Cayin C201 Audio Motherboard with CS43198

Hear more of your music, for longer – effortless clarity with black‑silence backgrounds

Unlock the full potential of your Cayin N6iii with C201, a swappable audio motherboard engineered for vanishing‑low noise, superb channel separation and long, cool‑running sessions. Built around eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs working in a parallel full‑differential matrix and a high‑precision analog stage, C201 delivers a neutral‑natural presentation with airy treble, lifelike mids, and punchy, controlled bass—without the fatigue or heat that can cut listening short.

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Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• The sound you’ve been chasing

  • Balanced, transparent tuning with excellent layering and a black background that flatters both sensitive IEMs and full‑size headphones. Reviewers describe it as a “balanced, natural to neutral sounding motherboard.”

• Engineered for low noise and precision

  • Parallel full‑differential matrix DAC: 8× CS43198 in mono, four per channel, synchronized via the N6iii’s FPGA for lower distortion and higher density. Four NJU72315 chips implement a cascade passive volume control for ultra‑fine, channel‑consistent steps. Headphone drive comes from four TI OPA1622 op‑amps in high‑current parallel configuration.

• Practical, everyday usability

  • Cool operation and excellent battery performance on the N6iii platform (up to 14.2 hours SE, 12.4 hours balanced), plus precise low‑volume balance for sensitive IEMs.

• Seamless device compatibility

  • Purpose‑built for the Cayin N6iii’s second‑generation modular bay with a quick‑release, tool‑free locking mechanism. Note: Gen‑2 motherboards (like C201) are not backward‑compatible with N6ii.

• Thoughtful connectivity

  • Dedicated 3.5 mm line‑out, separate 3.5 mm headphone out, and a shared 4.4 mm balanced PO/LO—so you can run IEMs, headphones, or feed an external amp with fixed line level.

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What’s Included

• C201 Audio Motherboard
  • Second‑generation swappable DAC/amp module for Cayin N6iii with 8× CS43198 DACs.
• Documentation
  • Quick start/warranty information (contents may vary by region).

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product Type	Swappable DAC/amp motherboard for Cayin N6iii	Installs in N6iii’s quick‑release bay (Gen‑2). Not compatible with N6ii.
DAC Architecture	8× Cirrus Logic CS43198 in Parallel Full‑Differential Matrix	Each DAC in mono; four per channel; FPGA‑synchronized I²S. Improves density and channel separation.
Volume Control	4× NJU72315 passive cascade	Ultra‑fine steps with excellent channel tracking at low levels.
Headphone Amplifier	4× TI OPA1622 in high‑current parallel	Low output impedance; strong current drive for control and dynamics.
Analog Outputs	3.5 mm PO (headphone), 3.5 mm LO (dedicated), 4.4 mm BAL shared PO/LO	Flexible routing to IEMs, headphones, or external amps.
Output Power	260 mW @ 32Ω (3.5 mm SE PO); 700 mW @ 32Ω (4.4 mm BAL PO)	Real‑world drive for modern IEMs and many headphones.
Line‑out Levels	3.5 mm LO: 1.0/1.5/2.0 Vrms; 4.4 mm LO: 2.0/3.0/4.0 Vrms	Low/Medium/High settings for system matching.
Frequency Response	20 Hz–20 kHz (±0.1 dB)	Flat, reference‑grade response.
THD+N	0.0004% (PO/LO)	Ultra‑low distortion for crystalline detail.
Dynamic Range / SNR	Up to 130 dB (4.4 mm)	Black background; excellent micro‑detail.
Output Impedance (PO)	0.5Ω (3.5 mm), 1Ω (4.4 mm)	Ideal for sensitive multi‑BA IEMs.
Endurance on N6iii	~14.2 h (SE PO), ~12.4 h (BAL PO)	Screen off, radios off, mixed formats; N6iii battery 9000 mAh.
Weight Reference	~350 g (N6iii with C201)	Overall player mass for carry feel; module‑only weight not published.

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Professional Recognition

• Reviews

  • Headfonics: calls C201 a “balanced, natural to neutral sounding motherboard,” praising its wide imaging and low noise floor with sensitive IEMs.
  • Headfonia: highlights N6iii’s “dynamic, detailed sound,” strong usability and modular design; offers specific sound notes for C201 vs E203.
  • Twister6: details C201’s engineering—8× CS43198 matrix, 4× NJU72315 cascade volume, 4× OPA1622 high‑current parallel—and documents real‑world power/output behavior.

• Community feedback

  • Head‑Fi user impressions consistently note the C201’s deep soundstage, black background, and strong everyday pairing flexibility.

• Heritage

  • Built by Cayin (Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd.), the N6iii platform and its audio motherboards are part of the brand’s ongoing modular DAP roadmap, shown across official communications and firmware support.

• Innovation

  • Second‑generation, quick‑release audio motherboard system with larger PCB real estate and automatic module detection on the N6iii platform.

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The Bottom Line

C201 is the “do‑everything‑well” motherboard for N6iii owners who want reference‑grade neutrality, superb separation, and all‑day stamina. Its parallel CS43198 matrix and precision analog stage deliver a clean, musical, and fatigue‑free listen, while the dedicated 3.5 mm line‑out and shared 4.4 mm PO/LO make it easy to integrate into portable or desktop chains. If you value long sessions, black backgrounds, and honest tonality—without sacrificing flexibility—C201 is the smart, future‑forward upgrade for your N6iii.

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Notes on compatibility: C201 is designed exclusively for the Cayin N6iii Gen‑2 modular bay and will not fit the earlier N6ii. Always update N6iii firmware to the latest version for best performance and module recognition.