Cayin - N8ii

Flagship Digital Audio Player (DAP)

Sale price₹ 299,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 349,999
Discontinued
This product is permanently discontinued by the manufacturer and continues to live on in Headphone Zone's Museum.

Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔

While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
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M
MANU PRASANNAN (Thiruvananthapuram)
Addictive tube sound

Smooth tube output. Its addictive. Good for long hours listening. I won't get bored of hearing.That makes all the difference. Device heats up while in tube mode and consumes battery compared to RS8. All thanks to DANESH MISTRY, IAN PEREIRA and MANALI JOGALE. Thanks to headphone zone team. Till now no problem with player.

This makes us really happy and we really appreciate the genuine feedback! We're glad that you have such positive thoughts about our team and the company.

Why Cayin is Special

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Designed in China

Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.


These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.


When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.

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Born in 1993

Why we love this DAP

I Am Worth It

For the most passionate audiophiles who demand nothing less than audio perfection 💎, these exceptional products represent the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction technology. When I designate something in this category, it means we've identified something truly extraordinary - a piece of equipment that transcends conventional standards of excellence. Think of these as the Rolls-Royce of audio - masterpieces that don't simply meet expectations but establish entirely new benchmarks for what's possible.


These aren't just premium products; they're timeless investments in musical excellence whose value transcends ordinary performance metrics. Each represents a fundamental redefinition of what's achievable in sound reproduction, incorporating innovations and craftsmanship that justify their exclusive status.


When you see "👑 I Am Worth It" products, understand that you're experiencing audio perfection - these masterpieces cater to those who recognise that true excellence knows no compromise.

Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


Battery Life

In my experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on — longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.


Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.


When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress-free portability for music that goes the distance.

Battery Capacity

I usually think of battery capacity like the size of your water tank — it determines how long the tap can run before drying up. In audio gear, higher capacity means more playtime, more power for your amp section, and better performance during high-demand usage 🧠. It’s especially important if your gear also powers powerful drivers or amps.


Measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), battery capacity helps you gauge how long your headphones, DAC, or amplifier will last between charges. Devices with higher capacity (like 3500mAh+) are ideal for extended use or when you’re away from a power source. Just know, larger capacity often means longer charging time and a slightly bulkier design.


When you see '🔋 Battery Capacity' products, expect: more power and longer playtimes — ideal for travel, long workdays, or heavy use without worrying about recharging.

Storage

I tend to think of this like carrying your entire music library in your pocket — no cloud, no streaming, no internet required 📀. When you see “Up to 2TB Storage,” you’re looking at gear that lets you store thousands of high-res tracks, albums, and even DSD files offline, ready to play anytime.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: the device features a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB — that’s a massive amount of local storage. This is especially valuable for portable audio players and offline listeners who prefer to carry their music in the highest quality formats without compromising space. No buffering, no compression — just direct access to your favourite files.


When you see '🐘 Upto 2 TB Storage' products, expect: vast offline music access — perfect for DAP lovers, lossless audio fans, or travel-heavy audiophiles.

Built like a Tank

Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.


I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.


The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.


When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.


Why it Sounds Amazing

DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

Power Output

I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.


Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.


When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.


Balanced Output

I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.


When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.

EXPERIENCE DUAL MATCHED TUBE TECHNOLOGY FOR UNRIVALLED AUDIO QUALITY

The team at Cayin have spent 4 years developing and upgrading the N8ii DAP. Cayin decided to implement features and components that many audiophiles have been requesting. The first step was to upgrade the tube circuit, and the all-new N8ii features dual matched KORG Nutube 6P1s tubes to deliver crystal clear audio. N8ii has embedded high-quality components to support the tube circuitry to elevate sound performance compared to its predecessor. Engineers at Cayin have fine-tuned the amount of feedback on the tube circuit to get a near transistor transparent sound, speed and extension while retaining the warm and mellow sound of the tubes. This implementation allows you to enjoy your music with tube warmth while keeping the audio free of distortion.

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DUAL DAC ARCHITECTURE WITH ALL NEW ROHM CHIPS DELIVERING HIGH FIDELITY AUDIO

Cayin is the first audio company to adopt ROHM BD34301EKV DAC chips in a portable audio player. Engineers at Cayin have spent hours to maximise the potential of the chips and calibrate them to best suit the circuitry and deliver the cleanest audio possible. The ROHM BD34301EKV chips excel on both technical measurement and listening impression with the ability to decode up to 32Bit/768kHz PCM and 1Bit/22.6 MHz DSD512 files natively with ease. It offers two low-pass antialiasing filters in PCM mode, and three DSD Filters are available to fine-tune sound signature. To maximise the performance of the digital audio circuit, the N8ii features an enhanced FPGA stage to reorganise the incoming digital signal and pass the audio bit-stream to two pieces of BD34301EKV in mono mode, allowing for quick decoding without any artefacts.

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OFFERS DUAL OPERATION MODES WITH FULLY DISCREET DUAL OUTPUT MODE

Cayin N8ii has been engineered with the highest quality and discreet components to deliver lifelike audio reproduction. The KORG Nutube 6P1 Tubes enable the Cayin N8ii to offer dual operational modes - Class A and Class AB through changing the bias current. Cayin N8ii can achieve 440mW Power Output (32-ohm load) for 4.4 Balanced Output under Class A. This helps to drive power-hungry headphones or IEMs with ease. The N8ii also offers dual output modes. Users get to choose between standard P mode and High Output P+ mode through a pull-down menu. This feature in N8ii has been upgraded with the headphone amplification circuit to a fully-discrete design. As a result, the P+ mode in N8ii will offer more vivid and different audio characteristics from the standard P mode.

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EXPERTLY BUILT WITH PREMIUM COMPONENTS AND EMBEDS SNAPDRAGON 660 CHIP

The Cayin N8ii has been embedded with the highest quality components to enable a smooth and blazing fast user experience. Cayin N8ii utilises E01 and E02 audio motherboards that use discrete component audio circuitry and achieve Class A and Class AB operation modes and also uses the dual KORG Nutube 6P1 tubes. The system and MCU of Cayin N8ii use Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 with a 6GB memory and 128GB Internal Storage and Android 9.0 system along with the popular HiBy OS. Cayin N8ii also retains its signature design features, such as the built-in ring-shaped home touch key with a full-colour LED backlight. The volume knob is made of brass and uses JRC NJW1195A four-channel analogue precision volume control chip. The combination of these components working in harmony results in unmatched performance.

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OFFERS BALANCED AND SINGLE-ENDED OUTPUTS + 10,000 MAH BATTERY AND OLED SCREEN

N8ii uses a 3.8V 10,000mAh high-capacity lithium-ion polymer battery with low internal resistance. It offers 11h of use (3.5 single-ended output, class AB, transistor, P mode) and about 8h usage (4.4 balanced output, tube, P+ mode, class AB). N8ii has a variety of output modes and operation modes, allowing users to make various choices and get the best listening performance according to their needs. N8ii takes an Android system and to let the users operate the N8ii easily, the screen embedded is a 5-inch OLED display (1280 * 720) that offers a crips visual experience every time you use the N8ii. After several rounds of experiments, Cayin's engineers dug out a frame structure from the entire aluminium block, giving the N8ii a more technical appearance while improving the microphonic effect to the greatest extent.

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GOING A STEP FURTHER WITH HEAT DISSIPATION DESIGN AND NEGATIVE FEEDBACK CIRCUIT

The team at Cayin have spent a lot of effort on the N8ii structure to do good on heat dissipation. Since the N8ii offer Class A operation which is vivid, full and very distinctive and recognised by many audiophiles, the need for effective thermal conductivity is essential. To achieve efficient heat dissipation, the N8ii utilises a unique design chassis that does not hinder the Class A operation, keeping the device cool. The Cayin N8ii also uses a deep negative feedback circuit design and reduces the even harmonics. As a result, the overall transparency of the sound is comparable to that of transistors, presenting a clean and vivid audio experience.

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1 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Cayin - N8ii comes with a 1 Year warranty from Cayin that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Cayin's warranty in India.

Elevating Hi-Fi Experiences Since 1993

Founded in 1993, Zhuhai Spark Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to perfecting audio equipment under the brand name Cayin. With a commitment to delivering top-notch Hi-Fi products, Cayin embeds cultural richness into its audio range, catering to diverse budgets to make premium music experiences accessible. From tube amplifiers and CD players to speakers, Cayin maintains a consistent benchmark of quality, ensuring a compelling price-to-performance ratio across its offerings.

In 2013, Cayin expanded its horizons into personal audio, unveiling a line of Digital Audio Players (DAP) and desktop audio products. The brand further diversifies its portfolio with portable audio products, including amplifiers and in-ear monitors, empowering users with a broad spectrum of audio choices.

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