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RME adi-2 DAC fs not speaking well to Pathos Aurium

maddogc

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May 9, 2024
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Hello everyone, I am hoping that someone might be able to offer a fix to my issue. I have been enjoying fantastic sound with my new set-up, and then all of a sudden, something has happened to make the bass all distorted.

With anything acoustic it is not so bad, but any bass and there is lots of noise, and whereas before I could listen to my headphones for hours, now I can only stand a few minutes before I get a headache and have to remove them.

All of the connectors are fully secure, my headphones have been tested as working with another device, and the amp tubes are working. I suspect the issue is caused by the balance of volume between the DAC and headphone amp. I have done a reset on the DAC and also just discovered if I have the DAC set at full volume (6 dBr) and the headphone amp volume at zero, then slowly increase the volume on the amp, then the noise and distortion is really exacerbated.

If I turn the DAC volume down to -20 dBr it is a lot better, but I still don't think the SQ is optimal. I have heard that there is a mathematical equation to work out the correct volume settings, using the comparative power/specs of the two devices. (Incidentally, the Pathos gain dial is around 75%)

I would be so grateful if anyone can offer some help!
 
Are you connecting the rme via rca or xlr outputs?
 
Screenshot_20240617-125714.png
 
Chances are, the ADI-2's output voltage is simply overloading the Amp's input.

Not sure what you mean by -20 dBr. Referenced to what?

As always when troubleshooting equipment problems, try to eliminate variables.

Try setting the ADI-2's output to +7dBu, that should eliminate the possibility of input overload.

Try using a different DAC. Is the bass still distorted? Then then Amp may be defective.

Try using a different Amp. Is the bass still distorted? Then something may be wrong with your ADI-2.
 
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I wonder why using a headphone amp with zero feedback in the first place since. To each their own but the RME is a TOTL headphone amp as well with very low distortion and a more than respectable SINAD. So why don't you listen via the RME directly?
 
Chances are, the ADI-2's output voltage is simply overloading the Amp's input.

Not sure what you mean by -20 dBr. Referenced to what?

As always when troubleshooting equipment problems, try to eliminate variables.

Try setting the ADI-2's output to +7dBu, that should eliminate the possibility of input overload.

Try using a different DAC. Is the bass still distorted? Then then Amp may be defective.

Try using a different Amp. Is the bass still distorted? Then something may be wrong with your ADI-2.
I think user has dialled the rme up to max which for rca would be 13dbu plus the extra 6 rme allows you to add so 19dbu or just under 6.9 volts rms on the rca. I found the spec sheet for the amp and it's 6.4 v max so yes, overloading. And if using xlr, definitely overloading
 
Hi everyone, indeed I am using XLRs. (Chord Clearway)

Grotti - I had zero complaints with connecting straight to the RME, it's just that I love everything Italian! : )

It makes sense re overloading/overpowering. The RME is way louder.
 
I have now changed the Ref level to +7 dBu and the Auto Ref level is ON.

Things seem to be returning somewhere back to normal! : )
 
I have now changed the Ref level to +7 dBu and the Auto Ref level is ON.

Things seem to be returning somewhere back to normal! : )
Youll get away with 0db on the rme volume dial with it set to +7dbu on the ref level. Don't then use the (up to) +6db unless the source content is really quiet.
 
Willem - I was aware that I was buying the Pathos, rightly or wrongly. I am no audiophile, but I wouldn't say the clarity is any less, it is just a different sound signature, and it is less powerful. Anyway, I will see how things develop. There is no panic, there is always eBay!!
 
Sell the Pathos Aurium it won't be as good as the headphone amp in the RME DAC.
 
Willem - I was aware that I was buying the Pathos, rightly or wrongly. I am no audiophile, but I wouldn't say the clarity is any less, it is just a different sound signature, and it is less powerful. Anyway, I will see how things develop. There is no panic, there is always eBay!!
If you hear a sonic difference, it will be because the Pathos degrades the sound. The RME is sonically perfect.
 
There is something like an "Adjustable In Line Attenuator" that can be used to reduce output/input. Don't know if this would work for this configuration.

JTS MA-123 Adjustable Attanuator

This was even recommended in the RME-forum for direct XLR connection to Genelec monitors.
 
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