Description
Cayin N3Ultra Digital Audio Player
The Cayin N3Ultra Digital Audio Player is the kind of portable player we recommend to customers who want to get away from phone-based listening and enjoy music properly.
What makes it special is the tube implementation. Cayin has not simply added tubes as a gimmick. The N3Ultra uses two Raytheon JAN6418 miniature NOS vacuum tubes with Cayin’s Gen3 tube circuit, and those tube timbres are available across the analogue outputs. That means you can enjoy the tube character through both the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, which is a major part of its appeal.
The three timbre modes also make it much more flexible than a typical DAP. Classic Tube gives a warmer, fuller, more relaxed sound. Modern Tube adds openness and energy while keeping the tube flavour. Solid-State is faster, cleaner, and more direct. This makes the N3Ultra easy to match with different IEMs, headphones, and listening preferences.
We also like the fact that Cayin has kept this player focused. There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth trying to turn it into a mini smartphone. Instead, it is built around local music playback, USB DAC functionality, strong output options, and sound quality. For listeners with a proper music library, this is exactly the right approach.
For customers wanting a portable player with genuine character, premium tuning, and a more analogue-style listening experience, the N3Ultra is a standout choice.
View User Manual >> View Cayin Products >>
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Cayin N3Ultra support streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, or Apple Music?
No, the Cayin N3Ultra does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so it is not designed for built-in streaming apps. It is a purist digital audio player focused on local music playback from microSD card, USB DAC use, and high-quality headphone output. This makes it ideal for listeners who prefer a dedicated music library rather than phone-style streaming. - What makes the Cayin N3Ultra different from a smartphone with a portable DAC?
The N3Ultra is a dedicated music player with dual AK4493SEQ DAC chips, a purpose-built analogue output stage, and selectable tube and solid-state timbres. Unlike a smartphone setup, it is designed purely for audio playback, with no notification interruptions, no app distractions, and a stronger focus on sound quality. - What are the Classic Tube, Modern Tube, and Solid-State modes?
The N3Ultra offers three different sound signatures. Classic Tube is warmer, richer, and fuller. Modern Tube keeps the tube character but sounds more open and lively. Solid-State is cleaner, faster, and more direct. These modes let you tune the sound depending on your headphones, IEMs, and music preferences. - Can I use the Cayin N3Ultra as a USB DAC?
Yes, the N3Ultra can be used as a USB DAC with compatible computers and mobile devices. This allows you to use the player’s DAC and output stage to improve sound quality from another digital source. It can also provide USB digital output to an external DAC if you want to use it as a transport. - Does the Cayin N3Ultra have balanced output?
Yes, the N3Ultra includes a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and 4.4mm balanced line output. It also includes 3.5mm single-ended headphone and line output options, making it flexible for portable headphones, IEMs, amplifiers, and active systems.
What the Experts Say
- Headfonics describes the N3Ultra as Cayin’s third-generation NOS vacuum tube digital audio player, featuring dual DACs and triple timbre modes.
- HiFiGo highlights the N3Ultra’s dual AK4493S DAC chips, Raytheon JAN6418 NOS tubes, PCM 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512 support, plus 3.5mm and 4.4mm output options.
- HiFi BLOG notes that Cayin deliberately removed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to create a purist music player focused on local playback and USB DAC use
Ideal For
- Dedicated portable hi-fi listening
- Local high-resolution music libraries
- Listeners who prefer tube warmth and tonal richness
- IEM and headphone users wanting multiple sound signatures
- Customers who want a music-focused DAP without streaming distractions
Features
Dual AK4493S DAC Architecture
The N3Ultra uses dual AK4493SEQ DAC chips operating in mono mode, with independent DAC and analogue audio circuits for each channel to improve separation, clarity, and stereo performance.
Raytheon JAN6418 NOS Vacuum Tubes
Two military-grade Raytheon JAN6418 miniature direct-heated pentode tubes provide authentic tube timbre in a portable player format. Cayin also uses mechanical and circuit damping to reduce microphonic effects.
Three Selectable Timbres
Choose between Classic Tube, Modern Tube, and Solid-State output modes, allowing you to tailor the sound to your headphones, IEMs, and music style.
3.5mm & 4.4mm Headphone and Line Outputs
The N3Ultra includes both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, with support for headphone output and line output functionality.
High-Resolution Audio Playback
Supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512, making it suitable for high-resolution local music libraries.
USB DAC & Digital Output Functionality
The N3Ultra can be used as a USB DAC with computers and compatible mobile devices. It also supports USB digital output for use with external DACs.
10-Band Parametric EQ
A custom 10-band parametric EQ allows detailed sound tuning, useful for matching different IEMs and headphones to your preferred sound.
Long Battery Life & Fast Charging
The 4500mAh battery provides up to 11.8 hours via 3.5mm solid-state output and up to 7.6 hours using 4.4mm balanced tube output. QC3.0 fast charging can take the player from 20% to 80% in around one hour.
Perfect System Match
- Premium IEMs with 3.5mm or 4.4mm cables
- Efficient portable headphones
- FLAC, WAV, DSD, and high-resolution music libraries
- Users wanting both portable and desktop USB DAC functionality
Specifications
Brand: Cayin
Model: N3Ultra
Product Type: Digital Audio Player
DAC
Dual AK4493SEQ DAC chips
Mono mode operation for fully differential output
Tube Circuit
Cayin Gen3 vacuum tube circuit
2 x Raytheon JAN6418 military-grade NOS vacuum tubes
Timbre Modes
Classic Tube
Modern Tube
Solid-State
Audio Support
PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz
Native DSD512
Operating System
Fully customised Android-based music-focused operating system
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 425
Display
4.1-inch TFT touchscreen
EQ
10-band parametric EQ
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm single-ended headphone output
4.4mm balanced headphone output
Line Outputs
3.5mm single-ended line output
4.4mm balanced line output
Digital Functions
USB DAC mode
USB digital output
Wireless
No Wi-Fi
No Bluetooth
Battery
4500mAh lithium battery
Battery Life
Up to 11.8 hours, 3.5mm solid-state output
Up to 7.6 hours, 4.4mm balanced tube output
Charging
USB-C
QC3.0 fast charging
Approx. 20% to 80% in around 1 hour
Storage
microSD card playback
Dimensions
125 mm x 65.5 mm x 19.5 mm
Weight
Approx. 204 g
Finish
Black
MPN: N3Ultra
SKU: CAY-N3ULTRA
EAN / UPC / GTIN: Not publicly published
Why Buy From Rapallo
✔ Authorised Cayin dealer
✔ Expert portable audio advice
✔ NZ warranty support
✔ Headphone and IEM matching guidance
✔ Trusted NZ hi-fi specialists
















































