Chord DAVE + MScaler - the Audio 2G test

The Chord Dave and the Mscaler are an absolutely prestigious pairing that we present today after a brief introduction. Digital-to-analog conversion has never been more crucial than in today’s streaming-dominated audio landscape. Many DACs claim technological superiority, yet few can match the unique design approach and specificity of the musical output of the “flagship” DAVE ( Digital to Analog Veritas in Extremis) by Chord Electronics. This product represents the most ambitious implementation of the proprietary technologies of British designer Rob Watts, who has made all of Chord’s conversion units to date. Beyond that, what makes it truly special is extraordinary ability to transform a complex digital process into pure musical pleasure.

General Principles: Chord Dave and MScaler

From the first approach, the Chord DAVE’s sculptural aluminum frame and its large circular display suggest something different from conventional audio devices. This distinct visual identity is matched by an entirely unique approach to the subject of digital conversion. While most DACs use standard chips (ESS, AKM, etc.), Chord follows the road less traveled that involves the use of an FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array)-essentially a blank canvas that can be programmed to process digital signals in ways impossible with standard chips. In this specific case, the LX 75 version of Xilinx’s Spartan-6 was used. But it is what happens inside this FPGA that makes the DAVE unique. At its heart is theWTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filter, probably the most sophisticated digital reconstruction filter in consumer audio.

Two Processing Paths: PCM and DSD

One of DAVE’s most sophisticated features is its dual-algorithm approach to digital processing. Instead of forcing all formats through the same conversion path, DAVE employs separate, optimized processing for PCM and DSD signals. The PCM path uses the full capabilities of the WTA filter architecture, while DSD signals are processed through a proprietary algorithm specifically designed to handle the 1-bit structure of DSD. This dual-path approach ensures that each format is handled optimally, without compromising the potential of either. For PCM, this means preserving the ultra-precise timing and filtering that the WTA architecture provides. For DSD, it means preserving the inherent advantages of the format by handling characteristic noise problems more effectively than conventional conversion methods.

The theme of the Temporal Domain

When music is digitized, it is sampled thousands of times per second (e.g., 44,100 times in the case of the CD format). These samples are like “snapshots” of the audio wave. The task of a DAC is to reconstruct the original continuous waveform from these discrete points-something akin to connecting the dots to draw a curve. The mathematical filter that performs this reconstruction is crucial to sound quality. Traditional DACs use relatively simple filters that focus on frequency response but can introduce timing errors into the reconstructed signal. These errors, though microscopic, affect our perception of the natural flow of music and the space in which the sound event unfolds. This is where Chord’s WTA filter, with its brilliance, comes into play.

WTA: Time is Everything

The WTA filter approaches reconstruction by favoring the exact timing of transients-that is, those “fleeting” moments in which notes begin or change. Think, for example, of a drumstick hitting a cymbal or a piano hammer hitting the strings. These transients contain crucial information about the rhythm of the music, the tempo, as well as those minute details that convey the clues that contribute to the spatial reconstruction of the sound event.

In the course of his exhausting research, Rob Watts discovered that extremely long tap lengths (basically the number of calculations used in reconstruction) are required to preserve temporal accuracy. While typical DAC filters use a few hundred taps, DAVE employs the staggering number of 164,000 taps. Such massive processing power enables it to reconstruct the original analog waveform with unprecedented temporal accuracy.

Construction Quality and Design

The DAVE’s exceptional engineering extends beyond its digital architecture to its physical construction. The chassis is made of aircraft aluminum machined from billet to extremely tight tolerances. The various elements are very solid with the top plate having small, carefully placed ventilation holes that both serve a cooling function and contribute to the aesthetics of the unit. As a testament to the unusual thickness of the plates used, one can see how recessed the headphone jack is in relation to the outer wire of the converter. The front fascia features a sort of circular protuberance that houses a large OLED display. The specimen entrusted to us for testing was equipped with the ENSEMBLE STAND base that is part of the CHORAL line, which helps to make the DAVE immune to vibrations from the outside, completing its aesthetics fully.

All input and output connections are gold-plated and mounted securely on the rear panel, with the balanced XLR outputs particularly robust. Notably, we have the usual trio of digital inputs: USB (type B), coaxial, and optical. The DAVE prefers big numbers, with the single USB accepting PCM signals with sample rates up to an astonishing 768kHz. Very interesting in this context is the possibility of the Dual BNC connection, which, by pairing two communication channels on a balanced connection can go as far as handling data streams with a sampling rate of both 768 kHz.

The outputs provide single-ended and balanced analog connections. Both provide a high signal level, thanks to which the DAVE can be matched by even the least sensitive amplifiers. The single-ended output connection provides a 3V signal; the balanced output offers 6V. DAVE also offers a direct headphone output, and the signal automatically switches from line to headphones when the 6.3 mm jack is connected. Relative to DSD format compatibility, the Chord DAVE also handles files up to DSD 512.

Interface and Control

At the center of DAVE’s user interface is the large circular OLED display that provides both functional feedback and visual appeal. The spherical display housing may seem like an aesthetic choice, but it actually improves visibility from various angles by eliminating unwanted reflections.

The interface is color-coded for intuitive operation: different inputs are assigned distinct colors, while the volume level is expressed in dB. This visual feedback system quickly becomes natural, allowing users to evaluate settings at a glance. The brightness of the display can be adjusted to suit one’s listening environment, or completely dimmed for distraction-free listening. Navigation through DAVE’s functions is handled by four buttons on either side of a rotary control. These spherical controls echo the design of the central display and provide access to input selection, volume adjustment, and menu navigation.

Beyond the Numbers: the listening experience

DAVE’s technical excellence results in a listening experience that is both revelatory and engaging. Playing “Keith Don’t Go” from Nils Lofgren’s Acoustic Live, the complex guitar work shows just how much DAVE’s temporal precision matters. Each pizzicato has a clear attack and a natural decay. The space between notes is as important as the notes themselves, creating a convincing illusion of a real performance.

Orchestral music particularly benefits from DAVE’s capabilities. With Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (Berliner Philharmoniker/Karajan), the positioning of instruments in three-dimensional space is remarkably precise. The individual sections retain their character while contributing to a coherent whole. The massive dynamic excursions of the final movement are handled with ease, from quieter passages to full orchestral climaxes.

Practical Considerations

DAVE is designed to function not only as a DAC, but also as a digital DAC/preamplifier and as a headphone amplifier. The volume control operates in the digital domain without loss of resolution, and the headphone output offers excellent performance due to a low-noise architecture. When used as a DAC/preamplifier, DAVE can connect directly to power amplifiers or active speakers, potentially simplifying the system while maintaining maximum signal quality. The headphone output, driven by DAVE’s sophisticated analog stage, rivals dedicated high-end headphone amplifiers, making it a versatile centerpiece for both speaker- and headphone-based systems.

Economic Considerations

At a price of €14,980.00 DAVE faces strong competition from other high-end DACs. However, its unique technology and musical performance make it an attractive choice for listeners seeking the ultimate in digital playback. The inclusion of high quality headphone amplification and preamplifier functionality adds value by allowing, at least potentially, you to simplify your listening system.

Conclusion

The Chord DAVE constitutes a peculiar approach to the subject of digital audio conversion. Its dual-path processing for PCM and DSD, combined with revolutionary WTA filter technology, gives an answer to the fundamental problems of digital reconstruction. The optional M Scaler also elevates this performance even further, creating a digital playback system that pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Its price puts it in the high-end category; its performance justifies the investment for those seeking the best in digital audio reproduction. For listeners who favor natural musical flow and precise spatial recreation, DAVE offers a level of performance that makes digital music sound remarkably similar to analog while retaining the benefits of digital precision. It is a flagship product that advances the state of the art in digital audio conversion while remaining focused on the ultimate goal: delivering a more immersive and authentic musical experience.

Specifications

Description: D/A processor with volume control.
Digital inputs: 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 4 x 75 ohm coaxial (BNC), 2 x TosLink, 1 x USB (Type B).
Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair unbalanced (RCA), 1 headphone.
Digital formats supported: 32-768kHz PCM in 32-bit; DSD64/128/256/512.
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, ±0.1dB.
THD+N: -127.5dB ref. 0dBFS.
Dynamic range: 127.5dB.
Output impedance: 0.0055 ohm (short-circuit-protected).
Dimensions: 334mm W, 71mm H, 154mm D.
Weight: 15.4 lbs (7kg).
Finishes: Silver, Black.