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

[Jimbob54]

Thanks, but I already have a used E3 with balanced 2.5 mm cable on the way

This is the best way to connect the E3 with 2.5mm jack to the RME

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003701169519.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.37.526318028z8GEF

The RME ADI 2 DAC FS is not a balanced headphone amp (nor does it need to be) but converting balanced headphone to single ended amp is not a problem using such adapters. You CANT connect a single ended headphone (so 3.5mm or 6.35mm plug) to a balanced headphone amp even with adapters (so 2.5, 4.4, balanced XLR)

 

[Zoide]

This is the best way to connect the E3 with 2.5mm jack to the RME

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003701169519.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.37.526318028z8GEF

The RME ADI 2 DAC FS is not a balanced headphone amp (nor does it need to be) but converting balanced headphone to single ended amp is not a problem using such adapters. You CANT connect a single ended headphone (so 3.5mm or 6.35mm plug) to a balanced headphone amp even with adapters (so 2.5, 4.4, balanced XLR)

Thanks!

Has anyone tried this cheaper adapter?

https://www.amazon.nl/GEEKRIA-Apollo-6-35mm-Balanced-Adapter/dp/B075FNHDNV

 

[PacketofCrisps]

Can you have different eq settings for the left and right channel on this DAC? asking as I discovered that I can hear higher frequencies on my right ear compared to my left, it's something that a simple balance control can't really solve.

 

[MC_RME]

Of course.

 

[Count Arthur]

Thanks!

Has anyone tried this cheaper adapter?

https://www.amazon.nl/GEEKRIA-Apollo-6-35mm-Balanced-Adapter/dp/B075FNHDNV

Not that one exactly, but I have a 2.5mm balanced to 3.5mm single ended made by the same brand and it's absolutely fine.

 

[Jimbob54]

Thanks!

Has anyone tried this cheaper adapter?

https://www.amazon.nl/GEEKRIA-Apollo-6-35mm-Balanced-Adapter/dp/B075FNHDNV

Not that exact one but I've a few geekria 2.5 to 3.5 that are fine.

 

[Zibi]

The E3 can be ordered with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.3mm cable. Balanced cables have no advantage soundwise.

If a headphone amp has balanced headphone output, it's usually a 4.4mm or xlr connector.

"Balanced cables have no advantage soundwise." Is this just your opinion or you can actually support it by some technical analysis?
I use only balanced cables and IMO they do improve the sound. The technical rationale is simple :

"In essence, balanced drive is a headphone amplifier design scheme that delivers 'balanced' equivalent and opposing [i.e., negative/positive] audio signals independently to each side of the headphone driver coils.​

Balanced-drive delivers a noted increase in audio performance due to the doubling of the amp's voltage slew rate and voltage swing range, a reduction of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) components and the avoidance of crosstalk due to the elimination of the common ground plane."

 

[Chagall]

"Balanced cables have no advantage soundwise." Is this just your opinion or you can actually support it by some technical analysis?
I use only balanced cables and IMO they do improve the sound. The technical rationale is simple :

"In essence, balanced drive is a headphone amplifier design scheme that delivers 'balanced' equivalent and opposing [i.e., negative/positive] audio signals independently to each side of the headphone driver coils.​

Balanced-drive delivers a noted increase in audio performance due to the doubling of the amp's voltage slew rate and voltage swing range, a reduction of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) components and the avoidance of crosstalk due to the elimination of the common ground plane."

Balanced vs unbalanced

I know a bit of this but not very sure so for the benefits of the newbies can anyone answer me these: 1) Is it true balanced is the "gold standard" if so why are there still unbalanced? 2) Balanced gives higher output and lower noise floor, again why are unbalanced still around? and 3) some...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Zibi]

Balanced vs unbalanced

I know a bit of this but not very sure so for the benefits of the newbies can anyone answer me these: 1) Is it true balanced is the "gold standard" if so why are there still unbalanced? 2) Balanced gives higher output and lower noise floor, again why are unbalanced still around? and 3) some...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Wrong reference. Balanced headphones cable is NOT really balance in XLR balanced connection sense. Two different things, with common name - unfortunately.
"Balanced" headphones cables are really pull/push.

 

[Chagall]

Wrong reference. Balanced headphones cable is NOT really balance in XLR balanced connection sense. Two different things, with common name - unfortunately.
"Balanced" headphones cables are really pull/push.

No mention of "balanced" headphones in the whole thread? Strange.

Quick google search...
Quote by soundguys
Theoretically, the differential drive delivers an increase in audio performance due to the doubling of the amp’s voltage slew rate (how quickly the amp responds to input signals), lower noise, and reduced crosstalk due to the elimination of the shared audio ground between the left and right channels. But you’re highly unlikely to notice much improvement in listening. Actually, the only real tangible benefit from this is that some amplifiers can output a higher drive voltage through their “balanced” output than they can through the single-ended one. This is only really a benefit if you’re not getting sufficient level to your conventionally wired headphones.

 

[zonk]

"Balanced cables have no advantage soundwise." Is this just your opinion or you can actually support it by some technical analysis?
I use only balanced cables and IMO they do improve the sound. The technical rationale is simple :

"In essence, balanced drive is a headphone amplifier design scheme that delivers 'balanced' equivalent and opposing [i.e., negative/positive] audio signals independently to each side of the headphone driver coils.​

Balanced-drive delivers a noted increase in audio performance due to the doubling of the amp's voltage slew rate and voltage swing range, a reduction of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) components and the avoidance of crosstalk due to the elimination of the common ground plane."

Your post is a one to one copy from the headphones.com website
https://headphones.com/pages/balanced-headphones-guide

In another thread you promoted the Ferrum OOR.

 

[Zibi]

Your post is a one to one copy from the headphones.com website
https://headphones.com/pages/balanced-headphones-guide

In another thread you promoted the Ferrum OOR.

Any problem that the quote is from headphones.com? BTW, there are many other audio focused sites that cover this subject with technical details. Considering how many people on this forum are confused in relation to balanced interconnectors vs. "balanced" headphone cables, it is worth to point the difference and provide technical explanation from ANY reliable site. For me pull/push connector is superior to single ended on powerful enough amp and there is technical explanation why.
"In another thread you promoted the Ferrum OOR." Really? If you are so curious on some other threads, I also mentioned Violectric, Benchmark, AVM, Mola Mola, Burson. Was that a promotion as well?

 

[zonk]

Any problem that the quote is from headphones.com? BTW, there are many other audio focused sites that cover this subject with technical details. Considering how many people on this forum are confused in relation to balanced interconnectors vs. "balanced" headphone cables, it is worth to point the difference and provide technical explanation from ANY reliable site. For me pull/push connector is superior to single ended on powerful enough amp and there is technical explanation why.
"In another thread you promoted the Ferrum OOR." Really? If you are so curious on some other threads, I also mentioned Violectric, Benchmark, AVM, Mola Mola, Burson. Was that a promotion as well?

I have no problem with headphone.com and the content of their hompage. But you have quoted a text from their website without mentioning the source.

If you would have read carefully the reviews here you would have noticed that not always balanced has lower distortion than single ended.

 

[Infinit0]

I am wondering if this DAC is worth the price if you are not going to use PEQ and Loudness functions(I am planning to buy a DAC for my system) but also I will plan to add Dirac LIVE Into the equation.
if that's the case, maybe I can go with a cheaper device instead? Or maybe is still any benefit of having these DSP Features in the RME?
Thanks!

 

[Jimbob54]

I am wondering if this DAC is worth the price if you are not going to use PEQ and Loudness functions(I am planning to buy a DAC for my system) but also I will plan to add Dirac LIVE Into the equation.
if that's the case, maybe I can go with a cheaper device instead? Or maybe is still any benefit of having these DSP Features in the RME?
Thanks!

No, it isnt. IMO. And I love mine. As a great DSP equipped dac AND headphone amp/volume control it makes sense for the money. As a standalone dac with volume control at £1000 with no other use of features, no.

 

[staticV3]

The ADI-2's ability to output higher than standard voltages via Line out may help offset the slight reduction in headroom caused by Dirac correction.

Other than that, reasons to pay extra for an RME would be more emotional than rational.

The brand is a rare gem with excellent customer support and long-term commitment to all of their products.

 

[sonitus mirus]

The ADI-2's ability to output higher than standard voltages via Line out may help offset the slight reduction in headroom caused by Dirac correction.

Other than that, reasons to pay extra for an RME would be more emotional than rational.

The brand is a rare gem with excellent customer support and long-term commitment to all of their products.

And they have the best manuals in the business.

 

[jimmyjames8]

Is the RME ADI-2 FS still considered reference level gear? I really like the fact that it is supposedly made in Germany instead of China and that B&H is an authorized reseller.

 

[staticV3]

Is the RME ADI-2 FS still considered reference level gear?

Yes.

 

[Mulder]

Is the RME ADI-2 FS still considered reference level gear? I really like the fact that it is supposedly made in Germany instead of China and that B&H is an authorized reseller.

I think it is not just reference level. With its DSP functions and it’s high voltage output (making output buffers unneccasary in the power-amp) it stands out compared to other DAC’s. There is in my mind really no alternative offering the same functionality.