{"product_id":"cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player","title":"Cayin N3 Ultra NOS Vacuum Tube Digital Audio Player","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cayin N3 Ultra is a music player with real valves: the successor to Cayin’s N3Pro, it puts two military-grade Raytheon JAN6418 NOS (new old stock) vacuum tubes on every analogue output. Choose Classic tube, Modern tube or solid-state sound on the headphone and line outputs alike, with the same output power in every timbre, up to 600mW balanced. Dual AK4493S DACs, a 10-band parametric EQ and a streamlined, audio-only Android system complete a compact 204g player, first shown at CanJam New York 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-hero.jpg?v=1791352257\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra triple-timbre music player with NOS vacuum tubes\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-features.jpg?v=1791352263\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra features at a glance\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe beauty of simplicity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe N3 Ultra runs a fully customised operating system, streamlined to focus solely on audio, for an authentic, minimalist experience built around the sound of its vintage tubes. Cayin’s DTA system bypasses Android’s sample-rate conversion for lossless playback up to 32-bit\/768kHz and DSD512.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMilitary-grade NOS tubes on every output\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Raytheon JAN6418 military-grade miniature direct-heated pentodes serve both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, for headphones and at line level, each able to produce a tube or solid-state timbre. Tube timbres on the line outputs are new compared with the N3Pro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-tubes.jpg?v=1791352270\" alt=\"The two Raytheon JAN6418 NOS tubes of the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShock absorption and suspension\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCayin’s in-house mechanical and circuit upgrades keep microphonics down. A custom-moulded silicone housing holds and shields each tube, and pairs of suspension pins designed into the CNC aluminium frame let the JAN6418 hang vertically, giving multi-directional stress relief for its filament. A measured amount of inter-stage negative feedback limits the closed-loop gain for stability, and a FET controls the tube’s power supply to keep the filament current steady.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-suspension.jpg?v=1791352275\" alt=\"The shock-absorbing silicone housing and suspension pins for the N3 Ultra tubes\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClassic, Modern or solid-state\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than using the pentode as a simple buffer, the N3 Ultra uses Cayin’s third-generation tube technology in a two-stage timbre circuit: the JAN6418 is connected as a low-gain voltage amplifier, followed by a FET buffer for drive. Changing how the tube’s screen grid is connected applies local feedback through it, giving two distinct styles of response, distortion and output impedance. Pick from the pull-down menu: Classic tube, lush, warm and full-bodied with rich overtones; Modern tube, with a lively soundstage, well extended and impressively linear; or solid-state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-timbres.jpg?v=1791352281\" alt=\"Choosing Classic tube, Modern tube or solid-state timbre on the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-diagram.jpg?v=1791352286\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra functional diagram (left channel)\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual AK4493S DACs and precision parts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo AK4493S DACs work in mono mode for a fully differential output, with independent DAC chips and analogue circuits for each channel to minimise crosstalk and improve clarity and stereo separation. An FPGA re-clocks, de-jitters and re-shapes the data, timed by two Accusilicon AS318 femtosecond oscillators with ultra-low phase noise (−100dBc) for accurate conversion with much lower jitter. Volume is set by JRC’s NJW1195A, a low-noise, low-distortion resistance-ladder analogue volume chip common in audiophile pre-amps, controlling all four channels precisely with little power; the headphone stage uses four low-noise op-amps as two amplifiers in parallel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-dac.jpg?v=1791352292\" alt=\"The dual AK4493S DACs of the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-volume.jpg?v=1791352298\" alt=\"JRC NJW1195A volume control and Accusilicon AS318 oscillators in the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA versatile source with dual line out\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides a dedicated 3.5mm line out, the 4.4mm balanced output can be set as a headphone or line output. The line outputs are clean and unamplified, at a fixed level that bypasses the volume control and headphone amplifier, to feed a portable or desktop headphone amplifier or an integrated amplifier at home, with three levels: 2.1V, 1.6V or 1.0V from 3.5mm and 4.2V, 3.2V or 2.0V from 4.4mm. Over USB-C the N3 Ultra is also a digital transport, with USB audio output and S\/PDIF coaxial embedded in the USB-C socket, and a USB DAC for a computer or phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-lineout.jpg?v=1791352304\" alt=\"Dual line out and tube timbres on the Cayin N3 Ultra line outputs\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-uses.jpg?v=1791352310\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra as headphone player, line source, digital transport and USB DAC\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA 10-band parametric EQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 10-band parametric EQ designed for the N3 Ultra offers almost unlimited tuning, so you can fine-tune each pairing with your in-ear monitors to your own taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-peq.jpg?v=1791352315\" alt=\"The 10-band parametric EQ of the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBattery, screen and handling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 3.85V 4,500mAh battery and carefully tuned power management give up to 11.8 hours from the 3.5mm output in solid-state timbre, or 7.6 hours from the 4.4mm output with tubes, and QC3.0 charges it from 20% to 80% in about an hour. A 4.1-inch 720 × 1280 touchscreen responds quickly, a physical knob and buttons cater to those who prefer them, and at 204g the N3 Ultra is sized for one-handed use and pockets. Store music on a microSD card up to 1TB, or add USB drives and card readers through OTG.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-battery.jpg?v=1791352318\" alt=\"The 4500mAh battery of the Cayin N3 Ultra\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player-photo-design.jpg?v=1791352322\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra storage, touchscreen, physical controls and size\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/CAYINN3ULTRA_04_1000x324_92d866af-e10f-40bb-bc9a-2e1d9faded8a.jpg?v=1767200068\" alt=\"Cayin N3 Ultra music player\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDAC and tubes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 × AKM AK4493S (mono mode) · 2 × Raytheon JAN6418 NOS · Gen3 tube circuit · FPGA · 2 × Accusilicon AS318\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume and amp\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJRC NJW1195A 4-channel · LPF 2 dual op-amps · headphone amp 4 low-noise op-amps, 2 in parallel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHeadphone out\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.4mm: 600mW @ 32Ω, 1.0Ω, SNR 121dB (solid-state) \/ 113dB (tube), separation 116dB \/ 92dB · 3.5mm: 250mW @ 32Ω, 0.5Ω, SNR 120dB \/ 113dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistortion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.008% solid-state · 2.0% tube (1kHz, 32Ω)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLine out\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm 2.1 \/ 1.6 \/ 1.0V (100Ω) · 4.4mm 4.2 \/ 3.2 \/ 2.0V (200Ω) · all three timbres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDigital\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB audio out (32-bit\/768kHz, DSD512 native) · USB DAC (UAC 2.0; Windows needs a driver) · S\/PDIF coaxial in USB-C (24-bit\/192kHz, DoP64)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlatform\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSnapdragon 425 · customised Android 8.1, audio only · 2GB RAM · microSD to 1TB · USB OTG · Cayin Music app\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4,500mAh (17.3Wh) · 7.6–11.8h headphone, 10.3–13.5h line out · QC3.0 about 2h (PD2.0 not supported) · 5V 2A about 3.5h\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e125 × 65.5 × 19.5mm · about 204g · 4.1-inch 720 × 1280 touchscreen · sandblasted CNC aluminium\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\u003eIt has no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth: play music from microSD, USB storage, or use it as a USB DAC.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor fast charging use a QC3.0 charger; PD2.0 fast charging is not supported.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB DAC mode needs an OTG cable to connect to your source, and Windows computers need Cayin’s driver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: N3 Ultra, silicone protective case, tempered glass screen protector, USB-C cable and quick guide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cayin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57117193273731,"sku":"CAYINN3ULTRA","price":569.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/img_proxy_e71c8774-2e47-4c83-a716-29220ad17b20.jpg?v=1767200109","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/cayin-n3-ultra-nos-vacuum-tube-digital-audio-player","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}