On the Distortion of Cirrus Logic CS431xx-Based Devices: A Comparative Review

[d2k5000]

I have tested the https://moondroplab.com/en/products/freedsp cable (the stock cable with some moondrop IEMs) it clicks very clearly on the test track https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/test/cs/Song-of-the-Sisters.flac even after latest firmware update through app . Just ordered their freedsp pro cable to test as well.

I would for sure be interested in hearing the results for the pro version. Thanks for the info!

 

[NeLey169]

i just bought this dongle for 16$ brand new via tmall, i wonder if it has cirrus logistic hump problem?

Its name is Tempotec Sonata BHD DSD

 

[CedarX]

i just bought this dongle for 16$ brand new via tmall, i wonder if it has cirrus logistic hump problem?

Its name is Tempotec Sonata BHD DSD

Most likely yes. However, it's only a "problem" if you can hear it! If you read this thread, you'll find references to various test tracks you may want to try.

 

[L5730]

It's funny, the FiiO Melody has the option to turn off DRE in the updated firmware (apparently, mine hasn't arrived yet). I was reading reviews on Head-Fi (I know...don't do it!) and some folks were hearing (or thinking they were hearing) a significant enough change of audio 'character' between the two settings. The common theme was with DRE more dynamic, energetic, but not as smooth detailed. I am quite aware how that is all very likely the result of bias. Measurements do not reflect those kind of changes - clicking, distortions when low level signals are played, but not whatever people are waffling about.

 

[mc.god]

i just bought this dongle for 16$ brand new via tmall, i wonder if it has cirrus logistic hump problem?

Its name is Tempotec Sonata BHD DSD

View attachment 490233

I own the Sonata BHD and made some measurements under the guidance of @jkim via a sub optimal adc interface, they were enough to determine that the dongle suffers from cirrus hump but in a subtle way, so it can be considered almost ok.
Indeed you can find it in the list made by @jkim at row 16, among the "good" ones.

 

[solawind]

suffers from cirrus hump but in a subtle way

So you can't hear any audible clicks on this test track https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?goto/post&id=2443743 ?

 

[mc.god]

So you can't hear any audible clicks on this test track https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?goto/post&id=2443743 ?

I'm not very fond of my auditory capabilities, anyway no, I cannot hear any evident clicking on that track.
Playing the CMaj test file it behaves in the "not so bad" way, giving only one click at each iteration, like this

while my other bad Cirrus dongles behave like this (constant clicking among all iterations)

 

[CasualV-shape]

I own a JM10 Pro with CS43131 and I could not hear any click with both C-major file and the Dune track. There was, however, some pink noise when playback start. Testing was done on Redmi Note 7 using Poweramp with Hires Output enabled

 

[jkim]

I own a JM10 Pro with CS43131 and I could not hear any click with both C-major file and the Dune track. There was, however, some pink noise when playback start. Testing was done on Redmi Note 7 using Poweramp with Hires Output enabled

Looks like a JM20 clone in a fancier case. As for the DRE distortion, the JM20 belongs to the first type in @mc.god's post above. Distortion from a device of this type is rarely audible. Of course, it is also likely that JCally revised firmware to further reduce DRE distortion (or disable DRE), but I believe it's unlikely.

 

[mc.god]

I own a JM10 Pro with CS43131 and I could not hear any click with both C-major file and the Dune track. There was, however, some pink noise when playback start. Testing was done on Redmi Note 7 using Poweramp with Hires Output enabled

Your JM10 Pro most likely behaves like mine JM20, here my descriptions of it in a private discussion with @jkim

One thing i noticed about my JM20 is its different behavior than other CS43131 I own in regard to the so called "ramp-up" issue, where Sonata BHD e KP Player 3 skip the very first audio samples when resuming from mute state, JM20 doesn't skip but play a short background pink noise.

and in CMaj test

JM20: here we have a peculiar result, I actually can't hear any faint click, but instead a faint background noise that quickly fades away in the brief instants between the three iterations of the signal and then come back again. It's not a hissing but more like a pink noise, very similar to the one it produces when it ramps-up from idle state, and this makes me conclude my JM20 is differently implemented than your.

 

[fws]

$469... iFi Go Kensei dongle on "Cirrus Logic DAC". However, 7.2Vrms at 600Ohm without battery!

GO bar Kensei

Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.

ifi-audio.com

 

[CasualV-shape]

Looks like a JM20 clone in a fancier case. As for the DRE distortion, the JM20 belongs to the first type in @mc.god's post above. Distortion from a device of this type is rarely audible. Of course, it is also likely that JCally revised firmware to further reduce DRE distortion (or disable DRE), but I believe it's unlikely.

Similar implementation is more likely, as both JM20 and JM10 Pro is released about 4 years ago - well before DRE distortion become well known

 

[jkim]

$469... iFi Go Kensei dongle on "Cirrus Logic DAC". However, 7.2Vrms at 600Ohm without battery!

GO bar Kensei

Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.

ifi-audio.com

Asking $450 for a dongle with a Cirrus chip? And not even PEQ but a bunch of marketing gimmicks? Come on.

Even FiiO KA15 can do more for $99. Its low-impedance driving capability is greater than this iFi dongle. The SGM8262 op-amp in KA15 is a monster.

7.2 Vrms at 600 Ohm on bus power is simply from boosted rails and high output gain. Unless analog gain is attenuated, its noise floor must be quite high. Sure, DRE helps It touts low noise (from DRE?), but until it is actually measured, we never know.

Its power will be quickly current-limited as load gets heavier, anyway. The sensitivity of high-impedance dynamic headphones is not horrible in most cases. What is demanding is the load of some planar headphones.

 

[jkim]

As for iFi products, I truly wonder how iFi as a brand is still surviving. The brand is not recognized as a reputable company here at ASR. Obviously ASR people represent a much smaller group than people browsing HeadFi.

@CedarX Have you seen my PM? (will edit this part later).

 

[OHtaru]

Asking $450 for a dongle with a Cirrus chip? And not even PEQ but a bunch of marketing gimmicks? Come on.

I think this is due to the combined effect of multiple factors in consumer psychology. The key to the success of an audiophile product lies in how to make consumers "feel" good about it. Whether it is actually good (in terms of measurable performance) is another thing.

Visual impact plays a significant role. Audiophiles will buy those high-priced cables that clearly show no difference in tests, simply because they look like they can make the sound better.
Look at this, big capacitor! power!

 

[kandamrgam]

Hello @jkim Do you have a recommendation between Fosi DS2, TRN Black Pearl and Fiio Melody? Torn between these three.

 

[CasualV-shape]

Hello @jkim Do you have a recommendation between Fosi DS2, TRN Black Pearl and Fiio Melody? Torn between these three.

Black Pearl and and Melody is superior to the DS2 in terms of software features and does not suffer from DRE distortion. Melody is lighter than Black Pearl but slightly more expensive

 

[kuba.pl]

Hi, I'm looking to buy an adapter. Has anyone tested any of these? are they ok?

https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005009382332742.html

https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007871997437.html

 

[markanini]

Hi, I'm looking to buy an adapter. Has anyone tested any of these? are they ok?

https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005009382332742.html

https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007871997437.html

You should get the TRN black pearl, its a validated device with good value, check the previous posts.

 

[pickyAudiophile]

I think more manufacturers than we assume do actually read and learn from this remarkable thread.
Sadly, as usual with almost all of these brands, all that happens in a rather conspirative fashion. Reading and more careful reading, monitoring what is typed in here and then discussing (your) assessments internally. But never ever contributing (despite asking for some cheerleading "comment what you like most about xyz" prior to releasing new products).
Not offering solutions for users who bought their (in numerous cases fixable) products within the last one or two years. Cirrus Logic first and foremost should take up a stance on that.
Just for example, Fosi Audio with it's latest dongle DAC release, the DS3 now implementing an ES9039Q2M chipset, walking away from Cirrus Logic, too. Does that all leave a bad taste when it comes to interacting honestly? ...IMO sure it does.