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Pairing an RME ADI-2 DAC FS w/ separate HP Amp

Subroc

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Hi ASR Forums! I’m interested in the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and was thinking of purchasing the unit with the hope that in the future if I were to get a pair of headphones which required required additional output beyond what the ADI-2 DAC FS can provide single ended (which I believe is 1.5w @ 32 ohms), I could simply add a separate balanced headphone amps (such as the Monolith THX 887). However, I stumbled across an old post from 2019 and there was a reply within which stated that paring the ADI-2 with a separate external headphone amp would add nothing (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thx-789-887-open-to-other-suggestions.11913/).

I guess my question boils down to: Would there be any benefit from pairing the RME ADI-2 DAC FS with a separate balanced headphone amp especially when it comes to powering certain harder to drive headphones?
 

pozz

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With mine, I've not discovered a need for more power despite using 300+ ohm headphones and planars.
 

Jimbob54

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With mine, I've not discovered a need for more power despite using 300+ ohm headphones and planars.

Interestingly, I did max mine out. But I think it was a current issue- I had the RME HP out powering Ether CX with EQ and pre amp reduction of about 5dB but I had set it up to also output from the rear XLR simultaneously. Everytime the unit clicked into a higher gain mode on the auto ref , the Ethers dropped again in output until I could turn no further. Ive never lacked output even with the Ether when just the HP out is selected.
 

SimpleTheater

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Assuming price isn’t a problem, the Benchmark HPA4 seems untouchable for performance.
 

pozz

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Interestingly, I did max mine out. But I think it was a current issue- I had the RME HP out powering Ether CX with EQ and pre amp reduction of about 5dB but I had set it up to also output from the rear XLR simultaneously. Everytime the unit clicked into a higher gain mode on the auto ref , the Ethers dropped again in output until I could turn no further. Ive never lacked output even with the Ether when just the HP out is selected.
Interesting. I think the all outputs do use the same circuit, so it makes sense. I alternate main outs or headphones, and only had the Aeon 2 for a while before returning it. Definitely the hardest to drive headphone I've used so far.
 

Jimbob54

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Interesting. I think the all outputs do use the same circuit, so it makes sense. I alternate main outs or headphones, and only had the Aeon 2 for a while before returning it. Definitely the hardest to drive headphone I've used so far.

Yup, I usually alternate too, but wanted to do some very quick swaps on 2 sets of headphones so had it set to output both. The ethers normally with eq etc run between about - 10 and - 20. Think my new aeon RT might actually need a bit more.

EDIT- just plugged the Aeon RT (-3db of preamp) into the RME and at this moment, before a few beers and late night listening, -15 dB on the RME is too loud. -20 is good for now.
 
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Jimbob54

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Hi ASR Forums! I’m interested in the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and was thinking of purchasing the unit with the hope that in the future if I were to get a pair of headphones which required required additional output beyond what the ADI-2 DAC FS can provide single ended (which I believe is 1.5w @ 32 ohms), I could simply add a separate balanced headphone amps (such as the Monolith THX 887). However, I stumbled across an old post from 2019 and there was a reply within which stated that paring the ADI-2 with a separate external headphone amp would add nothing (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thx-789-887-open-to-other-suggestions.11913/).

I guess my question boils down to: Would there be any benefit from pairing the RME ADI-2 DAC FS with a separate balanced headphone amp especially when it comes to powering certain harder to drive headphones?

I already had a THX 789 and have connected the RME to it via the XLR. I dont think i would buy one if I had the RME first. With the exception I detailed above, I have never maxed the RME with a wide range of dynamics and planars.

I believe @amirm is currently reviewing the legendarily hard to drive Hifiman HE-6 and I hope he sees how the RME handles them. I suspect they might max it with Amir's love of the basssssssssss
 
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