Rossymusic4
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2013
- Posts
- 19
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- 11
@bigfatpaulie
, based on your sig, I noticed that you are now a proud owner of the Chord DAVE.
How would you compare its internal headphone amplifier to the Stratus when paired with the HD800?
Well, I just took delivery of the DAVE on the 28th so I guess it is still in its break in phase. Apparently the DAVE is slow to hit its stride (many say 300+ hours). I haven't done much critical listening with it yet but from what I've heard thus far the DAVE deserves the hype. This is an absolutely incredible piece of gear. It is the ONLY solid state system I've heard that I can plug my HD800's (unmodded) into and actually enjoy them - a lot. A lot, a lot.
The DAC section is leagues ahead of anything I've heard (MSB Analog, Lampizator, Bricasti M1, and a few others) so comparing the Stratus with any of those DAC's vs the DAVE is moot. I have always had a bit of a DAC issue - I've changed DAC's more than any other component in my system - the show never quite fit. The Bricasti was very, very close. Near perfect infact. But the DAVE...
The real question will be what does the Stratus sound like with the DAVE behind it vs the DAVE straight out. I don't have an answer for that... yet. I want to get to know the DAVE better (and let it burn in) then add the Stratus to the mix. I also have a Stellaris on order so that will be interesting to see as well.
What I can say right now, for sure, is that the DAVE straight out leaves nothing to be desired. It's smooth, fast, detailed (like, you have no idea what "detail" means until you hear this), it's extremely natural sounding. And the sound stage... Oh my gosh the sound stage. I'm gushing, and maybe it's new toy syndrome, but this has been an honest eye opener for me. The last time I felt this way about a piece of gear was the Stratus. I hated the HD800's until the Stratus came along.
If these characteristics can be preserved through the Stratus only adding that tube lushness or light bloom that can, we are in very, very good shape.
Gulp...sigh. I don't know what I found more unsettling, your early review of the Dave or the mere mention of the Stellaris. Hey congratulations !