Cayin CP6 Portable Tube CD Player, USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

A Modern Portable CD Player with Genuine Tube Sound

The Cayin CP6 brings Cayin’s long experience in tube-based CD players into a compact, transportable design. It combines traditional CD playback with a high-performance DAC, powerful headphone amplification, USB audio and two-way Bluetooth, creating a flexible all-in-one source for headphones, active speakers or a full Hi-Fi system. 

Unlike players that simulate tube warmth digitally, the CP6 uses two carefully selected Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes. These sit alongside a solid-state signal path and provide three selectable sound signatures: Classic Tube, Modern Tube and Solid-State. The chosen timbre can be applied to the headphone outputs, line outputs and Bluetooth transmission. 

Three Sound Signatures

Classic Tube delivers the most characterful valve presentation, with a warmer and more relaxed sound.

Modern Tube retains the texture and musicality associated with tubes while offering a cleaner, more contemporary balance.

Solid-State provides the most direct and transparent presentation, with strong definition and control.

Switching between these modes makes it easy to tailor the CP6 to different headphones, recordings and listening preferences without changing equipment. 

Dual CS4308P DAC Architecture

Digital conversion is handled by two Cirrus Logic CS4308P DAC chips. The dual-DAC design supports both balanced and single-ended playback while helping the CP6 deliver excellent channel separation, low noise and strong dynamic performance. 

When used as a USB DAC, the CP6 supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD up to DSD256. UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 modes can be selected for compatibility with computers, smartphones and other digital sources. macOS, Android and iOS operation is driver-free, while Windows requires Cayin’s USB audio driver. 

Fully Balanced Headphone Amplification

The CP6 features a fully balanced, discrete four-channel headphone amplifier with selectable Class A and Class ABoperation.

Class A prioritises smoothness and consistency by keeping the amplification stage continuously active. Class AB offers greater efficiency and longer battery life while retaining powerful, controlled performance. Both amplifier modes can be combined with the three available sound signatures. 

The 4.4mm balanced output delivers up to 1,300mW + 1,300mW into 16Ω when the CP6 is connected to an external DC power supply. The 3.5mm output reaches up to 600mW + 600mW into 16Ω, giving the CP6 enough power for sensitive earphones as well as more demanding full-sized headphones. 

Headphone and Line Outputs

Both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced connections can operate as headphone outputs or fixed-level line outputs. This allows the CP6 to work as a self-contained portable player or as a source for a separate amplifier, powered speakers or home audio system. 

Two-Way Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.4 gives the CP6 both receiving and transmitting capabilities.

As a receiver, it supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, allowing music from a phone or tablet to be played through the CP6’s DAC and amplification stages.

As a transmitter, the CP6 can send CD or connected-source audio wirelessly to compatible headphones, speakers or receivers using aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX or SBC. 

CD Ripping and Digital Output

The CP6 can rip audio from supported CDs directly to connected USB storage, providing a convenient way to create lossless digital copies of a physical music collection.

It can also act as a digital transport through coaxial, optical and Bluetooth outputs. Its S/PDIF connection supports digital audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, with the optical transmitter sharing the 3.5mm connection. 

Battery or External DC Power

A built-in 7,300mAh, 28Wh battery supports portable listening, while external USB power allows the CP6 to operate as part of a desktop system and deliver its highest output levels.

Battery life varies according to the chosen output, amplifier mode and sound signature. The longest quoted playback time is approximately 7.5 hours through the 3.5mm output in Class AB Solid-State mode. Line-output use can reach approximately 10.2 hours. 

Standard charging takes approximately 3.5 hours, while compatible QC 3.0 or PD 2.0 fast charging reduces this to around 2.5 hours. 

Designed for Portable and Desktop Listening

The CP6 uses an aluminium chassis and includes a 2.3-inch colour display for playback information and settings. Cayin’s proprietary anti-shock CD mechanism helps maintain reliable playback during portable use, while the Cayin Control app provides additional remote operation. 

At approximately 720g and measuring 167 × 151 × 29mm, it is larger and more substantial than a basic portable CD player, reflecting its combination of disc transport, tube stage, DAC, battery and powerful balanced amplifier. 

Specifications:

DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS4308P
Vacuum tubes: 2 × JAN6418
Supported discs: 12cm CD and CD-R
Sound modes: Solid-State, Modern Tube and Classic Tube
Amplifier modes: Class A and Class AB
Headphone outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced
Line outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4, two-way transmission
Bluetooth receiving codecs: LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC
Bluetooth transmitting codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX and SBC
USB DAC: UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0
USB decoding: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD256 and DoP256
S/PDIF output: Up to 24-bit/192kHz through the shared 3.5mm optical output
Power input: USB-C, DC 5V/2A or 9V/1.5A
Battery: 7,300mAh / 28Wh
Battery life: Up to approximately 10.2 hours through the 3.5mm line output, or 7.5 hours through the 3.5mm headphone output, depending on the selected amplifier and sound mode
Charging time: Approximately 3.5 hours with a standard charger or 2.5 hours using QC 3.0/PD 2.0 fast charging
Dimensions: 167 × 151 × 29mm
Weight: Approximately 720g 

4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output

Output power into 32Ω:
900mW + 900mW on battery
1,100mW + 1,100mW with external power

Output power into 16Ω:
1,100mW + 1,100mW on battery
1,300mW + 1,300mW with external power

Gain: 0dB high gain / -6dB low gain
Output impedance: 1.2Ω
Solid-state SNR: ≥119dB
Solid-state dynamic range: ≥119dB
Solid-state THD+N: ≤0.002% 

3.5mm Single-Ended Headphone Output

Output power into 32Ω:
330mW + 330mW on battery
420mW + 420mW with external power

Output power into 16Ω:
500mW + 500mW on battery
600mW + 600mW with external power

Gain: 0dB high gain / -6dB low gain
Output impedance: 0.6Ω
Solid-state SNR: ≥108dB
Solid-state dynamic range: ≥108dB
Solid-state THD+N: ≤0.002%