{"product_id":"cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier","title":"Cayin C9 Portable Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin C9 is a reference portable headphone amplifier: fully balanced and fully discrete, for players and DACs with a line or pre-amp output. It offers two timbres, KORG Nutube tubes or a JFET solid-state stage, and Class A or Class AB operation, and delivers 2,600mW per channel into 32Ω balanced, enough for demanding planar headphones as well as IEMs. It runs straight from four 18650 batteries in a removable module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-hero.jpg?v=1791380288\" alt=\"Cayin C9 reference portable headphone amplifier\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-tiles.jpg?v=1791380293\" alt=\"Cayin C9 features at a glance\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTube or solid-state timbre\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tailor-made, fully balanced four-channel dual-timbre circuit gives you the choice of a pair of KORG Nutube 6P1 double directly heated triodes or a quad set of Toshiba 2SK209 JFETs, on both the single-ended and balanced outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-timbre.jpg?v=1791380298\" alt=\"Choice of tube or solid-state timbre on the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe redesigned tube circuit uses carefully applied feedback to keep THD+N to 0.03%, for what Cayin calls a euphonic, lively sound with delicacy. To stop the Nutubes picking up vibration, each sits in Cayin’s installation kit: a custom shock-absorbing silicone housing, a spring-loaded suspension and a flexible printed circuit, first developed for the N8 player.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-tube.jpg?v=1791380305\" alt=\"Nutube 6P1 tube timbre circuit of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-install.jpg?v=1791380310\" alt=\"Anti-microphonic Nutube installation kit\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe solid-state circuit is a fully discrete buffer and amplifier built around two matched pairs of high-quality, low-noise Toshiba 2SK209 audio JFETs, for a warm, rich timbre that is realistic and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-ss.jpg?v=1791380316\" alt=\"Solid-state timbre circuit with Toshiba 2SK209 JFETs\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClass A or Class AB\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch the amplifier instantly between Class A, less efficient but with low distortion and a musical, smooth, warm and lush sound with lovely vocals, and Class AB, more efficient and dynamic, with a clean, tight, extended sound with authority and slam. Choose by music, headphones or simply preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-classtext.jpg?v=1791380322\" alt=\"Class A and Class AB modes of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGain and volume\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo gain stages are set automatically by the microcontroller: a custom 6dB voltage gain circuit, and the gain in the electronic volume control. Volume is set by a four-channel ALPS potentiometer driving a pair of low-noise, low-distortion MUSES resistor-ladder electronic volume chips, for precise, satisfying control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-gain.jpg?v=1791380327\" alt=\"Two-stage gain control of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-volume.jpg?v=1791380331\" alt=\"ALPS potentiometer and MUSES electronic volume of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLine or pre-amp input, any connection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Line mode the C9 takes a fixed line-level signal and works as a headphone amplifier with its own volume control. In Pre mode, switched on with the PRE activator on the side, it takes a variable pre-amp signal and works as a power amplifier, with the volume set on the source. The inputs and outputs are never limited by the sockets: balanced in to balanced out, single-ended to single-ended, single-ended to balanced, or balanced to single-ended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-input.jpg?v=1791380337\" alt=\"Line and pre-amp input modes of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-io.jpg?v=1791380343\" alt=\"Single-ended and balanced inputs and outputs of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFully discrete headphone amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe four-channel JFET and BJT amplifier is fully balanced. The input signal passes through a quad set of WIMA coupling capacitors to two matched pairs of LSK489 dual JFETs as the differential amplifier, and the output stage is a matched quad set of doubled bipolar transistors in parallel, with ample power for IEMs and headphones. Cayin’s diagram also shows C0G and POSCAP capacitors, a DC servo and Class A\/AB bias adjustment for each half of each channel. A pyrolytic graphite sheet on the hottest parts and careful component placement keep the C9 consistently cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-amp.jpg?v=1791380349\" alt=\"WIMA capacitors and LSK489 JFETs in the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-diagram1.jpg?v=1791380355\" alt=\"Cayin C9 functional diagram\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-diagram2.jpg?v=1791380360\" alt=\"Cayin C9 functional diagram, headphone amplifier and outputs\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-heat.jpg?v=1791380367\" alt=\"Pyrolytic graphite heat management in the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDirect battery power\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour Sony VTC6 3,000mAh 18650 cells, with 8–12mΩ internal resistance and 30A continuous discharge, are connected in series for a ±8.4V supply with no boost converter, and a decoupling network gives low-impedance, fast-responding power. A protection and management system charges all four cells at the same pace, the USB-C port supports QC3.0 and PD fast charging, and LEDs show charging and battery level. The module is user-replaceable: spares can be bought separately and work as a standalone 18650 charger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-battery.jpg?v=1791380372\" alt=\"Sony VTC6 battery module and fast charging of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-module.jpg?v=1791380377\" alt=\"Detachable battery module of the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-lifestyle.jpg?v=1791380383\" alt=\"Cayin C9 with a music player\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm single-ended · 4.4mm balanced (line or pre-amp)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm single-ended · 4.4mm balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInput to output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAny combination: balanced or single-ended in, balanced or single-ended out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower (4.4mm)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4,100mW @ 16Ω · 2,600mW @ 32Ω · 320mW @ 300Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower (3.5mm)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,200mW @ 16Ω · 700mW @ 32Ω · 80mW @ 300Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCircuit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully discrete, fully balanced 4-channel · 2 × Nutube 6P1 or 2SK209 JFET timbre · Class A \/ AB · high\/low gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemovable module, 4 × Sony VTC6 18650 · 5.5–15 hours depending on mode · USB-C QC3.0\/PD charging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e160 × 80 × 28mm · 550g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe C9 is an amplifier only, with no DAC or USB audio input. Feed it from a player or DAC with a line or pre-amp output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery life depends on mode: about 15 hours in Class AB with solid state, about 5.5 hours in Class A with the tubes. Charging can take longer if the four cells are at different charge levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: C9 with battery module fitted, rear glass protector, CS-35C35 3.5mm and CS-44C44 4.4mm interconnects, USB-C charging cable, spare battery-module screws, T6 screwdriver and user manual.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the newer flagship version see the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cayin-c9ii-flagship-portable-headphone-amplifier\"\u003eCayin C9ii\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-box.jpg?v=1791380389\" alt=\"What is in the box with the Cayin C9\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier-photo-boxphoto.jpg?v=1791380394\" alt=\"Cayin C9 and its accessories\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cayin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57115777958275,"sku":"CAYINC9","price":1499.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_8d4241a5-ca2e-4827-8689-fee9e9b924c4.jpg?v=1767163277","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/cayin-c9-portable-headphone-amplifier","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}