Maybe once the launch of the new one comes in a few months. It’s a hard device to sell. Fully featured dac, powerful amp that drives 99% headphones fully.
no way am I selling mine, even though at one time i thought I might. (i actually have the ADI PRO-2 FS R Black Edition)
I won't let go of this 'older' version with the exceptional AKM AK4493.
I saw where they were blowing out some of the DAC only at Sweetwater. But it doesn't say what DAC. I assume they are clearing out their stock of AKM to make way for the 'upgraded' ones with ESS chipset.
If that is the case, get one while you can. There is something to be said about the AKM 'sound', not to mention is has a native DSD Bypass mode
I see where the are advertising the same feature with the ESS, but unless ESS made some major design architecture in some dark, back room late at night, I call BS.
Sure you can technically keep the volume control on ESS chips at full, but the signal by design sends native DSD to the accumulator/flip-flop , then onward as multibit signal of whatever nature ESS finds is best (note I am tiptoeing around calling it PCM-narrow, DSD-wide, because any mention of this or that format will send some one into a tizzy) and it ends up being finally converted to Delta Sigma again and converted by the Hyperstream DAC modules.
Yes the AKM does something similar with its 'non-decimating' DSD volume control that then is sent to its DS Modulators for conversion. It is the only way you can listen to headphones in DSD because the attenuator is digital. But using the PRE-OUTS, you can get a DSD direct path, bypassing all DSP, converted by the output Caps/Filter to Analog.
ESS again simply does not have this feature.
I have always admired RME for their excellent manuals with tech explanations. I am looking forward to have a look at the 'Native DSD Bypass' on the new ESS version.