CHORD DAVE DACREVIEW. Still the reigning champion under £10,000?

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This infamous DAC from Chord needs very little Introduction, does it live up to the hype?
www.mimic-cables.com/collecti...
0:00 Chapters:
0:48 Hardware tour
6:02 Software and specs
10:59 Testing parameters
13:07 Let me paint you a picture
17:40 FR breakdown
23:25 On the desk
25:52 Internal amp
28:08 Caveats
30:59 Scores
Early reviews and the link to the audio lounge private telegram chat can be found here:
/ convincemeaudio
Mimic Cables
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Audeze LCD-5 - www.mimic-cables.com/products...
Anything else - www.mimic-cables.com
Custom Viking weave cables can be found here:
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Check out Zeospantera here:
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_______________________________________________________
The CMA Podcast:
You can access this podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and here!
open.spotify.com/show/2uAjuiw...
S O C I A L S :
Twitter @ConvinceMeAudio
Instagram / cmqscrmnvn2
Discord: / discord
Business enquiries
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Edited by
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M U S I C
Music by Andre Louis
www.andrelouis.com/shorts/

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Опубликовано:

16 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 86

@Nephilim-81 Год назад

I’m the guy who made himself a coffee and watched this. I’m definitely not the buyer. Lol. Thank you, Koji. Well done as per usual.

@rickfriedel08 Год назад

Solid review and think you captured what led me to purchase the Dave well.

@dasninjastix Год назад

Very informative, comprehensive review. Glad you spotlighted the remote, just can't happen for the cost of the device, totally unacceptable packaging. Appreciate the content as always!

@jamiermathlin Год назад

When I purchased my Qutest, I was blown away by the separation and sound stage, I released that I had been totally misguided with my previous DSD purchases, so it is easy to understand where the DAVE might take you, great video, thanks.

@N02tradamus Год назад

I’m here to give a like. Got to watch this tonight.

@joindivision1090 Год назад

Great review, really entertaining and informative. I doubt I'll ever own this DAC but still enjoyed the whole video. You might be interested in Lachlan's recent Dave review where he got to interview Rob Watts. Rob said they're probably not going to do another Dave sadly, but he did say they're working on a cost-no-object DAC to supersede it!

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Thank you, it’s very much appreciated, and welcome to the fam 🐅 I am aware of his review, we chat occasionally, and hopefully when time allows for both of us, he will appear on the CMA Podcast It is what I have heard too, which makes it a little sad, but I must admit I am genuinely curious about what they will pull out Horrible feeling it’s gonna be 20-25K though

@joindivision1090 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio it will probably look like a steampunk toasted sandwich maker.

@railwaystationmaster 6 месяцев назад

Really love your no nonsense approach to describing the DAVE , and calling out the massive oversight that is that tacky cheap nasty plastic remote . I asked CHORD about something more premium and was told it is in the works , fingers crossed , meantime I'm guessing the MAY remote is not compatible with DAVE , can you confirm this ,best wishes .

@ConvinceMeAudio 6 месяцев назад

It’s inexcusable, and it’s definitely not compatible with may remote Very glad to hear something special is in the works, AIC,10 Remote, LAMPI, remote, 23R remote, waivedream remote have been stuning Holiday greetings. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. 🐅

@koblongata 3 месяца назад

Great way to review a component by painting a picture, I totally get it, and am tempted.

@ConvinceMeAudio 3 месяца назад

Still one of the most compact true flagships out there, keep an eye on the channel today is gonna be some interesting photos thrown your guises way, also look on the used market. You can grab one for about 5K.

@Justin-fy7xk Месяц назад

Check out audioscience review before you take the plunge. I did and now am in two minds

@dean2822 Год назад

3 years ago I looked at getting the chord TT2. Then borrowed the Dave as well to try. So ended up with the Dave😃 and 4k on a credit card. It was worth the debt for a few years and definitely the right choice. However I borrowed more money when I added the m scaler about a week later. More debt. But it’s all paid up now. And the Dave is now cost 10k, and I paid £8500. 👍. Personally since having the m scaler I prefer the sound with it. I just have the m scaler on white to get the max resolution. Using the focal utopia is stunning when you get a high res track at 24 bit 96 kHz you really are getting the best possible sound from the Dave/ m scaler combo. The only thing I have not upgraded yet are the BNC/ to BNc cables from the Dave to the m scaler. Using the stock one. So this should be a even better improvement when I have tested some different types. Any ideas? Was looking at the wave high fidelity bnc.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

I was absolutely enamoured with the TT2 and M scaler and was ready to buy to be honest with you As soon as I heard the Dave with the M scaler a lot of things just went out of my head LOL

@dean2822 Год назад

Hi Nick I wish I was rich. Just work 6 days a week 12 hrs a day. To pay for things like this. It took me 3 years to pay all of this off.

@N02tradamus Год назад

Heard good things of the Wave BNC. Seems like Mscaler brings in a lot of RF noise. Will help with the digital sharpness in the treble. You can also get a battery pack for the Mscaler. Much cheaper but a little more hassle.

@JezJerzy22 11 месяцев назад

Is DAVE much better than TT2 in normal 16bit audio/CDs?

@Joenerk 5 месяцев назад

Registering my scepticism about high-end DACs. I don't get why having a sound characteristic is a good thing at all. Neutral and powerful electronics are now commodities. Speakers are the only place to spend real money. And you can shape their sound endlessly with DSP if you are chasing some "feels".

@xxxrangeridxxx Год назад

Nice review Koji, is that 5 part dac review you mentioned still happening?

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Most definitely, at the moment the review desk is so full aperio it’s taking up a lot of time as well

@brothatwasepic 10 месяцев назад

5:35 and 31:36 that was hilarious ❤. Some use swords but us audio enthusiasts use Holo May Remotes ❤❤

@maartenrib9953 Год назад

Try the farad powersupply for the dave and you will be stunned how bass increases and texture and seperation and musicality will be mind blowing. You cannot compare it to the stock unit anymore it will sing and you will be emotional drawn into the music like never before.

@TheRacingSlick Год назад

Another great review, thanks so much! Although I will stick to the May KTE 😬

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

I don’t blame you, but my fricking God I want a Dave it’s one of them things that really can live nicely alongside a may but that would be insanity

@N02tradamus Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio Go for insanity :). Enjoy.

@nickwavehighfidelity7651 Год назад

I used to have a Bricasti M1 SE before I got the Dave (a few years ago now) but the revelation in sound when I bought the Dave was astounding. ConvinceMeAudio if I had known you were trying a Dave and Mscaler I could have loaned you a pair of my WAVE Storm dual bnc cables. (Indeed I still can if you still have the Dave).

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@nickwavehighfidelity7651 The Dave is absolutely incredible, I used the stream set of cables that were sent via a viewer JEZ for the deep analysis Thank you for the offer I appreciate it, I think I will probably end up with a Dave and replace the May, at that point in time I will look at the BNC cables again

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@nickwavehighfidelity7651 if you would like me to test these cables with other DAC and not just the Dave feel free to send them in for a review mate, I believe we have been in correspondence by email as well awhile back

@oysteinsoreide4323 Год назад

There are lots of single ended equipment with XLR out. And it is a benefit as all the noise picked up along the cable will be nulled out in the other end. Even if the device itself is not balanced.

@Berkanann Год назад

Your enthusiasm is unparallel. The way you speak about audio reminds me to how preachers speak. :) I listened to the Dave a few times and own a TT2 and I share your opinion on the Dave.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Thank you for the kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed the content It’s genuinely special, and quite unique sounding

@latle111 Год назад

Fantastic video Koji, supporting you all the way. On a different note, when the Dave measures poorly and the topping d90se measures great, one has to assume one of two things. Either people are measuring the wrong things or our ears prefer the worse measurements.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Thank you so much mate it’s very much appreciated,

@f.evangelista Год назад

Are you reviewing the IFI PRO IDSD Signature? Saw it back there😊

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Already reviewed, under the editing knife at the moment 🐅

@f.evangelista Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio top👌

@Rockapotamus91 Год назад

The transients are so quick, impeccable separation and layering you really need a warm headphone/ speaker to fully appreciate the transparency in my opinion or it may just sound cold and fatiguing.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Sounds absolutely sublime with bliss Looking into buying one now, actually exactly at this moment. LOL

@Rockapotamus91 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio i wish I could afford one because chord sounds like a really good vinyl rig, vivid and effortless.

@darrensyzling4395 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio I'm still looking forward to your comparison review of Dave/m-scaler vs May/HQ Player, oh and also the Bliss - considering Dave/Bliss or May/Bliss for an office setup

@allan5692 Год назад

Does the Chord Dave as powerful as the Schiit Ragnarok?

@peeper879 Год назад

Great review. One point : the Chord website says the xlr outputs are balanced.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Yes, but internally they’re actually wired single-ended, chord does not do Balanced

@peeper879 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks for the clarification - I was surprised that you appeared to be ' mistaken '. I think Chord are being disingenuous.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@peeper879 it’s just there for convenience sake, the same way the TT2 implements the same connections. But in regards to sound quality there is nothing to worry about it’s been implemented in such a way it renders it unnecessary Rob watts does not like Balanced It’s not quite clear on the website, but maybe they’re trying not to confuse people, but to be fair the people who are reaching out for these units no things inside out LOL most of the time

@Petrakeas Год назад

Since it's mentioned throughout this video, is a May review coming up?

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Oh definitely, it’s in the works

@Petrakeas Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio just saw your other videos and I figured it's coming up! Great work. 👏 I'm between spring3 and may, so I'm looking forward to the comparison.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@Petrakeas bliss, will be here next week too 😎

@miguelonlon69 Год назад

One question. I have never heard a Chord Dave. But i hear great things about it. Right now I can buy a new open box Dave for $11,200 but no chance of returning it. Or i can buy a brand new one for $12,500 but i can return it if i dont like it. What should i do? Please advise need it. Thanks

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

I would look for used one and demo one first most certainly before buying it. Please don’t buy $12,000 items without testing first for that reason I would go for the brand-new one just knowing I can return it

@miguelonlon69 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio thanks for the advice it makes sense. Problem is that is hard to find a place to test it well. And to buy a used one from an unknown is scary if you have to pay $8-9000. Thanks for the advice. I enjoy ur videos very much

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@miguelonlon69 for my opinion, for what it’s worth, it’s absolutely incredible, still one of my favourite DAC I know what you mean, auditioning is rather difficult, but I advise not to rush, this unit has been on the market for like seven years we’re not going anywhere do some research beyond reviews see if you can get a demo, but being able to send that one back is also fantastic And thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated, welcome to the fam

@miguelonlon69 Год назад

I will pull the trigger. I have a month to try it out if I dont like it it will cost me $600. But after watching your review im hopeful i would love it. You are visually impaired so most likely u have super hearing so i trust your opinion. An idea, i wish you could show us how to critically listen a song, with regards of hi-fi quality. What to look for in a song. Whats the best song to hear instrument separation, etc, etc. whats the best song to appreciate hi-fi. Again enjoy your channel and respect ur opinion very much.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

@@miguelonlon69 thank you, it’s very much appreciated But bear in mind, it is a very expensive product, and the fact that you have time to listen to it and send it back it’s great Because when it comes to music, is it extremely subjective what we prefer , especially when we’re at the end of the high end of the spectrum of audio equipment for headphones Yes, I have been thinking about doing a video like this, as part of the behind-the-scenes of CMA

@kurt120032002 8 месяцев назад

Can I ask what does he mean by not liking the optical sound? I had the option to test the USB sound, and I do not mean USB connection, but USB standard. On Pi2AES that has crazy little jitter, powered with an Initio 3 PSU (for those who have, know how good are the Jcat PSUs), and with the same exact files on the SD card and on an USB- SSD,, using a Qtest via optical with real glass hi quality cable, I was able to find out that USB standard itself degrades the signal. Everything was exactly the same, the only difference was USB storage vs on board SD card storage. So USB bad out of the gate, then Optical, BNC an RCA all have the same standard really, with optical completely eliminating any chance of electrical interference, so I have to ask, what is the "Optical signal" that is so bad and what is better? Sure i2S may be better on a good implementation but Dave doesn't have it, so what's the deal here?

@ConvinceMeAudio 8 месяцев назад

From what I understand from the engineering side of things It’s jitter that becomes the problem, because of the clocks at both end of the signal sending and the signal being received I had a very good article. I’ll try and link it if I can find it again, but of all the optical devices I have tested. It never sounds the same as USB to my ears. Strange, Tambo, weird Plastiki sound don’t like it apart from that. I really don’t know what else to tell you, but I think it comes down to the clocks at both ends of the devices This is far more prominent with lower end equipment, You are admitting electrical noise which is a wonderful thing but the Jetta does become a significant issue I believe

@carminedesanto6746 Год назад

I just got a raised eyebrow from my wife upon seeing the bill for the Moondrop Variations IEM’s…..😳

@N02tradamus Год назад

Got to have your own credit or checking account.

@martinsoo6332 Год назад

Naim Uniti Atom HE please, bro.

@nagodio Год назад

More IEM plz! Paint me a picture of… Traillii X Annihilator Jewel

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

Seriously, get ready, I think there is like literally 18 IEMs in the works LOL

@JTB-- Год назад

When you buy a Chord Dave you get many Taps... and you will also be playing Taps for your Wallet and Bank Account

@Nephilim-81 Год назад

Oh JTB. Just sell your Susvara and get it. Lol.

@JTB-- Год назад

@@Nephilim-81 Probably need to sell the Susvara and your car to afford the Chord Dave

@Nephilim-81 Год назад

@@JTB-- I take the train. You are on your own. Lol.

@yusif.heybatov Год назад

Does it make sense buy it for such crazy price? I mean what is the use of this unit if you have a good, compact dac or amp for 500 to 1k price.

@ConvinceMeAudio Год назад

That is the equivalent of saying I’ve got a Volkswagen what is the point of a Ferrari

@johnratcliffe6438 Год назад

@@ConvinceMeAudio Your analogy doesn't work. For a start, the Dave measures like crap - look at the ASR review. Secondly, the World has moved on since DAVE. Any number of DACs destroy DAVE for less money.

@mikeg2491 Год назад

I used to think that way till I got a Qutest and my eyeballs shot open hearing it, I thought DACs had reached a summit at $500 already. So much so I said YOLO and just ordered the Dave today. That said it only makes sense if you have the disposable income, imo I could have lived with the Qutest the rest of my life but I want to experience the best of the best so I can die happy!

@latle111 Год назад

1 dollar 99 cents remote LOL

@N02tradamus Год назад

Thanks just finished watching. Very good. Few things I hear differently. Regarding M-Scaler I was unable to hear a major difference. I was getting maybe 5% performance increase. Soundstage, more detailed bass, longer reverb tails etc. Regarding FR, I found the Dave to have a more forward midrange compared to the TT2 which sounded flat in comparison. *I hope you get to listen to one of the LPS for the Dave. Either Sean Jacobs or Farad3. I have Farad3 and it basically made it into a Dave 2.0. The performance delta is huge. 30-50% increase. Much darker background, increased resolution, etc. As always your reviews are the best and wish you the best. Production is great as well.

@latle111 Год назад

Please like comment subscribe and comment again lolol

@Airvaster Год назад

Some of the chord products always looked like a joke to me, but this looks much more mature.

@N02tradamus Год назад

I actually prefer the TT2 in appearance. Dave and the square LCD display doesn’t look that nice to me

@mikeg2491 Год назад

Personally I’ll take wacky over boring flat boxes like the Denafrips. I want it to sit on my countertop and grab someone’s attention walking in.

@mounirehab Год назад

I don't respect the company who gives me a cheap remote control for such an expensive product ...

@jabezhane Год назад

It matches the cheap parts inside it.

@jabezhane Год назад

You forgot to use the term "sonic catherdral of sound".

@haberdasherrykr8886 Год назад

FPGAs are almost always superior compared to commonly available things

@Rockapotamus91 Год назад

The DAC itself isn’t the FPGA that’s used for the upsampling algorithm and then it’s converted by discrete components via Rob watts pulse array architecture.