from CS4392 to CS4398 ???

[longwing]

I use a Marantz CD5001 cd player which has a CS4392 DAC built in. I'm thinking about getting a Zhaolu D3 external DAC which uses a CS4398-CZ. Can anyone comment on how significant an upgrade this would be. I figure I can get it done for $300 including shipping.

It looks like the Zhaolu also has better components in the output stage which, I guess, is plus.

I'm runnning through KingRex T-20 w/ psu into Klipsch Heresy I. I also plan to switch out the Heresy's for Forte I or II before long.

Thanks!

[Stanga]

'Better components' in what sense? Capacitors come in certain materials, and so do resistors. They also come in different voltage ratings, and percentage of accuracy. How are the components in the Zhaolu better? In any case, a bad circuit won't turn into a good circuit just by using 'better' components.

The other point is: how would the Zhaolu DAC chip sound different or better? Does Cyrus state that the CS4398-CZ sounds better than the CS4392?
I myself would be extremely worried if a DAC chip of the same type (NOS, Delta Sigma, etc) added artefacts to the digital decoding that are not present in the digital stream.

Let us know how things worked out.