Cayin IDAC-8

Cayin iDAC-8 | Dual Timbre Desktop DAC

Tube Warmth or Solid-State Precision — You Choose.

The Cayin iDAC-8 is a premium Dual Timbre Desktop DAC designed to deliver true sonic flexibility. Whether you prefer the rich, musical warmth of vacuum tubes or the clean precision of solid-state sound, the iDAC-8 lets you switch effortlessly between both worlds. With its fully balanced circuit design, high-resolution decoding, and audiophile-grade components, it provides pristine audio reproduction for desktop and home audio systems alike.

Dual Timbre Architecture

Enjoy the freedom to shape your sound with two distinct timbre modes:

Vacuum Tube Timbre — 6H6b-B Dual Triodes

• Single-Ended Mode: Uses 2× 6H6b-B tubes (one per channel). Parallel triodes form the first stage of the timbre circuit as cathode followers, increasing current drive and lowering noise.

• Balanced Mode: Each 6H6b-B drives both positive and negative phases of a single channel for exceptional balance and control.

• Vishay MOSFETs in the second stage act as voltage followers for superior linearity and speed.

Solid-State Timbre — Audio-Grade Op-Amps

• Integrates Texas Instruments low-noise dual-channel Op-Amps.

• Single Op-Amp for single-ended circuits and dual Op-Amps for balanced mode deliver high precision and analytical clarity.

Fully Balanced Circuit Design

The iDAC-8 employs a true balanced signal path from input to output, minimizing interference and maximizing channel separation. The result is a transparent, detailed, and emotionally engaging listening experience — perfectly suited for both analytical and musical listening.

Flexible Output Options

Easily adapt the iDAC-8 to any system with Pre-Amp and Line-Level output modes:

• Pre Out: Variable output with volume control for power amplifiers or active speakers.

• Line Out: Fixed-level output bypassing volume control, ideal for integrated amplifiers.
  A single button allows seamless switching between modes, ensuring optimal compatibility with any setup.

Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply

Cayin’s in-house engineered 45W toroidal transformer ensures clean and stable power delivery.
Its low magnetic leakage and optimized winding structure eliminate background noise, preserving micro-details and dynamics across the frequency range.

Precision Analog Volume Control

Volume accuracy is handled by the NJW1195AV controller, operating via a 4-channel low-noise resistance ladder circuit.
This analog-domain adjustment guarantees:

• Exceptional channel consistency

• Low distortion

• Transparent sound at any volume level

Compact and Refined Design

Sharing its elegant aluminum chassis with the Cayin iHA-8 headphone amplifier and iDAP-8 digital streamer, the iDAC-8 completes a cohesive i-series stack.
Its CNC-machined aluminum housing, fine sandblasted surface, and anodized finish combine durability with understated sophistication — perfect for any desktop or home environment.

Connectivity Options

Comprehensive input support ensures flexibility with a wide range of digital sources:

• I2S (HDMI)

• USB Audio

• Coaxial

• AES/EBU

• Optical

Whether paired with a high-end streamer, CD transport, or computer source, the iDAC-8 guarantees seamless integration and exceptional performance.

Why Choose the Cayin iDAC-8

• Dual Timbre modes: Tube warmth or solid-state precision

• Fully balanced circuit for pure, noise-free sound

• Analog-domain volume control with high linearity

• Ultra-low-noise toroidal power supply

• Elegant compact design with high-end finish