Chord Dave and lInear power supply

Everything said here about upgrading an SMPS to LPS has been my exact experience. It gives a huge performance boost for comparatively little outlay.

If you have a component that accepts external SMPS input, then try out the Farad or something like the Uptone JS-2 (dual outputs which are voltage switchable).

If you have a favorite component with internal SMPS, get a LPS custom built to slot into the mounting holes of the SMPS.

@nkj 

I had tried isolation transformer on Dave.

It improved the sound significantly.

But with it, I hear some ground hum since they are not grounded in the same earth.

Thus  I stopped using isolation transformer on Dave.

best

Thomas

Had anyone installed Farad to your Dave?

If so, please chime in your impression.

As 5 weeks after initial installation, it is the best 3k$ spent on my digital system.

Dave + (with Farad) sounds fuller  with vivid sound.

Thomas

I installed mine last week and it’s been settling in.   Overall I agree with what everyone has said.   It improves everything the Dave does well- depth of soundstage as improved and I’ve noticed increased transparency.  Some lyrics that were smeared before are completely clear.  An excellent upgrade!

I did notice that it brightened my system a bit.  Not sure if that is because of the silver leads that Farad uses or the different powercords I’m using now.  I was using an Audioquest Dragon before but there is no way I can afford afford putting three of those on the DAVE.   

Given the Dave’s relatively high price point, I’m sure Chord had good reason to utilize the SMPS. It is interesting however that in various forum discussions, people do report improved sound quality with replacement LPS.

Charles