Cayin RU3 Portable DAC & Amplifier - Rapallo

Cayin RU3 Portable DAC & Amplifier

Name: Cayin RU3 Portable DAC & Amplifier
Brand: Cayin Audio
SKU: CAY-RU3
Availability: InStock

$249.00 inc GST

The Cayin RU3 is a compact portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed to deliver high-resolution audio from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other USB audio sources.

Built around an ESS ES9069Q DAC chip, the RU3 supports high-resolution PCM and native DSD playback while offering both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs.

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SKU: CAY-RU3 Categories: Audio Systems, HeadFi & Portable Audio, Headphone Amplifier & DAC, Rapallo GTIN / EAN / UPC: Not publicly published Brand: Cayin Audio

Description
Product Size & Weight

Description

Cayin RU3 Portable DAC & Amplifier

The Cayin RU3 Portable DAC & Amplifier is a strong option for customers who want a serious improvement over the standard headphone output from a phone, tablet, or laptop without carrying a bulky portable player.

What stands out most is how much power and flexibility Cayin has packed into such a small device. The 4.4mm balanced output gives it real drive for quality IEMs and many portable headphones, while the 3.5mm output keeps it compatible with standard headphones and earphones.

We also like that the RU3 does not try to be overly complicated. It gives you proper high-resolution decoding, useful output options, hardware controls, a colour display, app control, and selectable power modes, all in a pocket-sized chassis. For daily portable listening, that makes it far more practical than a larger DAC/amp stack.

Sonically, this is best suited to listeners who want clarity, detail, and punch, but still want something enjoyable for long listening sessions. It is a smart match for customers using Apple Music Lossless, TIDAL, Qobuz, local hi-res files, or any setup where the source device’s built-in audio is the weak point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cayin RU3 an R-2R DAC like the Cayin RU6?
No, the Cayin RU3 is not an R-2R DAC. The RU3 uses an ESS ES9069Q DAC chip, while the older Cayin RU6 is the model known for its R-2R ladder DAC design. This means the RU3 has a different sound and architecture, with a modern ESS-based design focused on high-resolution decoding, low noise, and strong portable output.
How much power does the Cayin RU3 have?
The RU3 is powerful for its size. It is rated at up to 180mW + 180mW from the 3.5mm output and up to 560mW + 560mW from the 4.4mm balanced output, both measured at 32Ω. This makes it suitable for many IEMs and portable headphones, especially when using the balanced output.
Does the Cayin RU3 work with Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify?
Yes, the RU3 works as a USB DAC with compatible phones, tablets, and computers, so it can improve playback from streaming services such as Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and local music files. The streaming app runs on your device, while the RU3 handles digital-to-analogue conversion and headphone amplification.
Can I use the Cayin RU3 with an iPhone?
Yes, but compatibility depends on the iPhone model. USB-C iPhones can connect more directly, while Lightning iPhones usually require a suitable Lightning-to-USB adapter. Once connected, the RU3 bypasses the phone’s internal audio output and provides a higher-quality headphone output.
What is the benefit of the 4.4mm balanced output on the RU3?
The 4.4mm balanced output provides significantly more power than the 3.5mm output and can also improve channel separation with compatible headphones or IEMs. For users with balanced cables, this is the best way to get the strongest performance from the RU3.

What the Experts Say

“Cayin RU3 DAC/Amp delivers ESS ES9069Q decoding, up to 560mW output, PCM 768kHz/DSD512 support, and dual power modes in a sleek portable design.”
Review coverage highlights the RU3 as a compact USB DAC/amp using the ESS ES9069Q chip with a quad-balanced amplification stage and up to 560mW of output.
Head-Fi’s listing notes the RU3’s app support, 10-band EQ, 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, and support for PCM 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512 playback.

Ideal For

Upgrading phone or laptop audio
Portable hi-fi listening
High-resolution streaming
IEM and headphone users wanting more power and detailTravellers wanting compact audio performance

Features

Built around ESS ES9069Q high-performance DAC
Hyper Mode full output: 560mW + 560mW (32ohms)
Decoding up to 768kHz/32bit DSD512
0.96-inch IPS color display

SS ES9069Q DAC Chip

The RU3 uses a single ESS ES9069Q DAC with HyperStream IV architecture, delivering clean conversion, strong detail retrieval, and support for modern high-resolution formats.

High-Resolution Audio Support

Supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768kHz and native DSD512, making it suitable for demanding hi-res music libraries and streaming platforms.

4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-Ended Outputs

The RU3 includes both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended outputs, with both supporting headphone output and line output use.

Powerful Balanced Output

Through the 4.4mm balanced output, the RU3 is rated up to 560mW + 560mW at 32Ω, giving it serious drive for a portable DAC/amp. The 3.5mm output is rated up to 180mW + 180mW at 32Ω.

HYP & STD Power Modes

Two power modes let users choose between maximum output performance or a more efficient mode for portable use. This is useful when switching between easier-to-drive IEMs and more demanding headphones.