CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[Music Alchemist]

Yes i know the intetion, but as an add-on feature like the Phase control and the HF filtering etc.

It should the sound and play the same as it does, but som headphones does not come up to their full potential with DAVE in the lower end.
It not an power issue, more a little shy in the lower end if you are connecting high end headphones like Focal Utopia, Audeze LCD-4 , HE-6, HE1K, Senn HD800s , Abyss etc.etc. , and i think the DAVE should be made for High End headphones, not low / midi versions like Nighthawks.

I am not alone to have this opinion to have, because i have 20 Headfi users in this thread who have PM:d me about this.

So it would be a nice feature to take in consideration, then the user can decide buy himself if he wants to use the function or not.

 
If you just want a bass boost, you can do that for free with a parametric equalizer. The easiest way is to literally boost the bass frequencies by the amount you want, but if you want the best sound quality along with that, you'd have to reduce other frequencies instead. Doing it yourself is the better way since you have much more control.
 
When I first read about Rob liking the NightHawk more than other headphones, I was surprised. It's a more impressive statement since it came from the person who designed the DAVE. But come to think of it, I don't know what his impressions of ultra-high-end headphones like the Abyss and so on are.
 
For reference, here is his original post:
 

  Speaking personally - my current favourite is the AQ Nighthawks.
 
Now they are not to every ones taste - a lot of guys at Chord find them way too dark and smooth - but I like them because I can play for 12 hours and am still hungry for more music. By comparison, to me, other HP sound distorted. Moreover, they sound like loudspeakers in terms of tonal balance, and I mostly listen to loudspeakers.
 
Do they have faults - yes, they could be more transparent, and the bass is maybe softer than I would like - but they do so many things right.

 
(The NightHawk is actually one of the very few non-electrostats with measured distortion as low as electrostats.)

 

[kennyb123]

It sounds like it might be a "triple launch" at CES:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/big-announcements-coming-chord-electronics-30514/#post602285

One of them will be Mojo-related:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/784602/chord-mojo-dac-amp-faq-in-3rd-post/25875#post_13013837

 

[bmichels]

It sounds like it might be a "triple launch" at CES:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/big-announcements-coming-chord-electronics-30514/#post602285

One of them will be Mojo-related:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/784602/chord-mojo-dac-amp-faq-in-3rd-post/25875#post_13013837

 
At least we know that  BLU V2 will be announced.  Updated connections to take advantage of DAVE.

 

[Beolab]

If you just want a bass boost, you can do that for free with a parametric equalizer. The easiest way is to literally boost the bass frequencies by the amount you want, but if you want the best sound quality along with that, you'd have to reduce other frequencies instead. Doing it yourself is the better way since you have much more control.

When I first read about Rob liking the NightHawk more than other headphones, I was surprised. It's a more impressive statement since it came from the person who designed the DAVE. But come to think of it, I don't know what his impressions of ultra-high-end headphones like the Abyss and so on are.

For reference, here is his original post:


(The NightHawk is actually one of the very few non-electrostats with measured distortion as low as electrostats.)

To Romaz Jr.


Yes, i am very well aware of EQ:ing, but the quest is to implement it in the design, so the outcome should be in the the purest form.

 

[JaZZ]

Yes, i am very well aware of EQ:ing, but the quest is to implement it in the design, so the outcome should be in the the purest form.

 
There's nothing you can do wrong with a simple low-shelf filter. You're just trying to find an excuse to not occupy yourself actively with the matter – and with audio generally – instead of staying consumption oriented and uncreative.

 

[x RELIC x]

(The NightHawk is actually one of the very few non-electrostats with measured distortion as low as electrostats.)

The measured distortion and impedance is also remarkably flat for 20Hz-20kHz.

I've shared some PM's with Rob regarding different headphones including the Utopia, ETHER Flow, and Nighthawk and his general impressions closely match mine (though I won't divulge exactly what he's shared regarding the other headphones). I ended up picking up the original Nighthawk when it was on sale for 40% off in November (mostly because of Rob's posts on Head Fi), and I have to say that they really sound fantastic with the Mojo and DAVE.

Some may find them too dark/warm, no doubt about that, but the quality of the music reproduction is superb. In fact, I often reach for them over TOTL headphones simply because they do play music in a very smooth/clean fashion. While the soundstage isn't really large with the Nighthawk the depth is fantastic and that's also where the DAVE shines. Don't be fooled by the price or the size or packaging/marketing with the Nighthawk. They are a surprisingly capable headphones if you want a warmer smooth sound. They also respond very well to EQ if you want to lower some of the mid-bass and raise some upper mids/treble.

Here are my brief impressions compared to the Utopia (another very low distortion performer):

http://www.head-fi.org/t/749762/audioquest-nighthawk-impressions-and-discussion-thread/4425#post_13015512

 

[Beolab]

There's nothing you can do wrong with a simple low-shelf filter. You're just trying to find an excuse to not occupy yourself actively with the matter – and with audio generally – instead of staying consumption oriented and uncreative.

Actually i have bin through that jearney, with video gaming and building and tweaking liquid cooled or fanless computers for best possible SQ incl all sorts of SW audio programs etc etc etc trust me..

I am buying into high end products for a few reasons and one is that i like it minimal and DAVE can ashive very elegant, but i do not only speak for my self when i say that i for one want some sort of intelligent circuit in Robś design that can adjust only the lowest tones, more advanced than an EQ that "filter" and loose transparancy of the hole signal.
I want it to be more pronounced, so please try to stop argue on what i want here, it is only a simple quest and a input for the future development , but i can take it on PM with Rob directly insted.

If it going to happen or not can only Chord and Rob decide in the future.

 

[Music Alchemist]

The measured distortion and impedance is also remarkably flat for 20Hz-20kHz.

I've shared some PM's with Rob regarding different headphones including the Utopia, ETHER Flow, and Nighthawk and his general impressions closely match mine (though I won't divulge exactly what he's shared regarding the other headphones). I ended up picking up the original Nighthawk when it was on sale for 40% off in November (mostly because of Rob's posts on Head Fi), and I have to say that they really sound fantastic with the Mojo and DAVE.

Some may find them too dark/warm, no doubt about that, but the quality of the music reproduction is superb. In fact, I often reach for them over TOTL headphones simply because they do play music in a very smooth/clean fashion. While the soundstage isn't really large with the Nighthawk the depth is fantastic and that's also where the DAVE shines. Don't be fooled by the price or the size or packaging/marketing with the Nighthawk. They are a surprisingly capable headphones if you want a warmer smooth sound. They also respond very well to EQ if you want to lower some of the mid-bass and raise some upper mids/treble.

Here are my brief impressions compared to the Utopia (another very low distortion performer):

http://www.head-fi.org/t/749762/audioquest-nighthawk-impressions-and-discussion-thread/4425#post_13015512

 
Thanks for all that info. (I read your other post as well.)
 
Do you think you could describe how the NightHawk scales going from the Mojo to the DAVE?
 
The recent sale price everyone talks about is applicable to dealers, but the NightHawk has been available for $350 on (the American) Amazon for some time now, and I anticipate things to stay that way.
 
Just for fun, here's a glamor shot of the DAVE with the NightHawk.
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
It's intriguing how one's taste in aesthetics can change over time. I used to think the black DAVE was ugly and the silver one was gorgeous, but now the black one appeals to me more.

 

[Beolab]

The measured distortion and impedance is also remarkably flat for 20Hz-20kHz.

I've shared some PM's with Rob regarding different headphones including the Utopia, ETHER Flow, and Nighthawk and his general impressions closely match mine (though I won't divulge exactly what he's shared regarding the other headphones). I ended up picking up the original Nighthawk when it was on sale for 40% off in November (mostly because of Rob's posts on Head Fi), and I have to say that they really sound fantastic with the Mojo and DAVE.

Some may find them too dark/warm, no doubt about that, but the quality of the music reproduction is superb. In fact, I often reach for them over TOTL headphones simply because they do play music in a very smooth/clean fashion. While the soundstage isn't really large with the Nighthawk the depth is fantastic and that's also where the DAVE shines. Don't be fooled by the price or the size or packaging/marketing with the Nighthawk. They are a surprisingly capable headphones if you want a warmer smooth sound. They also respond very well to EQ if you want to lower some of the mid-bass and raise some upper mids/treble.

Here are my brief impressions compared to the Utopia (another very low distortion performer):

http://www.head-fi.org/t/749762/audioquest-nighthawk-impressions-and-discussion-thread/4425#post_13015512

Not to be frank here , but then we all can just buy one set of first gen Nighthawks and hook it up to our beloved DAVEś, and be happy chaps for a few years time towards, if it was that easy

I have listened to the Nighthawks and the HD650 on the DAVE just for fun, and if you are happy with that type of sound, i think many in here have missed out what real
High End hifi is all about, and there is much for you still to discover

If you like top flat linear "dark dull" sound then buy the AQś, but if you want anything that moves you we need something else..

If you ever get the chance to listen to Senn HE-90 orpheus , here we got sound that move you in the soul.( even if they maybe not worthy their price and got some small issues) I think why listen to perfect linear flat paper dry lifeless sound, like a studio mastering producer, our life is to short for that in my opinion.

Just my 3 cents..

Merry Christmas!! :santa_tone2::santa_tone2:

 

[x RELIC x]

Music Alchemist, with the Mojo the Nighthawk has less extension and less 'oomph' than with the DAVE. With the DAVE the depth feels greater and the overall sense of realism is greater. Mojo feels 'thinner' overall and DAVE feels more 'full', more encompassing. That's the general sense I get comparing the two sources with the Nighthawk. Of course there is also the micro detail and analogue like qualities that the DAVE does better than the Mojo. With the warm signature of the Nighthawk it is slightly a little more difficult to tell the differences in micro detail vs with other headphones, but I never really feel like anything is being masked from either source.

I love the contrast with the nickle and black casing. It's so subjective, but there was never any doubt for me which version I preferred.

 

[Deftone]

I'm known for buying stuff in silver as I think I'll prefer it then a week later long for the black finish lol

 

[JaZZ]

...more advanced than an EQ that "filter" and loose transparancy of the hole signal.

 
A simple low-shelf filter with fixed characteristic certainly isn't «more advanced» than any well-designed parametric equalizer that would offer you the flexibility you need to achieve sonic perfection. Maybe you mix up digital equalizers with the analogue counterparts – which indeed corrupt transparency (the reason why I never could use them except for supporting the development of crossover filter networks). In turn software equalizers all work more or less the same and shouldn't affect transparency in the least, provided you use them for equalizing instead of coloring. Rob would implement a corresponding bass boost in the DAVE on the very same basis. And he explicitly recommends equalizing instead of re-amplifying (for altering the tonal balance) exactly because the latter method preserves transparency.
 
BTW, no offense meant, I was just going a little overboard with my sarcastic banter.

 

 

[x RELIC x]

Not to be frank here , but then we all can just buy one set of first gen Nighthawks and hook it up to our beloved DAVEś, and be happy chaps for a few years time towards, if it was that easy

I have listened to the Nighthawks and the HD650 on the DAVE just for fun, and if you are happy with that type of sound, i think many in here have missed out what real
High End hifi is all about, and there is much for you still to discover

If you like top flat linear "dark dull" sound then buy the AQś, but if you want anything that moves you we need something else..

If you ever get the chance to listen to Senn HE-90 orpheus , here we got sound that move you in the soul.( even if they maybe not worthy their price and got some small issues) I think why listen to perfect linear flat paper dry lifeless sound, like a studio mastering producer, our life is to short for that in my opinion.

Just my 3 cents..

Merry Christmas!! :santa_tone2::santa_tone2:

Lol, I never said it was the best. Just that I'm very happy, and surprised, with the performance and that the signature is very pleasant to listen to if someone wants a warm/smooth headphone. I haven't heard the Orpheus but I do own the Utopia and ETHER Flow, as well as other headphones. I love the Nighthawk for their low distortion and warm sound. I love the Utopia for their punchy and revealing sound and incredible technical prowess. Different flavours, different presentation, different tastes. I hate the HD800 (although I recognize their technical ability) but others love them. To each their own.

For the price of the Nighthawk I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them based on their performance if someone was looking for that particular sound signature.

Happy holidays to you as well, all the best!

 

[JaZZ]

...and merry Christmas to all – especially Craig and Fredrik!     
 
 

 

[Beolab]

A simple low-shelf filter with fixed characteristic certainly isn't «more advanced» than any well-designed parametric equalizer that would offer you the flexibility you need to achieve sonic perfection. Maybe you mix up digital equalizers with the analogue counterparts – which indeed corrupt transparency (the reason why I never could use them except for supporting the development of crossover filter networks). In turn software equalizers all work more or less the same and shouldn't affect transparency in the least, provided you use them for equalizing instead of coloring. Rob would implement a corresponding bass boost in the DAVE on the very same basis. And he explicitly recommends equalizing instead of re-amplifying (for altering the tonal balance) exactly because the latter method preserves transparency.

BTW, no offense meant, I was just going a little overboard with my sarcastic banter.  

Yes no offence taken

I have already fixed this low end issue long time ago, ( i do not use any PC / Mac for my setup, i have striped down my setup, but in the best of worlds i would like just a compact streamer ( that i already got) and a DAVE DAC that can drive my headphones, with the option to choose a slight 1 or 2 db in the lower end, that is what also Roy and many more wants integrated in the design, by the book or not, it should be as an option, free to use or not.

Hope you following me, i am not search for advice this is just a Quest for future implementations.

Have a great great Christmas now guys!








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