Chord Dave

Statements such as "after owning the Dave for a couple of weeks all I can say is WOW!”, or "it's the most significant change that I've done to my system’ and "The Chord Dave is just outstanding in my "system “ are very impressive posts above.  

The Chord DAVE is 13.2" Wide by 2.8" High  by 6.1" Deep and weighting 15.4 pound,  The Bricasti M1 SE DAC is 17” x 12“ x 2.5” and weighs 12 pounds and the Debussy DAC is 17.6” x 15.5”x 2.6” and weighs 19.4 pounds.

How is it possible for the Chord DAVE DAC to be so small and yet provide such amazing sound quality?   I know the Chord DAVE DAC uses a new version of the advanced Spartan 6 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).  Has there many many software upgrades to the FPGA?

Is the Chord Ensemble Stand for the DAVE DAC required or can it just sit on 4 Stillpoints Ultra minis?   The Chord stand cost $1,895 and I need to know if it really required.

Based on the above, I plan to audition the Chord DAVE DAC.  Does any one have any additional comments on the Chord DAVE DAC?   Thanks…..  

hgeifman, 

I've talked to you several times about the Dave and with all due respect, you need to listen to the Dave in your own system and let your own ears decide. If you can't listen in your own system,  take what ever DAC you own and compare it to the Dave and/ or other DACs at the dealers store. No matter what I think or anyone else,  it's just our opinion. Only your opinion counts.

ricred1,  

Okay.  Will do.  Thanks.

I’m just trying to say what I always say, no absolutes in Audio, only preferences. Someone highly encouraged me to listen to the Rockna Wavedream Edition DAC. I had easy access to it, it was in my price range for DACs, so I had nothing to loose. My initial thoughts were it had more detail than the Dave, but after a few days my wife and I decided we preferred the Dave. Who’s right? The answer of course is no one...I have a different system and different preferences. You may hear the Dave and not like it or conclude it’s not worth the money.
I just listened to Audioquest FireBird Zero speaker cables for three days. They are a step-up from my current cables, but at $14K for an 8’ pair I can’t justify the cost. If money weren’t a concern I would immediately purchase them. I put components in specific price ranges of what I’m willing to spend. $14K far exceeds my budget for speaker cables.

dguitarnut,

I have a Gryphon Diablo 300 with a Chord Dave and prefer the Dave without the m-scaler.  To my ears the sound was very smooth, but I missed the dynamics as well.  Similar to your experience.    I’m sure many out there will love the relaxed presentation, though.