Its is THE perfect DAC. For objectivists. For scientists. For Engineers and for Bedroom Producers.
-Measures exceptionally. As we've seen here.
-Performs faultlessly, and is constantly monitored and updated, as we've also seen here
@MC_RME. Also check his own forums.
-Plays any format.
-Locks with the messiest of S/PDIF inputs and gets on with it, I can confirm, when other DACs throw their hands up and play static or snow on top of the music, or hiss when formats are changed like an old analog TV changing channels, the RME will not. Unless your source is cooked.
-DSP functions with a seemingly infinite level of control, the loudness function, the EQ, the crossfeed.
-All the information you could ever want is available, not just some LEDs that illuminate when playing different formats, or none at all.
-Throw away your pre-amp, the RME can be your pre-amp.
And much more. If you are "Left brained" I could not recommend this marvelously engineered DAC more strongly. If you are looking for euphonic or colour in your sound, you might listen elsewhere.
I have numerous DACs now and I just change them up. Sometimes I want correct sound so I go to the RME. Sometimes I want warm 'garbage' sound so I use my other DACs.