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

[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.

 

[babayaga]

The Lenovo Smart Tab M8 in its charging stand makes a nice, well proportioned display topper for my RME. On clearance now for $80 shipped on Lenovo’s site.

View attachment 288815

I recently purchased this RME DAC and like the display you are using. If I may ask, how did you connect it in order to get the album art display? Thanks

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

I recently purchased this RME DAC and like the display you are using. If I may ask, how did you connect it in order to get the album art display? Thanks

Most are specific to WiiM streamers, but include browser extensions and python scripts.

WiiM Viewer Chrome Extension

A very simple Chrome Extension for your WiiM. wiimview.zip is for the Chrome browser under any desktop OS. wiimview-kiwi.zip is for the Kiwi browser on an Android TV set top box, and will resize to fit any size screen. wiim-allmusic-deezer.zip is a chrome extension for allmusic.com, which...

forum.wiimhome.com

retired-guy - Repositories

retired-guy has 22 repositories available. Follow their code on GitHub.

github.com

 

[babayaga]

Most are specific to WiiM streamers, but include browser extensions and python scripts.

WiiM Viewer Chrome Extension

A very simple Chrome Extension for your WiiM. wiimview.zip is for the Chrome browser under any desktop OS. wiimview-kiwi.zip is for the Kiwi browser on an Android TV set top box, and will resize to fit any size screen. wiim-allmusic-deezer.zip is a chrome extension for allmusic.com, which...

forum.wiimhome.com

retired-guy - Repositories

retired-guy has 22 repositories available. Follow their code on GitHub.

github.com

Thanks, the Wiim Ultra was the next item on my purchase list so i'll have to give these a look. Thank you for your help!

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Just received ADI2.
Amazing amazing stuff, I'm truly impressed and happy with my purchase.

My previous 10k+ stuff cannot handle a candle to RME.
Shame on me for not buying it much earlier.

 

[Roolieman]

I have ifi Gryphon DAC/headamp, and I'm very happy how it sounds with DT1990 pro, but since it is being used solely as a desktop dac/amp the plan is to replace it with something more convenient. I can get a used RME ADI 2 FS for ~600 EUR.
Will there be a sound improvement comparing to Gryphon or it is just that I will get a desktop dac/amp plus PEQ functions?

 

[TK33]

I have ifi Gryphon DAC/headamp, and I'm very happy how it sounds with DT1990 pro, but since it is being used solely as a desktop dac/amp the plan is to replace it with something more convenient. I can get a used RME ADI 2 FS for ~600 EUR.
Will there be a sound improvement comparing to Gryphon or it is just that I will get a desktop dac/amp plus PEQ functions?

Just to make sure, is it the ADI-2 DAC FS or ADI-2 FS. They are different devices.

I have the ADI-2 DAC FS and the Gryphon and use both with my Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire. Both are great but different devices. The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is my main desktop DAC/Amp and I use PEQ with my Aron 2 Noires. They sound very clear and detailed to me. The Gryphon is more my "fun" couch set up and I just use X-Bass + X-Space since the Gryphon doesn't have PEQ. Both sound great but the RME just sounds more transparent to me. This is probably just the benefit of being able to fine tune the sound using PEQ. Both drive my Aeon 2 Noire just fine (use balanced on the Gryphon of course). I also prefer not having to worry about batteries or constantly plugging in and unplugging cables for a desktop set up.

 

[Roolieman]

Thx, so not much of a difference without PEQ, but that is what I figured out was to be expected. What about imaging and soundstage on RME comapring to Gryphon? On few reviews it was mentioned that soundstage is moderate comparing to some other headamps/dac
I'm talking about ADI-2 DAC FS, so the price is also quite good for 1yr odl device.

 

[Jimbob54]

Hello, I've got a question. I'm deciding whether to get the adi-2 fs dac or the adi-2 pro fs dac. I'm not interested in the extra inputs and outputs of the pro, only the sound quality. Of course most people here will have the regular version, either akm or ess. I've got a lot of sacds. I've heard that the regular version doesn't play dsd directly and the pro does. Assuming I've got excellent hearing, and I'm coming from a top of the range topping dac, will the regular version sound worse than the pro version? This might not be the place to ask this so I'll start a new thread if I can't find the answer here. Thank you.

It's true the newer ess based DAC doesn't do dsd direct. The akm based earlier ones did and the pro does for the same reason (akm chips can).

You'll not get a definitive "sounds better" answer here though.

This thread might help though.. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dsd-is-better-than-pcm.26592/

 

[Roland68]

Hello, I've got a question. I'm deciding whether to get the adi-2 fs dac or the adi-2 pro fs dac. I'm not interested in the extra inputs and outputs of the pro, only the sound quality. Of course most people here will have the regular version, either akm or ess. I've got a lot of sacds. I've heard that the regular version doesn't play dsd directly and the pro does. Assuming I've got excellent hearing, and I'm coming from a top of the range topping dac, will the regular version sound worse than the pro version? This might not be the place to ask this so I'll start a new thread if I can't find the answer here. Thank you.

In terms of sound, I couldn't tell any difference between the DAC and PRO versions, even with DSD material. According to my information, playing DSD on the ADI-2 DAC FS is not a problem.

How do you feed the DSD stream from the SACD into the ADI-2 DAC FS?

 

[audiofun]

Some people have very kindly ripped the SACDs into ISOs for me and I've converted some of those ISOs into WVs to save space, it's going in via USB from my computer.

I tried converting dsd to pcm, in 24 192 format, and I could definitely hear a difference in quality, but that might have been because of the particular resolution.

you shouldn't convert it to 192. a multiple of 44.1 frequency is better to avoid aliasing effect.

 

[taylorwmj]

Anybody know of anything on the horizon of an updated replacement for the ADI-2 DAC FS v2?

I'm looking for a desktop solution with 90% headphone listening (but perhaps will add some Genelec speakers down the road) and debating between splurging for the RME or setting into the Topping A50 III + D50 III combo. Only note is that I can get the RME at cost (which is still ~$500 more than the Topping combo).

Any thoughts?

 

[Roland68]

Anybody know of anything on the horizon of an updated replacement for the ADI-2 DAC FS v2?

I'm looking for a desktop solution with 90% headphone listening (but perhaps will add some Genelec speakers down the road) and debating between splurging for the RME or setting into the Topping A50 III + D50 III combo. Only note is that I can get the RME at cost (which is still ~$500 more than the Topping combo).

Any thoughts?

This is one of those decisions where no one can help you.
The RME DAC has a few additional features, but the topping combo is also good and both should work well.
I haven't heard of a successor to the ADI-2 DAC FS, but RME usually releases its devices without prior notice.

 

[Kuma]

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.

Agree completely. If my ADI-2 were to give up the ghost tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing a new one.

EDIT: Not that I’m expecting it to give up the ghost. It is built like a tank and has served me well for years. It keeps going, and going, thanks to RME’s continuing support in updating its firmware. They support it. with updates on a regular basis. End game DAC/Amp IMO.

 

[Kuma]

Agree completely. If my ADI-2 were to give up the ghost tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate in purchasing a new one.

EDIT: Not that I’m expecting it to give up the ghost. It is built like a tank and has served me well for years. It keeps going, and going. RME’s continuing support in updating its firmware is outstanding.

 

[Ravi]

I use this Adi 2 Fs with my Parasound halo p5 analogue section of the preamp. This DAC digs deeper and provides all the musical instruments legitimately. But one should master the art of adjusting the ref level and volume level to sync with other hifi equipments. And the filters. It may take a while. But there are enough features to explore. And fine tune to your needs. Mostly it’s used as headphone amp or with studio monitors and near field listening I think few may consider using this as standalone dac with their existing hifi set up. Such audiophile users may Pl share their views for the benefit of others. Thx.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Speaking of which...

I'd really love to see a RME power amp in the future (more or less the same width as ADI-2 DAC/PRO, with heatsinks eventually). That would be great to see a similar kind of Benchmark's design language for their lineup.

@MC_RME
How about that? Any plans for the future?