Cayin iDAP-8 Android Digital Streamer

Introduction

The Cayin iDAP-8 is a fully-customized Android Digital Streamer designed to deliver a high-quality interactive music experience. It features a compact size, making it an ideal match for other Cayin i-series products like the iHA-8 Solid State Headphone Amplifier and iDAC-8 Tube DAC. Each unit can function independently or be combined to form a complete audio system.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your iDAP-8 to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Setup

1. Unpacking

Carefully remove the iDAP-8 from its packaging. Ensure all accessories are present:

• Cayin iDAP-8 Digital Streamer
• AC Power Cable
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Antenna
• User Manual (this document)

2. Front Panel Overview

Familiarize yourself with the front panel controls and indicators:

Image: Front panel description with numbered labels for controls and display.

1. Standby ON/Off Button
2. USB Port and SD Card Slot
3. Power Indicator Light
4. Return Button
5. Display Screen (5" FHD TFT Multi-touch)
6. Playback Control Knob (Next/Previous/Play/Pause)

3. Rear Panel Connections

Connect your iDAP-8 to your audio system and network using the rear panel ports:

Image: Rear panel description with numbered labels for digital outputs and power.

1. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Antenna Connector (2.4G/5GHz)
2. Ethernet Network Port (RJ45)
3. Storage and USB Audio Digital Output (USB-A)
4. PC File Management Port (USB-B)
5. AES/EBU Digital Output (XLR)
6. Optical Digital Output (Toslink)
7. I²S Digital Output (HDMI)
8. Coaxial Digital Output (RCA)
9. Coaxial Digital Output (BNC)
10. AC Power Socket
11. Fuse Holder
12. Main Power ON/OFF Switch

4. Power Connection

• Ensure the Main Power ON/OFF switch (12) on the rear panel is in the OFF position.
• Connect the provided AC power cable to the AC Power Socket (10) on the rear panel and then to a suitable wall outlet.
• Flip the Main Power ON/OFF switch (12) to the ON position. The Power Indicator (3) on the front panel should illuminate.

5. Network Connection

• Wi-Fi: Screw the provided Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna onto the Antenna Connector (1) on the rear panel. Once powered on, navigate to the system settings on the display screen to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
• Wired Ethernet: Connect an Ethernet cable from your router or network switch to the Ethernet Network Port (2) on the rear panel.

6. Storage Options

The iDAP-8 offers multiple storage options for your music library:

Image: Diagram illustrating internal memory, SD card, USB disk, and SATA hard drive storage options.

• Internal Memory: The device comes with 128GB of internal storage.
• SD Card: Insert an SD card (up to 1TB) into the SD Card Slot (2) on the front panel.
• USB Disk/Card Reader: Connect a USB disk or card reader to the USB Port (2) on the front panel or the USB Audio Digital Output (3) on the rear panel.
• 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD: The iDAP-8 features a dedicated HDD/SSD compartment supporting up to 4TB 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs via a SATA3.0 data interface. This allows for a large local music library. (Note: Hard drive/SSD must be purchased separately).

Image: Close-up of the dedicated HDD/SSD compartment for expandable storage.

Operating Instructions

1. Power On/Off and Standby

• To power on, ensure the rear Main Power ON/OFF switch (12) is ON, then press the Standby ON/Off button (1) on the front panel.
• To put the device into standby mode, press the Standby ON/Off button (1) briefly.
• To fully power off, flip the Main Power ON/OFF switch (12) on the rear panel to OFF.

2. User Interface and Navigation

The iDAP-8 features a 5-inch FHD TFT multi-touch screen with a customized Android 9 operating system. The screen is ergonomically tilted at 59° for easy viewing and control.

Image: User interface design with 59° tilted screen for easy viewing.

• Navigate the interface by touching and swiping on the screen.
• Use the Return button (4) to go back to the previous screen.
• The Playback Control Knob (6) can be used for basic music playback functions (Next/Previous/Play/Pause).

Image: Examples of the fully-customized Android-based audio system interface.

3. Music Playback

The iDAP-8 supports playback from various sources:

• Local Files: Access music stored on internal memory, SD cards, USB disks, or connected SATA HDDs/SSDs through the pre-installed Cayin Music or HibyMusic apps.
• Streaming Services: The Android system allows for pre-installed apps and the ability to download and install additional music streaming applications (e.g., Spotify).
• Networked Music Library (NAS): Once connected to your local area network (LAN), the iDAP-8 can browse and play music files directly from a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device without needing to download them to the streamer.

Image: Illustration of accessing a networked music library (NAS) for direct playback.

4. Remote Control Options

Control your iDAP-8 using several convenient methods:

Image: Illustration showing a smartphone controlling the iDAP-8, representing remote control options.

• Touch Screen: Direct interaction with the device's display.
• Physical Buttons and Knob: Use the front panel controls for basic functions.
• HibyCast: Screen mirroring functionality for iOS/Android devices.
• HibyLink BT: Bluetooth resource sharing for iOS/Android devices.
• Universal BLE Remote Controller: Compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) remote controls.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

• Always power off and unplug the device before cleaning.
• Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces.
• For stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.
• Keep the display screen clean using a screen-specific cleaning solution and microfiber cloth.

2. Firmware Updates

The iDAP-8 supports firmware updates via USB or Over-The-Air (OTA). Regularly check for and install updates to ensure optimal performance, new features, and bug fixes. Instructions for updating will be provided within the device's system settings or on the official Cayin website.

3. Heat Dissipation

The left and right side panels are designed as ridged heat sinks to enhance heat exchange and improve heat dissipation capacity. Ensure adequate ventilation around the device and do not block the heat sinks to maintain optimal operating conditions.

Image: Close-up showing the L-shaped aluminum cover plate and ridged heat sinks.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your iDAP-8, please refer to the following basic troubleshooting steps. For complex issues, consult the functional diagram or contact customer support.

Image: Detailed functional diagram of the Cayin iDAP-8 Digital Streamer, illustrating internal signal paths and components.

• No Power: Ensure the AC power cable is securely connected and the Main Power ON/OFF switch on the rear panel is ON. Check the fuse holder (11) on the rear panel.
• No Audio Output: Verify all audio cables are correctly connected to the appropriate digital output ports and your receiving device (DAC/amplifier). Check the input selection on your receiving device.
• Network Connection Issues: For Wi-Fi, ensure the antenna is attached and the correct network is selected with the correct password. For Ethernet, ensure the cable is properly connected to a working network port.
• Device Unresponsive: Try pressing and holding the Standby ON/Off button (1) for a few seconds to force a restart. If unresponsive, power off the device using the rear Main Power ON/OFF switch (12), wait a few moments, then power back on.
• Storage Not Recognized: Ensure SD cards, USB disks, or SATA drives are properly inserted/connected and formatted correctly.

Specifications

The Cayin iDAP-8 is built with premium components, including a Qualcomm SDM660 eight-core processor and specialized Accusilicon audio-grade active femtosecond oscillators for accurate conversion and minimal jitter.

Image: Details on the in-house developed high-quality power supply transformer and Qualcomm SDM660 eight-core processor.

Image: Illustration of the Accusilicon audio-grade active femtosecond oscillators.

General Product Information

Audio Format Support

Image: Table detailing supported DSD and PCM audio formats, bit-rates, and sampling frequencies.

Digital Output Capabilities

Wireless Connectivity

Image: Diagram illustrating both wired (Gigabit Ethernet) and wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi) network connection options.

Image: A summary of key features represented by icons, including NAS playback, expandable storage, RAM, oscillators, digital outputs, USB audio, screen, LAN, WiFi, remote control, weight, and dimensions.

User Tips

• Maximize Storage: Take advantage of the dedicated HDD/SSD compartment for a vast local music library, allowing for reliable playback through various music player applications.
• Explore Streaming: Utilize the Android operating system to install and enjoy a wide range of streaming services beyond the pre-installed apps.
• Seamless Control: Experiment with the different remote control options (touch screen, physical controls, HibyCast, HibyLink BT, or a universal BLE remote) to find the most convenient way to manage your music.
• Network Playback: For large music collections, consider setting up a NAS (Network Attached Storage) to stream music directly to your iDAP-8 over your home network.
• System Matching: For a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing setup, consider pairing the iDAP-8 with other Cayin i-series components like the iDAC-8 and iHA-8.

Image: The iDAP-8 stacked with the iDAC-8 digital-analog converter and iHA-8 headphone amplifier, showcasing their matching design.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Cayin website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.