Cayin BTC-2 – Bluetooth DAC, Preamp and Headphone Amplifier

Cayin has expanded its range of compact Hi-Fi electronics with the new Cayin BTC-2. The model combines several functions at once: a Bluetooth receiver, digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier and headphone amplifier. This solution is aimed at users who want a quick and convenient way to connect modern digital sources to a classic audio system, active speakers or wired headphones.

The Cayin BTC-2 supports Bluetooth 5.1 and can receive music from smartphones, tablets, laptops and other compatible devices. At the same time, the new model is not limited to wireless connectivity: it also features a coaxial S/PDIF digital input and an RCA analog input. Thanks to this, the BTC-2 can be used as a compact preamplifier with three source connection options.

Several output scenarios are available. The device can work with an external amplifier, active speakers or directly with headphones. For the latter, two connectors are located on the front panel: a classic 6.35 mm output and a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn. According to the manufacturer, the balanced amplification circuit can deliver up to 280 mW per channel, making the BTC-2 suitable not only for easy-to-drive in-ear models, but also for more demanding full-size headphones.

The analog section of the Cayin BTC-2 is built around a fully balanced design. Volume control is handled by an Alps potentiometer, which underlines the device’s more serious positioning compared with ordinary Bluetooth adapters. In addition, the model is equipped with an S/PDIF digital output: it can transmit not only a digital signal, but also digitized audio from the analog input, for example, for recording from an external source.

Control of the Cayin BTC-2 is implemented in two ways. Basic operations are available from the front panel, where the buttons and controls are located, while an infrared remote control is included for remote operation. It allows the user to select the source, adjust the volume, switch sound modes and control Bluetooth playback. The active input and digital signal parameters are shown on the built-in OLED display.

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the ES9018K2M Sabre 32 Reference chip from ESS Technology. When connected via S/PDIF, the device supports PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. In wireless mode, high-resolution audio transmission up to 96 kHz is claimed, while supported codecs include AAC, aptX HD and LDAC. The Bluetooth section is based on the Qualcomm QCC5125 platform.

In addition, the Cayin BTC-2 offers three digital filter options, including a minimum-phase mode and a sharp roll-off filter. The manufacturer also separately emphasizes work on reducing interference and protecting the analog section, which is especially important for a compact device where digital and analog circuits are located close to each other.

The Cayin BTC-2 desktop DAC with headphone amplifier is expected to go on sale soon. The recommended retail price of the device in the European market will be 198 euros. Compared with ordinary Bluetooth receivers, the new model looks like a more versatile component: it can be used as a wireless adapter, a compact DAC, a preamplifier and a desktop headphone amplifier.