Who NEEDS The May Dac When We Can Have THIS?!

New Record Day
21 Apr 202414:09

TLDRThe Cyan 2, a budget-friendly R2R deck, offers an impressive audio experience comparable to the high-end May DAC. Despite lacking some premium features like a separate power supply and remote control, it retains the core qualities that make R2R decks sound so good. With a focus on balanced output and I/O flexibility, the Cyan 2 delivers high performance at a reasonable price, making it an attractive alternative for audiophiles seeking a more affordable option without compromising on sound quality.

Takeaways

  • 🎧 The Cyan 2 is a one-in-one R2R deck that maintains the core qualities of the May Dac but at a more affordable price.
  • 🔊 It offers a high level of performance with balanced inputs and outputs, along with a variety of digital input options.
  • 💰 The Cyan 2 provides a cost-effective alternative to the May Dac without compromising on sound quality.
  • 📈 The device has a solid build quality with a heavy metal construction and copper side panels for a sophisticated look.
  • 🎶 The Cyan 2 delivers a slightly different sound signature compared to the May Dac, with a small lift in the top end extension.
  • 📉 The May Dac is noted to be slightly more refined, dynamic, and deeper in staging capabilities.
  • 🎵 Both decks offer a natural and effortless presentation of vocals, with subtle differences in the decay structure and ambiance.
  • 👂 The Cyan 2 has a slight emphasis on 'S' sounds, making them more pronounced without sounding unnatural.
  • 🎚 The May Dac is perceived as having a bit more dynamic range, with louder and quieter passages having more impact.
  • 🎧 The Cyan 2 is recommended for those seeking high-quality audio performance at a reasonable price point.
  • 🌟 The reviewer gives a strong recommendation for the Cyan 2, praising its sound quality and value for money.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video script?

    -The main topic of the video script is a comparison between the May DAC and the Cyan 2, two high-resolution audio playback devices, focusing on their sound quality and features.

  • What does the reviewer suggest about the Cyan 2's performance relative to the May DAC?

    -The reviewer suggests that the Cyan 2 performs incredibly well and is very close in sound quality to the more expensive May DAC, offering high performance at a more reasonable price point.

  • What are some of the features that the Cyan 2 retains from the May DAC?

    -The Cyan 2 retains the primary DNA of what makes the May DAC sound good, including being completely balanced and offering a ton of input/output (IO) flexibility.

  • What does the reviewer consider to be the main differences between the May DAC and the Cyan 2?

    -The reviewer notes that the May DAC sounds slightly more refined, more dynamic, and has slightly deeper staging capabilities. The Cyan 2, on the other hand, offers a small lift in air and top-end extension, with a bit more emphasis on the decay structure of symbols.

  • What are the input options available on the Cyan 2?

    -The Cyan 2 offers a bank of digital inputs with five different options: coaxial, I2S, USB, optical, and AES.

  • How does the reviewer describe the build quality of the Cyan 2?

    -The reviewer describes the build quality of the Cyan 2 as high, with the unit being very heavy, made of metal, and having copper side panels that give a clean and sophisticated look.

  • What is the reviewer's reference system for testing the Cyan 2?

    -The reviewer's reference system for testing the Cyan 2 consists of two different sources (Annu Zenth using Rune and the annual Sense app via USB, and JPS Labs CDT Mark II transport using I2S), and a preamplifier (Serene Preamp Fire or Electrocompaniet ECI 80D).

  • How does the reviewer compare the dynamic range of the May DAC and the Cyan 2?

    -The reviewer finds that the May DAC has a slightly more dynamic range, with louder and quieter passages, deep bass impact, and a more dynamic overall experience, although the Cyan 2 is also described as sounding incredibly dynamic.

  • What is the price point of the Cyan 2, and how does it compare to the May DAC in terms of value?

    -The Cyan 2 is priced at $1,200, which is significantly less than the May DAC. The reviewer suggests that the Cyan 2 offers a great value, coming very close to the performance of the more expensive May DAC.

  • What is the reviewer's final recommendation for the Cyan 2?

    -The reviewer gives the Cyan 2 an easy recommendation, stating that it is a wonderful sounding deck and that it comes with an easy recommendation from him.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 Introduction to the Cyan 2 Audio Deck Review

The script begins with an introduction to the Cyan 2 audio deck, which is being compared to the highly regarded May deck. The reviewer sets the stage by expressing their fondness for the May deck but suggests that the Cyan 2 might offer an even better experience for many audio files. The review aims to determine if this is true. It's mentioned that for those seeking the highest resolution and an analog-like experience, the Maak is still the preferred choice. However, the Cyan 2 is positioned as a more affordable option that retains the core qualities of the high-end decks. The deck's features, such as its balanced and flexible input/output options, are highlighted, along with its robust build quality and sophisticated appearance.

05:03

🔍 Detailed Comparison of Cyan 2 and May Decks

This paragraph delves into a detailed comparison between the Cyan 2 and the May decks. The reviewer notes subtle differences in sound quality, with the Cyan 2 offering a slight lift in the top end extension, adding an air-like quality to the sound. The May deck is described as having a more mature balance across the entire bandwidth, with a refined and textured sound. The Cyan 2 is also noted for its emphasis on the decay structure of symbols, while the May deck presents this information with more ease. The sound stage is discussed, with the May deck providing a deeper sound and the Cyan 2 offering a mid-row experience. The reviewer also comments on the dynamic range, suggesting that the May deck has a slight edge in terms of dynamic performance, although both decks are praised for their dynamic capabilities.

10:05

🎵 Listening Experience and Headphone Test

The final paragraph focuses on the listening experience with both the Cyan 2 and May decks, particularly through headphones. The reviewer mentions that the differences between the two are subtle and more noticeable with a good set of headphones. Sound clips are played to illustrate the points made in the review, and the reviewer expresses satisfaction with the quality of the clips captured. The paragraph concludes with the reviewer's overall impression of the Cyan 2 as an 'Unstoppable music machine' that comes close to the performance of the more expensive May deck. The Cyan 2 is recommended for its sound quality and value for money, especially for those who cannot afford the higher-priced May deck.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡May Deck

The 'May Deck' refers to a high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that is favored by the speaker for its sound quality. It is mentioned as a benchmark for comparison with the Cyan 2, another DAC that the video is reviewing. The term is used to establish a context for evaluating the Cyan 2's performance.

💡Cyan 2

The 'Cyan 2' is a specific model of DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that is being reviewed in the video. It is described as a one-in-one R2R deck, which means it combines multiple functions into a single unit without the need for a separate power supply or remote control. It is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the May Deck while still offering high performance.

💡Analog Sound

The term 'Analog Sound' refers to the sound reproduction that mimics the characteristics of analog recordings, which are often associated with a warmer, smoother sound quality. In the video, the Cyan 2 is praised for providing an analog-like sound experience without the high cost associated with more expensive DACs.

💡R2R

R2R stands for 'Resistor-Resistor' and is a type of DAC technology that uses a ladder network of resistors to convert digital signals into analog. The Cyan 2 is described as an 'R2R deck,' indicating that it uses this technology, which is often associated with high-quality sound reproduction.

💡IO Flexibility

IO Flexibility refers to the range of input and output options available on a device. The Cyan 2 is noted for its 'IO flexibility,' which includes various digital inputs such as coax, I2S, USB, Optical, and AES, allowing it to be connected to a wide range of audio sources.

💡AES

AES stands for 'Audio Engineering Society,' and in the context of the video, it refers to a digital audio connection standard, AES/EBU. The Cyan 2's inclusion of an AES input is an example of its IO flexibility, allowing it to connect to professional-grade audio equipment.

💡Build Quality

The 'Build Quality' of a device refers to the materials and construction that determine its durability and aesthetic appeal. The Cyan 2 is described as having a high build quality, being heavy, made of metal, and featuring copper side panels, which contribute to its premium feel and appearance.

💡Dynamic

In audio terms, 'Dynamic' refers to the range between the softest and loudest sounds in a recording. The video discusses how the May Deck and Cyan 2 both offer a dynamic listening experience, with the May Deck having a slight edge in this aspect.

💡Staging

Staging in audio refers to the perceived spatial arrangement of sound elements in a recording, creating a sense of depth and width. The Cyan 2 and May Deck are compared in terms of staging capabilities, with the May Deck offering slightly deeper staging.

💡Headphones

The term 'Headphones' is used in the context of evaluating the sound quality of the Cyan 2 and May Deck through personal listening experiences. High-quality headphones are essential for accurately assessing the performance of DACs, as they can reveal subtle differences in sound reproduction.

💡Sound Clips

The 'Sound Clips' mentioned in the video are audio recordings used to demonstrate the sound quality of the DACs being reviewed. They serve as examples for viewers to compare the performance of the Cyan 2 and May Deck, highlighting the subtle differences in their sound reproduction.

Highlights

The Cyan 2 might be better for many audio files compared to the May deck.

Cyan 2 is a one-in-one R2R deck that retains the core DNA of the Dax but at a more affordable price.

Cyan 2 offers balanced and flexible I/O options with various digital inputs.

The build quality of Cyan 2 is on par with Holo Audio's standards, with a heavy metal body and copper side panels.

Cyan 2 was tested with two different sources and performed well with both USB and I2S inputs.

The Cyan 2 is an incredible sounding deck, very close to the May in performance.

May deck sounds slightly more refined, dynamic, and has deeper staging capabilities.

Cyan 2 has a slight lift in air and top-end extension, adding a softer quality to the presentation.

May deck offers a more mature balance across the entire bandwidth.

Cyan 2 emphasizes the air or decay structure of symbols slightly more than the May deck.

The sound stage depth is comparable between both decks, with a slight difference in airiness.

Cyan 2 has a small emphasis on S sounds, making them slightly more obvious.

Both decks present vocals with effortlessness and incredible resolution.

May deck is slightly more dynamic, with louder and quieter passages and deeper bass impact.

Cyan 2 is an unstoppable music machine at a price of $1,100, close to the performance of the May deck.

Cyan 2 is recommended for those who can't afford the May deck but still want high-quality sound.

The video is not sponsored, and the reviewer genuinely recommends the Cyan 2.