CHORD ELECTRONICS DAVE

[Drewligarchy]

The upgraded SJ definitely gives more authority and bass to things like the 1266 TCs or Sus. It really changes things. I highly recommend a PSU upgrade. The SJ is what I did, but perhaps other options will work as well. The SJ is huge, so you gotta factor that in. However, stock DAVE cannot drive the TCs or Sus well. The upgraded PSU allow for proper amplification of the TCs and Sus. You could upgrade your PSU and be happy with the DAVE output. Without the upgraded PSU, you will be disappointed

Has anyone compared the SJ mod to the Farad Mod? I’m guessing the SJ mod is better (much like there is improvement with the dc-3, dc-4 and then arc 6), but I imagine we’re far into diminishing returns at some point. Where is the sweet spot?

 

[naynay]

Has anyone compared the SJ mod to the Farad Mod? I’m guessing the SJ mod is better (much like there is improvement with the dc-3, dc-4 and then arc 6), but I imagine we’re far into diminishing returns at some point. Where is the sweet spot?

The Super 10 Farad is more of a comparison to SJ not sure if this has been done.

 

[Drewligarchy]

The Super 10 Farad is more of a comparison to SJ not sure if this has been done.

Trying to catch up on the threat from reactcore and trying to understand:

The biggest jump in sound quality occurs from constant voltage to the amp section which can be achieved through soldering capacitors or one of the external power supply options.

The best value is the caps, but if you are not handy - the Farad 3 box solution will yield the same improvement.

You can go farther with bigger SJ or Farad solutions but the biggest jump comes from this.

Is the above generally correct? If so - is buy the farad3 supply just so I don’t have to solder.

 

[Reactcore]

Trying to catch up on the threat from reactcore and trying to understand:

The biggest jump in sound quality occurs from constant voltage to the amp section which can be achieved through soldering capacitors or one of the external power supply options.

The best value is the caps, but if you are not handy - the Farad 3 box solution will yield the same improvement.

You can go farther with bigger SJ or Farad solutions but the biggest jump comes from this.

Is the above generally correct? If so - is buy the farad3 supply just so I don’t have to solder.

Thats indeed what i found. The caps make the stabillity of the voltage. Stock PSU, and Dave's amp are not equipped with good enough (low ESR) cap buffer.

Using an external better capped PSU like Farad/SJ helps alot. But to yield best results and lowest ESR possible (to allow for solid voltage) imho you have to also bypass Dave's internal plug contacts, PCB tracks and OP stage regulators.

 

[harris4crna]

FYSA, there is a SJ for sale on US Audiomart. Beyond my price at 8k, but someone may be interested.

 

[harris4crna]

Trying to catch up on the threat from reactcore and trying to understand:

The biggest jump in sound quality occurs from constant voltage to the amp section which can be achieved through soldering capacitors or one of the external power supply options.

The best value is the caps, but if you are not handy - the Farad 3 box solution will yield the same improvement.

You can go farther with bigger SJ or Farad solutions but the biggest jump comes from this.

Is the above generally correct? If so - is buy the farad3 supply just so I don’t have to solder.

New to this. With the Farad 3 solution do you need to buy 3 separate boxes? I see this method in a few threads I'm reading.

 

[SteveHulk]

New to this. With the Farad 3 solution do you need to buy 3 separate boxes? I see this method in a few threads I'm reading.

Yes, three separate boxes plus a small board that must be installed in the Dave in place of the stock power supply.

Farad sells as a bundle everything necessary to power the Dave.

 

[nwavesailor]

The SJ is one box........yes, a very large and heavy (and $$$) box, but only one!

 

[pichler]

One thing that I find almost incredible (and a little strange) is that there is no comparative evidence between SJ and Farad, they have been on the market for some time now. Or at least if there is I let it slip away. I am very satisfied with SJ, it has dramatically changed Dave's performance for the better.

 

[harris4crna]

One thing that I find almost incredible (and a little strange) is that there is no comparative evidence between SJ and Farad, they have been on the market for some time now. Or at least if there is I let it slip away. I am very satisfied with SJ, it has dramatically changed Dave's performance for the better.

SJ sounds inviting, but it will need to be sub 5k for me.to consider. I cannot justify paying more than I paid for the Dave. Isn't there a more reasonable price for a box to power to the Dave?

 

[pichler]

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.

 

[paulrbarnard]

SJ sounds inviting, but it will need to be sub 5k for me.to consider. I cannot justify paying more than I paid for the Dave. Isn't there a more reasonable price for a box to power to the Dave?

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/supercharging-chord-daves-internal-amplifier.966040/

Is a viable alternative. It’s on my list of upgrades to do

 

[Drewligarchy]

SJ sounds inviting, but it will need to be sub 5k for me.to consider. I cannot justify paying more than I paid for the Dave. Isn't there a more reasonable price for a box to power to the Dave?

Yes, the Farad solution

 

[harris4crna]

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.

Why were you on the crossroads? Were you not happy with MDave proper? Is there a future for FPGA DACs? Is the Dave's brain excellent, but it's body flawed?

 

[559938]

Yes, there’s a future for FPGA DACs. Why wouldn’t there be? Can you name any DAC in any of the Chord lineup’s price brackets that are clearly “better”?