, resolution and spatial width.
• Solid-State: clean, transparent and neutral reproduction, with a more direct and precise response.

Both valve modes use a matched pair of Raytheon JAN6418 NOS, derived from military specifications. They work in a dual-channel Class A amplification stage, powered by a dedicated 22 V, low-noise supply.

The three timbres can be used through the headphone outputs as well as the line outputs and even with Bluetooth streaming. The CP6 does not just apply a simple equaliser: it modifies the analogue signal path to provide three different sonic characters.

Class A or Class AB

As well as choosing the chime, the user can select how the headphone stage operates in Class A or Class AB.

Class A offers a particularly smooth, refined and seamless reproduction. Class AB reduces power consumption and extends battery life, whilst maintaining excellent dynamic capability. The combination of three timbres and two operating classes provides six different configurations, adaptable to each pair of headphones, recording or personal preference.

Dual Cirrus Logic DAC

Digital conversion is entrusted to two DACs 32-bit Cirrus Logic CS4308P, used permanently in mono mode. Each chip works with its channels in parallel and in a differential configuration, improving separation, dynamics and the signal-to-noise ratio.

Following the conversion, two operational amplifiers Texas Instruments OPA1612 they exclusively perform the functions of current-to-voltage conversion and low-pass filtering. This architecture makes it possible to preserve signal integrity before reaching the valves or the solid-state circuit.

The four-channel analogue volume control uses the precise circuit JRC NJW1195A, especially suitable for maintaining a good channel balance even at low listening levels.

Balanced amplification and up to 1,300 mW

The CP6 incorporates a four-channel balanced headphone amplifier. Its architecture combines a voltage amplification stage using TI OPA1652 operational amplifiers with a current output stage implemented using discrete transistors in a push-pull configuration.

It can work with headphones and IEMs ranging from 8 and 600 ohms, offering an unusual current capacity for a portable player.

It features two front connections:

• 3.5 mm unbalanced output.
• 4.4 mm balanced output.

When operating connected to a compatible external power supply, the balanced output can reach 1,300 mW per channel into 16 ohms. The 3.5 mm output delivers up to 600 mW per channel into the same impedance.

Both connections can be configured as a headphone output or a line output, facilitating the integration of the CP6 with an amplifier, active monitors or a hi-fi system.

A CD mechanism designed specifically for the purpose

Cayin has developed a playback mechanism for the CP6 with an anti-shock system, a precision laser pickup and a dedicated servo. Its design aims to maintain stable playback and correct data retrieval, both during portable use and in a desktop setup.

The top-loading design allows you to place the disc directly and view it through the large transparent cover. It is a simple, elegant solution and also very appealing for those of us who still value the ritual of choosing an album, placing it on the player and listening to it from start to finish.

The player supports standard 12 cm compact discs and CD-Rs.

Lossless CD ripping

The Cayin CP6 also allows you to copy the contents of a CD to a USB memory stick connected to its USB-C input. The ripping is done in format Uncompressed WAV, retaining the disc's information in its entirety.

In this way we can archive our CD collection without the need to use a computer. This function requires a storage drive formatted in FAT32.

High-resolution USB DAC

Thanks to its 16-core interface XMOS XU316, the CP6 can function as a USB DAC connected to a computer, mobile phone or tablet.

It is compatible with:

• PCM from 16 to 32 bits.
• Sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.
• Native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256.
• DoP up to DSD256.
• Selectable UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 USB audio modes.

Therefore, as well as playing records, it can serve as the centrepiece of a desktop audio system and play high-resolution digital files.

Bidirectional Bluetooth 5.4

The Qualcomm QCC3083 processor provides Bluetooth 5.4 with transmission and reception operation.

In receiver mode, the CP6 can receive music from a phone, tablet or computer. It is compatible with the codecs:

• LDAC.
• aptX Adaptive.
• aptX HD.
• aptX.
• AAC.
• SBC.

In transmitter mode, you can stream audio from a CD to Bluetooth headphones or speakers using aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX or SBC.

Even when using the device wirelessly, you can select from the three profiles: Classic Tube, Modern Tube and Solid-State. Control via the app Cayin Control It makes the device easier to use and allows you to access various settings and future updates.

Digital outputs for a hi-fi system

The CP6 features a combined coaxial and optical digital output, compatible with signals up to 24-bit and 192 kHz. It can therefore be used as a CD transport connected to an external DAC.

Along with its 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm line-out sockets and Bluetooth connectivity, this allows it to be used in a variety of ways:

• As a CD player for headphones.
• As a CD player for an external DAC.
• As an analogue source for an amplifier.
• As a desktop USB DAC.
• As a high-resolution Bluetooth receiver.
• As a transmitter for wireless headphones.
• As a WAV-format disc ripper.

Battery or external power supply

A lithium-polymer battery from 7,300 mAh and 28 Wh provides up to 7.5 hours of operation, depending on the output, tone and type of amplification selected.

When seeking maximum battery life, we can use the solid-state mode, the 3.5 mm output, and Class AB. To obtain maximum quality and power, it is possible to select the valves, Class A, the balanced connection, and the external power supply.

It supports QC 3.0 and PD 2.0 fast charging. The approximate charging time is 2.5 hours with a compatible fast charger and around 3.5 hours with a standard power supply.

Key features

• Portable and desktop CD player.
• Two Raytheon JAN6418 valves, NOS.
• Three tones: Classic Tube, Modern Tube and Solid-State.
• Selectable Class A or Class AB operation.
• Dual Cirrus Logic CS4308P DAC architecture.
• XMOS XU316 USB interface.
• Four-channel balanced headphone amplifier.
• Compatible with headphones rated from 8 to 600 ohms.
• 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone and line-out sockets.
• Potencia máxima balanceada de 1.300 mW por canal.
• Bluetooth 5.4 bidireccional Qualcomm QCC3083.
• Recepción Bluetooth mediante LDAC y aptX Adaptive.
• Salida digital coaxial y óptica.
• Conversión USB hasta PCM 32/384 y DSD256.
• Extracción de CD en formato WAV sin pérdidas.
• Mecanismo de CD con sistema antichoques y servo dedicado.
• Batería interna de 7.300 mAh.
• Hasta 7,5 horas de autonomía.
• Carga rápida QC/PD.
• Compatible con la aplicación Cayin Control.

Technical specifications

El Cayin CP6 es una propuesta muy singular: recupera el placer de escuchar discos físicos y lo combina con tecnología actual de primer nivel. Puede acompañarnos con unos buenos auriculares, trabajar como fuente dentro de un equipo doméstico o actuar como un completo DAC de sobremesa. No es un Discman moderno; es un verdadero componente de alta fidelidad que, además, podemos transportar.