2.1 Warranty period & registering 09
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 10
4.0 Setting up DAVE 16
4.1 Placement 17
4.2 Connecting your source to 18
DAVE
4.3 Connecting a BLU MK II or Hugo M Scaler to DAVE 19
4.4 Connecting a preamplifier/
amplifier to DAVE 20
4.5 Powering DAVE 21
6.0 Playback modes 25
6.1 Playback modes 26
6.2 Headphone mode 27
6.3 Preamplification mode 28
6.4 DAC mode 29
7.0 Play back modes 30
7.1 DSD and PCM mode 31
7.2 Crossfeed 32
7.3 Settings memory & galvanic isolation 33
7.4 Display messages 34
0.0
2 // 35
Contents
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Safety instructions1.0
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0
3 // 35
Safety
instructions
Page 4
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Introduction1.1
DAVE is an incredibly
powerful and versatile
digital-to-analogue
convertor preamplifier and
headphone amplifier.
Before operation, we strongly
advise you read this user manual
thoroughly.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protecti on agai nst
liqui ds & heat
1.3 Dismant ling & radio frequenc y
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
We also recommend that you
store this user manual, along with
your original receipt of purchase,
in a safe place should you require
assistance in the future.
4 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protecti on agai nst
liqui ds & heat
1.3 Dismant ling & radio frequenc y
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Protection against
liquids & heat
DAVE is not protected
against liquids of any
kind. Never place
containers of liquid on DAVE.
Never allow DAVE to come
into contact with moisture or
liquids; doing so could result
in electrocution or damage to
DAVE’s internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including
water that has dried, can leave
minerals that can aect the
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If DAVE comes into contact
with moisture or liquids,
immediately disconnect from
the power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
1.2
DAVE has internal
thermal protection
which will shut down
the unit in the event of excessive
temperatures being reached.
Never operate DAVE near
sources of heat or naked flames
as this will decrease the lifespan
of the internal components.
It is advised that you do not
operate DAVE in an area of direct
sunlight or on top of significant
heat-producing devices.
Please be aware that it is entirely
normal for DAVE to become
warm during use.
If you are concerned about the
temperatures, please switch the
device o or consider a dierent
placement.
5 // 35
Page 6
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protecti on agai nst
liqui ds & heat
1.3 Dismant ling & radio frequenc y
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
There are no userserviceable components
with in DAVE or its power
supply. Dangerous voltages/
currents exist within DAVE and
its power supply, posing a severe
risk of electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to
open, dismantle or
apply internal thirdparty devices to it or insert
anything other than the listed
interconnects or headphone
adapters within this user manual.
If DAVE develops a fault or the
casework becomes damaged,
immediately disconnect from
the power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
1.3
With a thick, solid aluminium
chassis, DAVE’s casework
largely protects the sensitive
internal circuitry from radio
frequency interference. However,
for optimal performance, it is
recommended that the following
points are observed:
1. Consider placing DAVE away
from wireless routers.
2. Separate DAVE from
amplifiers using toroidal
transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones at
a distance to avoid
interference.
Although the unit is
largely shielded, it
can generate radio
frequency interference that
may have an eect on analogue
radio and television reception.
Please consider moving DAVE to
a dierent location should this
happen.
6 // 35
Page 7
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Connecting your equipment1.4
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protecti on agai nst
liqui ds & heat
1.3 Dismant ling & radio frequenc y
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Before connecting DAVE to any
third-party equipment, consult
the manufacturer’s user guide to
confirm compatibility.
When connecting DAVE to any
equipment, make sure that all
devices are o, including DAVE.
Once connected, switch all
equipment on starting with
the source and ending with the
amplification.
Initially, operate DAVE on its
lowest volume setting, gently
increasing to a comfortable
listening level.
Never operate DAVE at excessive
volume levels; permanent hearing
damage and/or loss can occur.
DAVE does not have internal
batteries and, therefore, must
be permanently connected to a
source of power.
Do not disconnect DAVE from
the power cable without first
switching the unit o to avoid
any damage.
Never disconnect the
power ca ble during
opera tion. O nly
disconnect when DAVE
is o. If the p ower cable
is disconnected during
opera tion, th ere is a risk
of dama ge to conn ected
equipment.
The included 10 -amp IEC power
cable plugs into DAVE.
7 // 35
Page 8
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Warranty2.0
2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0
8 // 35
Warranty
Page 9
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
2.1 Warranty p eriod & registe ring
your purchase
2.2 M aking a claim & wa rranty
exclusions
Warranty period & registering
your purchase
At point of sale, Chord
Electronics Ltd. provides DAVE
with a comprehensive five-year
warranty* which covers defects
in materials and workmanship
through fair wear and tear. The
warranty will be void if any other
PSU other than that supplied is
used.
*The warranty is transferable
with proof of purchase, however,
warranty on ex-demonstration
units begins from the retailer‘s
date of purchase.
2.1
Please use the form
below to record the
details of your purchase
in the event that these are
required at a later date. We
further advise that all purchases
are registered with Chord
Electronics at: chordelectronics.
co.uk/register-product/
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:
9 // 35
Page 10
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
2.1 Warranty p eriod & registe ring
your purchase
2.2 M aking a claim & wa rranty
exclusions
Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
In the unlikely event of a claim,
your first point of contact should
be your supplying dealer. If
this is not possible, you must
provide Chord Electronics with
the details of the claim, including
your original proof of purchase
and serial number, in order to
validate the nature of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics
will make an assessment within
30 days and provide a reasonable
solution.
All warranty repairs must be
carried out by Chord Electronics
or an approved service centre, to
guarantee the quality and safety
of the repair.
2.2
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
warranty does not cover connected
equipment, personal injury or
development natural patina of the
metalwork and will be null and void
if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering
of the product; improper use of the
product; acts of God; damage caused
by a connected device; mechanical
shock; fire or application of excessive
heat or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.
10 // 35
Page 11
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Getting to know
DAVE
3.0
3.1 Getting to know DAVE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
3.0
11 // 35
Getting to know
DAVE
Page 12
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Getting to know DAVE3.1
DAVE is an extraordinarily
powerful leading-edge DAC/
preamplifier/headphone
amplifier, featuring multi-awardwinning FPGA technology.
To get the very best out of the
device for many years to come,
we recommend familiarising
yourself with this user manual.
3.1 Getting to know DAVE
3.2 The f ront panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
12 // 35
Page 13
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
The front panel3.2
3.1 Getting to know DAVE
3.2 The f ront panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
Whilst an IR remote control
is supplied, the front panel of
DAVE is the main user interface
and can entirely control all userconfigurable options, inputs and
volume.
DAVE features a single
headphone output available on
the front of the device. This can
accommodate headphones up
to 800 Ω without the need for an
additional headphone amplifier.
IR remote control
receiver window
Volume dial and
confirmation button
Up through
menu
Cycle through menu
options
13 // 35
LCD screen
Down through
Cycle through menu
options
6.35mm headphone jack
Page 14
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
The rear panel3.4
The rear panel oers a
comprehensive connectivity
suite, featuring both standard
connections and those which
are used with other Chord
Electronics devices.
When installing cables, you must
make sure that they securely
click into place, especially the
optical input.
3.1 Getting to know DAVE
3.2 The f ront panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
Right unbalanced
RCA output
Left XLR balanced
analogue output
Left unbalanced
RCA output
Right XLR balanced
analogue output
BNC 2 coax
digital input
USB
digital input
BNC 1 coax
digital input
AES balanced
XLR digital input
Optical 1
digital input
BNC 4 coax
digital input
Optical 2
digital input
BNC 3 coax
digital input
4x DX digital output
(for future product)
10A IEC AC inlet
WARNING:Do not
use any oth er power
supply other than
that sup plied . Doing so will
invalidate your warranty.
14 // 35
Page 15
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
The remote control3.5
For convenience, a branded
infra-red remote control is
included with DAVE.
The remote will operate up to a
distance of 10 metres (with clear
line-of-sight) to the infra-red
receiver within DAVE, which is
located above the LCD screen.
3.1 Getting to know DAVE
3.2 The f ront panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
For best operation, do not
operate DAVE within a cabinet or
place other materials/products
on top of the device.
On/o
Activate menu
Increase volume
Cycle through inputs and
menu
Menu
Vol+
Vol -
Mute
Mute playback
Cycle though inputs and
menu
Decrease volume
15 // 35
NOTE: Pl ease only
inser t AA A batter ies
into the IR remote
control and observe the
correc t orientation a s
indic ated. Fai lure to do so
could re sult in non-operation
or battery lea kage.
Page 16
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Setting up
DAVE
4.0
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting your source to DAVE
4.3 Connecting a BLU MK II or Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Connecting a preamplifier/amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
4.0
16 // 35
Setting up
DAVE
Page 17
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Placement4.1
Whilst DAVE will operate
normally on top of a rack or side
table, it is recommended that the
device is allowed to
‘breathe’.
Allocating 10cm of space around
the device to convection-cool
during operation is advised.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting yo ur sour ce to
DAVE
4.3 Connec ting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Co nnecting a pre amplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
As the infra-red remote
control requires a direct
line of sight to the
viewing portal, avoid placing
objects on top of DAVE or
putting it within enclosures.
17 // 35
Page 18
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting yo ur sour ce to
DAVE
4.3 Connec ting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Co nnecting a pre amplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
Connecting your source to
DAVE
DAVE has a selection of dierent
inputs and you can connect
several sources at once if you
wish.
Please note that if you are using
the USB input with a Mac/Linux
device, you will not need a
driver, but if you are connecting
a Windows device, it will need a
driver from the DAVE section of
our website:
chordelectronics.co.uk/product/
dave
4.2
To set up your system:
1) First, you must ensure that
DAVE and any connecting equipment,
is turned o.
2) Locate the inputs on the back
of the unit shown below.
3) Select the correct outputs
from your source device
and insert the cables into
the input ports on the DAVE.
18 // 35
Input
Page 19
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting yo ur sour ce to
DAVE
4.3 Connec ting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Co nnecting a pre amplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
Connecting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
If you intend to use BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler with DAVE, you
should use the dual BNC cables
provided to connect the two
devices. You must also connect
your source inputs to the BLU
MKII or M Scaler and not DAVE.
Using the dual BNC cables;
1) Connect the outputs of BLU
MKII or Hugo M Scaler to the
dual BNC inputs on
DAVE. Please pay close
attention to the numbering on
the units.
4.3
3) Once connected, please read
the manuals for either BLU Mk
II or Hugo M scaler to set up.
Also ensure you have
downloaded the drivers for
BLU MK II or Hugo M Scaler
from our website.
chordelectronics.co.uk/
product/
2) Ensure the cables click into
the connectors securely.
DUAL BNC OUT
19 // 35
Page 20
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting yo ur sour ce to
DAVE
4.3 Connec ting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Co nnecting a pre amplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
Connecting a preamplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
To connect DAVE to a preamp,
integrated or power amp, you
should connect the outputs
of DAVE to the inputs of your
preamp, integrated or power
amp;
1) Locate the outputs on the
back of the unit shown below.
2) Paying close attention to the
left and right channels, insert
the cables in to DAVE.
3) Ensure the cables click into
the connectors securely.
4.4
WARNING: Read
secti on 6 befo re
initiating playback.
20 // 35
Outputs
Page 21
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Powering DAVE 4.5
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting yo ur sour ce to
DAVE
4.3 Connec ting a BLU MK II or
Hugo M Scaler to DAVE
4.4 Co nnecting a pre amplifier/
amplifier to DAVE
4.5 Powering DAVE
POWER ON SEQUENCE:
Once set up with cables,
use the supplied power
cable to connect DAVE. To turn
DAVE on, locate the large power
switch on the back of the device.
It may take 15 seconds for DAVE
to complete a safety check.
During this stage, music playback
will not be possible and mute will
be displayed.
During this period,
do not initiate music
playback.
NOTE: DAVE ca n
be put into stand by
mode with the o
button on the rem ote.
21 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
How to navigate the menus5.0
5.1 The screen & navigating the menu
5.2 Sample rate
5.0
22 // 35
How to navigate
the menus
Page 23
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
5.1 The screen & navigat ing
the menu
5.2 Sample rate
The screen & navigating
the menu
DISPLAY SETTING AND
THE SCREEN GOING
BLACK: When you make
a new selection via the menu,
DAVE needs to write this to its
internal memory. This will cause
the display to temporarily show a
black screen.
For darker environments, bright
displays may present a challenge,
therefore, DAVE oers four
dierent menu display settings.
Find this listed under Display in
the menu.
5.1
THE MENU: To advance your way
through the menu, press the four
buttons surrounding the volume
dial.
Use the up and down buttons to
cycle through menu options on
the screen. Using the left and
right buttons, you can change
the options in the sub-menus.
Turn the dial to increase or lower
the volume. Press the volume dial
to mute/unmute DAVE
Left through
menu *
Up through
menu
Down through
menu
* Hold down these buttons to change between modes
Right through
menu *
23 // 35
Page 24
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Sample rate5.2
SAMPLE RATE INDICATOR:
During playback, the sample rate
will be indicated on the screen.
DAVE is capable of playing files
up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD
512. See the table below for full
details:
5.1 The screen & navigat ing
the menu
5.2 Sample rate
USB*44.1 kHz to 768 kHz
16-bit to 32-bit – DSD 64 to DSD 256 (DoP interface), 16-bit to
32-bit - DSD 64 to DSD 512 (native*** USB interface)
BNC/Coax
input
Optical
input
44.1 kHz to 384 kHz
16-bit to 24-bit - DSD 128 via DoP
*USB i s natively compatible with a ll Mac OS X a nd Linu x machines without the use of
driver s. Windows machines may require a driver, avail able on the Chord Electronics
website.
**Du al BNC is reser ved for special operation with Chord Elec tronic s’ par tnering
produ cts. D ual BN C does not appear within the menu by default, it will o nly appear
when successfully connected to a partnering product.
***N ative DSD p layback is only available using AS IO drive r on Windows.
24 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Playback modes6.0
6.1 Playback modes
6.2 Headphone mode
6.3 Preamplification mode
6.4 DAC mode
6.0
25 // 35
Playback
modes
Page 26
Chord Electronics
Headphone
Phase Pos
Volume
DAC mode
Phase Pos
Volume
Digital pre
Phase Pos
Volume
DAVE | Manual
_
6.1 Playback modes
6.2 Headphone mode
6.3 Preamplification mode
6.4 DAC mode
Playback modes
DAVE has three userselectable modes tailored to
the intended operation of the
device: Headphone mode,
Preamplification mode and
DAC mode. Each mode will be
displayed at the bottom of the
screen on the right-hand side.
When headphones are connected
to DAVE, for protection, the
device will enter Headphone
mode, where only the headphone
outputs are enabled. It will
not be possible to manually
deselect this: only removing the
headphones will disengage the
mode.
6.1
When headphones are
disconnected, it is possible
to navigate between
Preamplification mode or DAC
mode by holding down the right
and left menu buttons.
26 // 35
Headphone modeDAC modePreamplification mode
WARNING: For
the prote ction of
your hearing and
equip ment, p lease d o not
navigate betwee n the
Preamp and DAC without
discon necting DAVE from
any other device or a s ource
of music.
Page 27
Chord Electronics
Headphone
Phase Pos
Volume
DAVE | Manual
_
Headphone mode6.2
When DAVE detects that
headphones have been
inserted into the 6.35mm frontpanel connector, it will enter
Headphone mode, which is for
headphone-listening only. DAVE
will identify the headphones and
display Headphone in the bottom
right-hand side of the screen.
6.1 Playback modes
6.2 Headphone mode
6.3 Preamplification mode
6.4 DAC mode
When you insert a headphone
jack, DAVE automatically mutes
the rear outputs and the volume
control will only work on the
headphone output. When you
remove the headphone jack,
DAVE unmutes the rear outputs,
the volume will revert back to the
volume last used while in ‘Digital
pre mode’ or will revert to line
level if it was in DAC mode
WARNING For your
protec tion, when
headphones are
conne cted to DAVE you wi ll
be unable to manually exit
Headphone m ode until they
are disconnected.
27 // 35
Page 28
Chord Electronics
Digital pre
Phase Pos
Volume
DAVE | Manual
_
Preamplification mode 6.3
6.1 Playback modes
6.2 Headphone mode
6.3 Preamplification mode
6.4 DAC mode
Providing headphones are
not connected to DAVE,
Preamplification mode can
be manually engaged. Select
Preamplification mode by
holding down the right and left
buttons for two seconds.
Preamplification mode deploys
DAVE’s digital preamplifier
capabilities, enabling the volume
to be attenuated to prevent
clipping or to feed directly into
a power amplifier or active
speaker.
WARNING: For
the prote ction of
your hearing and
equip ment, p lease d o not
navigate betwee n the
Pream p and DAC mod es or
have musi c playing without
discon necting DAVE from
any other device or a s ource
28 // 35
Page 29
Chord Electronics
DAC mode
Phase Pos
Volume
DAVE | Manual
_
DAC mode 6.4
6.1 Playback modes
6.2 Headphone mode
6.3 Preamplification mode
6.4 DAC mode
With headphones disconnected,
DAC mode is selectable. Select
DAC mode by holding down the
right and left buttons for two
seconds.
As the output level is fixed within
DAC mode, the volume dial (and
remote control volume) will no
longer respond.
DAC mode can be employed
when used within a conventional
audio system, where an external
preamplifier is present. When
this mode is selected, a 3 V
unbalanced and 6 V balanced
RMS line-level signal will be
present.
Before connecting DAVE to
other components, for example,
a preamplifier or amplifier,
please consult the respective
user manual, as they may
require a signal less than 2.5
V RMS to provide optimum
performance. If you require a
line-level signal, less than 2.5
V, please use Preamplification
mode to attenuate the signal as
appropriate.
When changing from DAC/
Preamp mode, please give DAVE
time to switch between modes.
Stop all playback at this time.
NOTE: As the
output level is fixed
on DAC mode , the
volume w heel will become
unresponsive.
WARNING: Never
connect any device
incapable of
attenuating a li ne level signal
to DAVE in DAC mode. Doing
so could result in p ermanent
damage to any connected
equip ment, a long with your
hearing.
WARNING: For
the prote ction of
your hearing and
equip ment, p lease d o not
navigate betwee n the
Pream p and DAC mod es or
have musi c playing without
discon necting DAVE from
any other device or a s ource
29 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Special features7.0
7.1 DSD and PCM mode
7. 2 C r o s s f e e d
7.3 Settings memory &
galvanic isolation
7.4 Display messages
7.0
30 // 35
Special
features
Page 31
Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
7.1 DSD and PCM mode
7.2 Crossfeed
7.3 Setting s memor y &
galvanic isolation
7.4 Display messages
DSD and PCM mode
DAVE has two decoding options
specifically tailored for PCM
or DSD playback. You can play
both PCM and DSD music using
either mode, but each one is
specifically optimised for a
particular format. In order
to cycle between each mode
please highlight the segment,
typically by pressing the down
button and then either press
the left or right button for two
seconds.
PCM+ - Use this for PCM
playback up to 768 KHz. DSD
playback up to DSD256 is also
supported, but it is decimated
and not optimised in this mode.
7.1
Please note, after either
decoding function, DAVE will
mute for approx 20 seconds
while the new program activates.
DSD+ - Use this for DSD64,
128 and 256 (single, dual and
quad-speed) playback. There is
no decimation. PCM can still be
played and this mode is ideal for
streaming video with audio as it
has a lower delay.
31 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
7.1 DSD and PCM mode
7.2 Crossfeed
7.3 Setting s memor y &
galvanic isolation
7.4 Display messages
Crossfeed
CROSSFEED: Crossfeed is a form
of digital processing that blends
the left and right channels of a
stereo recording to achieve a
speaker-like presentation during
headphone listening. This option
is only available in Headphone
mode.
DAVE has four available modes
of crossfeed, shown as Crossfeed
on the display:
previous settings,
including volume, even when
powered down (or with the power
supply removed). You do not have
to perform any special actions.
7.3
GALVANIC ISOLATION:
Galvanic isolation
involves isolating the
power rails of the data USB
input, allowing for greater sonic
performance. DAVE features a
Class 2 Type-B USB input with
this protection. Please ensure
with you cable’s manufacturer,
that your chosen USB cable
is compatible with galvanic
isolation connections.
33 // 35
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Chord Electronics
DAVE | Manual
_
Display messages7. 4
During use of DAVE, you may
encounter a number of on-screen
display messages. Please use
the table below to discover their
meanings.
PCMSet to PCM mode
7.1 DSD and PCM mode
7.2 Crossfeed
7.3 Setting s memor y &
galvanic isolation
7.4 Display messages
DSDSet to DSD mode
Phase NegNegative output phase
Phase PosPositive output phase
Display 1-3 3 menu viewing options
Display 4Message mode - will turn o DAVE screen after 30 seconds
Positive and inverted phase is for
system matching. Some products
invert absolute phase so we give
the option to match (or correct)
your system phase using the
phase option on DAVE. For
Chord Electronics amplification
you should select inverted phase
for correct matching.
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