CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[GryphonGuy]

I understand you, but cheap shortcuts can lead to a "half result", or worse, with relative frustration. It also depends on how much you feel the need to improve Dave's performance, in my case I was at a crossroads; either sell everything and change the type of DAC, or invest heavily, after almost 1 year with SJ I tell myself that I made the right choice. If you wait a bit I'm sure you will find something on the used market at an interesting price. Besides SJ and Farad I don't know anything else.

Yes, buying the SJ ARC6 DC4 and then adding the capacitor board to the DAVE, I never had to think about, and still don't, what the rest of the market is doing. EVERY time I play music through DAVE it is awe inspiring at the presentation. The headphone performance with the capacitor board inside DAVE skyrockets with powerful transients in the bass, something a lot of guys complain about the standard DAVE not having. But the tonal balance never changes. It just makes DAVE present "more" than it did without SJ ARC6 DC4 + cap board.

 

[harris4crna]

Yes, buying the SJ ARC6 DC4 and then adding the capacitor board to the DAVE, I never had to think about, and still don't, what the rest of the market is doing. EVERY time I play music through DAVE it is awe inspiring at the presentation. The headphone performance with the capacitor board inside DAVE skyrockets with powerful transients in the bass, something a lot of guys complain about the standard DAVE not having. But the tonal balance never changes. It just makes DAVE present "more" than it did without SJ ARC6 DC4 + cap board.

Do you get the same bass response using the Dave as a DAC only? Reason I ask is that I use the Dave as a DAC only and listen to my HP via another amp.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I'm still a huge believer in the Dave mods that are out there, and obviously if you can do them yourself it's a no brainer. But I would absolutely think through whether it makes sense to spend the money on some upgrades, particularly the SJ power supplies, when that kind of money can actually go towards a DAC with better performance in differing categories that also comes standard with more adequate power supplies.

I have owned the Dave/Mscaler a long time, and my latest upgrade (intentionally mentioning or commenting on it specifically because it's not the point) was a complete wow factor in many aspects, and I was absolutely on track to move forward with the mods and power supplies. The Farad ps is much more easy to swallow price wise, and cap upgrades seem like a high ROI no brainer. But if you're thinking beyond that, I'd really try to in home demo (very important, I'm not talking a short meet or impression session here) some of the more premium, newer gear out there before spending half of the Dave's price upgrading its PSU.

 

[The Jester]

Do you get the same bass response using the Dave as a DAC only? Reason I ask is that I use the Dave as a DAC only and listen to my HP via another amp.

Interesting question, there’s no doubting Rob’s long history, expertise and dedication in digital electronics, but there are those out there with similar talents who dedicated their efforts into low level amplification such as preamps and headphone amps, others with headphones and speakers but a similar thread runs through the majority that is extensive listening tests as well as performance measurements ….

 

[Drewligarchy]

I'm still a huge believer in the Dave mods that are out there, and obviously if you can do them yourself it's a no brainer. But I would absolutely think through whether it makes sense to spend the money on some upgrades, particularly the SJ power supplies, when that kind of money can actually go towards a DAC with better performance in differing categories that also comes standard with more adequate power supplies.

I have owned the Dave/Mscaler a long time, and my latest upgrade (intentionally mentioning or commenting on it specifically because it's not the point) was a complete wow factor in many aspects, and I was absolutely on track to move forward with the mods and power supplies. The Farad ps is much more easy to swallow price wise, and cap upgrades seem like a high ROI no brainer. But if you're thinking beyond that, I'd really try to in home demo (very important, I'm not talking a short meet or impression session here) some of the more premium, newer gear out there before spending half of the Dave's price upgrading its PSU.

I think this is exactly how I think about it. Which is why I don't think I could do SJ without hearing it, and even then I think it would be a tough sell, and why I'm very curious about the Farad solution.

I'm incredibly happy with Dave / Mscaler and have been for years. I use it for headphones and a two channel system. But it's really hard for me to consider a 6-10k upgrade blind, when I could buy a new amp or new DAC after selling the Dave/Mscaler with that money. I imagine certain amps would likely improve the lower mid / bass weight significantly better than a PSU upgrade. Moreover, how would it synergize with my current amps? My Pass Labs Int 60 and Wa33e are warm, would it be too much?

Part of me feels that I will need to spend significantly more to better Dave, so I'm unlikely to upgrade for quite some time if at all. I know some people think the Holo May surpasses it, but I imagine it's more a different flavor than a superior product.

I'm very tempted by the Farad supply, mainly because I would like to improve the headphone out - and it's not completely unreasonable given the overall cost of the DAC. I need to read more impressions though to understand if it's good for me.

Ultimately, I don't feel Dave lacking at all when used as a DAC - which is primarily how I use that. Maybe I would if I heard an upmarket DCS or something - but ultimately we are talking about DACs with minor but meaningful differences. I do a mod or upgrade to solve a problem, in this case if I bought the Farad, it would be to improve the headphone out.

 

[harris4crna]

I think this is exactly how I think about it. Which is why I don't think I could do SJ without hearing it, and even then I think it would be a tough sell, and why I'm very curious about the Farad solution.

I'm incredibly happy with Dave / Mscaler and have been for years. I use it for headphones and a two channel system. But it's really hard for me to consider a 6-10k upgrade blind, when I could buy a new amp or new DAC after selling the Dave/Mscaler with that money. I imagine certain amps would likely improve the lower mid / bass weight significantly better than a PSU upgrade. Moreover, how would it synergize with my current amps? My Pass Labs Int 60 and Wa33e are warm, would it be too much?

Part of me feels that I will need to spend significantly more to better Dave, so I'm unlikely to upgrade for quite some time if at all. I know some people think the Holo May surpasses it, but I imagine it's more a different flavor than a superior product.

I'm very tempted by the Farad supply, mainly because I would like to improve the headphone out - and it's not completely unreasonable given the overall cost of the DAC. I need to read more impressions though to understand if it's good for me.

Ultimately, I don't feel Dave lacking at all when used as a DAC - which is primarily how I use that. Maybe I would if I heard an upmarket DCS or something - but ultimately we are talking about DACs with minor but meaningful differences. I do a mod or upgrade to solve a problem, in this case if I bought the Farad, it would be to improve the headphone out.

Concur 100%. The value for MDave is sub 10k. Does not make sense to purchase a PSU for equal price for ___% audible gain.

I use my 2ch. Accuphase system to listen to my Calderas. Plenty of bass. Not sure what a PSU would do for me. If a PSU is sub 2k and would drive both the Mscaler and Dave than yeah, I would do it.

 

[GuiltyRocker]

I think this is exactly how I think about it. Which is why I don't think I could do SJ without hearing it, and even then I think it would be a tough sell, and why I'm very curious about the Farad solution.

I'm incredibly happy with Dave / Mscaler and have been for years. I use it for headphones and a two channel system. But it's really hard for me to consider a 6-10k upgrade blind, when I could buy a new amp or new DAC after selling the Dave/Mscaler with that money. I imagine certain amps would likely improve the lower mid / bass weight significantly better than a PSU upgrade. Moreover, how would it synergize with my current amps? My Pass Labs Int 60 and Wa33e are warm, would it be too much?

Part of me feels that I will need to spend significantly more to better Dave, so I'm unlikely to upgrade for quite some time if at all. I know some people think the Holo May surpasses it, but I imagine it's more a different flavor than a superior product.

I'm very tempted by the Farad supply, mainly because I would like to improve the headphone out - and it's not completely unreasonable given the overall cost of the DAC. I need to read more impressions though to understand if it's good for me.

Ultimately, I don't feel Dave lacking at all when used as a DAC - which is primarily how I use that. Maybe I would if I heard an upmarket DCS or something - but ultimately we are talking about DACs with minor but meaningful differences. I do a mod or upgrade to solve a problem, in this case if I bought the Farad, it would be to improve the headphone out.

You're happy, my advice is stop looking around, because you will stop being happy, the paradox of choice will kick in and the endless supply of options will drive you nuts. I stopped looking and just enjoy my Chord gear, the only tweak I made was switching the Power supply of the M scaler to an iFi Elite switch mode power supply which blows away the stock one, I paid $300 for it and it is worth every penny of it, my TT-2 stays as is, now just enjoying music. Awesome thing about the TT-2 is it doesn't need a damn thing, it's awesome.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I think this is exactly how I think about it. Which is why I don't think I could do SJ without hearing it, and even then I think it would be a tough sell, and why I'm very curious about the Farad solution.

I'm incredibly happy with Dave / Mscaler and have been for years. I use it for headphones and a two channel system. But it's really hard for me to consider a 6-10k upgrade blind, when I could buy a new amp or new DAC after selling the Dave/Mscaler with that money. I imagine certain amps would likely improve the lower mid / bass weight significantly better than a PSU upgrade. Moreover, how would it synergize with my current amps? My Pass Labs Int 60 and Wa33e are warm, would it be too much?

Part of me feels that I will need to spend significantly more to better Dave, so I'm unlikely to upgrade for quite some time if at all. I know some people think the Holo May surpasses it, but I imagine it's more a different flavor than a superior product.

I'm very tempted by the Farad supply, mainly because I would like to improve the headphone out - and it's not completely unreasonable given the overall cost of the DAC. I need to read more impressions though to understand if it's good for me.

Ultimately, I don't feel Dave lacking at all when used as a DAC - which is primarily how I use that. Maybe I would if I heard an upmarket DCS or something - but ultimately we are talking about DACs with minor but meaningful differences. I do a mod or upgrade to solve a problem, in this case if I bought the Farad, it would be to improve the headphone out.

Yup, overall makes sense and I agree on the bolded part, for "better" performance, you likely have to spend quite a bit. I stuck with the combo for quite some time and could've lived with it. I'd just for sure explore other DACs as well as any mods/upgrades if interested in the latter.

 

[GryphonGuy]

Do you get the same bass response using the Dave as a DAC only? Reason I ask is that I use the Dave as a DAC only and listen to my HP via another amp.

Sorry, I can't answer that. I can only use headphones and don't use an external amp with speakers due to my apartment living conditions.

 

[Drewligarchy]

Sorry, I can't answer that. I can only use headphones and don't use an external amp with speakers due to my apartment living conditions.

I think he was asking if the power supply significantly impacts line out for headphone amps. I imagine it would have some impact, but the amps sound signature would dominate - of course depending on the amp. I have no idea though as i never have tried it.

 

[Drewligarchy]

Yup, overall makes sense and I agree on the bolded part, for "better" performance, you likely have to spend quite a bit. I stuck with the combo for quite some time and could've lived with it. I'd just for sure explore other DACs as well as any mods/upgrades if interested in the latter.

What DAC are you running now if I might ask?

As mentioned, I very much agree with you. To me, and maybe it’s because I haven’t listened to new DACs recently, I would want to get all my other stuff up to snuff before a new DAC. It’s partly a VFM thing; At the Dave level already, a new DAC is going to have less of an impact then say a new amp at similar cost, IMO.

I remember when I had a bunch of DACs I used with different headphones: I had a Wadia 121, a chord 2qute, then a NAD m50, an Yggdrasil and an Auralic Vega. I took Dave for a home demo and I was like - ok, I’m good for the rest of my life

 

[harris4crna]

I think he was asking if the power supply significantly impacts line out for headphone amps. I imagine it would have some impact, but the amps sound signature would dominate - of course depending on the amp. I have no idea though as i never have tried it.

Yes, this was the intention of the question.

The other day I connected Dave direct into the Accuphase A-70. Doing this allowed Dave to dominate the sound signature. Connecting Dave to the Accuphase preamp than to the A-70 it allows Dave to work syngeristically with Accuphase. I hear both without one dominating.

So why do I say all this. To truly appreciate the PSU upgrade I belive I would need to connect Dave direct. This would allow me to hear the difference. Unless of course I listen directly from Dave via its HP output.

 

[number1sixerfan]

What DAC are you running now if I might ask?

As mentioned, I very much agree with you. To me, and maybe it’s because I haven’t listened to new DACs recently, I would want to get all my other stuff up to snuff before a new DAC. It’s partly a VFM thing; At the Dave level already, a new DAC is going to have less of an impact then say a new amp at similar cost, IMO.

I remember when I had a bunch of DACs I used with different headphones: I had a Wadia 121, a chord 2qute, then a NAD m50, an Yggdrasil and an Auralic Vega. I took Dave for a home demo and I was like - ok, I’m good for the rest of my life

I totally get it. And I wouldn't really be in a rush either.

I have a Lampizator Pacific I was able to get second hand and upgraded to the Engine 11 platform directly from Lampizator Poland at a really attractive price. It was a really nice surprise in performance difference from a spacing, imaging and resolution standpoint, while the Dave is a bit more transparent/neutral in color and a touch quicker speed wise. I had an issue with the Pacific that may have been just a fuse issue (we shall see), and I'm using the mDave again and I could easily live with it forever.

 

[Reactcore]

I'm using the mDave again and I could easily live with it forever.

Same here. MDave stays

I keep being impressed with every (new) album i listen to or film i watch with it. I'm quite settled with my mods and dont feel like having to change anything.. perhaps start my battery project.

Slowly raising funds and patiently waiting for Quartet to be released and see if its worth it..

 

[Jawed]

Slowly raising funds and patiently waiting for Quartet to be released and see if its worth it..

It will take Ultima DAC to hear QMS properly...