{"product_id":"chord-electronics-dave-reference-dac","title":"Chord Electronics DAVE Reference DAC","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDAVE — 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/6139\/9068\/files\/Dave-6_2048x2048_bd597029-e149-4d1f-a6e1-a73e49e32e3e.jpg?v=1788154185\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdvanced FPGA Digital Architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the heart of DAVE is a powerful Spartan 6 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) running Chord Electronics’ proprietary digital processing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is an exceptionally transparent presentation that preserves both fine detail and the natural musical character of the performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference DAC \u0026amp; Digital Preamplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDAVE is designed to function as much more than a standalone DAC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs provide flexibility for integration with a wide range of high-end amplifiers and audio systems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference-Level Headphone Amplification\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDAVE also incorporates a dedicated reference-level headphone amplifier capable of driving headphones with impedances up to 800 ohms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfigurable crossfeed is also available, allowing headphone listeners to adjust the presentation for a more speaker-like spatial experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-Resolution Digital Playback\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDAVE supports an extensive range of high-resolution digital audio formats and sources.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSB playback supports PCM resolutions up to 768 kHz \/ 32-bit, along with Native DSD and DoP support up to DSD512.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMultiple digital inputs allow DAVE to integrate with premium music streamers, servers, computers, CD transports, and other digital sources.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDigital Inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4 × 75Ω S\/PDIF BNC coaxial — up to 384 kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × AES\/XLR — up to 96 kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2 × optical TOSLINK — up to 96 kHz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × USB Type-B — up to 768 kHz \/ 32-bit PCM and DSD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGalvanically isolated USB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnalog Outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × stereo pair balanced XLR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × stereo pair unbalanced RCA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 × ¼-inch TRS headphone output\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision Choral-Series Design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDAVE is part of Chord Electronics’ Choral range and is housed within the company’s distinctive precision-machined solid-aluminum chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe result is a component whose industrial design reflects the sophistication of the digital engineering inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChord Electronics flagship reference DAC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntegrated digital preamplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference-level headphone amplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProprietary FPGA digital architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e164,000-tap digital filter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePCM playback up to 768 kHz \/ 32-bit via USB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative DSD and DoP support up to DSD512\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLossless digital volume control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupports headphones up to 800Ω\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfigurable headphone crossfeed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGalvanically isolated USB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecision-machined solid-aluminum chassis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge porthole-style LC display\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemote control included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":54486280732956,"sku":null,"price":14900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":54486280765724,"sku":null,"price":14900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/6139\/9068\/files\/Untitleddesign-2026-08-31T110651.580.png?v=1788154643","url":"https:\/\/rockonav.com\/products\/chord-electronics-dave-reference-dac","provider":"RockOnAV","version":"1.0","type":"link"}