Chord Electronics
Chord Electronics Dave DAC, amplificador y preamplificador
Best reference-grade DAC for audiophiles seeking uncompromising digital audio precision.
The Chord Electronics Dave is a reference-grade DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier, representing the pinnacle of digital-to-analog conversion technology. It features an advanced FPGA with over a million lines of code for unparalleled timing and noise modeling, delivering music with exceptional realism and musicality. The Dave offers lossless digital volume control, a full-sized LCD display, and a rotary encoder for intuitive interaction. With multiple digital inputs including USB, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and TOSLINK, it supports high-resolution audio up to 768kHz and native DSD. Its solid aluminum chassis houses a powerful headphone amplifier and stereo RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
$11900.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+172%
Above average
Frequency Response
20200.1
/ Hz to kHz +/- dB
Who it's for
- Design enthusiasts valuing premium build quality and striking aesthetics
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising sonic transparency and musical detail
- Minimalists wanting a high-performance all-in-one audio solution
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over flagship performance
- Casual users preferring plug-and-play simplicity over complex configurations
- Traditionalists favoring understated or classic audio equipment styling
Performance breakdown
Digital Conversion Precision
Proprietary FPGA technology delivers industry-leading timing and signal reconstruction accuracy.
Headphone Drive Capability
Effortlessly powers demanding headphones with exceptional clarity and dynamic headroom.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input suite handles high-resolution sources with total digital flexibility.
Build Integrity
Solid aluminum chassis offers robust durability and a premium tactile experience.
Noise Floor Management
Galvanically isolated USB ensures a pristine, silent background for delicate audio.
Preamplifier Transparency
Lossless digital volume control maintains absolute signal purity at any level.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
THD+N
-127.5 dB (AWT)
Channel Separation
>125dB at 1kHz
Dynamic Range
127.5 dB (AWT)
Headphone Output
6.8v RMS with 300Ω (154mW) at 1% THD; 6.8v RMS with 33Ω (1.4w) at 1% THD
Output Impedance
0.055Ω (short circuit protected)
Operating Voltage
90v AC - 250v Automatic Changeover AV 50Hz - 60Hz
Dimensions (including connectors)
7.8 cm (H) x 33.5 cm (W) x 15.2 cm (D)
Features
- Reference-level FPGA DAC with 164k taps
- High-resolution USB input up to 768kHz
- Multiple digital inputs including S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and Optical
- Supports native DSD up to DSD 512
- Lossless digital volume control for pure signal path
- Independent preamplifier function
- Galvanically isolated USB for noise reduction
- Solid aluminum chassis for durability and aesthetics
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Chord Dave for its exceptional sound quality, often describing it as transparent, detailed, and immersive, significantly elevating their listening experience. The device's distinctive design, while unique, is frequently admired for its sophisticated aesthetic and robust build. Users appreciate the meticulous engineering and the premium feel, reinforcing its status as a top tier audio component. The overall sentiment highlights a profound satisfaction with its audio performance and sophisticated presentation.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Dave features an independent preamplifier function with lossless digital volume control, allowing you to connect it directly to a power amplifier or active speakers for a clean, minimalist signal path.
The Dave is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. While macOS and Linux are generally plug-and-play, Windows users will need to install the dedicated Chord Electronics USB driver to enable full support for high-resolution files up to 768kHz and native DSD.
Galvanic isolation physically separates the electrical connection between your computer and the DAC. This prevents electrical noise and interference from your computer's power supply from entering the audio signal, resulting in a lower noise floor and improved clarity.
The Dave is designed to drive a wide range of headphones, including high-impedance models up to 800Ω. Its powerful output stage ensures excellent control and dynamics, even with demanding planar magnetic or high-impedance dynamic headphones.
The configurable crossfeed function mimics the sound of listening to speakers by subtly blending the left and right channels. This helps reduce the 'in-your-head' sensation often associated with headphone listening, creating a more natural and spacious soundstage.
Absolutely. The Dave is equipped with a variety of legacy digital inputs, including four BNC coaxial, two AES/EBU, and two optical TOSLINK ports, making it highly versatile for connecting CD transports, streamers, and other digital components.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11900