Christoph
100+ Head-Fier
Why, why are you disappointed that the 1k unit you own sounds as good as a 2k+ DAC? Shouldn't we be happy about that and happily move on and listen to our music? It seems like an addiction for some of us, we must find something better every few months or we are disappointed. Well, what if the ADI-2 is good enough for the next 5 years, 10 years? More time to enjoy the music by not reading review after review and more money in the bank for everything else that is good in life.
Yes, i know, basically thinking the same as i read the statement that the tester couldn't hear a difference between both.
Therefore i wrote "Maybe i should overthink my expectations", more exactly i should have wrote:
After thinking about it i'm happy to hear that the 1K RME ADI-2 DAC is fine and also much easier to get here in Germany (especially in condition used) as a Benchmark DAC 3 which only exists new in Europe and seems to be also very rare in condition used in the rest of the world.
So in general i agree with you @CaptainFantastic
I know that the differences between DACs are quite small compared to differences of headphones.
But i don't know if the tester isn't just unable to hear the difference because of his/her personal limitations or
if there is a common consensus (probably not because there are no other people who compared them both).
ASR i don't know very well, the measurements seems to be well made, but the sound perspective lacks at bit.
Talking about DAC chips, the chip in the ADI-2 isn't mentioned in the spec, probably its an FPGA.
Basically i'm wondering why there are not may DACs using the ES9038 Pro chip in dual mono mode.
The L.K.S. Audio MH-DA004 is one of the few ones i found.
Havn't checked the Sabaj D5, it seems to use one ES9038 Pro.
I know, its not only about the main chip, the implementation is essential. And i not only judge from looking at the measurements or specs, however i admit that they influences me and help me to create a shortlist.