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

[A.West]

I haven't updated firmware for a year. Are there any updates that I'd hear the difference if I used it?

 

[godmax]

Today tested for fun a RME v2 against my A90/D90 Stack......AKM 4493 vs 4499....no chance hugh?!........I can sell now the Topping crap

wouldn't call the Topping products crap at all, but feature-wise they cannot compete with the RME for sure. But think about, if you really want to give up the balanced headphone output of the A90 (only had it some weeks and had to return it cause of the wobbly volume knob)

 

[butch111]

wouldn't call the Topping products crap at all, but feature-wise they cannot compete with the RME for sure. But think about, if you really want to give up the balanced headphone output of the A90 (only had it some weeks and had to return it cause of the wobbly volume knob)

I only put the RME out of the box ...internal amp....vs A90/D90 balanced , nothing to do with features. Big difference - many details are lost in my topping-duo...test it yourself, if you could.

I am sad that i have to sell my Toppings after only a few weeks....not happy losing money now.

But this show me that measurements are only maybe 10-20%.... after buying the last 2 years only best measured stuff.

Now I am searching for a good balanced amp - not a good measured amp.

 

[SIY]

I only put the RME out of the box ...internal amp....vs A90/D90 balanced , nothing to do with features. Big difference - many details are lost in my topping-duo...test it yourself, if you could.

I am sad that i have to sell my Toppings after only a few weeks....not happy losing money now.

But this show me that measurements are only maybe 10-20%.... after buying the last 2 years only best measured stuff.

Now I am searching for a good balanced amp - not a good measured amp.

Uh huh.

 

[Veri]

I only put the RME out of the box ...internal amp....vs A90/D90 balanced , nothing to do with features. Big difference - many details are lost in my topping-duo...test it yourself, if you could.

I am sad that i have to sell my Toppings after only a few weeks....not happy losing money now.

You'll never be happy chasing the audio dragon.

Now I am searching for a good balanced amp - not a good measured amp.

See. You're already at it again.

 

[butch111]

You'll never be happy chasing the audio dragon.


See. You're already at it again.

I test the A90 with the RME later....maybe the weak part of the Topping DUO is only the D90....I dont know.

edit:
Ok, after testing RME/A90 single ended/balanced , I can say I have no advantage with the A90 over the RME-Amps. The internal Amps are more detailed, cleaner.
I was surprised that the A90 sound better for me single ended than balanced.
It makes no sense for me to keep the A90.

Other opinions about these 2 sets are welcome.

 

[nimar]

wouldn't call the Topping products crap at all, but feature-wise they cannot compete with the RME for sure. But think about, if you really want to give up the balanced headphone output of the A90 (only had it some weeks and had to return it cause of the wobbly volume knob)

I swapped the A/D90 stack for an RME. While I wouldn't go so far as say Topping is crap, or that I could hear a noticeable difference. The RME is in another league as far as excellent design / UX and the kicker is that it was cheaper than the Topping stack.

And the experience has definitely informed any future buying decisions I'd make.

 

[mrbungle]

I test the A90 with the RME later....maybe the weak part of the Topping DUO is only the D90....I dont know.

edit:
Ok, after testing RME/A90 single ended/balanced , I can say I have no advantage with the A90 over the RME-Amps. The internal Amps are more detailed, cleaner.
I was surprised that the A90 sound better for me single ended than balanced.
It makes no sense for me to keep the A90.

Other opinions about these 2 sets are welcome.

The RME amp is under appreciated for sure, but more detailed than the A90? You sure everything is right with your setup? I have the combo running for a few weeks now without issues.

 

[liu]

Now I am searching for a good balanced amp - not a good measured amp.

you made a big mistake. if you really need a balanced amp, you need to purchase RME ADI-2 Pro.

though there's little need to go balanced for headphone amps.

 

[butch111]

you made a big mistake. if you really need a balanced amp, you need to purchase RME ADI-2 Pro.

though there's little need to go balanced for headphone amps.

Maybe..... but I have yet made some steps forward.

After testing an ifi Pro iCan with my ADI 2 DAC , i can test an ADI-2 Pro

 

[mkarikom]

The ADI-2 looks very nice in black with a bright, super responsive display (doesn't come out as well in the picture):

Just got mine yesterday... definitely has to be seen to be appreciated (dark-mode + amber spectral analyzer looks the business).

The physical layout, the UI, the practical choice of materials (gasp, no CNC-ed aluminum fascia?) has an odd symmetry that just feels inevitable in the best possible way! Then there's the sound

 

[Grotti]

Just got mine yesterday... definitely has to be seen to be appreciated (dark-mode + amber spectral analyzer looks the business).

The physical layout, the UI, the practical choice of materials (gasp, no CNC-ed aluminum fascia?) has an odd symmetry that just feels inevitable in the best possible way! Then there's the sound

Welcome to the club ....

Each time I press the power button of my pro version I have to fix this ridiculously light enclosure with the other hand to prevent it from sliding around. But yeah: but then there's the sound....

Enjoy!!!

 

[3kweave]

I am trialing the RME ADI 2 DAC FS and so far I really like it. It sounds great with my hd650s. I really like the eq, screen, and small form factor. I am interested in getting the Aeon 2 Noire or RT. Per testing on this site, the Aeon RT has low sensitivity and requires a high current amplifier. I enjoy bass and could do the eq through software. I would like to be able to play the music loud with a lot of bass. Would I be better off with something like a d30/a30 pro (which is cheaper) or is the RME more than sufficient?

 

[Veri]

I would like to be able to play the music loud with a lot of bass.

Just saying: be kind to your ears though

 

[Matias]

Now I am searching for a good balanced amp - not a good measured amp.

+1 for the ADI-2 Pro version, just get a double 6.3 mm cable (or adapter) and set the internal amp as balanced and you are set.

Each time I press the power button of my pro version I have to fix this ridiculously light enclosure with the other hand to prevent it from sliding around. But yeah: but then there's the sound

I turn on and off by resting the 4 fingers on top of the case and pressing the power button with the thumb. This prevents it from sliding around.

 

[Count Arthur]

I turn on and off by resting the 4 fingers on top of the case and pressing the power button with the thumb. This prevents it from sliding around.

... or place one of these audiophile aproved mass enhancing devices on top of your equipment:

 

[Matias]

It's just a board inside a case, no wonder it is so light.

 

[Jimbob54]

It's just a board inside a case, no wonder it is so light.

View attachment 127697

Weighed down by weight of expectation and magic beans.

It is just (a very good) DAC and headamp. 0 pixies last time I checked.

 

[3kweave]

Just saying: be kind to your ears though

I know I need to protect my hearing but a 2-3 loud songs a couple times a day I think is ok. Its a little hard to get a sense of how loud things are through my headphones since I don't have a good way of measuring SPL. Reading all of the AmirM's reviews you start to think well maybe I need more power. With the exception of having some extra power for a few dB of headroom, my understanding is that is that extra power is superfluous if it goes unused. The RME has plenty of power for Sennheiser HD's. The Aeons have a measured sensitivity of around 87db/mw (listed at 92). It seems like the RME is more than enough for 99% of headphones. Just wanted to get your thoughts.

 

[MathBone]

Any recommendations on where to purchase the ADI-2-DAC FS (v2) ? Best online store? Thanks!