DACs — Chord DAVE

The DAVE is a flagship digital-to-analogue converter from Chord Electronics, a British manufacturer known for advanced, custom FPGA-based digital processing. The DAVE represents Chord's most celebrated current engineering achievement, built with an exceptionally low output impedance.

Key specs that matter

Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output impedance is an exceptionally low 0.055 ohms single-ended - a remarkably low figure suggesting genuine ease of driving virtually any downstream connection without introducing frequency-response variation. At 78 x 335 x 152mm and 5kg, the DAVE maintains Chord's characteristically distinctive chassis design.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting Chord's custom FPGA-based processing philosophy - the DAVE has built a considerable reputation among discerning listeners for delivering reference-tier performance that many consider a benchmark within the high-end DAC category.

Pairing

The exceptionally low 0.055-ohm output impedance eases compatibility with virtually any downstream preamplifier, power amplifier or headphone load without frequency-response variation.

Alternatives

Chord Electronics' broader DAC catalogue, including the portable MOJO 2, offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different scale within the same advanced FPGA-based engineering philosophy.