RME ADI-2 DAC FS - AKM Versus ESS Measurements (DAC, Preamp & Headamp)

[40th Anniversary]

Your comparison text is very interesting and useful,even though there are no AKM versions available except used. After reading this I purchased the ESS version and have been very happy. Now my adult son, with whom Inshare equipment has his own.Thanks!!

Unless you get the PRO version which has AKM chips.

 

[40th Anniversary]

Thank you very much for this research, been thinking about which version of RME I should get if I settle on it

I have the original RME ADI-2 FS and RME ADI-2 Pro FS. Pro FS has some unique features such as: 1 analogue input; Digital pass-thru (fixed level or variable which I use to send audio to a second RME unit and allows me to feed two separate outputs in Balance Mode) and higher output +Dbu values from the PRO vs the original ADI-2 DAC FS. There are many more features but I purchased one for the analog input even if it was more money. I wanted to keep the real estate used for my audio equipment to a minimum.
The PRO Unit is also harder to navigate through the menus with more settings. Amazing boxes these RME units.

 

[MC_RME]

This is one the most epic reviews in ASR. It should have been a white paper by RME to begin with, but the fact that VintageFlanker did it voluntarily, it's mind-blowing.

Our white paper was a YouTube video on this topic. Understandable for all users, not only ASR readers. Also I think it is more convincing to have independent third parties verifying our claims.

Wowza, already 3 years gone...time flies...

 

[lamda18]

Το Pro FS έχει αναλογικό pass-thru;

Translation by Moderator. Please use English going forward. Thank you.

“Does the Pro FS have analog pass-thru?”

 

[lamda18]

Does the Pro FS have analog pass-thru?

PS. I'm very sorry, I dont understand how did this confusion happen.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Does the Pro FS have analog pass-thru?

Nope. Analog input goes to its ADC.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

The PRO Unit is also harder to navigate through the menus with more settings.

Off topic for AKM vs. ESS... but just to quickly note that the recently released RME Remote Control software for the ADI series makes all the difference in the world when it comes to navigating the menus!!!

 

[zzcraft]

I have a simple question, what does this unit can offer uniquely than SMSL, topping DAC ? RME cost double than SMSL SU-10 but spec wise , I don;t find this RME unit being any better.

 

[Purité Audio]

A few years ago RME offered some fairly unique features, EQ, analogue in ( Pro) digital output that could be attenuated etc but as always the competition have caught up.
Remains a very decent unit of course.
Keith

 

[Esprit]

Research, reliability, product lifespan, service and support, software, product features.
I would say that they are more than enough to establish the value of one product compared to another.

P.S. SMSL 900€, RME 1.199€

 

[Chester]

I have many brand products so not an RME fanboy but this product is quality through and through. That’s the difference in cost and business vision.

 

[VintageFlanker]

I have a simple question, what does this unit can offer uniquely than SMSL, topping DAC ?

First: Some unit that doesn't die after 13 months. Second, care for long term user experience, new features, quality support, software development, concepts that (to date) mean absolutely nothing for the aforementioned brands.

but as always the competition have caught up.

Doesn't seem like it did.

 

[Matias]

I have a simple question, what does this unit can offer uniquely than SMSL, topping DAC ? RME cost double than SMSL SU-10 but spec wise , I don;t find this RME unit being any better.

AutoRef is an intelligent combination of analog gain steps + digital attenuation that keeps SINAD high in all volume levels. So using it as a preamp+DAC it's a lot higher performance and with seemless operation: we just turn the volume knob and it does it's thing behind the scenes. This is killer. Let alone build quality, reliability, support, longevity, software to control, remote control, thousand small features, etc etc.

See more AutoRef here:

RME ADI-2 FS Version 2 DAC and Headphone Amp Review

Sure it can. I use the original AEON with it, and unless you want to enter real basshead territory (at least +20 dB gain below 60 Hz plus earth-shaking volume) it is fully ok. Nice. Original AEONS had 92dB/1mW sensitivity. New AEON 2 are quite a bit harder to drive 86 dB/1mW (into 13 ohms...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[rcstevensonaz]

I have a simple question, what does this unit can offer uniquely than SMSL, topping DAC ? RME cost double than SMSL SU-10 but spec wise , I don;t find this RME unit being any better.

This question has nothing to do with AKM vs ESS chips, and would be better discussed in a topic thread specific to the RME DACs.

 

[sonitus mirus]

I have a simple question, what does this unit can offer uniquely than SMSL, topping DAC ? RME cost double than SMSL SU-10 but spec wise , I don;t find this RME unit being any better.

Some units have caught up with objective performance and features, but the whole package checks so many boxes for me. It was just the perfect device for my needs. The loudness management works great for me as I listen at low volume levels most of the time. I occasionally record audio streams, I have a subwoofer connected alongside my stereo speakers, I need a capable headphone amp to drive my DCA Stealths, I prefer a smaller footprint to sit on my office desk without taking up too much space, I frequently make use of the analyzer to identify if clipping is from the source material, my iPad mini fits perfectly on top and the cover’s magnets hold it securely in place, and the manual and support are second to none.

 

[Purité Audio]

First: Some unit that doesn't die after 13 months. Second, care for long term user experience, new features, quality support, software development, concepts that (to date) mean absolutely nothing for the aforementioned brands.

Doesn't seem like it did.

The three features I found useful were, built in EQ, being able to attenuate a digital output and analogue in, the last two ADI-PRO.
Domestic customers often weren’t overjoyed with the units UI this was long before the app but most learnt how to use it in time.
Keith

 

[Holmz]

A few years ago RME offered some fairly unique features, EQ, analogue in ( Pro) digital output that could be attenuated etc but as always the competition have caught up.
Remains a very decent unit of course.
Keith

Does the SMSL have ADC or just the DAC?

 

[Purité Audio]

I am not familiar with SMSL’s range sorry.
Keith

 

[xaviescacs]

I've read the entire review once again, just for the pleasure. Nice work!

And yes, RME users love AutoRef... that subtle click that make us feel safe...

 

[xaviescacs]

It should have been a white paper by RME to begin with

There is also a briefing of the video contents in the page 4 of the manual... https://rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2dacr_e.pdf

Edit: by the way, I'm having a quick read on the manual and there is even room for fun! Lots of work and passion...