The Cayin Mini-CD MKII CD transport, a budget-friendly option priced at US $279, was recently put to the test. This review delves into its build, features, and, most importantly, its audio performance, comparing it against a classic LINN MIMIK CD player from 1998, which retailed for approximately $1,595 (nearly $3,000 in today’s money). The Cayin unit boasts a solid metal case and a prominent display, although the responsiveness of the controls was noted as somewhat lacking.
The rear panel of the Cayin Mini-CD MKII reveals a standard array of connections for a CD transport, catering to different audio setups.
A notable drawback is the external power adapter, an element that might be considered inconvenient at this price point. For a slightly higher price, an internal power supply would have been a more integrated and user-friendly design choice. The specified technical details of the Cayin Mini-CD MKII are as follows:
| Output Level: | 2.0V |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response: | 20Hz~20kHz (+0.5dB) |
| Distortion and Noise: | 0.007% (1kHz) |
| S/N Ratio: | 90dB (20-20KHz, A-weighted) |
| Dynamic Range: | 90dB (20-20KHz, A-weighted) |
| Crosstalk: | 77 dB |
| Digital output: | S/PDIF (RCA) & I2S (HDMI) |
| Output Impedance SPDIF: | 75ohm |
| Dimensions: | 240mmx213mmx58mm (WxDxH) |
| Net Weight: | ~2.0kg |
| Maximum Power Consumption: | 12W |
| Disc Support: | 12cm CD-Audio Disc |
Performance Benchmarking: Cayin MINI-CD MKII vs. LINN MIMIK
The performance evaluation was conducted using static files burned onto CDs, allowing for a direct comparison of key audio metrics between the Cayin and the LINN MIMIK.
Analog Output Analysis
Starting with the analog output of the Cayin Mini-CD MKII, dashboard measurements revealed a 2-volt output level. However, the Signal-to-Noise and Distortion Ratio (SINAD) reached only 83 dB, falling short of true 16-bit resolution. The third harmonic distortion was identified as the dominant factor limiting the SINAD. While these measurements meet the manufacturer’s specifications, they indicate limitations in analog audio fidelity.
In comparison, the vintage LINN MIMIK performed somewhat better in analog output tests. Although it also did not achieve full 16-bit fidelity, its distortion levels were lower, with noise being the primary limiting factor.
Digital Output (S/PDIF) Performance
Switching to the S/PDIF digital output of the Cayin, the SINAD approached 93 dB, which is closer to the theoretical limit for dithered 1 kHz tones. However, the presence of spurious odd harmonics was observed, suggesting potential issues in the digital signal processing.
The LINN MIMIK, when tested via its digital output, exhibited a cleaner signal, achieving a more ideal output without the harmonic anomalies seen in the Cayin. Despite the higher distortion in its analog output, the Cayin demonstrated superior noise performance compared to the LINN in digital tests.
DAC Filter and Noise Measurement
Further tests using white noise and analog outputs of both players revealed that the Cayin Mini-CD MKII effectively filters out-of-band noise, showcasing a better DAC filter implementation than the LINN MIMIK.
Jitter Performance
Jitter measurements, conducted on both analog and digital outputs, indicated that the Cayin generally performed better in correlated jitter. However, a consistent, non-correlated jitter component around 16.5 kHz was detected. This could potentially be attributed to the microprocessor or display frequency of the Cayin unit. This component was still detectable even when the Cayin’s digital output was routed through a Topping D70s DAC, suggesting it is inherent to the transport’s digital signal.
Digital Bitstream Integrity Concerns
A critical finding emerged when both transports were connected to an external Topping D70s DAC via S/PDIF and dashboard measurements were taken. While the LINN MIMIK and Topping D70s combination produced exceptionally clean output, as expected from the high-performing D70s DAC, the Cayin exhibited a different behavior. The same series of spurious spikes observed earlier reappeared.
The spectrum analysis of these spikes revealed odd harmonics, strongly suggesting that the Cayin Mini-CD MKII’s digital output is not bit-perfect. This implies that the Cayin may be altering the digital samples, leading to the observed artifacts even when using a high-quality external DAC like the Topping D70s.
Conclusion: Is the Cayin Mini-CD MKII CD Transport Recommended?
The Cayin Mini-CD MKII presents itself as an aesthetically pleasing and affordable CD transport option. However, performance measurements reveal significant shortcomings. The built-in DAC exhibits considerable distortion, limiting its analog output quality. More critically, there is strong evidence suggesting that the S/PDIF digital output is not bit-exact, potentially corrupting the digital audio stream.
Given these findings, particularly the concerns regarding the integrity of the digital bitstream, the Cayin Mini-CD MKII CD transport cannot be recommended for audiophiles seeking accurate and high-fidelity CD playback. The potential digital signal corruption issue undermines the benefit of using an external high-performance DAC, making it a less than ideal choice for critical listening. Cayin should investigate these issues to determine the root cause of the observed digital output anomalies and DAC limitations.
