[CaptainFantastic]

Thanks for the insight.
So, if I want a warmer presentation I could experiment with the following:

1. Add a warmer amp and use existing headphones.
2. Buy a warmer headphone to use with the RME amp
3. Buy a warmer amp and warmer headphone.

If I have $2k to upgrade my system where would I get the most benefit for overall SQ with more warmth and musicality

1. Amp $2k
2. Headphone $2k
3. Amp and headphone $2k (50/50 split or other)

Sorry if this is such a simplistic approach but I don't have much experience. Also I haven't got the luxury of demoing equipment. But I do have $2k to spend but don't know how to spend it.

I agree with the advice above. But for variety of opinion:

If you love the sound of the 650, put that $2k toward a Bottlehead Crack OTL amp with internal upgrades and upgraded tubes running from your RME. It will get warmer for sure.

 

[ainzz]

Headphones. That’s where I would put my money. The RME is good enough for 75-80% of the headphones. The difference you will hear between headphones is nowhere near the subtle changes between amplifiers and dacs

Would a 300 ohm ZMF Atticus fit in that 75-80%?

 

[Another Audiophile]

Would a 300 ohm ZMF Atticus fit in that 75-80%?

I have the ZMF Aeolus. The ZMF headphones are high impedance but not very hard to drive. The RME can drive the headphones so yes are within the 75-80%. Do the headphones scale up with a transformer less valve amplifier? Certainly but if I had to buy one or the other then I would by the ZMF as a better value for money proposition. Later on you can check for an amp that will drive the ZMF in their full potential.

 

[04gto]

I just wanted to post a very useful link here along with my own experience running my unit from a battery pack (for mobility). I had toyed with the idea of using a battery pack for when I travel near (in state often) or far (lower 48). But I back burnered the idea and it fell off the range. Then I came across this excellent write up and it re-ignited the idea for me. I ordered the battery pack used for testing in this write up and it works flawlessly. In my limited testing, I am getting 4-5 hours of listening time running iPhone 11 Pro>Tidal>RME ADI-2 DAC FS V2>LCD-XC. If I am not actively listening the battery pack will keep the unit powered on for 8+ hours.

Pretty amazing to have a mobile set up that, to my ears, sounds like $50k+ of two channel. Without the special room, room treatments etc. I am using a Nanuk 915 case w/ foam to safely and securely pack all this up (I have a fetish for these and other "Pelican style" cases).

 

[CaptainFantastic]

35 months into a 36-month warranty my RME ADI-2 DAC, which ran flawlessly the entire period with almost daily use (usually with dark screen function enabled), all of a sudden suffered a screen malfunction whereby multicolored vertical lines showed up on the right side of the screen. Otherwise there were no issues.

Quick e-mail to Thomann where I purchased it from. Prepaid label arrives for UPS shipment. Two days later it's with Thomann. 3 weeks later I have the unit with a new screen and in perfect working order.

Thanks RME, thanks Thomann.

 

[NickT23]

Hi guys, I know there are over 300 pages and mind my rudeness and laziness, been scrolling trying to find related information. But does anyone able to A/B RME ADI2 to RME ADI FS/Chord Qutest, Hugo 2, Dave/Mytek Brooklyn ($2500 ones or higher) / Benchmark Dac3 HGC ?

 

[jclyle]

Has anyone used RME ADI as DAC with fixed line out to Burson Conductor 3R? 3R doesn't have the power amp mode that a Soloist XP does. I currently have a 3R ( w Sparkos duals & SuperCharger) but find it to be too smooth for my musical tastes.

I'm wondering if the combo would be any improvement in pace and dynamics over the internal DAC in the 3R.

 

[Marutks]

Has anyone used RME ADI as DAC with fixed line out to Burson Conductor 3R?

I heard weird distortions (clipping) when I used Burson Conductor 3R with external DACs ( RME and D90 ).
I had to use software volume control to get rid of the clipping.

 

[anttipi]

Is the serial number printed on the box too or just the unit itself? I am going to phone a reseller and ask which chip version they have in stock. Thanks!

 

[Iamnoexpert]

Is the serial number printed on the box too or just the unit itself? I am going to phone a reseller and ask which chip version they have in stock. Thanks!

You can find the letter, B or C, or no letter, on the back of the device, or you can ring an official RME supplier tell them the serial number and they can find out for you.

 

[Verificateur]

Anyone who is using 4.4mm female to 1/4” male adapters into RME, is this detrimental or has any impact on the sound quality at all?

All my cables are terminated in 4.4mm….

 

[makan]

Anyone who is using 4.4mm female to 1/4” male adapters into RME, is this detrimental or has any impact on the sound quality at all?

All my cables are terminated in 4.4mm….

Shouldn’t have any issues. I use an xlr to 1/4” sometimes on that and my other amps. The issue is just the connector dangles and it adds a little bit of weight

 

[DuncanDirkDick]

The RME is good enough for 75-80% of the headphones

I'd go further than that. It's probably about 99% assuming 115db peak volume.

Anyone who is using 4.4mm female to 1/4” male adapters into RME, is this detrimental or has any impact on the sound quality at all?

Nope. Generally speaking, going from single ended amp side to a balanced headphone cable always works.

 

[Tuneslover]

I have a FiiO M11 DAP that I’m experimenting with my ADI-2 DAC. My understanding is that the ADI is not equipped to handle MQA. How would the ADI respond to an incoming MQA signal?

Also is there an optimum setup for the ADI when using Tidal?

Thanks!

 

[04gto]

Starbucks will never be the same. No AC power necessary.
️
Addendum: Yes, I am that guy.