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

[Luvchampagne]

but does this dynamically change the different PE bands as the volume changes? I believe that is what happens with the RME Loudness function. I miss it in my main system when I added my preamp. Keep it in my 2nd system.

 

[Chazz6]

does this [parametric EQ] dynamically change the different PE bands as the volume changes? I believe that is what happens with the RME Loudness function.

You are right, there is a difference here. And of course the RME dynamic loudness can only work on the signal in the RME, not to volume changes later in the signal path.

 

[respice finem]

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).

I tried it with speakers, but it sounds too "fuzzy" to me, quite like an LP rip.
You can try it in software, with foobar2000 which supports Meier crossfeed (via plugin).

 

[Willem]

I use the loudness function and I think it is one of the great functions of the ADI-2. I use the inbuilt filters to correct my main speakers amplified from the balanced output, and MSO/minDSP 4HD from the rca output for the subwoofers. On top of that there is also the tone control, of course.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

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

Perhaps I was not clear--I intend to remove the L70.

 

[isamu99]

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.

Hi Chazz6. I have a couple of questions regarding this....

1)If using the RME as a preamp to feed a dedicated powerful headphone amp such as the ifi iCAN Signature, is the volume knob on the RME active? If so, do you suggest using it *instead* of the one on the iCAN amp to adjust the volume? What are some disadvantages or benefits to controlling the volume from the dac side?

2)Do the bass and treble adjustments on the RME work when making adjustments to the PEQ? In other words, do they work in conjunction to each other, or do the bass and treble knobs become inactive once you start messing with the PEQ?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Hi Chazz6. I have a couple of questions regarding this....

1)If using the RME as a preamp to feed a dedicated powerful headphone amp such as the ifi iCAN Signature, is the volume knob on the RME active? If so, do you suggest using it *instead* of the one on the iCAN amp to adjust the volume? What are some disadvantages or benefits to controlling the volume from the dac side?

2)Do the bass and treble adjustments on the RME work when making adjustments to the PEQ? In other words, do they work in conjunction to each other, or do the bass and treble knobs become inactive once you start messing with the PEQ?

I can't answer number 2 since I disable the PEQ as well as tone controls, but for question #1 the RME has a very advanced volume control that combines stepped output voltage plus digital attenuation. In theory, it should be able to retain proper left/right challenge balance through the entire volume range, whereas the ALPS pots on the iFi might not maintain perfect balance in lower volume levels, but if you're not using lower volumes like that, then that's not a concern. Technically, the iFi is pure analog volume control, so you do completely avoid any potential digital loss of dynamic range which there might be on the RME's volume control (but that's really mitigated by the stepped voltage output).

Long story short, try both, and if you can hear a difference, go with what's better sounding, and if you can't hear any difference, go with whichever's more convenient to you.

 

[respice finem]

Hi Chazz6. I have a couple of questions regarding this....

1)If using the RME as a preamp to feed a dedicated powerful headphone amp such as the ifi iCAN Signature, is the volume knob on the RME active? If so, do you suggest using it *instead* of the one on the iCAN amp to adjust the volume? What are some disadvantages or benefits to controlling the volume from the dac side?

2)Do the bass and treble adjustments on the RME work when making adjustments to the PEQ? In other words, do they work in conjunction to each other, or do the bass and treble knobs become inactive once you start messing with the PEQ?

Not sure about 1) because I've never tried, but generally digital volume control will be more precise than analog (see the manual for description).
2) You can use PEQ and B/T simultaneously, in the latest firmware after enabling it in the "Remote" software. Plus loudness, plus crossfeed if wanted.

 

[respice finem]

BTW: I wouldn't do it while measuring for PEQ, obviously.
You have the option what is loaded with PEQ and what not, so you can use B/T as additional shelf filters.
I don't load them with PEQ, but use them with some subjectively suboptimally mixed music.

The "Remote" software has its own manual.

ADI-2-DAC FS - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.

rme-audio.de

 

[isamu99]

I can't answer number 2 since I disable the PEQ as well as tone controls, but for question #1 the RME has a very advanced volume control that combined stepped output voltage plus digital attenuation. In theory, it should be able to retain proper left/right challenge balance through the entire volume range, whereas the ALPS pots on the iFi might not maintain perfect balance in lower volume levels, but if you're not using lower volumes like that, then that's not a concern. Technically, the iFi is pure analog volume control, so you do completely avoid any potential digital loss of dynamic range which there might be on the RME's volume control (but that's really mitigated by the stepped voltage output).

Long story short, try both, and if you can hear a difference, go with what's better sounding, and if you can't hear any difference, go with whichever's more convenient to you.

Not sure about 1) because I've never tried, but generally digital volume control will be more precise than analog (see the manual for description).
2) You can use PEQ and B/T simultaneously, in the latest firmware after enabling it in the "Remote" software. Plus loudness, plus crossfeed if wanted.

BTW: I wouldn't do it while measuring for PEQ, obviously.
You have the option what is loaded with PEQ and what not, so you can use B/T as additional shelf filters.
I don't load them with PEQ, but use them with some subjectively suboptimally mixed music.

The "Remote" software has its own manual.

ADI-2-DAC FS - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions

RME Audio Professional Live, Studio, Recording and Broadcast Solutions. Unrivalled Quality, Performance & Stability MADI Interfaces, Converters & Preamps.

rme-audio.de

That is very interesting! Thanks for the replies and explanation guys much appreciated. I will for sure have a lot of fun tinkering with the RME and the iCAN along with EAPO.

 

[jkim]

Quick question. Are there any other DAC/HP amp products that support volume-adaptive loudness compensation? We see the Luxsin X9 has added the function recently. Any other product including portable devices?

 

[respice finem]

Quick question. Are there any other DAC/HP amp products that support volume-adaptive loudness compensation? We see the Luxsin X9 has added the function recently. Any other product including portable devices?

RME ADI-2 DAC (adaptive loudness and 4 crossfeed modes) - silly me, we are in its thread (i need coffee).
Some Chinese streamers and DAC/HPA but don't ask me which...

 

[jkim]

Some Chinese streamers and DAC/HPA but don't ask me which...

But I have to ask Which? Can anyone answer if you cannot?

 

[respice finem]

IIRC the Wiim family and the "neverending firmware drama" Topping DX5 II (but I might be wrong).
BTW: Windows 11 also has loudness - but this only makes sense if you let Windows control the volume, which is "not for the faint of heart".
If an update decides to set the volume to 100%... Also only interesting when you have no other sources.

 

[jkim]

IIRC the Wiim family and the "neverending firmware drama" Topping DX5 II (but I might be wrong).

According to my search, the WiiM only has a PEQ setting for loudness compensation but it is not volume-adaptive. And the Topping DX5 II has not implemented anything yet. Did I missing anything?

 

[respice finem]

Good question... Maybe AI has the answer, but I would want to double check it (and have no access anyway).
There is a thread about loudness, maybe you can find answers there?

'You Need Loudness Correction'

Jul 4, 2025

Perhaps I am preaching to the choir here, but calibrated loudness correction has been one of the easiest and most worthwhile upgrades to my listening setup in years.

It is widely known the human ear is not even close to "flat," but further complicating this is the degree to which it is not flat changes with volume. An implication of this is that all content is mixed for a certain volume level, and listening above or below this level will change the tonality of the content. The low-bass region is the most impacted.

But if we know this, and know how loud our headphones (or...

• masterhw
• Replies: 66
• Forum: Psychoacoustics: Science of How We Hear

• 

 

[jkim]

Good question... Maybe AI has the answer, but I would want to double check it (and have no access anyway).
There is a thread about loudness, maybe you can find answers there?

I have already participated in that thread with a different question . My question here is NOT how loudness compensation should be done. But rather which devices have implemented ANY kind of volume-adaptive loudness compensation DSP.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I use the loudness function and I think it is one of the great functions of the ADI-2. I use the inbuilt filters to correct my main speakers amplified from the balanced output, and MSO/minDSP 4HD from the rca output for the subwoofers. On top of that there is also the tone control, of course.

May I please ask if you use a different EQ between the balanced output and RCA output on the RME?

 

[isamu99]

Good evening gentlemen....absolutely fascinating discussion!

I've been meaning to ask you guys a question....

I've owned my RME PRO FS R BLACK EDITION for coming up on 2 weeks now, and I gotta say, the sound quality of this thing is amazing.

However, I'm still in the process of learning how to wrap my head around what EQ numbers mean and how each change has an impact on the sound. With that having been said, a lot of people appear to hold the graphical EQ within Peace/APO in high regard and often references it when discussing changes they've made to their tuning. I'm honestly conflicted on whether I should continue using my RME's PEQ(which has yielded great results so far) or shut it off and bypass it in favor of Peace's Graphical EQ.

In you guys' personal and completely objective opinion, which EQ method do you feel has a bigger impact on sound quality and sounds better overall....

A)Using the built in PEQ on the RME

-or-

B)Using a software Windows based EQ such as the one in Peace/EAPO?

Do you feel that because the PEQ is built into the hardware of the RME unit it automatically gives an advantage over any EQ that's software based? Or does it simply NOT matter in the slightest? And does anyone here who owns an RME DAC bypass it in favor of Equalizer APO/Peace's GEQ?

 

[staticV3]

Or does it simply NOT matter in the slightest?

RME's PEQ is equally as performant as EQApo's PEQ.

EQApo's PEQ is more flexible though, with unlimited bands and no restrictions on PEQ parameters.

Not sure who would choose GEQ over PEQ. The former is much less flexible.

Plus with tools like autoeq.app, REW, and oratory's database which automate PEQ configuration, I struggle to see a good reason to go back to GEQ.