Cayin C9 | Portable Headphone Amplifier

The Cayin C9: Flagship Portable Power

Incredible versatility and up to 4.1W of power in your pocket.

Choose between the euphonic tube mode or the incredible accuracy of solid state.

Class A and Class AB offer further customization of the sound and efficiency.
Supports 4.4mm and 3.5mm input and output, with BAL to SE, and SE to BAL options.
User serviceable and replaceable batteries.



Choice of Timbre Vacuum Tubes/Solid State
C9 uses a custom-designed fully balanced 4-ch dual timbre circuit with the Toshiba 2SK209 JET(Quad Set) for solid state, and a Korg Nutube 6P1 Double Direct Heated Triode for tube mode. You can use either mode for both Single-ended and Balanced Headphone Output
Vacuum Tube Timbre Circuit
The Redesigned timbre circuit gives you a livelly, euphonic, and delicate presentation using two miniature double Direct Heated Triode (DHT) for both Balanced and Single-ended output, with carefully implemented NFB that reduce THD+10 to 0.03%. Cayin's innovative installation process eliminates the microphonic effect of vacuum tubes.
Solid State Timbre circuit
The solid state circuit delivers a warm and rich timbre that is realistic and engaging. It uses a fully discrete buffer and amplification audio circuit designed around two matched pairs of high quality, low noise Toshiba 2SK209 JFET op-amps.
Dual Amp Operation Mode
C9's dual amp operation mode lets you switch between Class A and Class AB operation instantly. Class A mode is less energy efficient, but provides the lowest possible distortion, and a warm, smooth, musical sound. Class AB offers longer battery life along with a clean, tight low-end presentation.
Dual Input Mode
C9's dual input mode allows you to optimally receive fixed or variable volume signals, and bypass the C9's volume control when connected to a device with its own volume control.
Line: Receives fixed voltage audio signal from line level output and functions as a headphone amplifier with local volume control
Pre: receives variable voltage audio signal from pre-amp output and function as a power amplifier: volume is controlled at the source equipment
The amp also isn't limited by your input source. You can use balanced headphones with a single ended source or single-ended headphones with a balanced source, seamlessly. 
User Serviceable Batteries
One of the biggest problems portable audio fans face is battery degradation on their high-end devices. Usually a battery replacement means waiting weeks to receive service from the manufacturer. C9 gets reliable, replaceable power from 4x Sony VTC6 3000mAH 18650 Lithium Batteries.
Specifications

Analog Inputs

3.5mm TRS
4.4mm TRRRS

Analog Outputs

3.5mm TRS
4.4mm TRRRS

Timbre Circuit (Tube): KORG Nutube 6P1 x2
Timbre Circuit (SS): Toshiba 2SK209 JFET x 4
Input differential Amp: LIS LSK489 JFET x 4
Electronic Volume Control: MUSES72320x2
Battery: Sony US1865V9VTC6 x 4
Battery Duration

Solid State:

SE/Class AB: 15 hours, SE/Class A: 12 hours
Bal/Class AB: 10 Hours, Bal/Class A: 7 Hours

Vacuum Tubes:

SE/Class AB: 9.5 Hours, SE/Class A: 8 Hours
Bal/Class AB: 9 Hours, Bal/Class A: 5.5 Hours

Charge time (estimated):

Standard Charger: 6 hours
Quick Charge 3.0: 3 hours


Output power


3.5mm SE: 16Ω: 1200mW, 32Ω: 700mW, 150Ω: 160mW, 300Ω: 80mW

4.4mm Bal: 16Ω: 4.1 W, 32Ω: 2.6 W, 150Ω: 640mW, 300Ω: 320mW

Dimensions: 160x80x28mm
Weight 550g
Full C9 Specs

In the Box

C9 Portable Headphone Amplifier
C9 Battery Module
Read Panel Glass Protector
Single-ended Portable Interconnect (3.5mm to 3.5mm)
Balanced Portable Interconnect (4.4mm to 4.4mm)
USB-C Charging cable
Replacement screws for battery module
T6 Screw Driver
User Manual