RME ADI-2 DAC Thread

[soLicitous]

I don't see why anyone would be upset, or even surprised, that a Chord Hugo TT 2 would be considered a better DAC than the ADI-2 DAC. Here in the US the TT 2 is over 5x the cost... I'd only be upset if I couldn't hear a definitive improvement.

 

[acguitar84]

I'd love to hear a Chord Hugo TT 2 sometime, sounds intriguing! But in the meantime, I still really love the ADI-2.

 

[paulybatz]

I am considering the RME pro model because of the true balanced output.

Thoughts opinions I’ve read about 50 pages and it looks like most people are happy, I think for me it is the ability to use the equalizer that is a big sale and the neutrality

 

[soLicitous]

I am considering the RME pro model because of the true balanced output.

Thoughts opinions I’ve read about 50 pages and it looks like most people are happy, I think for me it is the ability to use the equalizer that is a big sale and the neutrality

Seems like people are happy with the Pro model from what I've read as well. My personal preference for IEMs is why I chose to go with the non-Pro model... I'm hoping that IEM output lives up to the hype.

 

[paulybatz]

I think you should be goodness
The only reason I’m going for pro is the true balanced output.

 

[musicmaker]

Let's see - the RME Pro FS is $1700. The Chord TT2 is $5500.
Not even a fair comparison and I'd be very concerned if the TT2 didnt sound better given the price.

A better comparison would be the RME vs the Hugo 2. Even then the Hugo 2 is $2500 vs $1700 for the RME. Having owned both, I much preferred the RME and sold the Hugo 2. Its not even close imo. The RME was the better sounding unit by a large margin to my ears.

 

[paulybatz]

Good to know musicmaker

 

[PoSR77]

Is the regular version powerful enough to drive the Arya's or would the Pro be needed? I've been reading conflicting views.

EDIT: I'm tempted to get the RME just for the dac and SQ options and then pair it with something like the SPL Phonitor XE for an endgame setup. But I hate the idea of spending more on an amp than the headphone, for I strongly feel the headphone makes the most difference in sound.

 

[paulybatz]

Depends what’s its requirements?

 

[SupperTime]

Anyone have the Hugo 2 and the rme?

 

[paulybatz]

I think someone talked about this earlier.

 

[Hellraiser86]

Anyone have the Hugo 2 and the rme?

Yes I have both

 

[SupperTime]

Yes I have both

Sound quality alone, which has the highest resolution, transparency?
Which has the less shouty, fatiguing sound?

 

[Hellraiser86]

Sound quality alone, which has the highest resolution, transparency?
Which has the less shouty, fatiguing sound?

The RME sounds more neutral to me but less dynamic and less accurate in imaging than Hugo. That are the main differences I hear.

In terms of resolution and transparency they are both on par, as long as you don’t apply any oversampling. But if you do I hear a slight benefit on the ADI.
These devices both don’t shouty but I can listen longer to the Chord.

If you are going to use these units alone with no external amp behind it, I would recommend the Hugo (and if price is no object here). The amp is a lot better (but hisses slightly with sensitive IEMs).

 

[haweckO]

regular RME ADI-2 DAC FS (non-pro version) isn't fully balanced dac?