Chord Dave Replacement

Thanks for the responses.

frozentundra,
I do use Roon and I'll try the linear warm filter.

toetapaudio,

I sent you a PM. I'm also looking into the Hugo M Scaler and Blu mk2 as possible upgrades. 

I've owned a PS Audio Directstream, Bricasti M1, Jeff Rowland Aeris, Chord Dave, and today I auditioned the Rockna Wavedream Edition DAC. Out of all of the DACs I've heard, I could easily live with the Aeris, Dave, or Wavedream. The Wavedream only has a couple hours on it, but from the first note it sounds like a more transparent Chord Dave to my ears. My wife said it sounds just like the Dave. It's my understanding that the Wavedream only has 20 hours on it. Like a true audiophile with "issues", I'm saying to myself, if at $8300 list the Rockna Wavedream Edition sounds this good, how good does their $16K Signature DAC sound? More to follow.

There are a lot of people that absolutely love the M-scaler. I've tried it in my system and I don't like it. To my ears it makes music sound unnatural. 

Steve,
Sorry anytime I read statements like, " The PCM DAC that buries them all and has the best technology for volume control.", I just stay away from. There are no absolutes in audio, only preferences.

It doesn’t get too hot to touch. I can leave my hand on it as long as I want to.

nitewulf,
No, not anymore. I listened to a couple other DACs and decided to keep what I have.

hgeifman,
I don't know if your question is directed to me or not? If so, I've never directly compared the two; therefore it would be unfair to answer your question.

The other thing I've learned about the Chord Dave is it can sound very different depending on the interconnect and/or power cord used.

Everyone hears differently...I heard the Dave with the Blu and I prefer it without it.