Grabbed one at the current $919.20, a great price and unbeatable value for my home office desk setup with all the features this unit provides.
I wish other manufacturers try to compete with that so we all win. Instead of getting the latest +N revision DAC chip that provides questionable benefits in sound quality and putting it in a bare bones box (e.g. most Chi-Fi), they should focus on the convenience and versatility features RME provides - parametric EQ profiles per output, programmable buttons and remote control, configurable gain, crosstalk, balance, screen off, easing the volume on switch, stepped volume control, etc.
The only upgrade path I can see from RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a device that can do what it does and in addition has:
- a couple of separately configurable EQ'd subwoofer outputs
- balanced headphone amp with more power
- RF remote control
- full control of all features from a native app in all major platforms
- good XLR microphone input with phantom power
- Bluetooth input with highest available fidelity at the time
- getting a bit greedy at this point but... automatic room adjustment with a measurement mic that sets crossover and EQ settings to match a chosen target for the common folk who are intimidated by Room EQ Wizard.
RME guys - I know you are listening and I'm sure you are working on new products. You are the only ones currently on the market who can deliver that perfection and I know you care about perfection because I read the RME ADI-2 DAC FS manual. I'll be following your progress and I'm expecting my upgrade by 2022