CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[ecwl]

If the MScaler converts DSD to PCM, should the DAVE then be set to 'PCM plus' when connected to an MScaler?

It actually doesn’t matter. When M-Scaler is sending DAVE DSD converted to 705.4kHz PCM signals, DAVE’s DSD/PCM+ filter is not in use. The 705.4kHz PCM signal is just upconverted to 5-bit 104MHz and noise shaped through the 20-element pulse array DAC.

Of note, if DAVE is set to PCM+ mode, when it gets PCM 44kHz signal for example, the 164,000 taps filter is in use to upconvert to 705.4kHz first. If it gets a DSD signal, the “inferior to M-scaler“ DSD to PCM conversion occurs to 705.4kHz first.

If DAVE is set to DSD mode, when it gets PCM 44kHz signal, the 82,000 taps filter will be used to upconvert to 705.4kHz first. If it gets a DSD signal, it’ll directly convert to 5-bit 104MHz

 

[ecwl]

Antipodes cx/ex running Roon

USB to MS

I've changed the EX to 'PCM' but it shouldn't really matter as the 'DSD' setting still outputs PCM files as is anyway - only difference is any DSD files will be converted by the EX and not the MS.

*Edit - I set it to 'none' (there's no 'PCM' setting as such) - "If your DAC supports DSD select DoP. Otherwize select none and Roon Server will transcode DSD to PCM."

Someone should start an online degree course in understanding your stereo...it used to be just putting a needle in a groove..

Hmm... No. It sounds like You should set it back to ‘DoP’ then?

This is because if M-Scaler can accept DSD. And the M-Scaler DSD to PCM conversion is far superior to the Roon server DSD to PCM conversion. If you don’t believe me, try it out for yourself. I’ve tested this myself.
So for playing DSD files, you want EX to send the original DSD file via DoP into M-Scaler.

And as you said, it sounds like when you have a PCM file, it doesn’t matter whether it’s set to DoP or None, the file will still be sent as a PCM file to M-Scaler. You can obviously confirm this using the 4th light from the left (3rd from the right). If M-Scaler is getting native DSD file, it should be white. If it’s getting PCM, it’s whatever color the PCM file is, e.g. Red is 44kHz...

 

[jlbrach]

The stands are a cosmetic accessory and were not specifically designed to isolate vibrations (hence why Chord makes no mention of it on their website). Some Head-Fi members with custom cables stated they could not use the headphone input with the optional short legs. Others pointed out the rear inputs of the DAVE were much more prone to stress/strain when using heavy cables since the rear i/o are raised and angled from the surface. I feel Chord’s pricing for the Ensemble stands is too high and they should have looked at other designs or manufacturing options. It would at least be nice if they were a standard size and could be used with future Chord products.

Note the tight clearance between the headphone cable relative to the surface.

the stand is actually quite nice and well made but yes the headphone out doesnt leave much room for some cables.....all in all though I am happy with it

 

[koven]

the stand is actually quite nice and well made but yes the headphone out doesnt leave much room for some cables.....all in all though I am happy with it

I recall my aftermarket power cords sagging w/ the stand due to the weight at angle. Had to use some cable riser behind it.

 

[Mediahound]

If I had a DAVE, I'd forego the stand for sure. The angles are all wrong. Even for the BNC cables, it makes them have to bend down at too much of an angle, etc.

 

[koven]

If I had a DAVE, I'd forego the stand for sure. The angles are all wrong. Even for the BNC cables, it makes them have to bend down at too much of an angle, etc.

Agree.. I got suckered by the looks I suppose. If I grab a DAVE again in the future I'd skip the stand.

 

[F208Frank]

Agree.. I got suckered by the looks I suppose. If I grab a DAVE again in the future I'd skip the stand.

Koven, how did you feel the isotek affecting your sound after you added it? The only thing I ever tried power related was the power plant by ps audio and it did me not much good. Am curious how you feel about the Isotek as I heard many great things about them.

 

[koven]

Koven, how did you feel the isotek affecting your sound after you added it? The only thing I ever tried power related was the power plant by ps audio and it did me not much good. Am curious how you feel about the Isotek as I heard many great things about them.

The first two I tried many years ago were a Power Plant Premier and Torus TOT Mini. I recall my system sounded worse [thinner] w/ the PPP and no difference w/ the TOT Mini. Not a great initial impression and I didn't bother w/ power for a while. Last year the AQ Niagara hype got me and I tried out the Niagara 1000. I wasn't necessarily floored but I could definitely hear an improvement, more so than any interconnect or headphone cable changes. This year I switched to the IsoTek Aquarius after doing an in-home demo. I plugged into the wall vs Aquarius vs Niagara many times during this trial and I'm fully convinced Aquarius is making a noticeable difference, more so than Niagara. Take that anecdotally though as it wasn't a double blind test or anything. I'm quite aware of the anti-power camp's arguments and I generally try to stay adverse to snake oil but I have to concede I hear a difference when it comes to power tweaks. A more expensive option I'd love to try later on would be the IsoTek Sigmas or Inakustik AC-3500P. MusicDirect carries IsoTek and they have a 100% (less shipping) return, give it a shot you got nothing to lose.

 

[audio_1]

Dave here I come! The Mscaler is listed for sale and the TT2 will be listed tomorrow. The Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic DAC is also up for sale, but is now connected in the mean time. That damn fancy Dave Stand is also calling my name but it's pricey! Who has the stand?
https://aquahifi.com/file/datasheet/LaScala_Optologic_datasheet_EN.pdf

Why would you sell the Mscaler, and then buy a stand for the Dave? use the funds to keep the Mscaler. Makes no sense!

 

[Uncle Monty]

Why would you sell the Mscaler, and then buy a stand for the Dave? use the funds to keep the Mscaler. Makes no sense!

100% agree - keep the MScaler and forget the stand.

Also - before listing the TT2 for sale, speak to a Chord dealer about trade-in - you might be surprised...

 

[Triode User]

100% agree - keep the MScaler and forget the stand.

Also - before listing the TT2 for sale, speak to a Chord dealer about trade-in - you might be surprised...

I also agree about forgetting the stand and putting the money towards sound quality instead, ie keeping the mscaler. I am not aware that the stand is anything more than eye candy.

Also yes, dealers can offer good trade in prices so that is worth asking theh question but equally most will give a really attractive discount off list price if there is no trade in.

The other option is to sell TT2 privately and buy Dave second hand which is worth considering.

 

[CRITICALSHOT]

Why would you sell the Mscaler, and then buy a stand for the Dave? use the funds to keep the Mscaler. Makes no sense!

I am not sure what I typed, but I would get the Dave first and then the Blu. The stands would come once I am happy with the sound and get off this merry go round! Sorry I gave that impression. Lastly I would like to have the Blu opposed to the MScaler (strictly for cosmetics/cd player).

 

[miketlse]

I am not sure what I typed, but I would get the Dave first and then the Blu. The stands would come once I am happy with the sound and get off this merry go round! Sorry I gave that impression. Lastly I would like to have the Blu opposed to the MScaler (strictly for cosmetics/cd player).

Where will you get the Blu2? Chord have finished production.

 

[CRITICALSHOT]

Where will you get the Blu2? Chord have finished production.

It will turn up on the used market.

Edit: I purchased the Dave earlier today, I just got a call from the dealer and he advised me that he could get the Blu2 new or used for me.

 

[musickid]

congratulations.