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

[Deleted member 86328]

According to the messages I received from RME today, they are currently working on a successor to the ADI-2 DAC, which is « quite likely available within a year ». They also mentioned « state-of-the-art technology » and « futureproof performance ». Plenty of reason to look forward to this upcoming model with great anticipation.

 

[archerious]

According to the messages I received from RME today, they are currently working on a successor to the ADI-2 DAC, which is « quite likely available within a year ». They also mentioned « state-of-the-art technology » and « futureproof performance ». Plenty of reason to look forward to this upcoming model with great anticipation.

Fingers crossed they keep the heat output low like the ADI-2.

 

[RalphB]

Just curious, do most people prefer to use EQ r/oratory1990 or flat response on the RME?

 

[respice finem]

Depending on the headphones - for my BD T1 Mk2 it's a must, for the AKG K371 or the Truthear IEM I don't need it.
With loudspeakers it's a different story, they get their EQ based on measurements, I prefer the old B&K room curve as target.

 

[RalphB]

Depending on the headphones - for my BD T1 Mk2 it's a must, for the AKG K371 or the Truthear IEM I don't need it.
With loudspeakers it's a different story, they get their EQ based on measurements, I prefer the old B&K room curve as target.

I find myself jumping around a lot. Most times, just loudness controls are enough. But in the end, I settle on a favorite EQ setting.
Loudspeakers are too difficult in my listening room. I just point my speakers and sit about 3 meters away.

 

[masterhw]

Just curious, do most people prefer to use EQ r/oratory1990 or flat response on the RME?

Since I don't see it covered much I thought I'd also suggest AutoEq, they don't have quite as many headphones but the ones they do you can choose different targets, and easily tweak a bunch of parameters around bass boost etc.
Choose "Custom Parametric EQ" as the app and you can add/remove/change the filter types to fit the 5 PEQ + 1 high shelf + 1 low shelf the ADI-2 supports.

 

[respice finem]

I find myself jumping around a lot. Most times, just loudness controls are enough. But in the end, I settle on a favorite EQ setting.
Loudspeakers are too difficult in my listening room. I just point my speakers and sit about 3 meters away.

Some rooms are relatively hopeless, in these headphones will be the better solution.
What may sometimes help with speakers, the tighter the stereo triangle, the more direct sound reaches the ears (see my sig.)

 

[RalphB]

Since I don't see it covered much I thought I'd also suggest AutoEq, they don't have quite as many headphones but the ones they do you can choose different targets, and easily tweak a bunch of parameters around bass boost etc.
Choose "Custom Parametric EQ" as the app and you can add/remove/change the filter types to fit the 5 PEQ + 1 high shelf + 1 low shelf the ADI-2 supports.

I'm really behind the curve. Pun intended. I appreciate the recommendation. Looks like a nice tool.

 

[RalphB]

Some rooms are relatively hopeless, in these headphones will be the better solution.
What may sometimes help with speakers, the tighter the stereo triangle, the more direct sound reaches the ears (see my sig.)

I went over to the ASR B&K room curve forum. A lot of great info. I can't get much closer to my speakers.

 

[Curvature]

Just curious, do most people prefer to use EQ r/oratory1990 or flat response on the RME?

Neither. Those measurements don't work for me. I use in-ear microphones to make personal compensation filters.

 

[sonitus mirus]

According to the messages I received from RME today, they are currently working on a successor to the ADI-2 DAC, which is « quite likely available within a year ». They also mentioned « state-of-the-art technology » and « futureproof performance ». Plenty of reason to look forward to this upcoming model with great anticipation.

After picking up a 2/4 Pro SE, one thing I wish it had is the ability to disable the 12V trigger out signal when switching to my headphones, where I use the outstanding balanced amplifier of the RME device. When I use my headphones, albeit rarely, I typically turn off my stereo amplifier and subs, especially during the hotter summer months when they generate a lot of heat. While I enjoy not having to cross the room to power my amplifier on and off with the trigger output, I’d still like the option to listen to headphones with only the RME powered on, to save a bit of energy and keep my office cooler.

Hoping this will be considered in any of RME's new versions.

 

[amper42]

After picking up a 2/4 Pro SE, one thing I wish it had is the ability to disable the 12V trigger out signal when switching to my headphones, where I use the outstanding balanced amplifier of the RME device. When I use my headphones, albeit rarely, I typically turn off my stereo amplifier and subs, especially during the hotter summer months when they generate a lot of heat. While I enjoy not having to cross the room to power my amplifier on and off with the trigger output, I’d still like the option to listen to headphones with only the RME powered on, to save a bit of energy and keep my office cooler.

Hoping this will be considered in any of RME's new versions.

Isn't that as easy as unplugging the trigger cable? Or am I missing something?

 

[sonitus mirus]

Isn't that as easy as unplugging the trigger cable? Or am I missing something?

In my situation, it is not convenient for me to get behind the unit where I have it located. I mostly use the remote control.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

In my situation, it is not convenient for me to get behind the unit where I have it located. I mostly use the remote control.

I think I am confused on your request.

It is the ability to simply disable / enable the 12V trigger entirely?

Or, is the current behavior that the 12V is triggered whenever you insert / remove headphones; and you only only want the 12V trigger to happen when the RME itself is turned on or off (but never trigger based on headphone insertion / removal)?

 

[sonitus mirus]

I think I am confused on your request.

It is the ability to simply disable / enable the 12V trigger entirely?

Or, is the current behavior that the 12V is triggered whenever you insert / remove headphones; and you only only want the 12V trigger to happen when the RME itself is turned on or off (but never trigger based on headphone insertion / removal)?

My RME DAC connects to my stereo floor speakers via the rear balanced XLR outputs and to my DCA Stealth headphones via the front balanced Pentaconn connector. The 12V trigger powers my amp on and off with the DAC, which I really like. I rarely listen with headphones, but when I do, I usually turn off the amp since it runs somewhat hot as a class A/B design and warms the room in the summer. I keep my house around 68F/20C, but this particular room can climb to 74F/23C when I’m gaming with my high-end PC, 38-inch monitor, OLED TV in the background, and the stereo amp running.

Ideally, I’d like a way to disable the 12V trigger remotely, rather than having it tied directly to the DAC’s power, or have the amp automatically turn off when I switch to headphones and power back on when I switch back. As it stands, if I turn off the amp while the DAC is on and the trigger cable is connected, the amp won’t power on again until I turn off the DAC, manually power on the amp, and then restart the DAC to resync. Granted, this could be an issue with my amp, but there is no way I'm going to replace the amp as a solution. It is not that big of a concern, just looking for a convenient solution.

Edit: I always have my headphones and amp connected to the RME DAC. I normally use the DAC's remote to control everything.

 

[TK33]

My RME DAC connects to my stereo floor speakers via the rear balanced XLR outputs and to my DCA Stealth headphones via the front balanced Pentaconn connector. The 12V trigger powers my amp on and off with the DAC, which I really like. I rarely listen with headphones, but when I do, I usually turn off the amp since it runs somewhat hot as a class A/B design and warms the room in the summer. I keep my house around 68F/20C, but this particular room can climb to 74F/23C when I’m gaming with my high-end PC, 38-inch monitor, OLED TV in the background, and the stereo amp running.

Ideally, I’d like a way to disable the 12V trigger remotely, rather than having it tied directly to the DAC’s power, or have the amp automatically turn off when I switch to headphones and power back on when I switch back. As it stands, if I turn off the amp while the DAC is on and the trigger cable is connected, the amp won’t power on again until I turn off the DAC, manually power on the amp, and then restart the DAC to resync. Granted, this could be an issue with my amp, but there is no way I'm going to replace the amp as a solution. It is not that big of a concern, just looking for a convenient solution.

Edit: I always have my headphones and amp connected to the RME DAC. I normally use the DAC's remote to control everything.

I would suggest putting a wifi,/smart switch on your amp. They are super convenient and pretty inexpensive.

 

[sonitus mirus]

I would suggest putting a wifi,/smart switch on your amp. They are super convenient and pretty inexpensive.

Yes, great idea, I use those all over the house for lamps, but never thought about using it for the amp.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

This is a huge thread...

Is anyone here using the loudness function in conjunction with rear line outs/in a speaker chain? If so, how's your experience with that? I just ordered a used unit (looks like V2, since it has the 22-button remote but no letter on the serial code sticker), and am pondering the usage of the loudness function. I have a miniDSP Flex with digital outputs upstream applying DIRAC Live, which eats up a ton of gain (-10dB), so the higher reference level output options will allow me to simplify my chain (currently using a Topping L70 for gain staging and want to cut it out).

 

[Luvchampagne]

The loudness function does not work unless you use the RME adi2 dac fs as a preamp.
Using the L70 will negate that.

 

[Chazz6]

Is anyone here using the loudness function in conjunction with rear line outs/in a speaker chain? If so, how's your experience with that?

I use the five-band parametric equalizer in the RME instead. Works fine. The RME could feed directly to my line amp, but I have a preamp in between them. So I can adjust the RME volume and the preamp volume to taste.