Cirrus Logic CS4361 vs CS4398 DACs

[spaceman5]

Hi All


I am really enjoying a CS4398 based DAC, as can be seen in this post.
Like all others that I've tried so far, it outputs 2.0 channels.

I am considering moving from 2.0 to 4.0,
and found a nice DAC that supports Windows XP,
and it is based on CS4361.

It's actually by Creative..
It's called "Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro".
Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro - Sound Cards - Creative Labs (United States)
(I haven't bought a Creative product for maybe 14 years)

One of the main differences between the CS4361 and the CS4398,
is that the CS4361 is a 6-Ch DAC, vs the CS4398 that is 2-Channel.


My question:
Might there be other differences?
For example, might the sound quality of the CS4361 not be as good as the CS4398?
(for example maybe because it is based on some slightly older technology than the CS4398..).

I know the CS4398 is considered one of the high-end DAC chips by CS,
I don't know if the same is true regarding the CS4361..

If you can add any information or opinion, it would be really useful.


Their specification:
CS4398 | Cirrus Logic
CS4361 | Cirrus Logic


Thank you

 

[gabdx]

I recommend this:

24bit/192KHz TUBE DAC DIY KIT - Lampucera1.0 + Lampizator CS8416 + CS4397 | eBay

source : I purchased it, prefer it to cd/dac of high quality, that I sold after, it has not the sound of the tda1541, but it is very realistic. Please use the OPAMP AD8599 or the tube stage. You will love the sound and stop looking for more, after you have to look to your speakers, amplifiers etc 🙂