This DAC makes every song come alive with clear vocals, bass, mids, highs.
With some phones PO isnt enough like my samsung s23 ultra, so you need to change to LO output and then it expands this wide soundstage with amazing details and bass.
But with Ipads for example it needs to be switched to PO or else your Iems or headphones will blast your ear drums.
The Cayin RU7 has added an entirely new dimension to my commutes. I formerly listened to largely news talk podcasts, largely due to the dismal sound of Bluetooth precluding serious listening. But The RU7 completely replaces the Android audio system with an exceptionally well-engineered and constructed miniature DAC with a very clean and powerful analog amplifier section.
This is a DSD transcoder, rather than a simple DAC, Cayin feels that the DSD output is superior to linear PCM. I cannot argue with the results. The sound is as analog as an R2R but retains the resolution of multibit conversion. The sound is as close to a high end R2R as I've heard.
The downside of this performance is that the RU7 will murder your phone's battery in cold blood, but you can adjust the settings to mitigate the power draw. The bit rate settings are key. My almost new sample was already set at DSD256 which is the highest resolution and the most processing which requires more power. Adjusting the bit rate to 128 or 64 will help with battery life.
The bitrate settings are also useful in tuning the sound of the RU7, with the higher settings being the smoothest sounding, but often a bit too unengaging. Lowering the bit rate will help in that instance, increasing detail at the cost of some smoothness. Different settings will suit different tastes and genres. I use DSD128 most of the time as I find it the best balanced, but experiment to find your ideal setting.
The unit does run quite warm at times, no surprise given the hundreds of discrete resistors and components, but it is never uncomfortable to touch. This is a great sounding dongle that shows you just what one of the world's best tube amp makers can do in the dongle market. Best sounding dongle DAC I've heard and well worth the price.
I have been an audio junkie for as long as I can remember. I have watched components get smaller and simply better when it comes to sound reproduction.
I had read about the RU6 and almost bought it but then I read the RU7 was coming so I waited as I read the RU6 just sucked battery power like crazy.
I have a plethora of desktop and Bluetooth dongles but most of them are what you find on Amazon and work pretty well for what I need them to do.
I decided to "upgrade" to the RU7 so I can use it with my PC and my phone plus, I wanted a bit of a "sound upgrade" on my phone. I seem to have become a bit more discerning (spoiled) when it comes to sound reproduction since my desktop DAC/AMPs are pretty decent. I wanted something portable, sounded really good, and just easier to move around.
The RU7 sound is just crazy good for how small it is. I can plug it into my phone then my PC/Laptop and so forth. The sound is just amazing for the size. It rivals my desktop DAC/AMPs for under 500.00. No joke. What I have been noticing is I am using this little guy more as a desktop replacement. It's just too convenient. I put on a pair of IEMs (or headphones) and just listen to my music and of course, Teams calls if it's on my work laptop. If I need to move it to another system, or my phone, I simply unplug it from one and plug it into the other.
From a sound perspective, it's just really good. The bass, mids, and treble are all done very well for something that fits into your hand. Like, surprisingly good. I love the screen. It has balanced and 3.5. It has drivers for my laptops and desktops and it didn't break the bank.
Some of you might be wondering about the battery draw and I was concerned about that as well. It does draw power from the device. My laptops are almost always plugged in but my phone is not. I have a newer phone and I had it running last week for about 2 hours off my phone, plugged into the balanced port. I was streaming music and noticed, after about 2 hours, that my phone was down 13% from a full charge. So, yeah...something to pay attention to. If you are playing music "locally" from your device you might get less of a draw from the battery.
Open Box. I bought the open box version from Music Teck and as always it shipped fast and looked good as new when I got it. Andrew and his team always answer any questions I have and do a great job when it comes to support. I wish I could afford some of the higher-end stuff from Music Teck but, when I have the opportunity (and the money) I head to Music Teck first. Just a great company to buy from.
Overall, the RU7 was what I was looking for. I have a terrific DAC/AMP that's portable, sounds fantastic, and can be moved around my devices with no issues at all. With how good these dongles are becoming, I wonder just how good the next generation of dongles will be. Do they really replace these large desktops setups? Guess we're all about to find out. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the RU7. What a great dongle.
Prompt delivery and replies for some aftersale query I had with the unit. Audioteck is an amazing seller! My second time dealing with them and there will be more!
I sifted through too many comparison videos and reviews looking for something more natural and perhaps analogue sounding to replace my basic Fiio BTR5. Huge upgrade in sound quality. Also steps up my Fiio K7 Pro's sound using the line out on the Ru7. Very pleased with it!
I was able to compare the Rex5 to the Triumph. The Rex5 is more revealing with a somewhat hotter top end. It is not as forgiving of poor recordings compared to the Triumph. A crude comparison would be the Rex5 is like a Sennheiser HD800 vs while the Triumph is like the HD650.
Only a few weeks owning the SP3000T, so still in the break-in phase. So far, very impressed with the sound. Upgraded from PAW 6000, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Wider soundstage and more detail are readily apparent. I use hybrid mostly and enjoy the added warm, without going too far. MusicTeck has been great and they deserve a shout out.
If you’re looking for a simple hi-fi portable compact DAP look no further. Very user friendly and sound is great both wireless and wired. I was very impressed by the sound quality and how easy it was to setup to tailor for my liking. Love how compact it is as well.
PMG Audio Apx SE IEM Review
The PMG Audio Apx SE IEM, priced at $6,000, is a statement piece in the world of high-end audio. Positioned as one of the most advanced in-ear monitors available, it delivers on many fronts, but perfection, as always, remains elusive.
Sound Quality
The Apx SE is undeniably a technical marvel. Its resolution is unparalleled, revealing microdetails in tracks that other IEMs struggle to uncover. For those seeking pinpoint precision and a sense of air in the treble and upper mids, the Apx SE delivers with aplomb. However, when compared to the Alpha/Omega: Omega IEM, the Apx SE falls slightly short in bass performance. The Omega's bass stands as the gold standard, offering unmatched impact and sub-bass extension with zero bleed into the mids—qualities the Apx SE cannot fully replicate.
That said, the Apx SE doesn’t lack bass; rather, its tuning prioritizes clarity and detail over sheer low-end power. This design choice suits genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic beautifully, but it may leave bass enthusiasts wanting more.
Build & Comfort
The craftsmanship of the Apx SE is second to none. Truly stunning in both color and form, these IEMs are lightweight and noticeably smaller than any other high-driver-count models on the market. The design feels luxurious yet ergonomic, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. PMG Audio has ensured that comfort perfectly complements the premium price point, a critical factor for serious audiophiles.
Value Proposition
At $6,000, the Apx SE is more than twice the price of some other top-tier options. While the resolution is unmatched, and the overall enjoyment is comparable, the value equation becomes subjective. For those who prioritize resolution above all else, the Apx SE is an excellent choice. But for listeners who crave a fuller, more dynamic bass response, other IEMs might offer better satisfaction at a lower price point.
Final Thoughts
The PMG Audio Apx SE is an incredible IEM that sets new benchmarks in certain areas while leaving room for improvement in others. It’s not the best at everything, but it’s undeniably one of the finest tools for high-resolution listening.
Is it worth the $6,000 price tag? For the discerning audiophile with a taste for technical mastery, perhaps. I’ve never been one to harp on diminishing returns. While I understand the concept, I don’t think it applies to audio because of the magic that comes from the last 5%. If you’ve ever experienced true endgame speakers, headphones, or IEMs, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
With that being said, these IEMs have magic built in. When you’re kicked back in a comfy chair, letting the music flow, the Apx SE takes you to a whole other level. If that sounds goofy, I’m okay with that—it’s the truth.
I've had these for just over 2 weeks now and I just can't put them down. The sound is very, very near AB-1266 TC with a touch of Susvara. I'm running these with the Hiby RS8 and it is an amazing combination. So crystal clear in all frequencies. Massive and detailed bass impact. Very satisfying.
MusicTeck is a great store for this, and much more. I also bought the L&P W4 for times that I won't have the RS8. Detail from this to MacBeth is stunning. Only slightly less bass impact compared to RS8, but still very engaging. Very crisp and clean sound, unlike any USB dongle DAC or IEM I've heard to date. The moment I heard this combo from my friend's travel case I knew there was no way I could Not get these. You simply can't go wrong, get these now!