RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE

[Pearljam5000]

Theoretically would a $100 Chinese DAC with the same DAC chip as the RME would sound as good as the RME?

 

[staticV3]

Theoretically would a $100 Chinese DAC with the same DAC chip as the RME would sound as good as the RME?

Sure, if in both cases the DAC chip is well implemented and the RME's DSP, differential Line out, and high output voltage are of no use for you.

There's no secret sauce in RME's products that, like, squeezes more sound quality out of those chips.

 

[pkane]

Theoretically would a $100 Chinese DAC with the same DAC chip as the RME would sound as good as the RME?

The DAC chip is just part of a larger circuit. If the whole circuit measures well, reproducing sound with frequency response, noise and distortions below audibility, then yes, they would both sound the same. RME has a ton of features and reliability that a $100 DAC may not, but if you don't need them, then there's no reason to spend the extra cash.

Another consideration in RME favor is the amazing, long-term support the company provides for old devices, constantly updating firmware, adding features, fixing bugs, and making them easier to use. Some of the inexpensive DACs I own I can't even find a driver for download. Most are released and forgotten a month later when yet another cheap DAC is released.

 

[KSTR]

Theoretically would a $100 Chinese DAC with the same DAC chip as the RME would sound as good as the RME?

Mabye yes, maybe no. You can completely mess up the analog stages, the power supply and voltage references, the clocking etc. Therefore, a DAC product with a chip with lesser specs than another chip could well be much better sounding and measuring than the other device.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Theoretically would a $100 Chinese DAC with the same DAC chip as the RME would sound as good as the RME?

If all you need is a straight DAC functionality for your use case, then really no difference (regardless of country of origin) — assuming it is competently designed, which is the case for pretty much any "Chinese" or other DAC referenced on this site. And RME would say the same.

If you need—or just want—additional audio control features such as auto-ref volume control, tone & bass control, loudness adjustment, aux mixer send/receive via USB, etc., then a $100 DAC (regardless of country of origin) will not be as good as the RME.

 

[ShiZo]

RME ADI 2/4 gives you an amazing DAC, DSP, built in headroom (for DAC and DSP), better filters than standard DAC filters, wider/higher voltage range, auto ref level to preserve SNR at almost any of that voltage range, and a built in ADC

 

[DonDish]

Better get ADI-2 pro. ADI 2/4 and the linear PSU is most of all a push for audiophile buyers. With the PSU its twice the price.

 

[ShiZo]

Better get ADI-2 pro. ADI 2/4 and the linear PSU is most of all a push for audiophile buyers. With the PSU its twice the price.

Why go with adi 2 pro instead of 2/4? Just curious what your thought process is. They are both on sale, so the units are the same price as the model below it at the moment. But going with the pro would still save you $500. Is there something other than saving money involved in your reasoning?

 

[DonDish]

Why go with adi 2 pro instead of 2/4? Just curious what your thought process is. They are both on sale, so the units are the same price as the model below it at the moment. But going with the pro would still save you $500. Is there something other than saving money involved in your reasoning?

They basically do the same. I thought about upgrading, but found it wasnt worth the dough.

 

[ShiZo]

They basically do the same. I thought about upgrading, but found it wasnt worth the dough.

Oh, if I already had the pro I wouldn't have upgraded either. Since it was heavily discounted for the anniversary, I jumped all over it