Cayin Announces A Refresh – N5iiS

It was perhaps the original N5 that really put Cayin on the map in terms of portable audio players. It’s incredibly retro looks directly spoke to those who nostalgically love everything retro-music-inspired. Then came along the N5ii not so long ago which aimed to build on the foundation and reputation of the original N5 with a much improved spec-sheet and more modern looks(yet still with somewhat of a retro-flair).

 

Why Do We Get The N5iiS So Soon?

As mentioned, it wasn’t too long ago that the N5ii was released, so it seems a bit strange for Cayin to announce a refreshed model so soon. According to Cayin, this is simply due to “…a premature shortage of key components, N5ii will evolved to N5iiS…”.
This seems to suggest that Cayin are actually being forced to discontinue the current N5ii due to a shortage of specific parts. Unfortunately this is a reality that pretty much any manufacturer can face. If the supply of your required parts dries up, well, then you’re just outta luck.

However, trying to determine exactly which parts they’ve had trouble with is anyone’s guess as the N5iiS brings in a couple of changes and improvements over the N5ii.

Cayin stated some of these changes include:

1. A new display with 3.5” 800×400 LG Panel IPS TFT screen, the color and contrast are noticeable improved from the original N5ii display. (below image: N5iiS left, N5ii right).

2. Increase RAM from 1GB DDR3 to 2GB DDR3, this should improve the efficiency of all system operations

3. Increase internal memory from 32GB to 64GB, this will benefit third party applications especially offline mode of streaming service as they tends to works better with internal memory.

4. Replace the tantalum capacitors power filter capacitor in analogue section to tantalum-polymer capacitors, this will offer a darker background and cleaner audio performance through lowered the internal resistance, enhanced conductivity and further reduction of the ripple effect from power interference.

5. Pleather protective case will be provided as standard accessories

6. Upgrade the USB cable to higher quality braided Type-C to Type-A cable.

7. Upgrade the 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm balanced phone socket to CUI from US, this will offer better conductivity and lower the distortion.

8. Stainless steel chassis offers better texture and solid handling feel,will differentiate the N5iiS from the original N5ii immediately. (below image: N5iiS left, N5ii right).

In addition they’ve also added that “there are other minor enhancements that users probably won’t aware of, but we have tried our best to improve the original N5ii when we have the opportunity to do so.”.

What Does This Mean For Current N5ii Owners?

If you’re worried about what this means with regard to after-sales support for your device, fret not. Cayin have stated that they “will provide identical after-sales support to both N5ii and N5iiS, including continuous improvement through firmware updates. Since N5ii and N5iiS are operated under the same MCU and system core, we shall make sure all firmware enhancement will be available to both N5ii and N5iiS users at the same time (well, there might be 2-3 days of delay but it won’t be significant).”.

 

Pricing and Availability

The suggested retail price for the N5iiS is pegged at $499.99 and the device should reach international dealers towards the end of July 2018. For more information you can head on over to Cayin’s website.

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