Who NEEDS The May Dac When We Can Have THIS?!
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
🎧 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.
🔍 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.
🎵 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
💡Cyan 2
💡Analog Sound
💡R2R
💡IO Flexibility
💡AES
💡Build Quality
💡Dynamic
💡Staging
💡Headphones
💡Sound Clips
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.