Chordette Gem DAC review
- Thread starter Clare Newsome
- Start date
Alec
Well-known member
Another dac review goody!
Wonder if these people really think folk want them to look like that tho...? Maybe they do want them to look like that.
Oh, and thats, "...or FLAC".
Wonder if these people really think folk want them to look like that tho...? Maybe they do want them to look like that.
Oh, and thats, "...or FLAC".
Alec
Well-known member
al7478:Wonder if these people really think folk want them to look like that tho...? Maybe they do want them to look like that.
You know, maybe they do. Or then again maybe they don't. Funny old world, isn't it?
al7478:Oh, and thats, "...or FLAC".
Of course it is.
You know, maybe they do. Or then again maybe they don't. Funny old world, isn't it?
al7478:Oh, and thats, "...or FLAC".
Of course it is.
al7478:it could be me, but USB doesnt appear to be mentioned in the spec sheet...
Yes, it could: the review says: "Instead, you've got the option of USB (the B type rectangular one) or Bluetooth, making use of the delivery system's A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) digital audio signal."
There isn't a line for USB input on the tech spec template, and if you knew what a world of pain we'd have to go through to get it put in...
That's why it's clearly mentioned in the text.
Yes, it could: the review says: "Instead, you've got the option of USB (the B type rectangular one) or Bluetooth, making use of the delivery system's A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) digital audio signal."
There isn't a line for USB input on the tech spec template, and if you knew what a world of pain we'd have to go through to get it put in...
That's why it's clearly mentioned in the text.
John Duncan
Well-known member
Well let's face it, if there was no USB, it would be a pretty box with, well, no inputs. But a cute aerial.
Alec
Well-known member
Andrew Everard:
al7478:it could be me, but USB doesnt appear to be mentioned in the spec sheet...
Yes, it could: the review says: "Instead, you've got the option of USB (the B type rectangular one) or Bluetooth, making use of the delivery system's A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) digital audio signal."
There isn't a line for USB input on the tech spec template, and if you knew what a world of pain we'd have to go through to get it put in...
That's why it's clearly mentioned in the text.
Yes, it could be me, but, as you point out, it isnt. Please forgive me for not understanding the pain you would have to endure in order to insert it.
As to your other replies - yes, it most definitely is. On both counts.
al7478:it could be me, but USB doesnt appear to be mentioned in the spec sheet...
Yes, it could: the review says: "Instead, you've got the option of USB (the B type rectangular one) or Bluetooth, making use of the delivery system's A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) digital audio signal."
There isn't a line for USB input on the tech spec template, and if you knew what a world of pain we'd have to go through to get it put in...
That's why it's clearly mentioned in the text.
Yes, it could be me, but, as you point out, it isnt. Please forgive me for not understanding the pain you would have to endure in order to insert it.
As to your other replies - yes, it most definitely is. On both counts.
Sevenoaks in Holborn had one of these in black for 300 on clearance, as the manager didn't like them.
I was tempted, but wanted something with spdif inputs.
Not sure if they still have it, it was 2-3 weeks ago.ÿ
I was tempted, but wanted something with spdif inputs.
Not sure if they still have it, it was 2-3 weeks ago.ÿ
Perhaps its just me, but I find this Chord(ette) product to be frustrating close to being useful but then they deliberately shot themselves in the foot. I love the idea of getting the music off my computer/server with an external DAC, but I'm not buying a serperate £400 DAC just for the computer and then another for everything else because they choose not include traditional digital inputs. Can't understand their thinking here, yes they also released another Chord DAC at the same time that does have those other inputs, but its so much more expensive that its hardly going to appeal to the same people.ÿ
ÿThe review is also a little disappointing. To say that it sounds much better than music straight from the computer is great of course, but to be blunt, so it bloody well should. Its faint praise at best, any external DAC will sound better than one built into a computer. I'm assuming the 5 star review means it sounds fantastic, although I personally don't understand how a product can get a 5 star review with such a deficient input selection, connectivity on a DAC is vital so in my mind its a 4 star product at best assuming it is stunning as far as sound quality. It would of been nice to know how it competes compared to the likes of the CA DacMagic for instance as that also offers USB input. Even my cheapo HeadRoom USB DAC/amp sounds significantly better than my MacBook Pro's internal DAC so again the review gives little to go by. The only novel feature the Chordette has is the bluetooth, but I can't see that being too important to many people buying a £400 external DAC. There again, perhaps I'm way off, to me the recentlyÿannouncedÿCambridge Audio DAC looks much more appealing even if the Chordette had a slight advantage in sound quality as I can also use it for my CD player, connect the Airport Express etc..ÿShame, I would have loved to have a reason and surprisingly the means, to buy something from such a well respected high-end HiFi name
ÿThe review is also a little disappointing. To say that it sounds much better than music straight from the computer is great of course, but to be blunt, so it bloody well should. Its faint praise at best, any external DAC will sound better than one built into a computer. I'm assuming the 5 star review means it sounds fantastic, although I personally don't understand how a product can get a 5 star review with such a deficient input selection, connectivity on a DAC is vital so in my mind its a 4 star product at best assuming it is stunning as far as sound quality. It would of been nice to know how it competes compared to the likes of the CA DacMagic for instance as that also offers USB input. Even my cheapo HeadRoom USB DAC/amp sounds significantly better than my MacBook Pro's internal DAC so again the review gives little to go by. The only novel feature the Chordette has is the bluetooth, but I can't see that being too important to many people buying a £400 external DAC. There again, perhaps I'm way off, to me the recentlyÿannouncedÿCambridge Audio DAC looks much more appealing even if the Chordette had a slight advantage in sound quality as I can also use it for my CD player, connect the Airport Express etc..ÿShame, I would have loved to have a reason and surprisingly the means, to buy something from such a well respected high-end HiFi name
Got the Gem yesterday from Santa.
connection is easy and reliable. No drop-outs normally (within 6-7m at least in direct line of site), however if you do some heavy tasks (e.g. lots of internet browsing or go throgh long lists in music library onth ipod while streaming) there can be dropouts or ipod can drop the connection entirely or crash the app, but this is not the problem of the Gem.
My impressions on sound (bluetooth from ipod touch, high bitrates and apple lossless):
Excellent highs and mids
Low end is not as good. The bass is a bit smudgy/boomy.
Overall quite happy as convenience helps to overlook the bass downside.
connection is easy and reliable. No drop-outs normally (within 6-7m at least in direct line of site), however if you do some heavy tasks (e.g. lots of internet browsing or go throgh long lists in music library onth ipod while streaming) there can be dropouts or ipod can drop the connection entirely or crash the app, but this is not the problem of the Gem.
My impressions on sound (bluetooth from ipod touch, high bitrates and apple lossless):
Excellent highs and mids
Low end is not as good. The bass is a bit smudgy/boomy.
Overall quite happy as convenience helps to overlook the bass downside.
idc
Well-known member
mcd0234:
Perhaps its just me, but I find this Chord(ette) product to be frustrating close to being useful but then they deliberately shot themselves in the foot. I love the idea of getting the music off my computer/server with an external DAC, but I'm not buying a serperate £400 DAC just for the computer and then another for everything else because they choose not include traditional digital inputs.......
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
mcd0234:
....... HeadRoom USB DAC/amp......
The Chordette would appear to be a potential nice future upgrade for me over my Fubar USB DAC.
Perhaps its just me, but I find this Chord(ette) product to be frustrating close to being useful but then they deliberately shot themselves in the foot. I love the idea of getting the music off my computer/server with an external DAC, but I'm not buying a serperate £400 DAC just for the computer and then another for everything else because they choose not include traditional digital inputs.......
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
mcd0234:
....... HeadRoom USB DAC/amp......
The Chordette would appear to be a potential nice future upgrade for me over my Fubar USB DAC.
idc:
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
I spoke to the Chord people at that terrible show in London.
In fact, the Gem is designed for Phone Brigade. I was informed that everyone would be down loading lossless to their mobile phones and using them as the source. I admire their vision but I think they're a few years too early with this concept.
They were very defensive, arrogant and aggresive when I spoke to them. I can only guess that many others had pointed out the missing digital inputs. My summing up of the Gem would be a missed opportunity to sell to the "budget" market. So there!
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
I spoke to the Chord people at that terrible show in London.
In fact, the Gem is designed for Phone Brigade. I was informed that everyone would be down loading lossless to their mobile phones and using them as the source. I admire their vision but I think they're a few years too early with this concept.
They were very defensive, arrogant and aggresive when I spoke to them. I can only guess that many others had pointed out the missing digital inputs. My summing up of the Gem would be a missed opportunity to sell to the "budget" market. So there!
I can imagine it being a nice bit of kit to use with an iPhone / Android handset running spotify. Quite an nice way to enjoy your music on the move and then just have it connect to your home system.
idc
Well-known member
PJPro:idc:
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
I spoke to the Chord people at that terrible show in London. In fact, the Gem is designed for Phone Brigade....... So there!
If it has a USB to connect to the PC and phonos to connect to an amp, it can be used as a USB DAC. In any case on the Chord site it states 'The Chordette Gem is the first in a new range of lower cost products...' So there, with bells on!
It is designed for the PC brigade who otherwise pay for connections that will never be used. USB only will help to keep the price down. There are a number of USB only DACs such as the....
I spoke to the Chord people at that terrible show in London. In fact, the Gem is designed for Phone Brigade....... So there!
If it has a USB to connect to the PC and phonos to connect to an amp, it can be used as a USB DAC. In any case on the Chord site it states 'The Chordette Gem is the first in a new range of lower cost products...' So there, with bells on!
Err, my "so there" was to the unfriendly chord people.
But yes, it can certainly be used with a PC.....I just think the option of an optical input (also for use with a PC, PS3, etc, etc, etc) would have widened their market appeal for not very much extra money.
But yes, it can certainly be used with a PC.....I just think the option of an optical input (also for use with a PC, PS3, etc, etc, etc) would have widened their market appeal for not very much extra money.
idc
Well-known member
Sorry PJ, I thought it was a merry jibe at me for which the return was meant to be equally tongue in cheek. There does appear to be the promise of more to come which you would think/hope would include an optical input.
No apologies required. I knew where you were coming from.
I just wanted to make sure that if the rather unpleasant people from Chord happened to read this, they were aware of my displeasure. Still, I'm highly unlikely to ever buy one of their products (except, perhaps, a gem with optical in) so why would they care!
[clenched teeth] Oh, it's coming back to me now .....they also implied I was too old for the product. And that's why I was unaware of phones downloading lossless content (Oct 2008).
I just wanted to make sure that if the rather unpleasant people from Chord happened to read this, they were aware of my displeasure. Still, I'm highly unlikely to ever buy one of their products (except, perhaps, a gem with optical in) so why would they care!
[clenched teeth] Oh, it's coming back to me now .....they also implied I was too old for the product. And that's why I was unaware of phones downloading lossless content (Oct 2008).
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