Audio T Verdict
DAVE sits at the top of Chord Electronics' DAC range and is far more than a digital-to-analogue converter. It combines the company's most advanced standalone FPGA DAC with a reference headphone amplifier and lossless digital preamplifier, allowing it to connect directly to a suitable power amplifier if required.
At its heart is Chord Electronics' custom-programmed FPGA and a 164,000-tap WTA filter. Rather than using an off-the-shelf DAC chip, virtually the entire digital conversion process is governed by code developed specifically for DAVE.
Connectivity is comprehensive too, with USB, four BNC coaxial inputs, AES and twin optical inputs alongside balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs. Add a Hugo M Scaler through the dual-BNC connection and DAVE can accept an upscaled signal at up to 768kHz.
This is very much a product to demonstrate in a suitably revealing system. At this level, we'd want to hear DAVE with your amplification, headphones or loudspeakers before making any decisions.
Chord Electronics DAVE
DAVE stands for Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis and remains Chord Electronics' flagship reference DAC.
It combines three core functions in one chassis:
- Reference-level FPGA digital-to-analogue converter
- Lossless digital preamplifier
- High-performance headphone amplifier
DAVE sits within the Choral range and is available from Audio T in Black or Silver.
Custom FPGA Digital Conversion
Rather than using a conventional mass-produced DAC chip, DAVE employs a powerful Field Programmable Gate Array programmed specifically for Chord Electronics' digital architecture.
The FPGA runs more than a million lines of code and allows Chord Electronics to implement its own filtering, noise shaping, timing and digital volume-control algorithms rather than relying on the processing supplied by a third-party DAC manufacturer.
164,000-Tap WTA Filter
DAVE employs a:
164,000-tap digital filter.
This is based around Chord Electronics' WTA, or Watts Transient Aligned, filtering technology and is designed around the company's approach to reconstructing the timing information contained within digital recordings.
PCM to 768kHz and DSD512
DAVE supports high-resolution digital audio up to:
- PCM: 768kHz, 16 to 32-bit
- DSD: DSD64 to DSD512
- DSD playback: Native DSD and DoP, input dependent
The maximum supported rate depends on the digital input being used.
Digital Inputs
USB Type-B
Supports PCM from 44.1kHz to 768kHz at 16 to 32-bit, together with compatible DSD playback.
4 x BNC Coaxial
Four 75-ohm S/PDIF BNC inputs supporting conventional single-data PCM up to 384kHz.
AES XLR
One professional AES digital input supporting sample rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz.
2 x Optical
Two TOSLINK optical inputs supporting sample rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz.
Dual-BNC and 768kHz
DAVE's BNC inputs can also operate in Chord Electronics' dual-data mode.
When partnered with Hugo M Scaler, two BNC connections are used together to carry the full 705.6kHz or 768kHz upscaled signal into DAVE.
Galvanically Isolated USB
The USB input is galvanically isolated, helping separate the DAC electrically from a connected computer or compatible digital source.
Mac OS, Linux and compatible mobile systems can be used without Chord-specific USB drivers, while current Windows systems use Chord Electronics' downloadable driver package for high-resolution playback.
Add Hugo M Scaler
DAVE can be partnered with the Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler for substantially more advanced digital upscaling.
Hugo M Scaler employs a 1,015,808-tap WTA filter and can upscale 44.1kHz material to 705.6kHz, or compatible 48/96kHz-family material up to 768kHz. Its dual-BNC output connects directly to DAVE's dual-data BNC input.
View Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler at Audio T.
DAC and Preamplifier in One
DAVE incorporates Chord Electronics' lossless digital volume control and can be used as a standalone preamplifier.
This means its analogue outputs can connect directly to a suitable stereo or mono power amplifier without requiring a separate conventional preamp.
For systems requiring analogue source switching or a more extensive analogue preamplifier, DAVE can instead be run into a dedicated preamp.
Balanced XLR and RCA Outputs
DAVE provides:
- 1 x stereo pair of balanced XLR analogue outputs
- 1 x stereo pair of unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
This provides flexibility when partnering DAVE with Chord Electronics amplification or another suitable amplifier.
Reference Headphone Amplifier
A front-panel 6.35mm headphone output allows DAVE to function as a complete reference headphone system without an additional amplifier.
Chord Electronics publishes:
- 154mW into 300 ohms at 1% THD
- 1.4W into 33 ohms at 1% THD
- 0.055-ohm output impedance
The headphone output is specified for headphones up to 800 ohms.
Configurable Crossfeed
DAVE also includes Chord Electronics' configurable headphone crossfeed system.
Crossfeed introduces a controlled amount of information between the left and right channels to more closely approximate the way both ears hear both loudspeakers during conventional stereo listening.
Reference-Level Measurements
Chord Electronics publishes a dynamic range of 127.5dB A-weighted and channel separation greater than 125dB at 1kHz.
Frequency response is rated at 20Hz to 20kHz within +/-0.1dB with the HF filter switched off.
Large LC Display and Remote Control
DAVE's distinctive circular viewing portal houses a large colour LC display showing information including:
- Selected input
- Incoming sample rate
- Volume
- Setup information
A large stainless-steel rotary controller and Chord Electronics' familiar illuminated controls provide direct operation, while an IR remote is supplied for seated listening.
Precision-Machined Aluminium Chassis
DAVE forms part of Chord Electronics' Choral range and uses the company's distinctive solid-aluminium casework.
Current dimensions, including connectors, are:
- Width: 335mm
- Depth: 152mm
- Height: 78mm
- Weight: 5kg
A matching Choral Ensemble Stand is available separately for building a complete Choral system.
DAVE and Hugo TT 2
Hugo TT 2 provides a more compact and flexible route into Chord Electronics' high-end DAC technology, with greater headphone-driving power and the ability to drive some efficient loudspeakers directly.
DAVE remains the company's reference DAC and focuses more heavily on ultimate digital conversion performance.
View Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 at Audio T.
DAVE and M Scaler at Audio T
Our Southampton team has spent considerable time demonstrating DAVE with Hugo M Scaler, including a system using Chord Electronics power amplification and KEF Reference loudspeakers.
Read: Chord Electronics Prove That High End Digital Audio Is Simply a Matter of Scale
Key Features
- Chord Electronics DAVE
- Flagship reference DAC
- Choral range
- Custom-programmed FPGA
- 164,000-tap WTA filter
- PCM up to 768kHz
- DSD64 to DSD512
- Native DSD and DoP support
- Galvanically isolated USB
- 4 x 75-ohm BNC coaxial inputs
- Dual-data BNC mode
- AES digital input
- 2 x optical digital inputs
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Standalone preamplifier function
- Lossless digital volume control
- 6.35mm headphone output
- Configurable headphone crossfeed
- Supports headphones up to 800 ohms
- 127.5dB dynamic range
- Greater than 125dB channel separation
- Large LC display
- IR remote control included
- Hugo M Scaler compatible
- Black or Silver finish
- Made in the UK
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DAVE stand for?
Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis.
Is DAVE still Chord Electronics' flagship DAC?
Yes. DAVE remains the reference-level DAC at the top of Chord Electronics' current range.
Is DAVE also a preamplifier?
Yes. Its lossless digital volume control allows the balanced XLR or RCA outputs to feed a suitable power amplifier directly.
Does DAVE have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. It has a front-panel 6.35mm headphone output with a published output impedance of 0.055 ohms.
What is DAVE's maximum PCM resolution?
Up to 768kHz, depending on the input.
Does DAVE support DSD512?
Yes. Chord Electronics currently specifies native DSD and DoP support from DSD64 to DSD512, depending on the input.
How many taps does DAVE use?
Its internal FPGA filter uses 164,000 taps.
Can DAVE be used with Hugo M Scaler?
Yes. DAVE's dual-BNC input allows Hugo M Scaler to deliver its maximum 705.6kHz or 768kHz upscaled output.
Does DAVE have balanced outputs?
Yes. One stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided alongside unbalanced RCA outputs.
Does DAVE have USB?
Yes. Its galvanically isolated USB Type-B input supports PCM up to 768kHz and compatible DSD playback.
Does DAVE have optical inputs?
Yes. Two TOSLINK optical inputs are provided.
Can I connect a CD transport by coaxial cable?
Yes. DAVE provides four 75-ohm BNC S/PDIF inputs. An RCA-to-BNC digital cable or adaptor may be required depending on the transport.
Can DAVE stream music by itself?
No. DAVE is a DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier. A separate streamer, server, computer or other digital transport is required.
Is DAVE Roon Ready?
DAVE is Roon Tested rather than a network-connected Roon Ready streamer. A compatible USB or digital source handles the network playback.
What colours are available?
Audio T currently offers Black and Silver.
What warranty does DAVE have?
DAVE carries a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- DAVE and Hugo M Scaler demonstrations
- Power amplifier matching advice
- Headphone demonstrations and matching
- Balanced XLR and RCA system guidance
- Digital source and streamer recommendations
- USB, BNC and optical connection advice
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics DAVE, compare it with Hugo TT 2 or hear the effect of adding Hugo M Scaler.