Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC

The Chord Electronics DAVE is Chord Electronics’ flagship digital-to-analog converter, combining a reference-level DAC, digital preamplifier, and high-performance headphone amplifier in one precision-engineered component. DAVE — Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis — represents more than two decades of Chord Electronics’ research and development in digital audio. Instead of relying on a conventional mass-produced DAC chip, DAVE uses Chord’s proprietary FPGA-based architecture to deliver exceptional timing accuracy, transparency, resolution, and musical realism. Designed for uncompromising two-channel and headphone systems, DAVE can serve as the digital heart of a reference audio setup, connecting directly to a power amplifier or driving high-performance headphones from its dedicated headphone output. Advanced FPGA Digital Architecture At the heart of DAVE is a powerful Spartan 6 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) running Chord Electronics’ proprietary digital processing. Its advanced 164,000-tap filter is engineered to address the complex timing challenges inherent in digital audio reproduction. By reconstructing the original waveform with exceptional precision, DAVE reveals subtle spatial information, transient detail, tonal texture, and dynamic contrasts within a recording. The result is an exceptionally transparent presentation that preserves both fine detail and the natural musical character of the performance. Reference DAC & Digital Preamplifier DAVE is designed to function as much more than a standalone DAC. Its integrated lossless digital volume control allows DAVE to operate as a high-performance digital preamplifier and connect directly to a compatible power amplifier, creating a remarkably simple signal path for a reference digital system. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs provide flexibility for integration with a wide range of high-end amplifiers and audio systems. Reference-Level Headphone Amplification DAVE also incorporates a dedicated reference-level headphone amplifier capable of driving headphones with impedances up to 800 ohms. With an exceptionally low 0.055-ohm output impedance, DAVE is engineered to maintain precise control over connected headphones while delivering outstanding clarity, dynamics, and low distortion. Configurable crossfeed is also available, allowing headphone listeners to adjust the presentation for a more speaker-like spatial experience. High-Resolution Digital Playback DAVE supports an extensive range of high-resolution digital audio formats and sources. USB playback supports PCM resolutions up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, along with Native DSD and DoP support up to DSD512. Multiple digital inputs allow DAVE to integrate with premium music streamers, servers, computers, CD transports, and other digital sources. Digital Inputs 4 × 75Ω S/PDIF BNC coaxial — up to 384 kHz 1 × AES/XLR — up to 96 kHz 2 × optical TOSLINK — up to 96 kHz 1 × USB Type-B — up to 768 kHz / 32-bit PCM and DSD Galvanically isolated USB Analog Outputs 1 × stereo pair balanced XLR 1 × stereo pair unbalanced RCA 1 × ¼-inch TRS headphone output Precision Choral-Series Design DAVE is part of Chord Electronics’ Choral range and is housed within the company’s distinctive precision-machined solid-aluminum chassis. A large porthole-style LC display provides clear information for input selection, sample frequency, volume, and setup functions. Chord’s signature illuminated controls, stainless-steel rotary controller, and supplied remote provide intuitive control from either the component itself or the listening position. The result is a component whose industrial design reflects the sophistication of the digital engineering inside. Key Features Chord Electronics flagship reference DAC Integrated digital preamplifier Reference-level headphone amplifier Proprietary FPGA digital architecture 164,000-tap digital filter PCM playback up to 768 kHz / 32-bit via USB Native DSD and DoP support up to DSD512 Lossless digital volume control Supports headphones up to 800Ω Configurable headphone crossfeed Galvanically isolated USB Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs Precision-machined solid-aluminum chassis Large porthole-style LC display Remote control included