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New RME ADI-2 Pro EX DAC

Reddoc said:
USB-C!?!?
I am surprised after reading many comments about USB-B vs -C.
...
Re the chip: doesn't it say AK4493 in the OP?
Click to expand...
I"m not sure where OP pulled text from. But it is possible that the original update to the RME site still included (now obsolete) information from the earlier version. In either case, there is no reference to AKM on the current version of the RME (rme-audio.de) web site.

The USB-C is interesting since it seems to split the difference between the connector and the protocol. The product text notes the following notes:
  • Lockable USB-C (connector)
  • USB 2.0 (protocol)
 
rcstevensonaz said:
I"m not sure where OP pulled text from. But it is possible that the original update to the RME site still included (now obsolete) information from the earlier version. In either case, there is no reference to AKM on the current version of the RME (rme-audio.de) web site.

The USB-C is interesting since it seems to split the difference between the connector and the protocol. The product text notes the following notes:
  • Lockable USB-C (connector)
  • USB 2.0 (protocol)
Click to expand...
Specs are from Thomann
 
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Fletcher–Munson said:
Finally!
Can`t wait for the reviews of this converter and very curious how the DA compares to the Topping D900.
Click to expand...
You only have 5 comments so far.

But even still, I suspect you will not be surprised that nearly everyone on ASR will predict no audible difference between the new (or even the older) RME ADI-2 lineup and the Topping D900 (or even older Topping D90, etc.). Feature differences, for sure. Audio sonic quality, no.
 
I would say @Pearljam5000 is on the right tack creating this product topic/thread.

In my view it would better for ASR to consolidate the topic here.

I am not with RME and I don't have any inside information. I do recall seeing that they ran out of stockpiled chips, and thus the redesign.

"Due to a factory fire in late 2020 that halted AKM production, RME shifted to the ESS ES9028Q2M chip. RME’s engineering team applied a custom circuit implementation to ensure it measures brilliantly, yielding a sensational noise level of -123dBA and total harmonic distortion (THD+N) -116dB."

That is near our DAC leaderboard of -125dB for the E1DA 9038D6K A grade.

In my opinion, the new product needs the best AtoD, high 120s dB. They should do the best they can in relation to our leader board E1DA Cismos A to D. If you want to have A2D and D2A for software Audio Precision, REW, and other open hardware, best to you.

I am not opening a debate on RME verses competitive measurement tools. We appreciate RME on ASR.
Personally, my daily listen is the ADI-2 DAC.
 
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mags65 said:
Here they claim ESS9039Q2M
Click to expand...
RME website :

ADI-2-Pro EX - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.
rme-audio.de
The new ADI-2 Pro EX is equipped with the AK5574 analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the AK4493 digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Click to expand...

So the ES9039Q2M should be for both ADI-2 DAC EX and ADI-2/4 PRO EX, but not the ADI-2 PRO EX.
 
It's strange that they only mention AK4493 as at that form that's the naming of the (way) older chip.

They should maybe add the right model (AK4493S or AK4493SEQ ) if we're talking about the newer versions.

AK.PNG
 
Sokel said:
It's strange that they only mention AK4493 as at that form that's the naming of the (way) older chip.

They should maybe add the right model (AK4493S or AK4493SEQ ) if we're talking about the newer versions.

View attachment 536767
Click to expand...
Specs are from Thomann, the official ones don't exist yet, I'll update them when they're available
109320.jpg
 
They have certainly got everyone talking!

I'm impressed by chrome feet although some ASR folk will insist on uranium-doped sorbothane feet, shaped like reclining angels.

It may well be a fine unit, but it's out of my price bracket in terms of my "good enough for the money" scope.
 
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Waiting for the official announcement of the -2/4 version instead of the "just" -2 because I have my hopes up that it also has the vinyl preamp and Pentaconn included, just as the original (now End-Of-Life) 2/4 SE edition had. If not, I might have the possibility to get my hands on a used 2/4 SE.
 
I patiently hope that a revision is coming to UCX "3", with a significant upgrade to the analog inputs hardware... and to take advantage of the new little extras from these "ex" versions. ;-)
 
Sokel said:
It's strange that they only mention AK4493 as at that form that's the naming of the (way) older chip.

They should maybe add the right model (AK4493S or AK4493SEQ ) if we're talking about the newer versions.

View attachment 536767
Click to expand...
of course, just part of the processing d/a , so it needs to be put into perspective...it seems to be the same chip as the Wiim Pro Plus, fosi s3 etc...
 
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If it weren't for Asahi Kasei's original early process, but rather the later AKM outsourced to a foundry instead, the pinouts and sound localization might end up being completely different...?"
 
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