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

[Roland68]

To be sure, "There are a total of four hardware reference levels available. With RCA Hi-Fi the setting +7 dBu (equals +4.78 dBV or 1.73 V RMS) is recommended. This setting causes an ADI-2 DAC to output level similar to that of many CD-players. In case it is still too low simply change to +13 dBu (+10.8 dBV, 3.46 V RMS). Note that with XLR output the voltage is doubled, the dBu/dBV values are 6 dB higher." (emphasis added).

That has absolutely nothing to do with what I wrote.

 

[Chazz6]

Just wanted to add that depending on the power of your amplifier and your desired listening levels, the RME output voltage levels may matter – and further obviate the need for a preamplifier.

 

[Roland68]

Just wanted to add that depending on the power of your amplifier and your desired listening levels, the RME output voltage levels may matter – and further obviate the need for a preamplifier.

The output levels you mentioned and their setting (generally called gain) are in the analog domain after the DAC and therefore unrelated.
I assume this function is familiar and serves to adjust the output level for driving downstream devices over a wide range.

Addendum:
The RME ADI devices can drive all common power amplifiers on the market.
The exception is power amplifiers with no or very low internal gain. This only applies to a few rare Class A and/or DIY amplifiers.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Disabled.

Can you help me understand where that setting is? I've quickly searched through the manual (English) and I'm not finding any matches under either Disable or Lock for volume. Thanks.

 

[Gibsonian]

Can you help me understand where that setting is? I've quickly searched through the manual (English) and I'm not finding any matches under either Disable or Lock for volume. Thanks.

In the I/o settings under volume. I have it set to lock volume. Guess it’s not disabled but locked. Mine set at 13 dbu

 

[rcstevensonaz]

In the I/o settings under volume. I have it set to lock volume. Guess it’s not disabled but locked. Mine set at 13 dbu

Thanks for that info. (And for some reason, a total user fail on my side when I searched for "lock"... since it is clearly there in the manual).

This also means that when the RME ADI-2 is not being used to control the volume, it can still can be used to provide very fine control over gain-stage leveling in the audio chain. Both by setting the output gain level (macro level) and then further refining by setting a lower fixed volume (micro level).

By contrast, "DAC mode" on my TOPPING devices (E30, D90) simply sends audio output at full gain only.

 

[Yuhasz01]

Anyone know if RME has altered their DAC line-up? Checked RME USA web site and the pro model no longer listed . Only ADI is older 2 version. New models coming?

 

[masterhw]

Anyone know if RME has altered their DAC line-up? Checked RME USA web site and the pro model no longer listed . Only ADI is older 2 version. New models coming?

I emailed them about this and they’ve suspiciously not replied, contrary to their usual selves. I think you’re on to something…

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

Anyone know if RME has altered their DAC line-up? Checked RME USA web site and the pro model no longer listed . Only ADI is older 2 version. New models coming?

The Pro models are still there, under Legacy RME Products.

Edit - nevermind, that's the older models.

ADI-2 Pro | High-end USB Audio Converter & Headphone Amp - rme-usa.com

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

www.rme-usa.com

 

[Bigron]

So, ok, can someone give me a definitive answer.
If I buy the RDM ADI 2FS, can I use it with my existing pre amp and still use the loudness function and PEQ.?

 

[Yuhasz01]

So, ok, can someone give me a definitive answer.
If I buy the RDM ADI 2FS, can I use it with my existing pre amp and still use the loudness function and PEQ.?

Post on RME user forum web site for a definitive answer to your query. I own device but use all functions direct into Genelec powered speakers.

 

[staticV3]

So, ok, can someone give me a definitive answer.
If I buy the RDM ADI 2FS, can I use it with my existing pre amp and still use the loudness function and PEQ.?

PEQ is no problem.

However, Equal Loudness Compensation works by varying the amount of bass and treble as you turn the volume up/down.

At low volumes, bass and treble are added to preserve the perceived tonal balance, and at high volumes bass and treble are gradually reduced, for the same reason.

The ADI-2 DAC/Pro FS is blind to any volume changes you make on your external Preamp, so if you want to use the Loudness function as intended, then you'll have to stop using the external Preamp's volume control and exclusively use the volume control built into the RME.

All other functions of the external Preamp naturally you can keep using.

 

[Bigron]

PEQ is no problem.

However, Equal Loudness Compensation works by varying the amount of bass and treble as you turn the volume up/down.

At low volumes, bass and treble are added to preserve the perceived tonal balance, and at high volumes bass and treble are gradually reduced, for the same reason.

The ADI-2 DAC/Pro FS is blind to any volume changes you make on your external Preamp, so if you want to use the Loudness function as intended, then you'll have to stop using the external Preamp's volume control and exclusively use the volume control built into the RME.

All other functions of the external Preamp naturally you can keep using.

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

 

[Willem]

Mind you, the ADI-2 is effectively a modern preamp, but in its common form only for digital sources. I no longer use analogue sources, so the ADI-2 is my preamp, and an exquisitely good one.

 

[Morla]

Maybe new models coming? Thomann does not seem to have it anymoe (not sure if that means anything)

 

[Chester]

Scan in the UK don’t have much stock either.

 

[Strumbringer]

Guys- An ADI-2 question:

When adjusting the DA filters (sharp, slow, NOS), etc., I barely hear any difference (or perhaps none at all) switching between them. I see in the manual that there's some high-end attenuation and *maybe* I hear things like cymbals softening, but it's so subtle. Is this correct? These filters provide a very subtle effect?

 

[masterhw]

These filters provide a very subtle effect?

That’s correct

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Guys- An ADI-2 question:

When adjusting the DA filters (sharp, slow, NOS), etc., I barely hear any difference (or perhaps none at all) switching between them. I see in the manual that there's some high-end attenuation and *maybe* I hear things like cymbals softening, but it's so subtle. Is this correct? These filters provide a very subtle effect?

The reconstruction filters deal with potential noise shaping at the highest frequencies at and above the audibility range of human hearing. It is not a surprise for different filters to sound almost if not the same short of people with exceptional sensitivity to high and ultrasonic frequencies.

 

[respice finem]

And, age matters. Treble hearing decreases in adults earlier than the rest of the spectrum.
I could (only just) hear differences between DAC filters when I was 40ish, now, aged 58, not any more.