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

[unpluggged]

Correct, if you want to go back to the Stone Age and learn all the secret handshakes of which buttons to push on the RME to alter EQ or Loudness it's certainly possible.

Your post was not about this. And no need to dramatize so much. The world has not turned over the moment the Remote app was released. Yes, it does make things tremendously easier to operate. But it does not introduce or reveal any new or secret features of the device itself. The onboard device controls and menus, while packed, are still straightforward to use, and everything is explained in the manual.

 

[melowman]

I love turning knobs, especially the ADI-2’s ones. The grip, the feel and the experience are excellent. I wouldn’t ever exchange that for Mickey (mouse).

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Your post was not about this. And no need to dramatize so much. The world has not turned over the moment the Remote app was released. Yes, it does make things tremendously easier to operate. But it does not introduce or reveal any new or secret features of the device itself. The onboard device controls and menus, while packed, are still straightforward to use, and everything is explained in the manual.

IMHO, you are both making true statements.

Yes, per @unpluggged, everything was always there — and still is! — through the front panel. At least, for those who will invest the time and are adept at manipulating the panel and remembering the sequences. And for those people, the remote control adds nothing new they couldn't easily do before.

But, the front panel is a barrier to entry for others. Such as myself. People who are not going to invest learning the sequences. And then go back and pull out the manual to re-learn the sequences all over again every few months (or years) when we want to make a change using the small LCD. Could I do it? Absolutely!!! Did I every do it? Never, not even a single time!!!

So at least for me, it is not unreasonable to say that the remote control introduced and revealed features that previously had been "secret" to me. It is much easier for me to manipulate the controls... therefore for the first time, I am now manipulating the controls. And it is much easier for me to experiment with EQ settings... therefore for the first time, I am experimenting with EQ and Loudness configurations. Because doing so is now within the threshold of time and attention I'm willing and able to dedicated to it.

 

[unpluggged]

IMHO, you are both making true statements.

Yes, per @unpluggged, everything was always there — and still is! — through the front panel. At least, for those who will invest the time and are adept at manipulating the panel and remembering the sequences. And for those people, the remote control adds nothing new they couldn't easily do before.

But, the front panel is a barrier to entry for others. Such as myself. People who are not going to invest learning the sequences. And then go back and pull out the manual to re-learn the sequences all over again every few months (or years) when we want to make a change using the small LCD. Could I do it? Absolutely!!! Did I every do it? Never, not even a single time!!!

So at least for me, it is not unreasonable to say that the remote control introduced and revealed features that previously had been "secret" to me. It is much easier for me to manipulate the controls... therefore for the first time, I am now manipulating the controls. And it is much easier for me to experiment with EQ settings... therefore for the first time, I am experimenting with EQ and Loudness configurations. Because doing so is now within the threshold of time and attention I'm willing and able to dedicated to it.

My only issue with that post was about the impression it might make on someone unfamiliar with the ADI-2 series, that the app was necessary to access the device's features. Of course, I do recognize the value of the app, and I just wanted to clear things up. Hope no offense is taken.

 

[Crook]

My ADI-2 DAC just dropped onto the doormat. How exciting! I'm working until late, then have have to walk the dog, go swimming and do an 8:30pm kid pick up.
I'm going to be setting this up at 1am aren't I?

 

[Chester]

My ADI-2 DAC just dropped onto the doormat. How exciting! I'm working until late, then have have to walk the dog, go swimming and do an 8:30pm kid pick up.
I'm going to be setting this up at 1am aren't I?

Enjoy!

 

[Crook]

Had it done by 11pm. What a nice unit (look and functionality is so good). I've yet to read all the manual (obviously), but I have a couple of cheeky questions if the community can help please?

1) I have a turntable plugged into the coax, via minidsp pocket adc and also wiim into the optical (to room EQ both). No record was playing on the turntable but minidsp unit was on. I was playing music on the Wiim through optical, but no sound came through the unit until I selected OPT on the remote. I assume the RME read a signal from both coax and optical at the same time, so does it prioritise coax over optical?

2) Turns on from standby with remote, volume and input selections working, but I could not get it to turn off with the remote (same on/off button). Is this normal?

Thanks, Mark.

 

[Crook]

Had it done by 11pm. What a nice unit (look and functionality is so good). I've yet to read all the manual (obviously), but I have a couple of cheeky questions if the community can help please?

1) I have a turntable plugged into the coax, via minidsp pocket adc and also wiim into the optical (to room EQ both). No record was playing on the turntable but minidsp unit was on. I was playing music on the Wiim through optical, but no sound came through the unit until I selected OPT on the remote. I assume the RME read a signal from both coax and optical at the same time, so does it prioritise coax over optical?

2) Turns on from standby with remote, volume and input selections working, but I could not get it to turn off with the remote (same on/off button). Is this normal?

Thanks, Mark.

OK, so I wasn't holding the off button for long enough. Proper noob behaviour from me there then. Sorry for Q2.

 

[amper42]

OK, so I wasn't holding the off button for long enough. Proper noob behaviour from me there then. Sorry for Q2.

You will also find the remote CR2025 battery needs to be replaced every 18 months. Otherwise, some of the commands slowly stop responding.

My RME works best by simply pushing the desired source button for COAX, OPT or USB. However, there is a configuration that auto configures the source.

"COAX. OPT. USB. Direct selection of the playback source (SPDIF Coaxial, Optical, USB). By pressing the same button twice the ADI-2 DAC activates Source Auto mode

This information is found on page 11 of the ADI-2 DAC FS User’s Guide v3.3

 

[Crook]

You will also find the remote CR2025 battery needs to be replaced every 18 months. Otherwise, some of the commands slowly stop responding.

My RME works best by simply pushing the desired source button for COAX, OPT or USB. However, there is a configuration that auto configures the source.


This information is found on page 11 of the ADI-2 DAC FS User’s Guide v3.3

Most kind of you. I'll not ask more questions until I've watched the set up videos and read the manual a few times. It really does appear to be the bible of this unit, I can't gain the knowledge without doing this. Thanks again.

 

[unpluggged]

ou will also find the remote CR2025 battery needs to be replaced every 18 months.

Or just use a CR2032 one that has more capacity and also pushes firmer on the battery contact pads that are prone to lose contact with the CR2025 battery after some use.

 

[amper42]

Most kind of you. I'll not ask more questions until I've watched the set up videos and read the manual a few times. It really does appear to be the bible of this unit, I can't gain the knowledge without doing this. Thanks again.

There are four excellent videos by RME on the ADI-2 DAC FS on youTube. I found them very helpful when I got my first unit. The manual is great too but it's nice to have a video walk through. In addition, if you download the ADI-2 software on your computer or iPad and connect it to the RME via USB it opens up all the menu's to you on three easily navigable pages. It's a fantastic tool. I never could remember all the button sequences. The ADI-2 app just lays it out in front of me so the manual is much less a requirement than it use to be. Once connected it's easy to configure everything easily on the computer screen. Of course, you can do it without the app but once you try it - you never go back.

More videos

ADI-2 Series

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

 

[RalphB]

The DAC can use AES/EBU input with the coax input by connecting positive and negative to the RCA connector and leaving the ground unconnected. From the manual section 18.
View attachment 422471

Finally, someone who knows how to terminate a shielded cable

 

[bumblebee657]

Does anyone know here if the RME ADI 2 FS uses constant or proportional Q in the parametric EQ? Can't find any information on that anywhere.

 

[sonitus mirus]

Does anyone know here if the RME ADI 2 FS uses constant or proportional Q in the parametric EQ? Can't find any information on that anywhere.

It was discussed in some detail on RME's forum on page 1 of this thread:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=29041

They referred to it as "constant range" or some hybrid similar to it.

 

[bumblebee657]

What's going on with ADI 2 DAC FS prices???? In Germany you get it right now for 850 Euros from a couple of sellers.

 

[amper42]

What's going on with ADI 2 DAC FS prices???? In Germany you get it right now for 850 Euros from a couple of sellers.

It's a super sale that won't last. It's Amazon Prime day. Prices dropped in USA to $999 for the sale from 1299.

Amazon.com

 

[respice finem]

What's going on with ADI 2 DAC FS prices???? In Germany you get it right now for 850 Euros from a couple of sellers.

Now I must ask myself, should I resist buying another one for my secondary setup? First world problem

 

[bumblebee657]

Now I must ask myself, should I resist buying another one for my secondary setup? First world problem

I think you should give in to the urge. If not now, then when?

 

[respice finem]

Good question... But, the "problem" had just eliminated itself: I forgot, I lost my Prime in Germany when moving back to Poland, and there it is as expensive as before. So, no, except the price would come down before the end of Prime Day. I'll keep lurking...