Hi,
This thread is dedicated to the Cirrus Logic flagship DAC chip called．．．
CS4398
This DAC chip sounds pretty good!
Naturally, in the right circuit with the correct synergy etc.
No I don't have evidence on paper that it sounds good, that's another discussion, send your hate mail to Cirrus Logic.
Over time, it's found it's way into several high-end products and become accepted in DIY.
The List
Colorfly C4
Naturally this is (or should be) a carefully designed product, from the DAC chip to the capacitors, to the amplification, voltage supply, circuit layout, EMI rejection, teflon, silk, gold-plated terminals and what have you!
So I noted it uses the CS3498 DAC chip, and the AD823 op-amp.
I've been using the AD823 op-amp for a few weeks now, like many others I love the sound of AD823 for some reason.
Colorfly CK4
Another portable device with CS4398.
I hope this has not changed in later models.
It has a line-out and headphone-out, using ADA4075-2 I think.
Is it a true line-out? Have they changed any chips? Are there any fakes of this?
No-name CS4398 DIY DAC / ljmaudio.net
Here is the one I have. It's not really DIY since you can buy it completely finished, from here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-CS4398-CS8416-USB-DAC-With-Transformer-case-/120769856777
I've used that seller (along1986090) four times now, sometimes he uses DHL and he's very good. I think he offers 1 year warranty too.
If you look at the circuit board on the DAC, it says "ljmaudio.net".
In my experience, this DAC needs to be modified, with AD797 on the line-out. You can buy the AD797 from seller aud_jade - http://www.ebay.com/itm/mod-1x-AD797BR-Dual-Mono-Op-amp-module-ultralow-noise-replace-dual-op-/261100530695
The AD797 is a monolithic (mono) chip, so make sure you buy the dual (stereo) version, i.e. with two chips on one.
You may want to try AD823 as well. I bought mine from seller hifi-szjxic - http://www.ebay.com/itm/1X-AD823AR-Dual-16-MHz-Rail-to-Rail-FET-Input-Amplifier-AD823-SOIC-to-DIP-/120777365049
You can listen to this DAC without an amplifier if you want to, then you'll need a cable like this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-Choseal-Q-374-3-5mm-female-to-AV-RCA-Audio-Adapter-Cable-for-iPod-MP3-MP4-/170750947728
PD01 v1.1 / Breeze Audio TE7022 / CS4398 DAC by weiliang
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PD01-TE7022-CS4398-OPA2132-USB-DAC-with-Headphone-amp-fuction-built-in-case-/110910466646 (seller: along)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIFI-NEW-Version-DAC-Decoder-TE7022-CS4398-24Bit-96Khz-USB-RCA-headphone-output-/140751305382 (seller: minishow)
This one is very cheap. It looks pretty decent overall, it's using TE7022 as the USB chip and OPA2132 as op-amp for the included headphone amplifier.
Is it a true line-out or is there a chip for that too? Not sure. It's using WIMA 2.2uF capacitors next to the line out too, sorry I am not familiar with these or if they have any effect.
This could be very excellent value versus sound! I haven't heard it.
If you're looking for an equally cheap, excellent value amplifier to use with it, here's one - http://www.ebay.com/itm/260967685182
That's called the RA1 I think (it says Y-191 on the circuit board), it uses two 9V batteries for 18V (+-9V) which means it can supply voltage to op-amps like the OPA627.
Topping TP-D1 MKII
This one looks very very pretty.
A nice Cirrus Logic Flagship to take to the office.
This one uses PCM1706 as the USB chip, and OPA2134 as the headphone driver.
It also seems to have line-out and SPDIF out.
- DAC list to be continued -
Please leave comments and questions.
Enjoy high-quality sound for less.
Edited by kiteki - 11/11/12 at 9:43pm
... different how?
1... bit...?
...5 MILLION?
It's so beautiful ...
!!!!
