The Chord Dave is one of our own reference DACs. You can expect a massive boost. It delivers a gigantic soundstage thanks to the incredible detail it reproduces in acoustic recordings. It features the very best conversion technology available. DAVE stands for “Digital to Analog Veritas in Extremis.”
Retail price: 14,990.00
We’re happy to accept trade-ins. Please feel free to send us details of what you might have available; we’ll be happy to assess whether we can stock it in the shop.
We have more items from the same line; see the photos and/or other listings.
For damage, please see the photos!
The Chord DAVE is a high-quality digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier from Chord that prioritizes precision and finesse in sound reproduction. The Chord DAVE combines a DAC and amplifier in a single unit, converting the signal from digital sources into pure analog sound with exceptional detail. In the soundstage, the Chord DAVE comes to life with a stereo image that is both wide and precise, featuring both subtle nuances and powerful dynamics.
The sound of the Chord DAVE is extremely transparent: every element of the music—from subtle textures to deep bass—is reproduced clearly and naturally. Dynamics are preserved without compression, resulting in realistic level differences and an expressive sound progression. Thanks to the refined reproduction of microdetails, you’ll hear instruments and vocals closer than expected, and the stereo image makes the space surrounding your music—whether through speakers or headphones—feel tangible.
If you want to experience what the Chord DAVE is truly capable of, it’s a good idea to schedule a listening session in our listening room. We can also compare the Chord DAVE with other high-end DACs or headphone amplifiers, so you can see exactly which sound reproduction best suits your taste. Interested in discussing trading in your current converter or amplifier? Contact us to make it happen.
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.1 dB (HF filter off) Filter tap length: 164,000
THD + N: -127.5 dB (AWT) Channel separation: > 125 dB at 1 kHz Dynamic range: 127.5 dB (AWT)
Sample rates: 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz (16–32-bit) and DSD64 to DSD512, native DSD + DoP, depending on input
Digital inputs: 4x 75 Ω S/PDIF BNC coaxial (44.1–384 kHz), 1x AES-XLR (44.1–96 kHz), 2x TOSLINK optical (44.1–96 kHz) 1x USB Type B (44.1–768 kHz, 16–32-bit, PCM + DSD)
Analog outputs: stereo pair of RCA (unbalanced), stereo pair of XLR (balanced), ¼-inch TRS headphone output
Headphone outputs (1% THD): at 300 Ω: 6.8 V RMS (154 mW); at 33 Ω: 6.8 V RMS (1.4 W)
Output impedance: 0.055 Ω (short-circuit protected)
Operating voltage: 90 VAC – 250 VAC automatic switching, 50–60 Hz
Power consumption: 40 W at full load, 10 W in standby
Dimensions (including connectors): height 7.8 cm × width 33.5 cm × depth 15.2 cm Weight: 5 kg
The Chord DAVE is a flagship DAC and headphone amplifier from Chord Electronics, designed by Rob Watts. The DAVE utilizes FPGA-controlled DAC technology with patented filtering, resulting in exceptional sound quality and detail reproduction. The chassis is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. Internal components are selected for performance and reliability, with internal wiring meticulously routed to ensure optimal signal integrity.
The brand was founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, with a focus on technology originally developed for the aerospace industry. Its founder, Rob Watts, is an electronics engineer with a background in advanced digital signal processing. His expertise in this field led to the development of a number of products using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, a technique that at the time was primarily used in specialty industries.
The choice of this technology was not common in consumer electronics, but proved crucial to the performance of the products that followed. Rob Watts worked with John Franks, who has a long history in the technical and manufacturing aspects of the company. Together they laid the groundwork for a series of products known for their technical precision and reliability, without deviating from their original goal of providing accurate digital signal processing.
