CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[audionewbi]

This post deserve front page status. 

 

[Mython]

Does anyone in this thread have a pair of dipole loudspeakers?

 

[Sonic77]

I have been listening to the Dave using a CAPS v3 Zuma (Computer Audiophile Pocket Server) with Audiophile Optimizer software, in conjunction with Jplay, the sound is just so awesome. I also listened to cd's and they sounded clear and detailed as well. I have Magnapan 3.7i speakers (Emotive XPR-1 mono amps) (Epik Empire Dual Subwoofers) and the sound is very open and very detailed, the bass hits you hard in the chest, a much fuller sound then the $30k Magico speakers, which I listened to at the high end audio store. I really can't tell if the Dave is breaking in, because to me it has sounded great from the beginning. I use Cardas cables as well as Audioquest Diamond cables. I also use a Panamax power cleaner to filter any electrical anomalies, further I use Triode power cables through out. I just wanted to give an idea of the equipment I am using, so you know where I'm coming from in my comments.
 

 

[romaz]

  I have been listening to the Dave using a CAPS v3 Zuma (Computer Audiophile Pocket Server) with Audiophile Optimizer software, in conjunction with Jplay, the sound is just so awesome. I also listened to cd's and they sounded clear and detailed as well. I have Magnapan 3.7i speakers (Emotive XPR-1 mono amps) (Epik Empire Dual Subwoofers) and the sound is very open and very detailed, the bass hits you hard in the chest, a much fuller sound then the $30k Magico speakers, which I listened to at the high end audio store. I really can't tell if the Dave is breaking in, because to me it has sounded great from the beginning. I use Cardas cables as well as Audioquest Diamond cables. I also use a Panamax power cleaner to filter any electrical anomalies, further I use Triode power cables through out. I just wanted to give an idea of the equipment I am using, so you know where I'm coming from in my comments.
 

You have a highly optimized music server and I have been waiting for someone like you who uses a CAPS type device tweaked with AO, JPlay, etc. on the DAVE to comment.  I presume you've probably connected it to a good outboard linear PSU?  Can you comment whether your CAPS device sounds any better with the DAVE compared to your CD player and for that matter, a basic PC/Mac if you've tried it?  Even if they all sound good, are there unique sonic characteristics of each that shine through for you that allow you to identify them?
 
Having heard it for myself, I have bought into Rob's claim that the DAVE is immune to source jitter but I have a hard time believing that all sources will sound exactly the same.  Those that know me know I have done quite a bit of testing of music servers and without question, each server has it's own character and are amenable to tweaks.  For example, with something like an Aurender X100, the difference between using the X100 stock vs upgrading its integrated switching PSU to an outboard aftermarket LPSU can be very profound.  Bigger and tighter bass, smoother details and quieter noise floor and the difference isn't so subtle.  I have also come to appreciate the tonal character of something like an Auralic Aries vs an Aurender N10, a TotalDac d1-server, or CAD CAT server (ie the TotalDAC d1-server has rich tonal body, the Aurender N10 layers details exquisitely, etc) that allow me to single them out.   I struggle to see how these identifying characteristics just all go away and how something like a really good PSU on the source won't matter when paired with the DAVE but maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe a cheap $600 Auralic Aries Mini will sound as good as a $17,000 Aurender W20.  If this is true, then the DAVE isn't transparent to the source, it is transparent to the source file.

 

[Mavwong]

I am using highly optimize server too. Total passive cool case, out board linear dual PS (19V and 12V) into HDplex PS (19V), win server 2012 essential in core mode, AO, jplay, process lasso.
 
I have not been AB against a good transport if you ask me, reason is I am too lazy lolz. I just want to enjoy music but not flipping CD
 
I tried Mac, don't like it. Fan noise could be an issue, and mac os not tweekable to my liking.
 
Now comes the question if Dave is totally immune to changes on my server. Not totally, but Dave is the most immune to my ear. I still impress how it sounded on just ipod as source while I audit it at the audio show.
 
 
 
Quote:

  You have a highly optimized music server and I have been waiting for someone like you who uses a CAPS type device tweaked with AO, JPlay, etc. on the DAVE to comment.  I presume you've probably connected it to a good outboard linear PSU?  Can you comment whether your CAPS device sounds any better with the DAVE compared to your CD player and for that matter, a basic PC/Mac if you've tried it?  Even if they all sound good, are there unique sonic characteristics of each that shine through for you that allow you to identify them?
 
Having heard it for myself, I have bought into Rob's claim that the DAVE is immune to source jitter but I have a hard time believing that all sources will sound exactly the same.  Those that know me know I have done quite a bit of testing of music servers and without question, each server has it's own character and are amenable to tweaks.  For example, with something like an Aurender X100, the difference between using the X100 stock vs upgrading its integrated switching PSU to an outboard aftermarket LPSU can be very profound.  Bigger and tighter bass, smoother details and quieter noise floor and the difference isn't so subtle.  I have also come to appreciate the tonal character of something like an Auralic Aries vs an Aurender N10, a TotalDac d1-server, or CAD CAT server (ie the TotalDAC d1-server has rich tonal body, the Aurender N10 layers details exquisitely, etc) that allow me to single them out.   I struggle to see how these identifying characteristics just all go away and how something like a really good PSU on the source won't matter when paired with the DAVE but maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe a cheap $600 Auralic Aries Mini will sound as good as a $17,000 Aurender W20.  If this is true, then the DAVE isn't transparent to the source, it is transparent to the source file.

 

[Sonic77]

  You have a highly optimized music server and I have been waiting for someone like you who uses a CAPS type device tweaked with AO, JPlay, etc. on the DAVE to comment.  I presume you've probably connected it to a good outboard linear PSU?  Can you comment whether your CAPS device sounds any better with the DAVE compared to your CD player and for that matter, a basic PC/Mac if you've tried it?  Even if they all sound good, are there unique sonic characteristics of each that shine through for you that allow you to identify them?
 
Having heard it for myself, I have bought into Rob's claim that the DAVE is immune to source jitter but I have a hard time believing that all sources will sound exactly the same.  Those that know me know I have done quite a bit of testing of music servers and without question, each server has it's own character and are amenable to tweaks.  For example, with something like an Aurender X100, the difference between using the X100 stock vs upgrading its integrated switching PSU to an outboard aftermarket LPSU can be very profound.  Bigger and tighter bass, smoother details and quieter noise floor and the difference isn't so subtle.  I have also come to appreciate the tonal character of something like an Auralic Aries vs an Aurender N10, a TotalDac d1-server, or CAD CAT server (ie the TotalDAC d1-server has rich tonal body, the Aurender N10 layers details exquisitely, etc) that allow me to single them out.   I struggle to see how these identifying characteristics just all go away and how something like a really good PSU on the source won't matter when paired with the DAVE but maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe a cheap $600 Auralic Aries Mini will sound as good as a $17,000 Aurender W20.  If this is true, then the DAVE isn't transparent to the source, it is transparent to the source file.

Yes I use a HD plex like Mavwong, yes I think it does sound a lot better then my cd transport, yes better then a PC set up, but that sounds pretty good too, I agree with Mavwong, my mac mini sounded ok, not as good as my PC set up or the server set up with AO. I have not used a Aurender, but I heard a Auralic and that sounded very good with the Dave, hope that helped.

 

[romaz]

 

 

 
Yes I use a HD plex like Mavwong, yes I think it does sound a lot better then my cd transport, yes better then a PC set up, but that sounds pretty good too, I agree with Mavwong, my mac mini sounded ok, not as good as my PC set up or the server set up with AO. I have not used a Aurender, but I heard a Auralic and that sounded very good with the Dave, hope that helped.

Thank you for that!  Based on what you're saying, with the DAVE, all sources can sound good once stripped of their jitter and noise but there are potentially varying degrees of "good" from one source to the next.  Would you say the differences are small or large?

 

[lovethatsound]

Yes I use a HD plex like Mavwong, yes I think it does sound a lot better then my cd transport, yes better then a PC set up, but that sounds pretty good too, I agree with Mavwong, my mac mini sounded ok, not as good as my PC set up or the server set up with AO. I have not used a Aurender, but I heard a Auralic and that sounded very good with the Dave, hope that helped.

Hi m8
What cd transport were you using?

 

[Beolab]

You have a highly optimized music server and I have been waiting for someone like you who uses a CAPS type device tweaked with AO, JPlay, etc. on the DAVE to comment.  I presume you've probably connected it to a good outboard linear PSU?  Can you comment whether your CAPS device sounds any better with the DAVE compared to your CD player and for that matter, a basic PC/Mac if you've tried it?  Even if they all sound good, are there unique sonic characteristics of each that shine through for you that allow you to identify them?

Having heard it for myself, I have bought into Rob's claim that the DAVE is immune to source jitter but I have a hard time believing that all sources will sound exactly the same.  Those that know me know I have done quite a bit of testing of music servers and without question, each server has it's own character and are amenable to tweaks.  For example, with something like an Aurender X100, the difference between using the X100 stock vs upgrading its integrated switching PSU to an outboard aftermarket LPSU can be very profound.  Bigger and tighter bass, smoother details and quieter noise floor and the difference isn't so subtle.  I have also come to appreciate the tonal character of something like an Auralic Aries vs an Aurender N10, a TotalDac d1-server, or CAD CAT server (ie the TotalDAC d1-server has rich tonal body, the Aurender N10 layers details exquisitely, etc) that allow me to single them out.   I struggle to see how these identifying characteristics just all go away and how something like a really good PSU on the source won't matter when paired with the DAVE but maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe a cheap $600 Auralic Aries Mini will sound as good as a $17,000 Aurender W20.  If this is true, then the DAVE isn't transparent to the source, it is transparent to the source file.

Have a friend Gabriel in the UK, and he received his DAVE ( Im still waiting for my )
last week and he have been testing the hole weekend with CAPS , Auralic Aries, and Macbook Pro , Iphone, and his conclusion was after switch btw input sources, it was very hard to hear small to any differences at all so i think its very close to the file than to the source as you mentioned.

So if you buy a ultra expensive CAPS / Aurender , CAD , it does not play that big role any more guys !

 

[Kamil21]

Even if the Dave does isolate, the EMI can break through from the server into the power amplifier, hence effecting the sound. So I do not think the effect on sound quality of the music server can be nulled just by the Dave alone.

 

[Kamil21]

This post deserve front page status. 

First major DAVE review! But it is in German.

http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1678-chord-dave-teil-1

 

[TheAttorney]

...and he have been testing the hole weekend with CAPS , Auralic Aries, and Macbook Pro , Iphone, and his conclusion was after switch btw input sources, it was very hard to hear small to any differences at all...
So if you buy a ultra expensive CAPS / Aurender , CAD , it does not play that big role any more guys !

It's an interesting observation, but the conclusion is not conclusive for me. I've never found that the concentrated swapping of lots of parameters is a good way of identifying small-but-significant differences between anything. The differences will be minimised at best, and downright confusing at worst. So I'll await more feedback (and try it myself in a couple of weeks).

 

[ChordElectronics]

Hello Fellow Head-Fiers!​

 ​

Good news... We finally have our first review: http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1678-chord-dave-teil-1?limitstart=0​

 

[Mython]

 

Hello Fellow Head-Fiers!​

 ​

Good news... We finally have our first review: http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1678-chord-dave-teil-1?limitstart=0​

 
 
 
The final words of the review, Google-translate as:
 

 

STATEMENT

The Chord DAVE is a real exception-DAC, not only as regards his technique, which I will present to you in more detail in the second part of the article. So emotionally appealing or sometimes upsetting I have not been able to enjoy my music files. For me, the DAVE is simply the dream converter!

 
 
Congratulations, Rob, and I'm sure this is only the first in a long line of positive press reviews for DAVE.
 
Can't wait to hear it for myself!

 

[smial1966]

REVIEW - German to English translation using Google Translate: 
 
https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hifistatement.net%2Ftests%2Fitem%2F1678-chord-dave-teil-1
 
As an aside, translating entire reviews is easy using Google Translate, just copy and paste the articles URL into the left hand box, specify languages (in this case German to English) and click the `Translate' button.  
 
Quote:

 

Hello Fellow Head-Fiers!​

 ​

Good news... We finally have our first review: http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1678-chord-dave-teil-1?limitstart=0​