Chord Electronics
DAVE | Quickstart Manual
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB, United Kingdom
info@chordelectronics.co.uk
chordelectronics.co.uk
Quickstart Manual
Switch on the DAVE 6.0
Once all inputs are connected you should not yet initiate playback.
Turn on the DAVE by pressing the power button on the rear panel, the
device will run its start-up sequence before it is ready to be used.
Selecting DAC, AMP or Heaphone mode 8.0
You will need to select between DAC or AMP mode depending on
your intended use. When changing settings it will take DAVE up to
15 seconds to activate, during which time the device will be non-
operational and produce no sound.
DAC MODE: This will set DAVE’s output to a fixed 3V (line level). During
use, DAVE must be used with a pre-amplifier capable of attenuating its
volume as its on-board volume control will no longer be operational.
AMP MODE: To use DAVE as a pre-amplifier, you must select ‘AMP’.
In this mode you can use the Volume control dial to set a preferred
volume level.
WARNING: Never select DAC mode if you do not have a means of attenuating the volume.
Permanent damage to your equipment and hearing can occur.
To select your input for playback, navigate to the input selection menu
on DAVE using the up and down buttons, then use the left and right
buttons to choose your input. For more in depth information on inputs
and the dierent features DAVE has to oer, please refer to the full
manual.
Selecting input 9.0
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 768KHz. DSD playback up
to DSD256 is also supported but it is decimated and not optimised in
this mode.
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.
Please note, after either decoding function, DAVE will mute for approx
20 seconds while the new program activates.
Selecting between DSD and PCM 10.0
Now that you have successfully completed the setup of your DAVE
you can immediately begin to experience its transformational quality
on your digital music collection. However, we advise that you register
your product with us. Registering helps us give you the best possible
support and protects your investment:
Product registration 11.0
chordelectronics.co.uk/register-product/
HEADPHONE MODE: When you insert a headphone jack, DAVE
automatically mutes the rear outputs and the volume control will only
work on the headphone output. Adjust the volume accordingly. When
you remove the headphone jack, DAVE unmutes the rear outputs, the
volume will revert back to the volume last used while in “Amp mode”
or will revert to line level if it was in “DAC mode”
DAVE has an enormous volume range, making it suitable for sensitive
IEMs, to be used as a standalone preamplifier, or for large circumaural
headphones.
Navigating the menu 7.0
During use, you may need to navigate DAVE’s menu, this is simple. To
scroll through the menu use the left and right buttons. To navigate
through the sub-menu options (and set your selection) use the up and
down buttons. Once you have landed on an appropriate option you do
not need to confirm a selection it will be automatically applied. Use
the volume control to turn the volume up and down as appropriate. All
settings will be remembered when the device is switched o.
WARNING: Only commence playback once you are certain that your settings are correct.
Failure to do this could result in permanent damage to connected equipment.