Cayin N7 has finally made its way to my desk, stepping in as a replacement for the highly regarded N8ii, which is no longer in production. Right from the start, I can tell this new device carries some serious potential. I’ll be testing it with the Letshuoer S12 IEMs, the same source I’ve used across all my dongle evaluations. Instead of relying on a memory card, I’ll be using offline tracks from Qobuz and Deezer to get a true sense of its playback capabilities.
One of the first things I noticed is that the N7, while sporting similar ventilation grilles to the N8ii, comes with a slightly darker yellow case. It’s also noticeably sleeker and less bulky compared to its predecessor, which I appreciate for everyday portability. With 64GB of internal storage, it still supports external memory cards, providing more than enough space for high-res files.
The sound quality is undeniably impressive right from the start. There’s a natural transparency to the playback, with high levels of instrument echo and 3D imaging. However, compared to the N8ii, the soundstage doesn’t feel as expansive, but this could partly be due to the S12’s characteristics. I suspect other IEMs will bring out a fuller sound. Nonetheless, the synergy with the S12 is solid, particularly when paired with symphonic metal tracks where vocals are clear, tonal accuracy is high, and slam is present.
Performance and Listening Experience
The overall performance of the Cayin N7 is highly satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy a versatile and balanced sound signature. When paired with the Letshuoer S12, the synergy is notable, especially in genres like symphonic metal and rock. Vocal clarity and separation stand out, making it easy to distinguish individual instruments without losing the cohesion of the mix. This is particularly evident in tracks like Tool’s “Sober,” where each instrument carries its own weight, and the vocals seamlessly blend without overpowering other elements.
For electronic music, the N7 performs admirably due to its tight bass response and the PRaT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing) it offers. The bass is fast and punchy, enhancing the overall enjoyment of electronic genres. Even though the S12 tends to emphasize the bass, the N7 keeps it in check, preventing any muddiness or overhang. Tracks with fast, repetitive beats feel energetic, adding an extra layer of excitement to the listening experience. Moreover, acoustic and organic instruments retain their natural warmth and resonance, with impressive detail retrieval. For instance, listening to darbuka performances reveals the metal resonances within the body of the instrument, making for an immersive experience.
Build Quality and User Experience
The Cayin N7’s build quality feels premium, and its sleek, sandblasted CNC aluminum body is a nice touch, giving the device both a solid feel and a manageable weight at 380g. The overall design is less bulky than the N8ii, making it easier to handle during longer listening sessions. The addition of a 5-inch TFT 1080×1920 display makes navigating through high-res tracks smooth, although the Snapdragon 665 with 4GB of RAM can feel a bit underpowered at times, particularly when multitasking between apps or managing large music libraries.
Battery life is another strong point, with the N7 offering between 6.5 to 10 hours of playback, depending on usage and whether you’re in Class A or AB mode. The device supports a wide array of outputs, including both single-ended (3.5mm) and balanced (4.4mm), as well as a variety of digital interfaces like I²S, USB, and Coaxial. Wireless functionality is robust with BT 5.0, LDAC, and UAT support, making it versatile enough to be used as a wireless DAC. The Android 12 interface allows for easy high-res streaming through services like Qobuz and Deezer, which is a major plus for modern audiophiles.
Bass Response
The bass performance on the Cayin N7 is impressive, offering a tight and controlled low-end that doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the frequency range. Paired with the S12, there’s a palpable slam that shines in electronic and rock music, delivering a punchy and satisfying experience. Despite its strong presence, the bass doesn’t bleed into the midrange or exhibit any boomy tendencies, which is a big plus when listening to intricate basslines in symphonic metal or fast-paced electronic genres. It remains detailed and clean, allowing the finer textures of the bass to shine through without overpowering the overall mix.
Midrange Response
The midrange is where the Cayin N7 truly excels. Transparency and natural tonality are evident, making vocals stand out with clarity and separation. On tracks like Tool’s “Sober,” the vocals and instruments sit in perfect harmony, never clashing or feeling congested. The N7 does a great job of placing instruments in their own space, maintaining the weight of guitars and vocals without feeling recessed or thin. This balance makes the listening experience both engaging and dynamic, particularly with rock and acoustic tracks that rely heavily on a strong midrange presentation.
Treble Response
Treble on the Cayin N7 is smooth and controlled, with excellent extension that doesn’t introduce any harshness or sibilance. High frequencies are detailed and crisp, adding a nice layer of sparkle without becoming fatiguing. This is particularly noticeable in acoustic recordings and symphonic music, where the treble contributes to a spacious and airy sound. Cymbals, strings, and other high-pitched instruments are rendered with finesse, striking the right balance between clarity and warmth. The N7’s treble performance enhances the overall 3D imaging, adding to the sense of realism in the soundstage.
Changes with Balanced Output (4.4mm BAL)
Switching to the balanced output transforms the listening experience, offering more width in the soundstage and a deeper, more layered presentation. Instruments feel more distinct, and the dynamic range gets a noticeable boost, particularly in complex tracks. The bass gains more depth and authority, while the treble opens up, giving the music more air and transparency. Vocals, too, are better placed in the mix, resulting in a more refined and well-rounded sound. The balanced output is especially beneficial when using more power-hungry IEMs or headphones, delivering better control and dynamics than the single-ended output.
Comparison with Cayin n8ii__
War of Gods
When comparing the Cayin N7 to its predecessor, the N8ii, the most noticeable difference lies in their soundstage and overall presentation. The N8ii offers a more expansive and open soundstage, delivering a sense of space that feels wider and more immersive. The N7, while still impressive in terms of imaging and instrument separation, doesn’t quite reach the same level of airiness or ease in presenting a broad sonic field. This is particularly noticeable with orchestral and symphonic music, where the N8ii excels at providing a more natural and grand sound, making it feel like you’re in the middle of a live performance. The N7, on the other hand, has a more intimate presentation, which can work well for certain genres but lacks the grandeur that the N8ii offers.
In terms of technical performance, both devices handle dynamics, detail retrieval, and transparency with great precision. However, the N8ii’s Class A/AB amplification with its dual ROHMs chip and Korg nuttiness provides a smoother and more effortless power delivery, especially for more demanding IEMs and headphones. The N7, while capable, doesn’t match the same level of refinement and fluidity in its amplification, particularly when it comes to low-end control and midrange body.
Where the N8ii has a more relaxed and luxurious sound, the N7 feels slightly more analytical and direct, making it ideal for those who prefer a more detailed and upfront sound signature. Ultimately, the N8ii still holds its place as the flagship, offering a more expansive and relaxed musical experience, while the N7 provides a slightly more intimate but highly detailed alternative.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Detailed Sound: Exceptional clarity in the mids and highs, with natural tonality and strong imaging.
• Balanced Output: Enhances dynamics, soundstage, and overall depth, perfect for critical listening.
• Build Quality: Sleek design, solid CNC aluminum body, lightweight for its size.
• Good Battery Life: Lasts 6.5 to 10 hours, even with balanced output or higher gain modes.
• Transparency: Uncolored sound, making it versatile for a variety of music genres.
Cons:
• Soundstage: Not as wide or expansive as the N8ii, particularly with certain IEMs like the S12.
• UI Performance: The Snapdragon 665 and 4GB RAM can feel sluggish, especially with high-res files or apps.
• Price: A bit steep, especially for those who already don’t have any Cayin.
Cayin N7 Review Conclusion
Cayin N7 steps in as a worthy successor to the N8ii, offering a refined sound signature and premium build quality that should satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. While it may not match the expansive soundstage of the N8ii, it holds its own with a natural, transparent playback and strong technical performance. The balanced output provides a noticeable improvement in soundstage, dynamics, and separation, making it a solid choice for critical listening sessions. The N7 excels in detail retrieval, especially in the midrange and treble, where it delivers a smooth and refined presentation.
On the downside, the device’s user interface can feel sluggish due to its aging Snapdragon 665 processor, and the price might deter those who already own higher-end models like the N8ii. However, for those looking for a well-rounded, portable music player with great battery life and solid sound performance, the N7 makes a compelling case. Overall, it’s an excellent option for audiophiles who prioritize transparency, detail, and build quality in their gear.
