CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[griff500]

Has there ever been a firmware update for DAVE in the last few years?

No, not to my knowledge, and I can’t think why one would be needed?

 

[Ciggavelli]

Has there ever been a firmware update for DAVE in the last few years?

Yes, there was one a few years ago. My DAVE had to be sent in for an upgrade for the m-scaler to work properly. My dealer said the firmware needed to be updated. This was maybe 3 years ago, give or take. After the update, my m-scaler worked perfectly, where before it just led to static sounds.

 

[griff500]

Yes, there was one a few years ago. My DAVE had to be sent in for an upgrade for the m-scaler to work properly. My dealer said the firmware needed to be updated. This was maybe 3 years ago, give or take. After the update, my m-scaler worked perfectly, where before it just led to static sounds.

If there was an issue with firmware not working with the M-Scaler then wouldn’t there have been lots of reports of this issue?

 

[Icenine2]

Ok. Thanks. Just wondering because of update on something else if theirs

 

[Ciggavelli]

If there was an issue with firmware not working with the M-Scaler then wouldn’t there have been lots of reports of this issue?

There were several reports of this in this thread. It was a few years ago though, so I assume most people with older DAVEs got this straightened out back then.

 

[griff500]

There were several reports of this in this thread. It was a few years ago though, so I assume most people with older DAVEs got this straightened out back then.

Surprised there were only several. I wonder if it was simply a firmware re-install or something else done rather than an update.

Perhaps @Rob Watts could confirm?

 

[seaice]

griff500: You can find the firmware upgrade mentioned in this thread multiple times. E.g.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chord-electronics-dave.766517/page-1402#post-17030766
And a confirmation from RW:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chord-electronics-dave.766517/page-1402#post-17031175

My firmware was also upgraded so my older Dave now works correctly with my Opto-DXed M-Scaler.

 

[griff500]

griff500: You can find the firmware upgrade mentioned in this thread. E.g.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chord-electronics-dave.766517/page-1402#post-17030766
And also some confirmation from RW:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chord-electronics-dave.766517/page-1402#post-17031175

My older Dave was also upgraded, so that my Dave can work correctly with my Opto-DXed M-Scaler.

Both are about an update relating to a different screen being used (screen replaced and therefore relevant firmware required).

I was thinking of updates that fixed issues, brought improvements, etc, rather than firmware updates simply due to a different screen.

 

[thePhones]

The only bug that is still there is crossfeed not deactivating when unplugging headphones. I also have seen a Dave getting instant lock to Dbnc while mine takes a few seconds, don’t know if there was a change regarding this.

 

[Reactcore]

The only bug that is still there is crossfeed not deactivating when unplugging headphones. I also have seen a Dave getting instant lock to Dbnc while mine takes a few seconds, don’t know if there was a change regarding this.

I had some Daves here of different manufacturing dates.

Newer ones indeed behave different (better, faster) to DBNC lock. my older one takes 2 secs to go from mono to dual data when skipping to the input with Mscaler and is more critical to audiostream bit loss.

Newer ones also have a PCB components change.

 

[GuiltyRocker]

I had some Daves here of different manufacturing dates.

Newer ones indeed behave different (better, faster) to DBNC lock. my older one takes 2 secs to go from mono to dual data when skipping to the input with Mscaler and is more critical to audiostream bit loss.

Newer ones also have a PCB components change.

@Rob Watts what is the reason for this Rob? Did you provide updated code to Chord for the newer DAVEs?

 

[iDesign]

Would be nice to see Chord explore firmware updates for its DACs and M Scalers should Rob Watts identify improvements or new features. Given the global economy and interest rates, I‘m sure most DAVE owners would be more likely to pay a modest amount for a compelling firmware upgrade than spend thousands on new hardware. The DAVE platform still has plenty of life in it and room for new ideas. Firmware updates are a win-win for both Chord and retaining customers.

 

[jlbrach]

sadly it is not set up to do it over the internet,sending the dave in and waiting for the process and return is a huge hassle

 

[Ciggavelli]

sadly it is not set up to do it over the internet,sending the dave in and waiting for the process and return is a huge hassle

100% agree. Chord's attitude toward user upgradeable firmware is a big downside for the brand. In this day in age, it's kinda inconceivable that they won't allow for this. Hopefully it will change with future dacs, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[iDesign]

100% agree. Chord's attitude toward user upgradeable firmware is a big downside for the brand. In this day and age, it's kinda inconceivable that they won't allow for this. Hopefully it will change with future dacs, but I'm not holding my breath.

I agree. Though companies like Schiit have created a good process shipping and returning products for upgrades— in fact the process to upgrade my Yggdrasil was swift and seamless. And Chord has an advantage because their DACs and M Scalers are very small and light. I can’t think of a reason Chord wouldn’t do this in this day and age.