Cayin R202 Audio Motherboard

with R‑2R and 1‑Bit DAC

Hear both sides of perfection: warm R‑2R soul and ultra‑clean 1‑Bit precision—instantly, on your N6iii.

If you’ve ever wished you could switch between the analog‑rich flow of an R‑2R ladder and the airy, laser‑etched imaging of a 1‑Bit DSD DAC without swapping gear, the R202 was built for you. Cayin’s modular “audio motherboard” for the N6iii delivers two fully discrete, fully balanced DAC engines on a single board, letting you choose the sonic character that best fits the music, the moment, and your monitors. No compromises, no cables—just tap to select R‑2R, 1‑Bit, or Auto and immerse. Compatible exclusively with the Cayin N6iii (firmware v1.6 or later).

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Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• • Sound, two ways: R‑2R mode wraps you in a saturated, emotive presentation with expansive body; 1‑Bit mode expands space and pin‑point imaging with a cleaner, more linear feel. Switch on the fly or let Auto pick by file format.
• • Discrete engineering that matters: Dual, fully discrete, fully balanced DACs—192 ultra‑precision resistors for the 24‑bit R‑2R ladder and 128 for the 1‑Bit DSD path—feed a quad‑channel, fully balanced headphone amp. Expect low noise, high dynamic contrast, and true left/right symmetry.
• • Practical portability: Purpose‑built for IEMs and easy‑to‑drive headphones with sub‑ohm output impedance and robust power: up to 550 mW balanced, 250 mW single‑ended (32 Ω). No hiss, no fuss.
• • Seamless integration: Quick‑release Gen2 latches make swapping motherboards simple. The N6iii recognizes the R202 after updating to firmware v1.6—then presents the R‑2R/1‑Bit/Auto options in the UI.
• • Built for black backgrounds: Matrix‑structured power, precision analog volume (NJW1195), and premium TI op‑amps (OPA1612/OPA1662/INA1620) maintain purity and drive.
• • All‑day listening: Excellent endurance with the N6iii—up to 16 hours (R‑2R), 14 hours (1‑Bit), and 15 hours (Auto) under benchmark conditions.

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What’s Included

• • Main product: Cayin R202 Audio Motherboard for N6iii (dual‑DAC discrete R‑2R + 1‑Bit architecture)
• • Primary accessory: Protective anti‑static packaging (factory presentation)
• • Secondary items: User documentation/quick start guide (region/retailer packaging may vary)
• • Documentation: Warranty information via Cayin/authorized dealer

Note: N6iii player sold separately.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product Type	Interchangeable, wired audio motherboard for Cayin N6iii	Requires N6iii firmware v1.6 or later.
DAC Architecture	Dual discrete: 24‑bit R‑2R (192 × 0.1% resistors) + 1‑Bit DSD (128 × 0.1% resistors)	Fully balanced, selectable R‑2R / 1‑Bit / Auto.
Native Decoding	PCM up to 384 kHz; DSD up to DSD256	Per pro testing/coverage.
Processing	Dual digital audio processor	Platform supports smart mode switching; upsampling/conversion when applicable.
Headphone Outputs	3.5 mm single‑ended PO; 4.4 mm balanced PO	PO only; no dedicated line‑out/SPDIF on R202.
Output Power	250 mW @ 32 Ω (3.5 mm); 550 mW @ 32 Ω (4.4 mm)	Drives IEMs and moderate‑load headphones confidently.
Output Impedance	0.5 Ω (SE); 0.8 Ω (BAL)	Sub‑ohm for IEM synergy.
Amplifier Topology	Quad‑channel fully balanced with INA1620 drivers	High current, low noise.
Volume Control	NJW1195 analog, fully balanced	Precise channel matching and fine steps.
Power Design	Matrix supply; LT8582, TPS61087/61240 + ultra‑low‑noise LDOs	Clean, isolated rails to DAC/amp/clock sections.
Battery Life (with N6iii)	Up to 16 h (R‑2R), 14 h (1‑Bit), 15 h (Auto)	Manufacturer benchmark conditions.
Weight	~62 g (board only)	N6iii ~350 g with R202 installed.

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Professional Recognition

• Reviews: Headfonics rated R202 highly (9.2/10), praising its “two DACs in one” approach and the excellent staging of 1‑Bit mode with the rich, emotive R‑2R option. They also note PO‑only design and sub‑ohm outputs suited to IEMs.
• Reviews: Twister6 highlights the Gen2 quick‑release latches, black background, and standout battery life with the N6iii, confirming dual‑discrete construction and PO‑only I/O.
• Heritage: R202 follows Cayin’s long‑running modular lineage (from N6ii’s R01 R‑2R card to the N7’s discrete 1‑Bit design), now unified on one board for the N6iii. Official firmware v1.6 adds R202 UI support.
• Community buzz: Early owner discussions compare R202’s lush R‑2R timbre with the cleaner, wider 1‑Bit presentation—most calling it the most musically engaging N6iii board yet for IEMs.

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The Bottom Line

The Cayin R202 is the plug‑in answer to a long‑standing audiophile dilemma: Do you want the organic dimensionality of R‑2R or the crystalline imaging of 1‑Bit? With R202 you get both, engineered discretely and balanced front‑to‑back, driven by a quiet, muscular amplifier stage that flatters sensitive IEMs and portable headphones. If you own an N6iii and value choice without clutter, R202 is the definitive sound‑shaping upgrade—purposeful, silent, and endlessly musical. Update your player to firmware v1.6, snap the board in, and rediscover your library two different ways.

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Product Type and Fit Guide (for DAC/amp modules)

• Input/Output: PO via 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm BAL; no dedicated line‑out or SPDIF on this board. For fixed line‑level or external amps, consider other N6iii motherboards.
• Power/Impedance: Best with IEMs and moderately sensitive headphones; not intended for very demanding, high‑power full‑size planars.
• Features at a glance: Dual discrete DACs (R‑2R and 1‑Bit), analog balanced volume, quick‑release latches, sub‑ohm outputs, long battery life with N6iii.

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Notes on compatibility: Works only with Cayin N6iii. Ensure N6iii firmware is updated to v1.6 or newer to access R‑2R/1‑Bit/Auto modes in the Audio Settings.