New Flagship DAC from Cirrus Logic - CS4399 "MasterHIFI"

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bmwparts

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Joined 2014
#1
#6
Hurtig said:
The THD is only 1dB better than the 18 years old CS4398. Quite disappointing....
Especially considering that Cirrus Logic used to be the leader in Delta Sigma Converters...
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chris719 said:
It's geared toward mobile like the ESS K2M/C2M series. Good specs regardless, but focuses on power consumption and has an integrated charge pump, although it can be disabled.
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phase said:
That looks like a dac for phones and tablets, not necessarily for high end audio.
But if it performs well then why not I guess!
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Yeah, I guess you guys are right now that I look again.

It is slightly disappointing that they haven't gone all out. I really like the sound of my CS4398 and wish they would release a true competitor to the ESS Sabre ES90x8 line.
 
#9
spaceman5 said:
bmwparts,
what DAC do you use?
Is it something you built, or a ready-made product?

I recently bought the SMSL M3, which is based on the CS4398,
and it is the best DAC I've had, after trying 10 different ones, from various manufacturers, and with various DAC chips..
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Hi Spaceman

I use the really inexpensive LJM CS4398 dac kit thats available for $30 on ebay. The CM102 USB section is really low quality, don't use it (I even omit soldering the components for it onto the PCB). As long as you're using the S/PDIF input it sounds awesome.

I've tried it with the stock op-amp output stage as well as a transformer-coupled output stage (Jensen JT-11-YMPC connected directly to the differential v-out pins of the CS4398) and both sound great.

I read somewhere that the designers of the CS4397/8 had previously designed the TDA1541A, but I can't remember where. If true, they have great ears!
 
#10
LJM also makes DAC boards?
Nice to know.

I wonder tho why the choice of the CMedia USB Chip..

In any case,
my SMSL M3 cost 70$,
It contains also Optical and Coax inputs, in addition to USB,
and it's fully assembled.
It's definitely worth the extra 40$
I highly recommend it.


BTW,
I contacted SMSL regarding the CS4399,
and was replied:

We are actually testing the CS4399 chip, but we do not have exact plan on it.

And the latest chip from this company is CS43198.
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