RME ADI-2 DAC Thread

[Tom288]

In my setup usb sounds better than coaxial...never tried the optical.

Very minor differences though...I could live with either one.

USB sounds better in mine as well.

 

[DenverFi]

I’m considering grabbing the Pro SE to replace my topping d90se, violectric v550, and scarlet interface. Doing this to make my desk look a little more sane. Only looking to power a DCA E3, and HEKSE. Should have enough power from what I gather.

Anyone have any regrets consolidating their setup? I’m not looking at more demanding headphones.

Also, how’s well do the TRS instrument inputs work for occasional unbalanced sources for music?

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[dougq]

I’m considering grabbing the Pro SE to replace my topping d90se, violectric v550, and scarlet interface. Doing this to make my desk look a little more sane. Only looking to power a DCA E3, and HEKSE. Should have enough power from what I gather.

Anyone have any regrets consolidating their setup? I’m not looking at more demanding headphones.

Also, how’s well do the TRS instrument inputs work for occasional unbalanced sources for music?

​

I can only answer the first and second question. Yes it's enough power, and it was a great decision. I've even gone smaller TBH but the RME is still a great one.

 

[Svperstar]

violectric v550

I've been debating adding a Violectric to my RME for a couple years. I know their amps have more power for hard to drive headphones.

 

[DenverFi]

I've been debating adding a Violectric to my RME for a couple years. I know their amps have more power for hard to drive headphones.

It has enough voltage for the tungsten but not quite enough current for the susvara. Hopefully the unveiled will start a trend of flagships not requiring so much power.

 

[faremissound]

I’m considering grabbing the Pro SE to replace my topping d90se, violectric v550, and scarlet interface. Doing this to make my desk look a little more sane. Only looking to power a DCA E3, and HEKSE. Should have enough power from what I gather.

Anyone have any regrets consolidating their setup? I’m not looking at more demanding headphones.

Also, how’s well do the TRS instrument inputs work for occasional unbalanced sources for music?

​

I'm running E3 into RME ADI-2/4 Pro and it sounds fantastic with plenty of power to spare!

 

[Armament]

Question. I own a 2/4 Pro SE. Right now I have my studio monitors plugged into outputs 3/4 and I will be getting a separate headphone amplifier soon for my Susvara. Does it matter which outputs I decide to plug my headphone amplifier into or is one better than the other? I know RME wouldn't gimp one over the other but I want to make sure.

 

[Gun21]

Forgive me all for asking, but as this is a huge thread, I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. I've got the opportunity to purchase either the dual AKM RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition or the single ESS RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I would be using this solely as a DAC out to my wonderful Violectric V222 amp via XLR.

Would it be pointless going for the more expensive unit in terms of sound quality? Any other considerations?

 

[LamyAuguste]

Excited to hear your impressions once you’ve had a listen.

 

[lexx21]

I think the pro uses the ak4493 dac chip, which is what I have, and it sounds great. Find an rme adi 2 fs used with the akm chip and I'm sure that you will love it. That is unless you really like ess chips, which I don't. When I found the ak4493 version, I jumped on it like a lion on a wildebeast...lol.

 

[jjss]

May be this is helpful, the data posted by Matthias the admin of the RME forum some time ago ..

 

[Quadrangulator]

Forgive me all for asking, but as this is a huge thread, I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. I've got the opportunity to purchase either the dual AKM RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition or the single ESS RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I would be using this solely as a DAC out to my wonderful Violectric V222 amp via XLR.

Would it be pointless going for the more expensive unit in terms of sound quality? Any other considerations?

Other than the different DAC chip — which RME claims sounds identicle to the AKM in the Black Edition — the DAC FS will have slightly more power on its headphone output and offer a 4.4mm balanced output rather than the dual 1/4" output of the Black Edition. Additionally, the BE has two analogue inputs and a suite of digital outputs. But if you're only using the ADI-2 as a DAC, none of that will matter. Cost and DAC preference would be the deciding factor, I would think.

FWIW, I chose the BE over the DAC FS in part because of the AKM chips but also the digital outputs for possibble DAC upgrades in the future while still using the ADI-2 as a DSP.

 

[Zibi]

Forgive me all for asking, but as this is a huge thread, I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. I've got the opportunity to purchase either the dual AKM RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition or the single ESS RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I would be using this solely as a DAC out to my wonderful Violectric V222 amp via XLR.

Would it be pointless going for the more expensive unit in terms of sound quality? Any other considerations?

I have auditioned ADI-2 DAC FS version - XLR to V222 and "balanced " cable to Audeze XC and DCA A2 Noire - both have provided fantastic results. I is very solid chain and can drive even the most difficult of the headphones. All the best!

 

[Simon Patten]

Forgive me all for asking, but as this is a huge thread, I couldn't quite find the answer to my question. I've got the opportunity to purchase either the dual AKM RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition or the single ESS RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I would be using this solely as a DAC out to my wonderful Violectric V222 amp via XLR.

Would it be pointless going for the more expensive unit in terms of sound quality? Any other considerations?

In addition to the above, I have heard/read several sources saying that the sound quality is pretty much identical so unless you need the analogue inputs and digital outputs, the DAC FS will do you just fine and save you a lot of money.

 

[Gun21]

FWIW, I chose the BE over the DAC FS in part because of the AKM chips but also the digital outputs for possibble DAC upgrades in the future while still using the ADI-2 as a DSP.

Thanks all for the replies, very helpful! I was led to understand that you couldn't use DSP effect/EQs on the digital outs on the Black Edition??