Buying advice RME ADI DAC or something different?

[Smauki]

I need a buying advice for a standalone DAC.

The RME ADI is actually pretty much what I want (but I'm still open to other recommendations).

But I have nowhere found an indication whether the USB of the RME ADI works asynchronously or not. Asynchronous USB 2.0 seems to me a necessity with USB audio theese days.

The device must have balanced XLR outputs.

I would be glad to hear your comments on that.

 

[VintageFlanker]

But I have nowhere found an indication whether the USB of the RME ADI works asynchronously or not.

There is no way it's not.

The RME ADI is actually pretty much what I want (but I'm still open to other recommendations).

What do you want exactly?

 

[bravomail]

I need a buying advice for a standalone DAC.

The RME ADI is actually pretty much what I want (but I'm still open to other recommendations).

But I have nowhere found an indication whether the USB of the RME ADI works asynchronously or not. Asynchronous USB 2.0 seems to me a necessity with USB audio theese days.

The device must have balanced XLR outputs.

I would be glad to hear your comments on that.

if u have the money - nothing beats it.

 

[Timbo2]

Do you need all the features it offers?

If you have no need for the headphone amplifier and DSP portion there are other alternatives. But if cost isn't a consideration it's hard to beat.

 

[Smauki]

I don't need al the DSP Features. I'm asking because of buildquality and good performance.

At least USB input
Headphone amplifier
Balanced XLR outputs

There are a lot of DACs, but not that many with XLR outputs.

The Price range is ok for me. A would take a used one into consideration.

 

[VintageFlanker]

There are a lot of DACs, but not that many with XLR outputs.

Ah ?

At least USB input
Headphone amplifier
Balanced XLR outputs

Then, either the SMSL M500 or Topping DX7 PRO would do the trick. If you need a streamer, Matrix Element i.

 

[Smauki]

Thanks for the recommendations.
The topping makes a good impression, but has no distributor here. Who will fix it for me if it breaks? What happens if I have to claim the guarantee?
On the other hand the Topping retails for 599 €, the ADI for 989€.

I have to think again. The topping is only available in 5 weeks anyway.

Thanks again.

 

[VintageFlanker]

The topping makes a good impression, but has no distributor here

Alright. Excuse me but, where is "here"?

 

[Smauki]

Alright. Excuse me but, where is "here"?

Germany

 

[digitalfrost]

You can find Topping products at german Amazon, order from https://www.audiophonics.fr

 

[VintageFlanker]

Alright. Audiophonics is an official Topping distributor for EU, and has a very good customer service.

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/108_topping

 

[daftcombo]

As a German, it would be a bit weird you don't buy RME!

 

[ninetylol]

As a German, it would be a bit weird you don't buy RME!

If i had the money i would choose the RME and im from Germany too.

 

[Smauki]

Alright. Audiophonics is an official Topping distributor for EU, and has a very good customer service.

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/108_topping

Thanks for the hint with Audiophonics. I'll check that out. I remembered the site mainly as a distributor for Rasberry accessories.

 

[Willem]

Measured performance is as good as it gets, and better than you would ever need. The same applies to some other Dacs, but the specific advantages of the RME would be support in your own country and the many dsp features. For me tone and balance control, dynamic loudness etc etc clinched the deal. I could not be happier.

 

[digitalfrost]

As a German, it would be a bit weird you don't buy RME!

I run RME Digiface -> Topping D50

 

[Smauki]

I don't get it. What do you need the Digiface for?

 

[digitalfrost]

Multichannel.

e: More specifically, I get the great RME drivers and TotalMix functionality, but I can still choose which DAC to use. Fireface UCX would've been another option. This is just more modular.

 

[daftcombo]

Or if your speakers are in another room and you need to run a very long optical cable (10 m for instance).

 

[FAST]

+1 for RME, excellent product all around