RME ADI-2 DAC Thread
Jun 9, 2019 at 3:01 AM Post #1,366 of 6,034
new firmware is available.. lots of changes and bug fixes

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=28859

as always if yours isn't causing issues, don't make any with a new firmware.

Good advice in general, but the ADI-2 DAC and PRO have fallback firmware encoded into the device itself, so if the firmware update fails for any reason, the unit will automatically fall back to the firmware that was originally delivered with the device.

I did the upgrade this morning without problem and it took around 10 seconds including turning the unit off and then on again.
 
Jun 9, 2019 at 5:15 AM Post #1,367 of 6,034
Good advice in general, but the ADI-2 DAC and PRO have fallback firmware encoded into the device itself, so if the firmware update fails for any reason, the unit will automatically fall back to the firmware that was originally delivered with the device.

I'm consistently impressed by the good judgment of the RME engineers.
 
Jun 9, 2019 at 9:09 AM Post #1,368 of 6,034
Good advice in general, but the ADI-2 DAC and PRO have fallback firmware encoded into the device itself, so if the firmware update fails for any reason, the unit will automatically fall back to the firmware that was originally delivered with the device.

I did the upgrade this morning without problem and it took around 10 seconds including turning the unit off and then on again.

I agree with your assessment of RME and their (obsessive) attention to detail. and to be honest I took the upgrade for 2 reasons.

1. quick mute by pressing volume
2. more detail on home screen

and having dual firmware is a bonus it avoids being stuck without a way to go back (looking at you Mytek)

all in all I have been happy with the ADI-2 DAC and RME as an OEM
 
Jun 9, 2019 at 9:25 AM Post #1,369 of 6,034
and having dual firmware is a bonus it avoids being stuck without a way to go back (looking at you Mytek)

Actually with the ADI 2 DAC/Pro you can go back to whatever firmware version for any reason. If you haven’t kept a copy of your previous FW updates you can contact RME and they’ll supply you with the FW version of your choice.

They know and admit that bugs creep in, and while these bugs may well be innocuous for most users, for some users theses bugs can have a serious impact to their workflow - RME is, after all, a pro audio outfit, and so they offer this.
 
Jun 9, 2019 at 1:41 PM Post #1,372 of 6,034
Now if only they would add purple to the color scheme!

THIS.. my current color scheme is Purple and Pink (in my PC and peripherals). if they ever added this it would be a great day indeed
 
Jun 16, 2019 at 7:25 AM Post #1,375 of 6,034
Question about my set up, best way to connect everything. I finally got my THX AAA 789.

RME ADI-2 DAC balanced output into a Monolith Liquid Platinum and single ended output into the Massdrop THX AAA 789 and then using the THX's single bypass output into a Massdrop CTH.

Seems like the sound quality is the same with either XLR or single input into the THX AAA 789, there is just a volume difference.

I also have these DACs which I can use SMSL M300 and Geshelli Labs Enog2 Pro. But I would prefer to just use the RME ADI-2 DAC.

Thanks
 
Jun 16, 2019 at 7:35 AM Post #1,376 of 6,034
@JerryLeeds Would prefer? If you would run the other DACs + the other amps, then what would the ADI-2 be used for? EQ and good looks for 1000 EUR?

I find that with most headphones the ADI-2 alone is perfect. I suppose the 789 can be used for very high impedence headphones and the Liquid Platinum for the tube experience. My view.
 
Jun 16, 2019 at 10:37 AM Post #1,377 of 6,034
Question about my set up, best way to connect everything. I finally got my THX AAA 789.

RME ADI-2 DAC balanced output into a Monolith Liquid Platinum and single ended output into the Massdrop THX AAA 789 and then using the THX's single bypass output into a Massdrop CTH.

Seems like the sound quality is the same with either XLR or single input into the THX AAA 789, there is just a volume difference.

I also have these DACs which I can use SMSL M300 and Geshelli Labs Enog2 Pro. But I would prefer to just use the RME ADI-2 DAC.

Thanks
I think, maybe switch the balanced to the THX 789 in that chain? But really it comes down to your preference. I read that the Liquid Platinum converts single ended to balanced internally, that is the reason for suggesting swapping it with the THX789 in your chain if possible....also the CTH is very redundant in that chain...as the Liquid is a “better” and same style amp...but once again go with what you like =) also your original chain works too and shouldn’t be a concern, other then the power output differences you mentioned earlier. But others with more experience can give better experience/advice than me =) above is just my opinion so take it as that, cheers and keep having fun with your gear!
 
Jun 16, 2019 at 11:44 AM Post #1,378 of 6,034
Try Hi-power mode on the the ADI-2 and let us know how the Abyss-1266 sounds. (IMO the ADI-2 DAC's amp struggles with the low frequency impedance spike on Focal headphones - I hear more bass via the V281). Some pros and one con of the ADI-2 DAC to V281 pairing:

Pros:
  • Good synergy - the neutrality and detail of the ADI-2 DAC is what the V281 needs
  • Power of the V281 and the ability to go simple and use the ADI-2's built-in amp for easier to drive headphones and IEMs
  • Ability to connect via XLR or RCA and tweak ADI-2 Ref Line output level and V281 pre-gain to allow you to set a desired "normal" volume pot position on the V281
    • the volume pot on the ADI-2 can be used for minor sound level adjustments without audible impact on sound
    • you have the option of connecting a second device to the ADI-2 (all equipment should be connected to a common ground though)
  • DSP functions on the ADI-2 have no perceptible impact on sound quality
  • ADI-2 native DSD conversion to line out (DSD will be converted first to PCM if using the ADI-2's headphone jack)
Cons:
  • The V281 takes up a lot of desk space
  • The ADI-2 is wider than the V281 so you can't stack it on the V281
The ADI-2 DAC sounds wonderful with the Abyss 1266... Though it does struggle to go loud without distortion in high mode.

I am using the Cayin iha-6 in conjunction with the ADI-2... It sounds clean as a whistle.

Although I have not heard amps like the V281 or the Formula S... If not listening at louder volumes... I doubt you would need anything other than the ADI-2 to drive the 1266. I plan on checking out some other amps at RMAF.

Until then... I'm going to enjoy the RME and Cayin combo.
 
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Jun 16, 2019 at 4:34 PM Post #1,379 of 6,034
What difference do you hear from the ADI-2 to the ADI-2+Cayin IHA-6?
 
Jun 16, 2019 at 6:20 PM Post #1,380 of 6,034
What difference do you hear from the ADI-2 to the ADI-2+Cayin IHA-6?
Not much of anything... I find the IHA-6 to be very neutral.

The only reason I am using the IHA-6 is for the extra power the Abyss 1266 require.... Otherwise the the ADI-2 would be just fine on its own.
 
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