There is nothing to know. If you have USB drivers installed, just download the zip file and run .exe file in it. Here is the firmware file (http://www.rme-audio.de/download/fut_madiface_win.zip)
My micro iDSD BL plays native DSD from the headphone output, so I thought ADI-2 DAC may work the same way. Anyway, thanks for referring me to the manual, and it works through my Little Dot MK IV Amp. Strangely, IEM output is not deactivated when I play native DSD. Do you encounter the same issue?
I like the Clears with the ADI-2. I must say that I haven’t compared this device to many other dacs/amps. Before I had Mojo, and I think the ADI-2 is a definitive upgrade to my ears (more transparent, better soundstage, less dark/warm). The Clears/ADI-2 combo does need well recorded (acoustic) music to really shine. With mediocre/poorly mastered stuff it can be a bit underwhelming – although the EQ helps to make it better. The synergy with the Andro’s is really nice imo. Even poor recordings sound quite good. The same holds for my Nighthawk. Although my iems are for portable use, I quite often put them in the ADI-2 for listening to 80s pop music. So, all in all I am quite happy with the ADI-2 right now.
I think the lack of volume control might be because RME uses digital volume control. The manual mentions the inability to use digital processing on native DSD. The micro iDSD BL uses analog volume control. I’m not super knowledgeable on DACs, but that is my understanding.
Interestingly, one of my default test recordings is Alice in Chains, Unplugged, which is all acoustic. It may not be what others would refer to as "reference" but I've listened to it through 2 different DAP's, 2 different IEM's, an IEM amp, 5 different IEM/HP Cables and two DAC/AMP's. So I know what I'm listening for. So my A/B for the BL and 2 DAC is valid for at least my ears. I still haven't gotten on the phone with Sweetwater's tech support.
That's a great album, sounds excellent. I quite like these unplugged MTV albums, feels like one is at a live concert. I listened to the one from Nirvana a couple of times during my holiday, very involving. Did you get any feedback from your dealer?
Today is the first day back at grad school, and the required reading alone will eat up the majority of my time. So I haven't spoken with tech support still. I may have the opportunity tonight before my life turns completely upside down. I keep thinking about your impressions of the Clears needing good quality recordings. I only have the one set of full-sized headphones, so I only care how they sound with the 2 DAC.
