There is a review of the DAVE by JA in the June Stereophile. It's also on the cover. Very positive and he does some interesting comparisons to other DACs using different technologies with shorter filter circuitry. Give it a read and check out the measurements. He also talks about shortcomings like no MQA decoding. I like his reviews. One of the things he says which I totally agree with is that the end result of the DAVE changes quite a bit depending on the other components in the chain. Having owned one I can see where folks would come to different conclusions just based on the differing components. It is a great DAC for the price, not much doubt about that in my mind. But I would never say it's the best. Even Rob Watts has said he has improved substantially on redbook when the DAVE is used with the new Chord CD transport and upscaler, Blu 2. Waiting on mine to get here! There are a lot of good (if not out of this world) DACs in the 8-15K range. DAVE is one of them I would say.
Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD
Hi All.
Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.
I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.
Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?
All opinions welcome.
And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.
Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.
I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.
Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?
All opinions welcome.
And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.
Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
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- 4487 posts total
- 4487 posts total