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Chord Dave

It won't be for everyone. I'm not saying it's the best. I've owned several DACs and after owning the Dave for a couple of weeks all I can say is WOW! This is the closest to hearing a night and day difference between components that I've experienced. The Dave differentiates between recording venues better than anything I've owned. Detail, soundstage, air, vocals, attack and dynamics are truly outstanding. I'm saying all of this and I'm using the standard power cord. If you're looking for a new DAC, give the Dave a listen.  
ricred1
musicfx
44 posts
 
I just sold my Chord Dave, I do miss it, I can not listen to music more than a few minutes without being bored with the DAC I currently have till I get a new one. The Dave worked great in my system (Wilson Audio Sasha’s and T +A amp, High Fidelity Reveal cables, Aurender MS). With the Chord Dave, I could listen for hours. Miss the big soundstage and the eerie vocals and the lifelike clarity of the Chord Dave. Would definitely buy it again. 
skanda
40 posts
 
the dave is a killer dac. there is just so much resolution AND soul to the sound. i have the baby brother, the chord qbd76 hdsd...it's no slouch.

have you tried the pre in the chord? is it any good?
ricred1 OP
1,412 posts
 
skanda,
I've tried the Dave direct and prefer the Dave with a preamp. In my system it's not close, but every system is different.
dguitarnut
90 posts
 
Yeah....much better with preamp. IMHO the best dac I have heard or owned.
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
Ricred, did you give the volume control stage sufficient time to break in like 50 plus hours or just perform a quick AB comparison?  I would expect the Dave to sound very competitive direct.
I would love to hear the Dave as I,m still in love with my original Hugo.
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