Chord DAVE DAC Review - King of the hill or over the hill?
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Күн бұрынA review of @ChordElectronicsLtd flagship DAC, the DAVE including comparisons with the TT2 with and without the M-Scaler plus using the DAVE with the M-Scaler. Is the DAVE too old now or is it still cutting edge audio technology?
Read more about DAVE here: chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:09 Glamour video
00:02:32 Design & features
00:07:57 Is the DAVE old tech?
00:09:20 Rob Watts on DAVE's age
00:17:25 Headphone power output examples
00:19:19 Sound quality
00:21:59 Unconscious bias towards the DAVE
00:22:51 Quick tour of the device
00:25:52 DAVE vs TT2 only
00:28:28 DAVE vs TT2 & M-Scaler
00:31:24 DAVE with M-Scaler
00:34:12 Why DAVE is more transparent than TT2 & M-Scaler
00:43:53 The importance of depth reproduction
00:54:57 TT2 & DAVE with external amps
00:56:49 Final conclusions
01:00:38 Chord volume scale
01:04:30 ASIO vs Wasapi with Chord
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#audiophile #audioreview #DAC
@zrogon 3 ай бұрын
I have reached my peak with the Roon -> Rose RS150 -> Chord Qutest combo. I'm done. I can't tweak more out of my system. I've tried the M-Scaler, it's nothing I can describe as significant. It was just a bit "different", neither worse nor better. I don't have a house where this could unravel (or 20k+ speakers ;), so that's never gonna happen. Roon has the Muse DSP and I started playing around with the HQPlayer, subjectively I got an improvement from that, which was on par with the M-Scaler/Qutest combo. If I didn't have Roon, I'd probably jump on the M-Scaler, but as-is. I'm done until we see some major technological jump.
@PassionforSound 3 ай бұрын
That's fair enough if you're happy with what you've got now. Time to just kick back and enjoy the tunes. 🙂
@crate718 Жыл бұрын
Best video you ever made. Watched the whole video.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@Pinomatt61 Жыл бұрын
Hello. Very interesting review. I also own a TT2 and I'm testing an MScaler, but unfortunately I cannot obtain the big step in depth, space and details as you mention here. Mid/high range is affected by some harshness I can't remove. I'm using a 2GO/2YU combo as streamer, I use them mostly as Roon endpoint, and the feeling is that what is between the streamer and the router is not properly optimized yet. Could you please provide details on the streaming chain you use in your system? Thank you!!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Hi Pino, I actually just run USB straight from my PC (I have a quality JCat USB card to help improve the USB quality). Which headphones are you using for your testing?
@Pinomatt61 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Hi. I use speakers, a very old system, you may think it is a weird combination, but it works! Naim 52+Supercap and Nap 250 as amplification and Avalon Avatar speakers . Naim stuff has been recapped 2years ago. I think my problems comes from what is before the streamer, I’m not using “hifi” gear , but a standard i5 desktop as Mock (Roon Core) and a couple of media converters to isolate the network using fiber. It's interesting that a Jcat network card is enough to make a pc sound so good , which kind of pc is it ? Could you please describe its configuration? Thank you!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
The PC is nothing special, just a custom built desktop in the sense that I selected the motherboard, RAM and processor to ensure good performance for video editing etc. There's nothing about it that would optimise audio playback (other than the JCat cards - LAN and USB) Now that I know you are using speakers, that could be a part of the challenge because speakers will naturally create a sense of stage and depth regardless of source. Headphones are much more sensitive in that regard so a change in staging is probably a lot more obvious with headphones. It's also possible that your speakers aren't as resolving as a pair of flagship headphones which are generally highly revealing because they are so close to the ears.
@brothatwasepic 9 ай бұрын
I did it Lachlan. Splurged on a used Dave at about 50% of the cost! Wow just wow! I can hear the guitarists' fingers touch the strings before they strum! I also feels like the type of pinpointable imaging jump from a midrange headphone to the utopia. So amazing so far! Here is one thing that was very interesting even with my Susvara: Going from the Dave's built-in single-ended port to an external A90 actually sounded worse (even with quite expensive XLR interconnects). I am hearing no clipping at all with the susvara and the Dave's own headphone jack. It feels just way higher end than my A90. I was wondering if you have any tips on the crossfeed and HF settings (0 off to me ia super clear and the widest soundstage). HF on at the moment.
@brothatwasepic 9 ай бұрын
I wonder if my newer 3.5mm susvara is somehow easier to drive?
@PassionforSound 9 ай бұрын
I'd say it's just about the reality that Susvaras only needs crazy power levels for loud listening or high levels of EQ. I'm so glad you're enjoying the DAVE so much! As for the settings, crossfeed is a very personal thing. The Chord implementation is brilliant, but I don't tend to use it. As for the filter settings, IIRC, the first two are for non-M-Scaler use and then just a matter of preference. The second two are exactly the same, but with filtering added to remove any artefacts from upsampling like from the M-Scaler or similar.
@brothatwasepic 9 ай бұрын
Thanks so much man! You are the best!
@MrFlextor 4 ай бұрын
I use a TT first generation and I am totally satisfied till today with it´s performance. Maybe in the upcoming year(s) I will upgrade to a DAVE for sure and hope it will last as long as my TT do in keeping me happy 🙂
@PassionforSound 4 ай бұрын
That's the beauty of the Chord gear. It's a long term investment that won't be superseded in 6 months after its release. 🙂 Good luck with your future DAVE purchase!
@VaioII Жыл бұрын
Great in depth review as always ! It would be great fun if you compared it with the Mola-Mola Tamboquie 32 bit DSP DAC and made a interview with Bruno Putzeyes , and also dCS , LampiZator and AMR DP-777 SE tube DAC. 👍👍
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I'd love to get my hands on some of those. 🤞🤞
@PartyMusic775 10 ай бұрын
When you do get a hold of all of them, can you review them all on top of Mount Everest to symbolize TOTL? @@PassionforSound
@PassionforSound 10 ай бұрын
That would be interesting. Like a review and a product durability challenge all at once 😁
@thomaswipf7986 6 ай бұрын
I just sold my amrs to hollywood amps. I didnt like the mola mola or chord. Own a dcs bartok apex and about to try ayre qx5 twenty, playback designs and tidal.
@thomaswipf7986 6 ай бұрын
Amr dp777 se sounds fantastic except a resistor can fry when changing between 16 & 24bit dacs. This can be bulletproofed by amr however i grew tired of switching between dacs & relistening for which dac sounds best on which track. I want a dac that selects optimum bitrate
@dasninjastix Жыл бұрын
Would love to hear it. Would hate to have to pay for one. If someone wanted to give me one then sure, I guess I could begrudgingly abide provided they asked me really, really nicely. In all seriousness I'm sure it sounds great but I'd rather remain ignorant as to just how resolving things can get as to not invalidate my prior purchases. However I don't feel like that also enfranchises me to trash the product or Chord. Dave has been around long enough that if it sucked so sufficiently it'd of made a quiet exit from the market. Appreciate the video my guy. I done learned alil.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Well said about the life span and many happy customers, Ninja! Glad you liked the video. 🙂
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound very true, if the DAC sucked it would have been gone a long time ago. I auditioned it at home and liked it a lot, but I also like the Qutest a lot and kept it instead. Qutest with M-Scaler is my jam.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I can definitely understand not preferring the DAVE. Very glad you got to try it though.
@darrellross8609 Жыл бұрын
I like listening to the tracks you cover. lt shows were I have gone 'right' in my system. WBCables matter. Best, D.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad it's helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂🙂
@tomwalker7629 Жыл бұрын
I just saw an interview with RW where in he said a new Dave is possible by year end 2023. He said it has exponentially ( I think ) more taps and a much warmer sound. Have you heard anything about this?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I haven't. Last I heard, he was focussed on an even higher end DAC and an ADC
@MisterChibs Жыл бұрын
Awesome video and interview with RW! Totally new to Chord and just uploaded a review on the Mojo 2. Such an impressive little DAC/AMP. Would love to test out the Dave /TT2 / M scaler at some point. Could only imagine how incredible they must be since the Mojo did so well!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you get the chance to try the TT2, M-Scaler and DAVE! Mojo 2 is definitely a good introduction to the Chord sound (original Mojo not so much, but it was still great)
@MisterChibs Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound thanks Lachlan! If you have a chance, could you check out the review and let me know what you think? I’m relatively new at this but having a lot of fun. 🍻
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I really liked your approach and production quality! Great work. You come across like you've done this kind of thing before. Is that the case?
@MisterChibs Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound That means a lot because I respect what you do and honestly love your channel. Never done anything like this before. I'm a photographer by trade and I started my channel last year as a means to force myself to learn how to edit video. Got sick of saying "no" to clients when they asked. I'm still learning but what I realized is I really like this whole process and having so much fun with it. I'm honoured that you clicked on my video! Thanks for taking the time to check it out Lachlan!! 🍻
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
My pleasure. I'm like you too where my interest started in photography (not professional though) and then I discovered the joy of video production. I miss photography these days (lack of time), but the lessons learned help with the video side of things to a degree. Your video shows plenty of expertise in your framing and lighting, but if you're new to the editing then that's extra impressive!
@brothatwasepic Жыл бұрын
Can someone compare the Dave with the D90 in Simplified terms for me
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
That's a little bit tricky, but I'll try... D90 is fairly detailed sounding, produces a flat soundstage that's very left/right and can all sound a bit brittle/fake in the top end DAVE is much more resolving of tiny textures and details in the sound, produces a soundstage with a natural sense of width (L/R) and also depth so you can tell when one instrument is behind another (the D90 doesn't do this). Finally, the DAVE also produces an incredibly real sense of timbre so everything sounds as close to the real thing as I've heard so far. In car terms, the D90 is a bit like a Prius - solid use of technology and does the job. The DAVE is a bit more like a slightly older (e.g. 2010s era) Ferrari or Lamborghini where it's technically not as new as the Prius, but was already at such a high level that it still outperforms it in every way (except fuel economy in this analogy 😉)
@brothatwasepic Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound thanks so much you truly are so awesome - Karyn
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
My pleasure
@vaneast411 Жыл бұрын
great information thanks! so much to consider when looking at different converters within the context of one's system. There are so many different approaches that makes for an abundance of questions
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful and I totally agree - lots to consider!
@JCW-jx6ld Жыл бұрын
Rob Watts is a musical genius that’s why I would only consider chord dacs for bang for your buck
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I certainly find his DAC designs to so far be the best performance for the money, but I still keep looking for something even better 😁
@filipedecarvalho3390 Жыл бұрын
I see you've reviewed most Chord products by now. Are you also planning to review the Hugo 2?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
There's no immediate plans because it uses the same DAC stage as the Qutest. If there's a new one anytime soon though, I'll be sure to review that 🙂
@d_dude_is_here Жыл бұрын
When is Chord upgrading it's Qutest and Dave, i hope chord would soon launch next gen of these products very soon as they are in the market since quite long and sales of these units would also not be so great as it used to be like 3-4 years earlier. By the way great video !!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think Chord actually take the right approach to their product cycles because they tend to only release a new product when there is a significant improvement to be had in the sound quality. The Qutest is still the best DAC I've tried at its price so there's not really a need to replace it yet (although I'm excited to see what comes next too) and DAVE is the same. The regular release cycles from brands like Topping and SMSL are really a sign of a lack of substance behind the product design cycles and most of the new versions don't offer real improvements over the previous versions (even though many of the products are excellent)
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound The short product lifecycles reflect, also, that these cheaper things are being made in batches. And, several times, the product refresh has had some baked-in fixes for faults that should never have been released to the public in the first place. Rob Watts and Chord are not using their customers as beta testers and they stand by products even for the 2nd or 3rd owner for repair's and services.
@d_dude_is_here Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound this is genuinely respectable about chord bringing stable products in market which hold their value over long long time, before being succeeded by next gen product.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Exactly. To me the sign of a great product design is one that has an extended life without being surpassed by competitors.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Great point! I'm not suggesting that all of these quick turnaround products are bad - many are excellent, but it's a bit of a hit-and-miss philosophy
@kentbergstrom3020 Жыл бұрын
It looks good
@Nephilim-81 Жыл бұрын
Consider me tapped out. 🙃 The technical presentation and the cost can be overwhelming for many, but I actually really appreciate some aspects of summit HIFI. Nice to have goals as well. :)
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Totally! Good luck reaching your goals 🙂
@GodfreyMann 6 ай бұрын
This is more about the recording: 32:39 “the experience of sitting a few seats back at a concert” depends on mic placement. If close mic-ing is used, then it’ll always be too in-your-face. But with a single or minimalist mic recording you’ll get a more concert like performance.
@PassionforSound 6 ай бұрын
Different DACs and output stages will present the sound differently too, regardless of the input recording. I only used the recording and listening example to illustrate.
@user-fc1lx4zc9p 10 ай бұрын
DAVE + M-Scaler vs dCS Vivaldi Apex / Rossini Apex vs MSB Select II? And vs May KTE + M-Scaler?
@PassionforSound 10 ай бұрын
That would be a great battle. I just need access to all those DACs at once
@WebDesignandCompanyStLouis Жыл бұрын
Get the Dave and BLU MKII. Worth the money.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes, Dave with a Chord upsampling device (BLU or M-Scaler) is a lovely combo!
@datka3 Жыл бұрын
I thought Rob was recommending to use USB input , is he saying that optical sounds better?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
From memory, Rob prefers optical because it's completely isolated from noise, but if you then speak to another digital expert like Mike Moffat from Schiit, he'll say the opposite so I figure all inputs probably have their pros and cons
@Martijn1234 Жыл бұрын
I wonder what you would think of the Mola Mola Tambaqui. The Organic signature I have read regarding it might be to your taste. I'll listen to one next week - comparing it to my bartok. I'll listen to the Dave at the same time :)
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I'm keen to try one if I get the chance. Both that, and the Bartok.
@Martijn1234 Жыл бұрын
@Passion for Sound I tried out the Tambaqui. It's a wonderful device. It just sounds very natural. A few reviewers say Analogue sounding which is not a very useful phrase but true! The Bartók compared has a fuller sound so I still prefer that for my tastes. None are better than the other IMO, it's just personal taste. I tested all of this with the Feliks Envy with my own upgrade tubes and Meze Elites but also Susvara... I then listened to Dave fed by a Grimm MU1...that was absolutely amazing. With the Susvara it just sounds so effortlessly detailed but not fatiguing in any way. The tubes probably play their part. What Dave does with the separation is something I'd never experienced before. They synergy between all of these devices was amazing. It's that Grimm device. Would love to see what affect it has on your TT2 instead of the Mscaler. Keep up the good work.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your impressions, Martijn!
@ericelmore2742 9 ай бұрын
Great review , would love to hear comparisons with Mola Mola tambaqui at similar price point and the Weiss 205 at a lower price point.
@PassionforSound 9 ай бұрын
I'd love to try those too!
@ik2450 8 ай бұрын
I recently auditioned a Grimm MU1 music server feeding M Scaler & Dave versus Mola Mola Tambaqui into high end amp & speakers. The differences were evident within the first 5 notes of track 1. Tambaqui is smooth, inoffensive and tonally well balanced. Bass definition is a bit fuzzy or blurred around the edges and rhythms/basslines sound a bit slow. Not a dac to make your foot tap. On transferring back to M Scaler + DAVE, everything tightened up and came to life. We stopped listening to the hifi but simply played track after track. In summary, they sound obviously different, with the Mola Mola being inoffensive but the Chord pairing sounding alive and immersive. We preferred the Chord pairing by some margin.
@PassionforSound 8 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing this. What you've described is definitely the magic of the Chord DACs IMO. I think the challenge people sometimes face is that a lot of "audiophile" gear (speakers, headphones, etc.) is tuned bright to produce a greater sense of detail and then needs the fuzzier-edged DACs, etc. to rebalance them. I'd much rather start with a Chord DAC and pair it with a well tuned speaker / headphone setup that's natural and will allow me to engage with the music like you described.
@ik2450 8 ай бұрын
@@PassionforSound Our Chord pairing used to feed the classic Naim 52/135 amplifier pairing with ART Alnico 3 way speakers and worked beautifully. These days, the amplifier is Chord Ultima re-power, which is simply wonderful. After a lot of trial & error, we have found that M Scaler + DAVE can sound a bit bright until the streamer is well set-up to mitigate against RF interference & ground loops, at which point the music just flows.
@PassionforSound 8 ай бұрын
That makes a lot of sense
@keithjones1924 Жыл бұрын
That is like mine with the PSUs and oscilloscope.
@Smood47 Жыл бұрын
How does it compare to may ?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I found the TT2 to be slightly preferable to the May so everything I've said about the DAVE vs TT2 applies fairly directly to the May
@Smood47 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound is that tt2+mscaler or tt2 alone.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
The TT2 alone is slightly better (and has the amp included). If you add the M-Scaler, it's significantly better IMO and ends up around the same price as the May plus a suitably excellent amp.
@IHearEverythingDude Жыл бұрын
I told you :) If you like TT2 you will also like Dave, it's really something. I take solo Dave over MTT2 any time :) (even though I'm using Dave and m scaler) What is intoxicating to me with Dave is clarity and separation. It keeps going even with most complex passages. Try some classical recordings, that's where Dave shines.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I definitely was very impressed by DAVE but after going back and forth multiple times, I still like the MTT2 better, but I'm also more info blues, rock and jazz so that might influence my preferences
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
Another great review! Nobody else is this thorough on youtube! As a data point, I run my Qutest with a Plixir Elite BDC power supply and Denafrips GAIA DDC feeding it. When I demo'd a Hugo TT2, the Qutest/Plixir/GAIA combo edged it (shockingly). And for nearly $2k less.
@Koopagamelouda Жыл бұрын
I imagine you'd get a 'different' sound with the combo to the TT2 unit.
@Koopagamelouda Жыл бұрын
Also, I bet the separation of musical elements on your combo is exceptional!
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@Koopagamelouda I was actually surprised how similar they were. The Qutest combo just seemed to be 'more' of what the Hugo TT2 brought, in every area. More punch/slam, deeper bass, more bass texture, better/more intense tonality, better instrument separation, deeper/wider/taller sound stage, the impression of more detail/resolution but also more refinement, more air, etc. Certainly not a huge delta in any one area, but the aggregate difference was not small.
@johnratcliffe6438 Жыл бұрын
That just seems like a crazy mismatch. No offence, but Qutest is basic. Why not match Gaia with a better DAC? Denafrips Pontus, Holo Audio May, Metrum Acoustics Pavane, Schiit Yggdrassil LiM?
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@johnratcliffe6438 Because it also absolutely trashed the T+ AND Holo May during extended home demos. "No offense". 😂 And this setup kept pace with a Weiss 501 and was surprisingly close to the Tambaqui. Again, during multi-day in home demos that included blind ABX testing. You should get out more. John, I should clarify that if you didn't start out asserting that I was uninformed or misinformed, our exchanges could be of a friendlier tone.
@masterazlan6999 Жыл бұрын
Towards perfections is infinity.. peace!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Absolutely! ☮️
@user-tk7kz1fl2r Жыл бұрын
I have the TT 2 and Dave. I think they both perform really well and make great music. The Dave is slightly more open and detailed. Some people suggest a $600 DAC can outperform them both. Personally don't think that kind of sound can be had for such little money. Anyone really know a $600 DAC that outperforms them? I'd love to try it.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I'm with you, D. There's no DAC under about $3000 that I think even begins to actually compete with the TT2, let alone the DAVE. While I personally prefer the TT2 for my listening, the DAVE is technically the better device for sure.
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@susokraut3169 😂😂
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@susokraut3169 I've already done that with more expensive Topping and SMSL models. Perfect ABX score; they are patently AND objectively not the same as some better and more expensive DACs. Including the RME-ADI-2, which also measures very well. And the Matrix Audio Mini i Pro 3. Good measurements for a 0dbfs sine wave at 1khz DO NOT guarantee good, natural, lifelike sound quality. Period. Empirical statement. Full stop. So, I will absolutely continue to laugh at people who don't listen. You all are like a legally blind person giving HDTV reviews, based on measurements alone!!! 😂😂
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@susokraut3169 Are you hard of hearing? I just said that i passed a double blind ABX test for Topping (D90 and D90SE) vs the RME-ADI-2 FS v2 and vs the Matrix Mini-i Pro 3. They are *not* the same. Go enjoy not hearing the finer distinctions between a decent DAC and a better one, but don't bother trying to tell me I'm delusional. You're full of hubris, prideful, and breakingly delusional. 😂😎
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
DAC has always had 2 schools, brand voice ：like single malt whisky, science and technology voice：topping/Matrix Audio
@ConvinceMeAudio Жыл бұрын
😎 we both dropped our review simultaneously, Long time no speak, hope you’re doing well mate
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Haha. I just watched most of yours this morning (had to stop because the little one needed me). I'm doing well. Hope you are too! Keep pumping out the great reviews!
@ConvinceMeAudio Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound i’m glad you’re doing well mate, apologies I did not know you and your Mrs were expecting Congrats, just getting ready to cover the SOCAL show in California in the next couple of weeks, we had a blast at London
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
All good, he's over 2 now so I think he was here before you and I first chatted 😁 I'm a bit jealous of the shows you folks have access to in the Northern Hemisphere. The Melbourne Show was good, but light on headphone content. Enjoy!
@faithhopelove6945 Ай бұрын
In my Opinion the Price is pretty problematic. I have the Gustard R26 with a holographic Sounding Audio-GD Master 19 Preamp and brilliant sounding Monitor Audio Studio Series Speakers and i really cant imagine to imporove this absolute dynamic 3D Sound ? May be the Stage will be abit bigger, but do i need that? Not really...🤔
@PassionforSound Ай бұрын
If you're happy with what you have, you should stick with it. Where the DAVE is next level is with the sense of resolution and transparency it delivers and it is hard to imagine it being possible until you hear it.
@nitraM321 Жыл бұрын
i wish that companies like Chord would just give up on trying to make a display (this one is really horrendous) and just let people use their iOS or Android as a remote with a custom app, it's easier to develop, and you save a screen, and a bit of rainforest (yes screens grow on trees, everybody knows that)
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think you're forgetting where smartphones were at 10 years ago when the DAVE was being designed. Later products from Chord have no screen
@WorldView22 Жыл бұрын
There is something unique about the Chord DAC sound that easily can pass a blind test. I think Rob Watts' focus on optimising transients is clearly demonstrated. I have compared a Chord 2Qute DAC with the DAC section of a Burson Conductor 3P + Supercharger on a Woo Audio WA2 amplifier using a pair of Beyerdynamic T1.2 headphones, and the most easily discernible difference between the two DACS is that the Chord DAC make the music much more clear/crisp/etched, not in terms of resolution but transients, and it's very obvious on an A-B test. On the other hand, the Burson DAC reproduces music with the impression of a wider "spread" or "distance", neither necessarily in terms of stage (although it could be partially that) or depth, but perhaps as a side-effect of the reduced accuracy in pinpointing audio in space, I'm not sure whether I'd call that quality 'imaging', it's not easy to describe it but it's very much present. I'd be very much interested to audition a Chord Qutest for that matter. Another great review, Lachlan, as always! May I suggest, and this is a very well-intended general remark, that in future reviews you try to verbally economise a little bit more when explaining, especially certain rather obvious things, as it can borderline on excessively explanatory or even disclaimer-type to the point that some of your viewers might develop an itch to FFWD. 🙂
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback WV. The challenge is always balancing enough explanation for those that don't understand the technicalities with not too much so that people get bored. Some products also need more explanation than others so I find that balance varies (and I won't always get it right)
@WorldView22 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Totally understand the challenge. I just thought I'd mention it.
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
I can do a blind test all day and get 10/10 easily, I have done it before it's hilarious. The issue is that if you do the blind test and pass it they'll start questioning your "methodology," there is no pleasing these people just forget it. 😂
@TasmanGuitarsAmps Жыл бұрын
Qutest and 2qute are not even close in sound signature and quality. I had both in 2 months , and sold Qutest. Don't make mistake like I did, to think there is Chord house sound.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I agree, Tasman! The Mojo and Mojo 2 are other examples that are both different despite being the same products, both from Chord and both excellent.
@weygandttan Жыл бұрын
After i tried dave, i replaced my tt2 with Mola" Tambaqui, and now i just wondering tt2 + mscaler vs MMT 🤔🤣
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I'd love to try the MMT!
@thomasnewsom6084 Жыл бұрын
Great video. I have listened to a number of your interviews with Rob Watts. The question I can't seem to get a good answer to anywhere is what about using the Chord Dave with Chord amps to drive speakers. I currently have an M Scaler with a TT2 and Chord TToby amp. I have an opportunity to pick up a Chord Dave and would like to understand whether that would be useful when used with the M Scaler and TToby instead of my Chord Etude which is in another setup. I don't need the power that the Etude can generate given the room and speakers I am using. I would like to continue using the TToby given the cash outlay in an upgrade to the Dave. If you have some insight or can get Rob to comment, I would really appreciate it.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I don't use speakers so I can't really help directly, but if the TToby is just a power amp as I think it is then you could absolutely upgrade the DAC/preamp (TT2) to a DAVE and it will work exactly the same but with an upgrade in all the sonics that I discussed in this video. Hope that helps a little bit
@hendrikoffermans Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for the review. You have answered a question I had about comparing Dave with TT2 & Mscaler sonically and it confirms what I already thought. Now I will watch the review Amir brought out about the Dave. I am very "curious"..
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, Hendrik! I've also got my own review of the DAVE up on the Patreon feed now if you want to check it out.
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
If going with Amir (not a fan of his) might I also suggest hans beekhuyzen as another review for you to check out.
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@aceofspades6667 Agreed; Amir is highly agenda-driven. But Hans is awesome.
@johnratcliffe6438 Жыл бұрын
@@DBravo29er Amir is very science driven. Hans is a boring shill.
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@johnratcliffe6438 Amir is colluding with Shezhen Audio (Topping) as he has coordinated the release of his "reviews" with the "science" nearly to the HOUR of multiple Topping product releases. I have seen documentary proof that this has occurred at least three times now, via various forums, with screenshots and time/date stamps. This data is all public domain. Incredibly suspicious. I'll take Hans every day of the week and twice on Sunday, over Amir and his goon squad. Then you get to reviews of obviously flawed products like that LA-90, that didn't even come within 10% of meeting its rated specs, and has since displayed great difficulty in the real-world driving nominal speaker loads.... with many units arriving DOA or letting the magic smoke out during normal use... yet it gets the highest Panther rating and a hearty recommendation from Amir.
@nickwavehighfidelity7651 Жыл бұрын
Lachlan, I lived with the TT2, Dave and Mscaler all together for about 6 months and was swopping combinations of those three through that period. I probably listen to more blues than anything anything else but also a healthy mixture of classical music and rock (very little jazz). Initially TT2 has a meaty and enjoyable bass but in the end I found its bass softness (even with the Mscaler) to be too inferior to Dave’s more detailed bass and ultimately the TT2 / Mscaler combination to my ears was too far adrift from solo Dave to be as enjoyable as the Dave. I would take solo Dave over TT2 + Mscaler any day of the week but then I never use headphones and only use a speaker system and I think this is a factor in whether one enjoys or prefers one or the other of the solo Dave or TT2/Mscaler options. In the end I sold my TT2 and now have Dave + Mscaler in my system. But then I am lucky in that I have been able to afford to upgrade the Dave power supply with the Sean Jacobs DC4/ARC6 Linear Power Supply and this gives the Dave combination a lovely analogue sound but without downgrading any of the highly prized Dave transparency or detail. With that (not to mention my WAVE Storm cables connecting the Mscaler to Dave) I feel I now have the best of all worlds and the enjoyment level in the music itself is at an all time high. I have bought the tracks you mention in your review and will have a good listen. I think I will enjoy them. A couple of tracks I have used recently for comparing are Rajaz by Camel from the album of the same name and Sergio Leone by Jackson Browne from the album The Naked Ride Home. Both tracks are great for relaxing into and judging whether one is actually enjoying the music rather than going for a technically more impressive sound but also Rajaz has a useful acoustic guitar part which can quickly give the game away if the DAC has a tendency to emphasise detail because the plucking of the guitar becomes strident and actually loses subtle detail as a result. The track also has percussion which can become over dominant with some kit and this alters the balance between instruments. Then later in the track the balance of instruments with the bass can offset the bass theme and distract from that lovely driving bass (with a consequent reduction in head nodding and foot tapping!). Keep up the good work even if I disagree with some of your conclusions. To misquote the Cat Stevens Father and Son song, that’s your fault you listen to headphones and not speakers. 👍 😜
@nickwavehighfidelity7651 Жыл бұрын
PS, You quiz Rob at the end about source drivers and software and the software used for playback. The elephant in your room there might well be Roon which I abandoned a while ago because of its affect on sound quality. Also, as an aside several of us Chord Mscaler and Chord DAC owners have settled on using a USB output from the source but converting this to BNC via an AudioWise SRC.DX and then using a single WAVE Storm BNC cable from that to connect to the Mscaler, or Dave direct or TT2 direct. I have frequently compared the optical, USB and BNC inputs to the Mscaler and Chord DACs and the BNC input always seems to sound best. I know that RW favours the optical connection but when I use each of these outputs from my Antipodes K50 the optical does not come out on top. The relatively cheap SRC.DX has outstanding measurements and I must say that with my Antipodes K50 I actually prefer using its USB output and the SRC.DX convertor compared to using the K50 BNC output. This is all a bit off topic compared to your review but I mention it just to show that there are plenty of tweaks to get even better sound from the Dave and/or Mscaler.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Haha. Yes, headphones vs speakers produce quite different experiences. Thanks for the track suggestions - I'll check the out 🙂
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Just saw your PS, Nick. Thanks. I've actually got the Singxer SU-6 (with a Gieseler LPS) in my system now and feeding the M-Scaler via the Storm coax does provide a slight improvement compared to my Jcat USB card output via a Curious Evolved USB. Roon is far too convenient for me to let go of, but I have heard improved sound using things like PlayPCMWin so I am definitely aware of the improvements available. What's your player app of choice?
@nickwavehighfidelity7651 Жыл бұрын
Lachlan, I prefer the sound quality of Squeeze on the K50 server and then using Squeezelite on the K50 Player. For sure it does not have the interface that Roon has but then I tend to just load up a playlist and then sit back and listen to that and stop looking at the interface!
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
Great product from a great company.. I ended up purchasing a 2nd DAC to go along with my Holo Spring KTE.. Instead of going with the TT2 I chose an Aqua La Voce S3 (2.5k used) and absolutely love it.
@djhmax09 Жыл бұрын
The la voce was the one I wanted back then but I ended up getting a lampizator amber 3 instead
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
@@djhmax09 did you find a good deal on the lampi or what made you pull the trigger over the Aqua?
@djhmax09 Жыл бұрын
@@aceofspades6667 pretty much got a great deal on the lampi. That's the main reason. But I just recently upgraded from the lampi. lol Not implying I didn't like the lampi, I liked it very much! But performance wasn't cutting it for me, personally.
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
@@djhmax09 lol I hear that.. I’m the opposite I usually go two steps too far up the upgrade ladder and sell and go backwards. Every once in awhile I want I could try a totl Dac (nagra / msb / berk / aries cerat) but then I get over it.
@borisbobowski628 Жыл бұрын
@@aceofspades6667 nagra isnt a total dac, neither is Bartek, its just Marketing.Nagra isnt a dac engineer, they buying all curcuits. Dave is the best DAC in the world, its Not even close.
@JTB-- Жыл бұрын
Had a little taste of the "High End" in Audio Gear with the Hugo TT2 & M-Scaler but ended up selling them after about a month. I'm happier at the Mid Fi level and not becoming homeless buying crazy expensive Audio Gear. I liked the sound of the TT2 & M-Scaler... but it always comes down to price right? Same with the Dave. Great products but are they really worth their asking price? I now own the Flagship Burson Conductor 3X GT that I pre ordered and got for $2700 with the Super Charger 5A and Red Cool Stand. If you bought a TT2 & M-Scaler New it would cost $12,375. I got mine for some pretty good deals at the time... but the point is something like the Conductor 3X GT can get you 90% of what the Chord combo gets you for almost 10K cheaper. If you believe in diminishing returns this is a good example. You are paying thousands of dollars more for really tiny improvements that many wouldn't even notice. I mean if your loaded and cash is no object than buying some Chord Gear is a nice luxury. But if you're a peasant like me trying to put together a nice Mid Fi Audio setup... Chord is probably not the route to go. Especially when there is something like a Conductor 3X GT which is s direct challenger to the TT2 imo. And I actually prefer the Burson warmer house sound to the Chord sound which can be a little hot and analytical. Great in depth and thorough Review as always Lachlan 👍
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Well said, JTB! No doubt there are some products (like the Conductor GTs) that come incredibly close to the TT2 and I agree that some people won't hear the differences. I'd also add that when A/Bing these devices, the differences are clear, but if you only had one or the other, both will make for extremely enjoyable listening experiences and that's ultimately what it's all about, isn't it? Glad you liked the video!
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
Much truth to this… I have some expensive gear but I find myself listening to my mid priced stuff more often. I have a 1266 phi tc which I love but listen my og clears and hd800s far more often. I would rather listen to my $800 quicksilver tube amp than my much more expensive cayin ha-300 which I sold. Price and performance are alway relative to what you enjoy.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Great points, Ace. I'm like that sometimes too. I generally favour the TT2 as my choice of source and it happens to be the most expensive bit of gear I own, but I regularly reach for less expensive headphones to enjoy their character or flavour. The Schiit Folkvangr makes a good case for being one of those very fun and highly engaging listens that I sometimes choose over much more expensive amps too.
@edwardbit8225 Жыл бұрын
the good news is we can look forward to a SUPER DAVE..
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes. Hard to imagine what the higher tier DAC will sound like
@charlesnr Жыл бұрын
Benchmark recommends the balanced outputs. I was able to find a used pair of Atlas(UK) Marvos to match those 10 year+ cables. It might seem crazy. The used pair 1M cables were $800 from the Ukraine, approx. half price. That would be 80 % the cost of the DAC3. Also, Atlas is a crimped cable, no solder. So, the cable should be better at small signal levels according to Rob's comment. You might get some current samples of this the Copper Marvos (Arran a newer model ) and the Silver Asimi cables to try with the Chord DAC's. In this case, the transients blew away the RCA outputs into my Parasound JC2 preamp.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
That's cool to hear about the cables - thanks. Are you saying that Benchmark recommend using the XLR from the DAVE specifically or on general when inputting to their amps?
@z-collector7518 8 ай бұрын
insane price
@PassionforSound 8 ай бұрын
Yes. And there are even more expensive DACs out there! (I haven't tried them yet)
@djhmax09 Жыл бұрын
Oh wow, rob just called out and generalized dac manufacturers implying they do things the wrong way. I mean I'm no expert, but I thought that was a closed-minded and condescending comment. He even said he doesn't listen to others' DACs. haha Oh well, still appreciated the video and interview!!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes, I don't agree with or endorse that view of things, but I also don't have the technical knowledge to say if he's wrong. He might actually be right, but my sense is that there's almost always more than one way to achieve a desired outcome (e.g. reproduction of great sounding music)
@djhmax09 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Yup, totally agree with you. Someone that knowledgeable, I would think, would have more awareness in our lack of understanding on the subject. There's always something new to learn/discover
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
dave and TT2+MS are completely two sound, even though they are the same designer, can't simply say sound density, background, like Mac allan whisky, D and T feel like single malt single cask and triple cask, Totally Totally different things, not to say which is better, but 2 different taste sound
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. Well said
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound try Dave + Ms
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I did. It's discussed at length in this video 🙂
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Raised the sound sampling to 7xx, I don’t know if it’s a numerical improvement or a real sampling improvement, but got the greatest satisfaction in heart.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It's definitely an improvement and I agree that it makes the music that much more enjoyable
@edwardbit8225 Жыл бұрын
Excellent review, one wonders if Chord need to drop their prices on some of their dacs to make them more performance/price competitive; consider the Holo May and RMES new dac thats coming out soon.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Value for money is always highly subjective, but given the performance of the TT2 (without M-Scaler) is as good as the May or better (depending on preferences) and it includes excellent amplification and preamp capabilities, I think their pricing is fine.
@edwardbit8225 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound ASR's review of the Hugo TT2 asks this very question..........great dac but similar can be obtained for much less...kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJl1ZJl5xJO4j6M.html
@user-es3hq5zk4e 11 ай бұрын
agreed Dave has had its day,its obsolete..
@fatdoi003 Жыл бұрын
maybe you should next try the dCS Lina stack as well before selling your kidney for endgame gear......
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I would definitely like to try that
@maartenrib9953 Жыл бұрын
When you add for example the farad lps upgrade to the dave you will never want the mscaler in the system. What you miss on solo dave will add with the lps upgrade. It will stay musical what is missed when adding the mscaler. Just try it or contact farad powersupllies in holland. You will be blown away with the musicality of the dave. The depth is mental and the flow of music is much better. Go into the deep i know publicly rob does not sort of aprove it but you have to hear yourself to make up your own mind. I sold my scaler the same day and almost everybody sells there scaler after buying the lps upgrade. Hope you will try it.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I would definitely believe that the LPS would be an upgrade. I use LPSs on most of my gear that supports them. As for replacing the M-Scaler though, they are doing very different things and the M-Scaler's capabilities can only be replaced by an alternative upsampler (assuming it performs as well or better). Of course, if you prefer the sound without the M-Scaler, that's absolutely your choice because it's all personal preference. I just wanted to clarify for those reading this that the two aren't interchangeable from a digital audio processing perspective.
@maartenrib9953 Жыл бұрын
You have to hear it of the more than 20 sets sold no the most have sold there scaler it is not a subdle upgrade i think the clean power corrects for a fault that the scaler hides and that is the noisy switched power supply of the dave. Rob will never ever admitt that but this power supply adds noise and detail of the very nice designed dave. I cannot explain until you hear it. I have not have anyone found dave better with scaler and lps farad upgrade. It truely makes the dave sing and makes ir so much more musical. Try to experience it yourself if you love the dave sound. It will smack you. Like your reviews btw keep it up.
@maartenrib9953 Жыл бұрын
Btw i have had the tt2 the mscaler and the qutest so i now the chord sound and have had all kind of lps on all my chord gear. And own a pretty revealing rig. I inderstand your reviewing point of view but pure from musical and sound perspective if you own the dave and truely want tears in your eyes or want to hear the emotion from the music when its there try the lps thats the only point i want to make. Music is what matters.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I definitely agree with the idea of swapping out the SMPS for the LPS - on that we're completely aligned
@nickwavehighfidelity7651 Жыл бұрын
@@maartenrib9953 You and I have exchanged on this subject a few times elsewhere and I think this effect which you describe is where the Farad and Sean Jacobs power supplies for the Dave differ because with the Sean Jacobs power supply the Dave is still able to enjoy the uplift from the Mscaler. So whilst there is no doubt in my mind that the Farad and Sean Jacobs power supplies for the Dave both take the Dave to a new level of sound it would be wrong to think that they are equal and equivalent. I have so far only been able to directly compare the Farad Super3 and Sean Jacobs DC4 when powering a Qutest but that did clearly highlight the difference in sound between the two power supplies. Having said that I think the Farad lower priced option for the Dave is definitely worth considering if budget is a limiting consideration when thinking about which power supply to consider.
@newdevilman1167 Жыл бұрын
Great video! I consider DAVE to Rolex Submariner. A standard for DAC price range. I use DAVE and Nagra Tube DAC. I compared with cheaper DACs like Topping or miniDSP. But there is a clear premium sound difference and preference to me. Justifying prices? That’s depending on how deep your pocket is. But few hundred dollar DAC does not compare to any product in over 10k USD DACs. I personally think streamer performance difference is almost ignorable if you have a good DAC.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I agree that the difference is clear. Glad you're enjoying your DAVE!
@borisbobowski628 Жыл бұрын
Try Chord Qutest with a higher end USB Cable and a better power supply and you have the stock Dave Performance
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Having owned the Qutest and used it in a high quality system, I can't agree with this
@borisbobowski628 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound sure you cant because you are using stock power supplies which is the biggest mistake you can do, when it comes to dacs.
@rb89509 Жыл бұрын
My SMSL D300 was $400 and the sound is better than I could ever have imagined.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It's amazing to me in this hobby that there are wonderful products at every level AND every time you go up a level (assuming you choose a good product at each level) the sound can actually get even better 🤯
@r423sdex Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound this level is what ? Does the more money give you more !
@alphaniner3770 Жыл бұрын
For some reason Chord products trigger a bad reaction in me - just the looks - because I never heard one. Now it just struck me - the Dave actually looks a lot like evil laboratory equipment. Now I can work on that, perhaps I will find the courage to listen to it, one day.
@rahullamba9318 Жыл бұрын
🤣 Weird as it may sound there's definitely that vibe with chord products. The creepy silver paintjob has a lot to do with it IMO. The Mojo thankfully evades that "evil laboratory equipment" feel LoL.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Lol. I don't really feel that way about any of the products, but I do get where you're coming from on the DAVE, Alpha. Maybe you can build a listening room full of creepy looking gear including the DAVE and the torture-device looking Abyss 1266s 🤣
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
I find the Qutest to look great, I love the color orbs and I only had to look at the menu once to understand what the colors mean, I really don't understand why people have trouble with that, it's like people can't remember anything anymore.
@alphaniner3770 Жыл бұрын
@@GuiltyRocker perhaps it is because I work in a laboratory -
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
@@alphaniner3770 I totally understand 😂
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
Interesting TT2 + Mscaler or DAVE
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Very tough call. For me, TT2 with M-Scaler, but some will go for DAVE for sure. Headphones vs speakers could make a difference too (I'm almost all headphones)
@mr20 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound TT2+M-S： This choice is the choice for many earphones.Dave：The choice of most speaker users.I have heard these two combinations for a while, its completely different tones, some people call them taste，It's hard to say who sounds better, like Dynauido and B&W, totally different tunings
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes, I can imagine the DAVE would be preferable in a lot of speaker setups
@chefsteve8381 Жыл бұрын
I've used ASIO with jriver for a while now and have never had any issues with either, even using a cheap smsl dac and cheap usb cables....
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think I found the issue after this video. For some reason, Roon isn't taking full, exclusive control of the device when playing music. If the Windows system audio is also set to the M-Scaler, the two clash and cause problems. So long as the OS is using a different device then everything is sweet. JRiver does this "right" and blocks all access to the device while music is playing
@thomaswipf7986 6 ай бұрын
How does the rumble of a piano sound on your dac? That's probably a quick way to challenge your perception of the importance of specifications.
@PassionforSound 6 ай бұрын
Who are you directing this to? I'm not one to focus on specifications at all.
@hifiandmtb Жыл бұрын
I'm not a font nazi 😁 That made me LOL...
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I do try to have some fun 😁
@hookem7060 Жыл бұрын
Over the hill… Time to move on!
@crazyprayingmantis5596 Жыл бұрын
It is the hill
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Lol. Nice one!
@colingreen4357 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting, but one problem I have is this concept of depth. Stage width I understand but if you attend a concert - orchestral, chamber, opera, jazz, folk, amplified or unamplified, etc. - although you can see musicians behind one another, that’s not how it sounds. With the exception of offstage instruments (such as in Berlioz or Mahler) and the like there isn’t really any aural depth to the sound, more a wall of sound. The impression of “depth” might be enhanced by the recording microphones but generally what you hear doesn’t have any depth. On a number of occasions I’ve closed my eyes and can’t detect, without visual cues, who is in front of or behind anyone else. So, when Rob Watts and other audio folk talk about depth, do they actually mean ambience, the resonance produced by the acoustic, allowing instruments to be placed across the soundstage in space and for the layering between them to be more apparent, or is it something else? This kind of positioning I do understand and I agree that DAVE excels in producing that.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
That's an interesting point! I think depth is more relevant for smaller ensembles than orchestras (Rob was recording a small group). Once you get to full orchestras you're right that it is hard to hear depth/layering due to the masking from all different sounds, but I imagine if there is a quiet passage with say an oboe and a single violin playing an interacting solo you would be able to hear their position in space both left/right, but also depth. That's true in recordings too where busy passages tend to overwhelm the subtle depth cues.
@colingreen4357 Жыл бұрын
Mmm…I’m not sure about that. I don’t think in respect of small ensembles you can actually hear (as distinct from see) an oboe behind a violin for example, unless they were a considerable distance apart, front and rear stage. When composers write for instruments, or musicians improvise, save in exceptional cases where spatial positioning forms part of the music (such as certain antiphonal music to be played in large spaces) they don’t have any regard to whether one instrument sounds behind or in front of another. For example, can you hear a string quartet sitting in a semi-circle, or a singer standing in front of the rest of the band? Dynamics might give an instrument or voice prominence, but that’s just musical balance, not depth, which is a front to back relationship. When you say busy passages tend to overwhelm subtle depth cues, if we’re talking about the ambience around individual instruments that’s correct. But of course, the busy passages can have their own collective ambience. If you hear recordings of an orchestra playing flat out Bruckner in a cathedral there’s plenty of ambience there, a sense of sound in a generous acoustic.
@colingreen4357 Жыл бұрын
Perhaps what I’m trying to say is that “stage depth” is a bit of a hi-fi term that one wouldn’t think of applying when attending a concert. There’s just musicians playing in an acoustic, and with a good recording a Dac like DAVE is capable of resolving that acoustic more faithfully. Attending live music making is a useful palliative for audiophiles!
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@colingreen4357 I'm not so sure I agree. Though it hasn't been the case for every symphony orchestra's venue, the last one I heard actually had a really strong sense of depth to it. But this does seem highly variable.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Not sure if you're saying that audiophiles have it wrong, Colin, but I think yours is an over-generalisation. Whether live or recorded, the venue size, seating/mic position, type of ensemble and type of music will all influence the perception of depth so sometimes it's there and an important part of the realism of reproduced music. Other times, it's not there as you say because the venue, mic positioning or busy-ness of the arrangement occludes that information. Taking perception out of it for a moment, depth cues are always present with live audio so either our ears or microphones are always receiving that information (reflected sounds, phase/timing differences, etc.) so it's a very real phenomena, but something that is influenced by the other louder sounds in the environment potentially masking the much quieter reflections, etc. In short, this is not an audiophile thing so much as an audiology thing - a scientific reality of the way our ears receive sound and our brains process that sound. As to what we can perceive from those signals, that will depend on the signals themselves, our physiological hearing capabilities and our learned and practiced abilities to perceive things in the music
@nitraM321 Жыл бұрын
it's SANS sérif, from the french word SANS, without !!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
But the font has serifs (the flat tops and bottoms of the letters). It's a serif font of some sort, not sans serif
@BillyKueekSG Жыл бұрын
A friend who owns it told me it’s over rated
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I don't think it's over-rated, just at a point where what it delivers isn't always going to be needed/preferable.
@20puskinas1992 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Lachlan, i think you are easily influenced by Rob Watts bullshit... If one is looking for exotic stuff then you can get Holo audio May for less than Half... , but look at internals of May and Chord Dave lol. Chord would make ton of money even selling it for 5k let alone 12 or 13k euro. There is nothing special in its design. Trying to overhype different/less efficient aproach doesnt make you genius. In my opinion Matrix x sabre pro mqa easily beats Hugo tt2 and is not far from Dave. Im sure Matrix x sabre 3 would beat Dave based on better components, much better/lower noise power supply. Most of the companies from Uk are based on paid writers and not on scientific approach.
@eliashabash7591 5 ай бұрын
Sales must be bad now that mola mola has taken all of chords sunshine
@richarddehonney7374 4 ай бұрын
I had a home audition of the Dave and Mola Mola. I purchased the Chord Dave.
@PassionforSound 4 ай бұрын
That seems to be a fairly common story based on the comments I read.
@tonytramonti5828 Жыл бұрын
RAMUNO
@BrianGarside Жыл бұрын
This is Not state of the art ...please. Sure maybe it sounds good to some. It made a name for itself a while ago but its not kept up with modern DAC's in the same price range.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
What's a DAC that you feel is more advanced and sounds better, Brian?
@BrianGarside Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Auralic Vega, Mytek, I think many are just as $$ but sound better like dCS, Audio Research.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Nothing you've mentioned there is more advanced. Different yes and preferable for some people, but not more advanced. No products that I'm aware of have brought new technologies that surpass any other DAC at this point. (Perhaps the ring DAC in the Bartok is a contender for this, but I haven't tried it yet)
@BrianGarside Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound I think the Auralic Vega G2.1 is comparable, but less than a DAVE at $8k USD and offers great sound and features while measuring on the tech bench superior. Granted my point on measurement is based on Audio Science review of DAVE while Auralic products have measured better and still sound great. I generally agree with your analysis I guess we just differ on this product that its over hyped, but in a objective way.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think the key problem here is that you're basing your statements about advanced tech on a limited set of measurements that, according to the discussion thread on ASR, was operating too hot and therefore might have been in need of a service (i.e. operating out of spec). There are measurements from other sources (Stereophile and Golden Sound) that don't align with some of Amir's findings on that specific unit. I have no desire to defend the DAVE and as I said in the video, I actually prefer the TT2. I just like to balance comments like saying the DAVE isn't advanced with some additional context. In the end, I'm glad you've found the Aurealis to your liking. They certainly make some fantastic devices and I'd love to try some of their more recent offerings too. Happy listening 🙂🙂
@rahullamba9318 Жыл бұрын
Dang! That's a lot of money to throw at something that still leaves headroom for more. I have to admit I'm not an audiophile, I see this as more of a hobby as opposed to passion. Though it seems like in the portable audio world after you've spent say, $2-3k (on a DAC, Amp, IEMs/headphones...) the returns diminish Very sharply. What a life as an audio-gear reviewer from $20,000 worth of equipment one day to $20 on the next... Reminds me, when is your 7hz zero review coming out?😉
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's very hard to justify the cost of the DAVE even though it's clearly a superb sounding DAC. I don't currently have a 7Hz Zero review planned because no-one has offered to send me one. Lots of other good stuff coming though and you're right about the swings in price. I've just released a sub-$100 IEM roundup to patrons in the same week as I received a $5000 preamp for review 🤣
@crate718 Жыл бұрын
has to be the best looking dac
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It's pretty cool. Would love to have seen the same design with a more modern display
@g-mail4743 Жыл бұрын
I never knew the DAVE was so awesome!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It's pretty brilliant, but I do still prefer the TT2 sound despite it being not quite as transparent and revealing
@g-mail4743 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound I really would love to own that M-Scaler the most, I use my ifi iPurifier3 & iSilencer all the time as a budget version of that
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
The M-Scaler is brilliant, but really only worthwhile with a Chord DAC.
@g-mail4743 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound oh I see, has your opinion of the Matrix H PCIE card improved since your video for non galvanic and galvanic usb dacs when using it w/linear power supply or is it still the same?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I actually revisited it in my review of the Jcat equivalent card and I think the Matrix is far better than I gave it credit for. I should have stuck to my subjective listening tests and trusted my ears rather than trying to come up with a measurement approach. ☹️
@stoicar Жыл бұрын
I can’t understand how Dave manage to masure so bad after so many measurements?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I've seen multiple published measurements of DAVE and there's only the one that looks bad
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
Buried deep in the discussion thread of the *only* mediocre measurement of DAVE, details emerged of it not functioning properly. Running far too hot for chassis temperatures due to: age, 6-7 years of continuous use, and some electrolytic caps that were obviously bulging (which means, also, that they are deviating significantly from their rated specs if they are even functioning at all). One glance at the Spartan 6 FPGA data sheet shows the temperature envelope of the FPGA (and very likely DOZENS of other critical parts on the board). To reach "too hot to touch" temperature (110F-130F) in a ~75F ambient room, internal temps are well above 150F. Which means the FPGA was operating far above its design temperature envelope. Which ALSO means, this will affect the computational ability of the FPGA, on top of operating outside of the normal regions of function for the dozens of OpAmps, Voltage Regulators, Clock chips, XMOS's, and other small devices. Chord will actually service/repair these older DAVE units for nominal cost.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Interesting that this information hasn't been more publicly shared on ASR. That speaks to the unfortunately subjective and biased nature of the forum (unfortunate because they claim objectivity) where only the data they want to share gets profiled ☹️
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Yep, it's a shame. The receipts exist at Pink Fish Media, Audiophile Style, DIY Audio, and a few other forums. As much as ASR purports to police the industry, they need to be policed even more so. Fairly comical if it weren't so destructive to the hobby.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
It's that very destructiveness that upsets me ☹️
@chefsteve8381 Жыл бұрын
I think the comment section is gunna have some serious popcorn eating time after the resent ASR reviewer's of chord products, for a product that's been out for the last 6 + years why all the review's now ? I just don't get it...
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
Amir decided to target Chord. He did "admit" that in the DAVE comment thread of the review. I use quotation marks because that's akin to Santa Clause admitting he is a "friendly person". It was patently obvious years ago at the end of the Qutest review wherein it provided outstanding measured performance (Top of his 'chart', actually) but Amir specifically went out of his way to not recommend it. He later provided a caveated, conditional recommendation. After having heartily recommended inferior DACs before, and heartily recommending inferior DACs after as well.
@aussie8114 Жыл бұрын
💰
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@aussie8114 You're correct, but he's since reviewed more expensive DACs that, according to him, would also have differences that would only be below the threshold of audibility. DACs like the Matrix Audio Xsabre Pro, Auralic Vega G2, Matrix Element X, etc..... at least if you think SINAD actually translates linearly and reliably to real world sound quality (it doesn't).
@seanl7795 Жыл бұрын
Is it really 3 times better than Holo may or denafrip terminator since it costs about more than 3x? I highly doubt it.
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
@@seanl7795 Well, performance doesn't linearly scale with price at nearly any dollar amount. So, no. I still haven't heard a $500 DAC that was empirically (or sound wise) 2x better than a $250 DAC.
@paulpaulzadeh6172 Жыл бұрын
you should try NAIM DAC with PCM1704. Dave will be ashes in second.
@markyexley9440 Жыл бұрын
I think it is pretty rude putting up screen comments over an interviewee whilst he is talking to you.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Some things need clarification, Mark. The alternative was me chopping into the video with extra comments.
@frederf69 Жыл бұрын
Wow, 14,000 😳 my whole system cost me that much; just can't get past the price. Is this channel for millionaires?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
No, I cover everything from sub-$100 IEMs and dongles through to whatever I can get my hands on at the upper end of things. There's plenty of fun to be had at every level.
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
If you think this is expensive wait til you see the MSB DACs, which can go from $90k to $150k. 😂
@frederf69 Жыл бұрын
@@GuiltyRocker 😂😂🤣🤣
@kanguruster Жыл бұрын
Well, isn't that interesting?! A new audiophile description, "the weight of the note" joins the lexicon. It must be particularly meaningful, after all, this guy knows what Duke Elington's recordings are supposed to sound like and is able negate his "unconscious" biases with a gentle reminder; honestly, these are supreme audiophile super powers. Though maybe he'll have to hand back his card, because surely he's not allowed to find he prefers the less costly alternative. 🙂
@seanl7795 Жыл бұрын
For this price I can get a soloist gt, denafrip terminator and susvara...it's gonna be a no for me. I demoed it at can jambyhis year. It doesn't sound much better than amps around 2k mark.
@aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын
please keep in mind that those shows are some of the worst ways to evaluate equipment. You need to be in your room, your music, and your chain to properly evaluate a component. I don't disagree with your take on the price tag of the Dave.. But really you want to use the Dave as a Dac only and feed it to a proper amp (Niimbus / WA33 / Solist 3GT / Volot / Trafomatic Primavera / Riviera AIC-10).
@Maaruks Жыл бұрын
because it is rubbish kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lZhxlZNiqp6YgmQ.html
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I agree with Ace. To me, the DAVE is an excellent DAC with a lesser internal amp (not sure why it's not as good as the TT2, but probably the power supply is my guess because the TT2 uses the super capacitors). It's definitely a large amount of money though so I can't sit here and say it's worth the price because it's really stretching what I would spend on a DAC AND it's also so subjective
@SAURAV2k3 Жыл бұрын
Wow..whats with this DAC suddenly so many reviews coming it
@johnratcliffe6438 Жыл бұрын
Depends how cynical you are...
@d_dude_is_here Жыл бұрын
ASR effect !!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
This is pure coincidence in my case (can't comment on others). The DAVE I had for review was the demo unit from the Melbourne HiFi Show. The distributor was kind enough to let me borrow it directly after the show and this was the first spot in the review queue based on that timing. It's funny how it's worked out though.
@SAURAV2k3 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound nice review. It's a good DAC that has stood against test of time and only good product can do so
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I'm glad you liked the review. I definitely agree with your comments about it standing the test of time 🙂
@briancampbell7712 2 ай бұрын
all chord is over priced snake oil in my opinion...i was folish to have bought into it...sold right away...learned my lesson...the only good thing is it was only the qutest...early in my audiophile endever time...
@johnshaw359 Жыл бұрын
They are selling proprietary tech and when they do, like DCS etc they charge through the nose because then they can say what they like about non issues. At a more basic level, what grade of clock does the USB input use, is it an OXCO or anything remarkable?
@Rob-Davidson Ай бұрын
$14,000 for a little plastic box? 😂
@PassionforSound Ай бұрын
Plastic? It's solid aluminium...
@Rob-Davidson Ай бұрын
Oh I'm sorry. I don't know anything about it. I was looking at pictures of it and I thought it was plastic. @@PassionforSound
@bitterbuffalo8997 Жыл бұрын
so glad this company exists and product. Keep fighting against the ASR baddies and their bad measurements
@chefsteve8381 Жыл бұрын
Also known as placebo vs facts...
@Dextro0451 Жыл бұрын
😂
@BrianGarside Жыл бұрын
😂
@IronHorsey3 Жыл бұрын
All that Chifi but Amir took the RME-ADI-2. 😮
@erikjohansson1488 8 ай бұрын
Doesn't measure very well and very pricey.
@BoredSilly666 Жыл бұрын
This should be interesting. Anything to continue the Love Affair with Rob Watts, I own a Qutest myself but laugh how people talk about Rob like hes their best friend or idol. Its so cringey almost as bad as the Chord Fans Boys on Facebook whole lose their Sh*@ if someone dare criticism Rob or a product. Cringey
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
There's no fan-boying here. I've chair said on screen in this interview and in other discussions that I don't agree with or endorse Rob's negative views of other DAC manufacturers. I definitely respect Rob's knowledge and body of work and he happens to be a nice guy, but I think you're drawing incorrect conclusions.
@BoredSilly666 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Its nothing to do with his views on other DAC etc. Its how he's put on a pedestal by so many Chord owners online. They all talk like they are friends with him and constantly tag him on Head-Fi for instance looking for some sort of personal recognition or something. I think your channel is pretty cool but after the M-Scaler debacle........... Well.!? You merely repeated half of the false claims as Gospel because Rob told you so even though he himself is actually technically incorrect on some of his claims. I think he could tell a certain percentage of folk anything and they would lap it up.
@BoredSilly666 Жыл бұрын
If I had a pound £ for everytime Ive heard someone name drop Robs name online, id be loaded. The fickle world of Audiophiles eh.... What a horrible word in itself. Its almost like a fashionable now to say Im an Audiophile.
@20puskinas1992 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound you can talk what you want mate, but everything screams that youre a hugely influenced by Chord marketing. Its all that is... Rob Watts is great story teller. He says that Chip based dacs are mediocre, but im sure that Sabre and Akm spend alot more money on research that Chord is spending. Lots of audiophiles have the mindset that more money = better product and use price of the dac or amp to make a point on why certain amp/dac is better.
@r423sdex Жыл бұрын
Amazing the placebo effect ! It is strong in some people.
@aphex2k Жыл бұрын
I'd like to watch more of your vids but there's so many jumps when you edit every 2 seconds I'm going to have a seizure and I'm not even epileptic. Your head is constantly jumping around.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Some videos are harder to make than others and require more edits if I'm tired or there's lots to cover.
@aphex2k Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound fair enough. It's just not something I've seen before quite so often. Perhaps this particular vid was more jumpy than others? It's every couple of seconds!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think I was pretty tired when I did this one because of a super busy period in my day job. Hopefully you'll find later videos less erratic and apologies if it affected your enjoyment of this one!
@aphex2k Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound no, fair play the vids are usually ace I'm sure it's super hard having a full time day job and a channel to run. 👍
@Sparta155 Жыл бұрын
A poor interview. Rob Watts makes many statements disparaging his competitors efforts, many of which are highly debatable. For instance, other designers do talk about noise floor modulation, transient response and low level signal integrity, and yet all we hear is affirmative noises and "yep", with no push back at all. Little more than a marketing exercise on behalf of Chord.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So you clearly didn't watch the part where I put the written disclaimer on screen.
@r423sdex Жыл бұрын
Disclaimer or not, it's just a sales pitch. You actually say nothing about it's true performance. Show some facts .
@20puskinas1992 Жыл бұрын
Lot of audiophiles want to brag about their expensive stuff. Rich old folk come in and say: this or that is better cause it cost more or just repeat marketing claims and the hype starts. Some people are just easily influenced by charismatic individuals and sweet promises. Im grown out of this bullshit thanks for ASR.
@Guerilla_law3516 Жыл бұрын
Im genuinely interested to know if you think this reviewer is therefore lying in his evaluation of the product. If so, what does he gain by lying to us about how it sounds to him?
@user-es3hq5zk4e 3 ай бұрын
Over the hill beaten by DACS at 1/15 of the cost.
@nicktan4530 Жыл бұрын
Dac is getting ridiculous
@borisbobowski628 Жыл бұрын
Its the turntable of any digital set up and needs to be high end
@paulpaulzadeh6172 Жыл бұрын
send it to ASR for measurement , it would not pass ; I am sure
@chefsteve8381 Жыл бұрын
It has been reviewed last month, sits next to a $300 dac. i think that's why all the need for more subjective review's
@BwanaJesuasifiwe Жыл бұрын
KZfaq’s number 1 snake oil reviewer. Congratulations
@frederf69 Жыл бұрын
Amir (ASR) trashed the Dave. Only just seen his review.
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
Oh oh, Passion for Sound you're gonna have the Chi-fi warriors coming after you now as you like the Chord stuff, you're not allowed to like Chord stuff according to them when you can buy a $300 piece of Chi-fi gear that supposedly sounds better. 😂.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I know. After all, all DACs actually sound the same in blind tests
@DBravo29er Жыл бұрын
$200 DAC Crew is gonna be HOT! 😂
@GuiltyRocker Жыл бұрын
@@DBravo29er hahahahahahaha, oh they are going to have a meltdown.
@jonsays3762 Жыл бұрын
Bawls out for old geezers with more money than sense.
@ceannairereibiliunach8133 Жыл бұрын
performs as well as a $100 dac .....
@n00buo Жыл бұрын
The $12.500 DAC that sounds like any Topping worth $200
@brothatwasepic 9 ай бұрын
I have a Topping D90 and a Chord Dave and the difference is incredible. Not 10x the price incredible but the Dave is way way deeper, more textural info, and the nuances between instruments are crazy
@PassionforSound 9 ай бұрын
@brothatwasepic I forgot to respond on your other comments the the reason the DAVE headphone output is sounding better than the A90 does (when fed by the DAVE) is that the A90 uses a bunch of nested feedback and an integrated, chip-based design. The DAVE has a very simple and discrete output stage to minimise it's negative impact on the signal from the DAC stage. I hope that makes sense.
@jlo8775 Жыл бұрын
Overpriced and over rated.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Let me guess, you're a fan of ASR?
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