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

[oleg87]

Yeah you're right, cause this feature is limited to literally one product in the entire world which otherwise doesn't do much more than devices half its price. How am I supposed to experience it!? I entertained other RME audio interfaces but lost interest when I realized they didn't have the feature either. Its difficult to justify in 2025 when I can software emulate loudness correction and use whatever hardware I desire.

Is someone making you buy it?

 

[respice finem]

One can have Loudness in software, yes, even in Windows itself (the feature is there), but, to function properly, the volume control would have to be done by Windows. Same goes for Linux (Easy Effects DSP). Or for every other software solution, because the equal loudness curves are level dependent. Not everybody is OK with this, some have encountered software based volume control randomly going to 100%, which can be at least unpleasant, at worst damaging the speakers.
And, it is more convenient the way RME does it currently, because every source can use the Loudness feature.

 

[masterhw]

Is someone making you buy it?

No, hence why I want the RME product to be as compelling as possible. I'm interested, but I hesitate to open my wallet in today's competitive market. An updated version would be nice, or alternatively other manufacturers implementing similar features. I'm open to upgrading my Motu M2 to one of RME's very nice audio interfaces, but I'm frustrated that those products don't have the EQ features either. I would like RME to make it easy for me to say yes and buy something.

 

[amper42]

Yeah you're right, cause this feature is limited to literally one product in the entire world which otherwise doesn't do much more than devices half its price. How am I supposed to experience it!? I entertained other RME audio interfaces but lost interest when I realized they didn't have the feature either. Its difficult to justify in 2025 when I can software emulate loudness correction and use whatever hardware I desire.

I looked at the AcourateConvolver site. It looks complicated to me while the ADI-2 app makes Loudness control on the RME ADI-2 DAC FS so easy to implement. It also looks like it requires a computer and maybe a sound card? None of that is required with the ADI-2 DAC FS.

Personally, I like the flexibility of using the RPi4 with Moode to automatically feed the ADI-2 DAC FS days worth of my Hi-Res music with never a computer required. It only uses 6W on the RPi4 with Samsung Fit drive included. Requiring a separate computer to do all the work wastes so much extra energy and complicates the setup. Having Hardware Loudness control with Remote capability to turn it off or on is much more appealing to me. My guess is buying the RME ADI-2 DAC FS during the regular Amazon Prime $999 sales days is probably a lot less expensive than using the computer.

I would suggest buying an RME ADI-2 DAC FS from a reliable dealer that offers a full money back guarantee like Amazon does. If you're not in love with the hardware Loudness control in the first two weeks send it back for a full refund. It's a great way to buy without commitment. Just a suggestion. Have fun!

 

[oleg87]

No, hence why I want the RME product to be as compelling as possible. I'm interested, but I hesitate to open my wallet in today's competitive market. An updated version would be nice, or alternatively other manufacturers implementing similar features. I'm open to upgrading my Motu M2 to one of RME's very nice audio interfaces, but I'm frustrated that those products don't have the EQ features either. I would like RME to make it easy for me to say yes and buy something.

It's a solid product with top-class engineering that I've basically had zero bugs or issues with over 3 years of ownership (despite its considerable complexity). I wish that was more compelling to people than the endless churn of product releases and marginally higher numbers and numbers of bulletpoints.

 

[masterhw]

I looked at the AcourateConvolver site. It looks complicated to me while the ADI-2 app makes Loudness control on the RME ADI-2 DAC FS so easy to implement. It also looks like it requires a computer and maybe a sound card? None of that is required with the ADI-2 DAC FS.

Personally, I like the flexibility of using the RPi4 with Moode to automatically feed the ADI-2 DAC FS days worth of my Hi-Res music with never a computer required. It only uses 6W on the RPi4 with Samsung Fit drive included. Requiring a separate computer to do all the work wastes so much extra energy and complicates the setup. Having Hardware Loudness control with Remote capability to turn it off or on is much more appealing to me. My guess is buying the RME ADI-2 DAC FS during the regular Amazon Prime $999 sales days is probably a lot less expensive than using the computer.

I would suggest buying an RME ADI-2 DAC FS from a reliable dealer that offers a full money back guarantee like Amazon does. If you're not in love with the hardware Loudness control in the first two weeks send it back for a full refund. It's a great way to buy without commitment. Just a suggestion. Have fun!

While Acourate specifically is designed for Windows, the approach is that it runs as software on the source (RPi4 in your case) and the soundcard is the RME. So "no computer required" is not quite accurate when your source already is one, and can perform both functions.

I appreciate your suggestion, I really want to say yes to one. They've obviously made current owners very happy. I've seen myself and one other user considering an ADI-2 DAC chime in in this thread voicing some of what might push us over the edge be met with mild to moderate hostility which I'm not really sure what to make of. I don't mean to suggest that your devices are anything less than superb. Just that for $999 in 2025 there are some areas (most apparently # of PEQs) that the competition has caught up and I might expect an update to remain top of its class across the board. I don't think its fair to take cheap shots at competing products over that.

RME as a "pro audio" company surprises me that there is no full EQ capable interface either, then at least I could do away with some of my kit and not even think about my desktop/recording setup for another 20 years. I guess maybe that's what I'm holding out for.

Anyway, I'll take the hint that I've taken up enough of this thread.

 

[amper42]

While Acourate specifically is designed for Windows, the approach is that it runs as software on the source (RPi4 in your case) and the soundcard is the RME. So "no computer required" is not quite accurate when your source already is one, and can perform both functions.

I appreciate your suggestion, I really want to say yes to one. They've obviously made current owners very happy. I've seen myself and one other user considering an ADI-2 DAC chime in in this thread voicing some of what might push us over the edge be met with mild to moderate hostility which I'm not really sure what to make of. I don't mean to suggest that your devices are anything less than superb. Just that for $999 in 2025 there are some areas (most apparently # of PEQs) that the competition has caught up and I might expect an update to remain top of its class across the board. I don't think its fair to take cheap shots at competing products over that.

RME as a "pro audio" company surprises me that there is no full EQ capable interface either, then at least I could do away with some of my kit and not even think about my desktop/recording setup for another 20 years. I guess maybe that's what I'm holding out for.

Anyway, I'll take the hint that I've taken up enough of this thread.

If I paid $1000 for the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and it was a static product that was not continually updated, and the ADI-2 app was never developed and the product remote wasn't fabulous compared to the remotes you get from most audio companies, I would not be as much of a fan boy.

In contrast, my customer experience with three $899 to $699 Topping DAC's was absolutely zero development after the sale. Even when there were glaring issues like dropped signals with optical outs to the TV and a remote that you really didn't fully understand how bad it was until you were 7-9 feet away on the couch.

When I compare Topping's business model to the constant RME development attention of the ADI-2 DAC FS it blows me away. RME is fully dedicated to customers after the sale. The sale is not the end for RME - only the beginning. They continue to improve the product with dedicated employees assigned just for that purpose. It's a completely different product support environment. My hat is off to RME. While initial price is not cheap, what you get in extra features, long term support and truly sound changing functionality along with constant updates makes the price seem quite inexpensive compared to what I got from Topping with the D90SE or Pre90.

You find what works for you. Personally, I really like supporting RME's business model and love using their product. So much so, that I already have three ADI-2 DAC FS units and will be looking for a 4th in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if RME sells more multiple units to their customers than any other audio company.

 

[Roland68]

The Topping DX5 II has certainly had a troubled launch, but once those issues are worked through it probably represents some of the strongest competition to the RME ADI-2 DAC. If you don’t absolutely need hardware loudness correction, or potentially the app/remote, it does basically everything else at least as well as the RME. Even has “Hi-Res” bluetooth.

Wouldn’t be shocked if Topping does loudness correction in the next couple years either, I think that would reasonable to expect as the next major step in their commitment to hardware EQ.
Yes some of you would still choose RME and that’s allowed, but enough would balk at the roughly 2x premium that I imagine it would put this product in a tough place. I wouldn’t be waiting around for Topping to eat my lunch.

I don't think you're properly assessing RME, Topping, the ADI-2-DAC FS, or the DX5 II in the market.

RME is one of the leading manufacturers in the pro audio sector with exemplary service, support, and warranties. They supply their devices almost exclusively to markets where every failure costs real money, and that's exactly what the devices are designed for.
You don't have to worry if there really is a problem or functional limitation. It's fixed, quickly and professionally.

The ADI-2-DAC FS is actually the only pure consumer device in RME's range of almost 40 devices.
The quality, functionality, range of functions, features, and reliability are so far removed from a DX5 II that there's no point in comparing them. Testing, measurement, and analysis options (DigiCheck) are also nonexistent on Topping and the DX5 II, just as the ADI-2 Remote is nonexistent.

Don't get me wrong, the DX5 II is a great device with outstanding performance and a great price-performance ratio. But anyone who wants to buy an ADI-2-DAC FS has a specific reason for doing so, and they won't find it in the DX5 II. The overlap of actual buyers for the ADI-2-DAC FS and the DX5 II is likely very small in reality.

The DX5 II is clearly the predator in the individual DAC and HPA combo segment, where it can compete with both a €230 combo (e.g., the SU-1 and L30 II) and a €1000 combo (e.g., the D400 ES and H400). It's also tough competition for the popular SMSL D400, Loxjie D40 Pro, D60, etc.
The DX5 II is the AIO device combining DAC/HPA/preamp that many have been waiting for and is guaranteed to be a bestseller.

But it will also increase RME's sales of ADI devices, as has been the case in the past.
Someone who buys a DX5 II and is dissatisfied with its functionality (e.g., DSD playback, EQ/PEQ issues, software issues, crackling noises during playback, USB issues, SPDIF/Toslink issues, lack of functionality, measurement capabilities, etc.) is a potential customer for ADI devices, even though they never intended to spend so much money before.
There are already enough examples of this in the forum.

With SMSL, Topping, etc., you have to be aware of warranty coverage, service behavior, quality, buyers = beta testers (currently with EQ/PEQ/software for the DX5 II), possible functional limitations, possible failures, firmware problems and errors, etc.
It has also happened several times that faulty or problematic devices continue to be delivered and cannot be resolved by the end customer via firmware updates.
There are also many devices these days whose errors/firmware issues/functional limitations seem to never be fixed, especially with SMSL.
We don't even need to talk about post-warranty repair options, regardless of the price.

I have several Topping and SMSL devices and will soon replace an SMSL DO400 with a DX5 II, simply because of the better HPA. But I wouldn't connect expensive headphones like the LCD 5 to it, and I wouldn't go without my professional equipment either.

 

[Roland68]

I looked at the AcourateConvolver site. It looks complicated to me while the ADI-2 app makes Loudness control on the RME ADI-2 DAC FS so easy to implement. It also looks like it requires a computer and maybe a sound card? None of that is required with the ADI-2 DAC FS.

Personally, I like the flexibility of using the RPi4 with Moode to automatically feed the ADI-2 DAC FS days worth of my Hi-Res music with never a computer required. It only uses 6W on the RPi4 with Samsung Fit drive included. Requiring a separate computer to do all the work wastes so much extra energy and complicates the setup. Having Hardware Loudness control with Remote capability to turn it off or on is much more appealing to me. My guess is buying the RME ADI-2 DAC FS during the regular Amazon Prime $999 sales days is probably a lot less expensive than using the computer.

I would suggest buying an RME ADI-2 DAC FS from a reliable dealer that offers a full money back guarantee like Amazon does. If you're not in love with the hardware Loudness control in the first two weeks send it back for a full refund. It's a great way to buy without commitment. Just a suggestion. Have fun!

With Acourate and AcourateConvolver, you definitely need a PC and possibly some processing power.

But comparing the EQ/PEQ capabilities of an ADI device with Acourate is like comparing the graphics capabilities of Preview (Mac) with Photoshop. There's not a world of difference between them, but universes.

 

[RalphB]

I don't think you're properly assessing RME, Topping, the ADI-2-DAC FS, or the DX5 II in the market.

RME is one of the leading manufacturers in the pro audio sector with exemplary service, support, and warranties. They supply their devices almost exclusively to markets where every failure costs real money, and that's exactly what the devices are designed for.
You don't have to worry if there really is a problem or functional limitation. It's fixed, quickly and professionally.

The ADI-2-DAC FS is actually the only pure consumer device in RME's range of almost 40 devices.
The quality, functionality, range of functions, features, and reliability are so far removed from a DX5 II that there's no point in comparing them. Testing, measurement, and analysis options (DigiCheck) are also nonexistent on Topping and the DX5 II, just as the ADI-2 Remote is nonexistent.

Don't get me wrong, the DX5 II is a great device with outstanding performance and a great price-performance ratio. But anyone who wants to buy an ADI-2-DAC FS has a specific reason for doing so, and they won't find it in the DX5 II. The overlap of actual buyers for the ADI-2-DAC FS and the DX5 II is likely very small in reality.

The DX5 II is clearly the predator in the individual DAC and HPA combo segment, where it can compete with both a €230 combo (e.g., the SU-1 and L30 II) and a €1000 combo (e.g., the D400 ES and H400). It's also tough competition for the popular SMSL D400, Loxjie D40 Pro, D60, etc.
The DX5 II is the AIO device combining DAC/HPA/preamp that many have been waiting for and is guaranteed to be a bestseller.

But it will also increase RME's sales of ADI devices, as has been the case in the past.
Someone who buys a DX5 II and is dissatisfied with its functionality (e.g., DSD playback, EQ/PEQ issues, software issues, crackling noises during playback, USB issues, SPDIF/Toslink issues, lack of functionality, measurement capabilities, etc.) is a potential customer for ADI devices, even though they never intended to spend so much money before.
There are already enough examples of this in the forum.

With SMSL, Topping, etc., you have to be aware of warranty coverage, service behavior, quality, buyers = beta testers (currently with EQ/PEQ/software for the DX5 II), possible functional limitations, possible failures, firmware problems and errors, etc.
It has also happened several times that faulty or problematic devices continue to be delivered and cannot be resolved by the end customer via firmware updates.
There are also many devices these days whose errors/firmware issues/functional limitations seem to never be fixed, especially with SMSL.
We don't even need to talk about post-warranty repair options, regardless of the price.

I have several Topping and SMSL devices and will soon replace an SMSL DO400 with a DX5 II, simply because of the better HPA. But I wouldn't connect expensive headphones like the LCD 5 to it, and I wouldn't go without my professional equipment either.

Well said. I agree 100%.

 

[unpluggged]

but I'm frustrated that those products don't have the EQ features either

RME as a "pro audio" company surprises me that there is no full EQ capable interface either

LOL. The EQ features in the Fireface series actually surpass those of the ADI-2 series now:

 

[Luvchampagne]

Question on variable loudness

I was told by RME that when you connect the RME to a preamp that the variable loudness does not work because the level is now being controlled by the preamp.
Is that correct? So only when the RME is the DAC and the pre does the variable loudness work?

 

[staticV3]

Question on variable loudness

I was told by RME that when you connect the RME to a preamp that the variable loudness does not work because the level is now being controlled by the preamp.
Is that correct? So only when the RME is the DAC and the pre does the variable loudness work?

The RME's equal loudness compensation will dynamically adjust according to the volume, only if you use the RME itself to control volume.

The RME is blind to any other external volume control.

 

[Luvchampagne]

Thank you.
Sorry for the dumb question.
In what configuration would you control the volume with the RME and still have a preamp?

 

[masterhw]

LOL. The EQ features in the Fireface series actually surpass those of the ADI-2 series now:

Cunningham's Law I guess. I figured after browsing the entire product pages & manuals of the BabyFace & Digiface with no mention of EQ I could conclude that. Looks like they still don't have loudness correction though :/

 

[staticV3]

Thank you.
Sorry for the dumb question.
In what configuration would you control the volume with the RME and still have a preamp?

A preamp is for controlling volume as well as for unifying various analog sound sources.

The ADI-2 DAC can do the former, but not the latter as it lacks analog inputs.

In a setup with only digital sound sources (TV, PC, Streamer, CD Transport, Parks Audio Waxwing etc), an ADI-2 DAC can entirely replace your analog preamp.

It can handle both input switching and volume control.

Where things get more complicated is if you have multiple analog source devices in your setup.

In that case, take a look at the ADI-2 Pro and/or the miniDSP PocketADC.

 

[sonitus mirus]

Cunningham's Law I guess. I figured after browsing the entire product pages & manuals of the BabyFace & Digiface with no mention of EQ I could conclude that. Looks like they still don't have loudness correction though :/

The adaptable and adjustable loudness EQ is my favorite feature of my RME DAC/amp, for certain.

 

[Albert Dagger]

I’ve been considering the RME ADI-2 DAC for a while now. The measurements and reviews here (and elsewhere) are incredibly compelling. However, with the release of the Luxsin X9, I’m tempted to go with that instead. It offers most of the features I need, with a more appealing design and a more intuitive interface. I’d only use it as a desktop headphone DAC/amp, not for active speakers or pre-amp. The lack of a 3.5mm jack on the Luxsin isn’t ideal, but I could work around it. I'm not sure if the Luxsin has a loudness function. The EQ features seem to be pretty good, so at this point in time, I think that's a good competitor.

 

[Deleted member 86328]

The main weakness of the RME is that its conversion section is quite basic for the price. And its headphone amplifier is hardly exceptional either…

 

[Sokel]

I had been dreaming of it and was ready to take the plunge, but after a long conversation with David Aubert, a professional at Audiophonics, I learned they stopped selling it because they felt the value for money was no longer there. I’m convinced there is room to refine it, even though it’s already an excellent device.

Now wait, Audiophonics are nice, I like them.
But I can't see how they can be entitled to talk about value while selling stuff like that:

They could mean that there's no value for them perhaps, maybe the margins of RME are tight.
But value for money? Nope.