Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC
Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC
Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC
Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC
Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC

Flagship DAC, Preamp & Headphone Amplifier
Special Order
May require additional processing and shipping time. Non-cancelable and non-returnable. Full manufacturer warranty included.
Sale price$14,900
Special Order Required

This special order item may require additional processing and shipping time. It cannot be canceled or returned.

Color: Black

Description

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics DAVE?
DAVE is Chord Electronics’ flagship reference-level digital-to-analog converter. It combines a DAC, digital preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in a single high-performance component.
What does DAVE stand for?
DAVE stands for Digital to Analogue Veritas in Extremis, reflecting Chord Electronics’ goal of achieving extremely accurate and transparent digital-to-analog conversion.
Can Chord DAVE be used as a preamplifier?
Yes. DAVE incorporates a lossless digital volume control and standalone preamplifier functionality, allowing it to connect directly to a compatible power amplifier without requiring a separate preamplifier.
Does Chord DAVE have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. DAVE includes a reference-level headphone amplifier with a dedicated ¼-inch TRS headphone output. It supports headphones with impedances up to 800 ohms and features a very low 0.055-ohm output impedance.
What is the maximum PCM resolution supported by DAVE?
Through its USB Type-B input, DAVE supports PCM audio up to 768 kHz / 32-bit. Maximum resolution varies depending on the digital input being used.
Does Chord DAVE support DSD?
Yes. DAVE supports DSD64 through DSD512, including Native DSD and DoP, depending on the input and connected source.
What digital inputs does Chord DAVE have?
DAVE provides four BNC S/PDIF coaxial inputs, one AES/XLR digital input, two optical TOSLINK inputs, and one USB Type-B input, providing extensive connectivity for digital transports, streamers, music servers, and computers.
Can DAVE connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. DAVE's digital volume control and preamplifier functionality allow its balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs to connect directly to a compatible power amplifier.
Does DAVE have balanced outputs?
Yes. DAVE provides a stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs as well as a stereo pair of unbalanced RCA outputs.
Is Chord DAVE part of the Choral range?
Yes. DAVE belongs to Chord Electronics’ Choral range and shares the range's distinctive compact, precision-machined aluminum design.
What is the 164,000-tap filter in Chord DAVE?
The 164,000-tap filter is part of Chord Electronics’ proprietary FPGA-based digital processing architecture. It is designed to improve the accuracy of digital waveform reconstruction and timing, contributing to DAVE's high level of transparency, resolution, and musical detail.
Who is Chord DAVE designed for?
DAVE is designed for audiophiles and music enthusiasts building reference-level digital playback or headphone systems. Its combination of DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplification makes it particularly well suited to systems where digital performance, transparency, and system simplicity are priorities.

Specifications

FEATURES
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz Flat within ±0.1dB (HF Filter Off)
Tap Length Filter 164,000
THD + N 127.5dB (AWT)
Channel Separation >125dB @ 1kHz
Dynamic Range 127.5dB (AWT)
Sample Frequencies 44.1kHz – 768kHz (16 – 32bit) and DSD64 to DSD512 Native DSD + DoP (Input Dependant)
Digital Inputs 4x 75Ω S/PDIF BNC Coax – 44.1kHz to 384kHz
1x AES XLR – 44.1kHz to 96kHz
2x Fibre Optic TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz
1x USB Type B – 44.1kHz to 768kHz (16 – 32bit) – PCM and DSD
Analogue Outputs 1x Stereo Pair of Unbalanced RCA
1x Stereo Pair of Balanced XLR
1x ¼" TRS Jack Headphone Output
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.1dB
THD +N -127.5dB (AWT)
Channel Separation >125dB @ 1kHz
Dynamic Range 127.5dB (AWT)
Headphone Output 1% THD 6.8V RMS with 300Ω (154mW)
1% THD 6.8V RMS with 33Ω (1.4W)
Output Impedance 0.055Ω (Short Circuit Protected)
Operating Voltage 90V AC – 250V AC Auto Switching 50Hz – 60Hz
Power Consumption Full Power: 40 W
Standby: 10 W
Dimensions (Including Connectors) 7.8cm (H) x 33.5cm (W) x 15.2cm (D)
Weight 5kg
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included Accessories DAVE Quickstart Guide
Safety Instructions
10A Mains IEC Cable
IR Remote Control
Type-A USB to Type-B USB Cable
Optical Cable
2x AAA Batteries

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