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

[ShiZo]

How do we get notices when new firmware is available?

I just used to check once a month. They put out updates very frequently.

 

[Booker]

You can subscribe to this thread after registration. You will get notified when any update will occur.

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=28933

 

[slainte]

I've been using my Squeezebox Touch as a transport and it's internal (aka aging) DAC connected to my headphone amp (THX 789). Finally ready to upgrade to an external DAC. The RME appeals to me. Admittedly, I may not use all of its features out the gate, but it seems like a high caliber device with some longevity built-in.

I wish to keep my SB Touch as a transport. Has anyone tried the USB EDO plugin on the RME?

Thanks.

 

[badboygolf16v]

I normally use an RPi4 with RoPieeeXL, but I've got a Touch with EDO in a cupboard so I dug it out. Seems to work ok, I tested some 24/192. (Couldn't get DSD working, normally this fails because I have to limit the max sample rate sent, which I didn't have time to mess about with. There are options to transcode anyway if required.)

 

[slainte]

I normally use an RPi4 with RoPieeeXL, but I've got a Touch with EDO in a cupboard so I dug it out. Seems to work ok, I tested some 24/192. (Couldn't get DSD working, normally this fails because I have to limit the max sample rate sent, which I didn't have time to mess about with. There are options to transcode anyway if required.)

Oh man...thank you!!!

Great reply to a first post. Again, thanks for the effort. I just ordered the unit. Looking forward to getting it in play, especially now that Deezer HiFi is finally enabled on the LMS platform.

 

[badboygolf16v]

Oh man...thank you!!!

Great reply to a first post. Again, thanks for the effort. I just ordered the unit. Looking forward to getting it in play, especially now that Deezer HiFi is finally enabled on the LMS platform.

You won't regret it. I had a THX789 before the ADI-2 but don't miss it. (I don't have any balanced headphones.)

 

[AlexHRider]

so @MC_RME when we'll all get an ADI-3 FS with balanced phone connector? im tired of moving back and forth the ADI-2 FS from the living room to bedroom to drive my main setup with Hypex NC400 and headphones collection

 

[badboygolf16v]

so @MC_RME when we'll all get an ADI-3 FS with balanced phone connector? im tired of moving back and forth the ADI-2 FS from the living room to bedroom to drive my main setup with Hypex NC400 and headphones collection

The Pro ADC/DAC does balanced. A bit more expensive though.

 

[slainte]

You won't regret it. I had a THX789 before the ADI-2 but don't miss it. (I don't have any balanced headphones.)

I have some balanced phones...well, can be balanced with the right cables. Using single ended connections currently. Was thinking I could use the RME as a DAC-only piece to the 789. Is that overkill or do you think there could be any benefits aside from the balanced outs on the 789? I know it's not true balanced out but I read it can dish a bit more power of needed.

 

[AlexHRider]

The Pro ADC/DAC does balanced. A bit more expensive though.

Yes i've checked that option but its double the price and i'll be never using the DA (mispelled ---> AD) part so i'll wait for a more home-fi version like the ADI2 DAC FS (gotta hold tight my wallet tho xD )

 

[danadam]

and i'll be never using the DA part

Really? What are you doing with your current DAC then?

 

[badboygolf16v]

I have some balanced phones...well, can be balanced with the right cables. Using single ended connections currently. Was thinking I could use the RME as a DAC-only piece to the 789. Is that overkill or do you think there could be any benefits aside from the balanced outs on the 789? I know it's not true balanced out but I read it can dish a bit more power of needed.

I have some balanced phones...well, can be balanced with the right cables. Using single ended connections currently. Was thinking I could use the RME as a DAC-only piece to the 789. Is that overkill or do you think there could be any benefits aside from the balanced outs on the 789? I know it's not true balanced out but I read it can dish a bit more power of needed.

From the horse's mouth: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-adi-2-dac-and-headphone-amp.7546/post-176434 - yes maybe worth it if you need the power. If you don't need the power I wouldn't bother with the THX 789.

 

[Grotti]

I have some balanced phones...well, can be balanced with the right cables. Using single ended connections currently. Was thinking I could use the RME as a DAC-only piece to the 789. Is that overkill or do you think there could be any benefits aside from the balanced outs on the 789? I know it's not true balanced out but I read it can dish a bit more power of needed.

I really wonder which Headphone needs more power than the RME provides? I know there are some HP out there with a bad efficiency and which can handle a lot of power too, but even in this case the RME should be able to drive them with a decent SPL. I would be concerned about hearing loss even with low efficiency headphones.

 

[AlexHRider]

Really? What are you doing with your current DAC then?

sorry meant AD

fixed previous post

 

[Slayer]

Would i be correct in assuming you can use both XLR and RCA outputs at the same time ? Or do you have to choose either XLR or RCA being active ?

 

[SimpleTheater]

Would i be correct in assuming you can use both XLR and RCA outputs at the same time ? Or do you have to choose either XLR or RCA being active ?

Both active at the same time.

 

[ezra_s]

Would i be correct in assuming you can use both XLR and RCA outputs at the same time ? Or do you have to choose either XLR or RCA being active ?

Yeap, you can, I use them both. XLR for the amp, RCA for the sub. Works perfectly.

 

[Slayer]

Yeap, you can, I use them both. XLR for the amp, RCA for the sub. Works perfectly.

Is it possible to say low pass the xlr out and high pass the rca outs?
I would intend on using the xlr outs for the subs and the rca's to my amp, but i would like to trim the bass going to the rca out.
Sorry if this has been covered before, but i was unable to find the answers i need.

 

[Atanasi]

Is it possible to say low pass the xlr out and high pass the rca outs?

ADI-2 PRO can do that with its two sets of channels with their own DSPs and DACs. For example:

I've setup my ADI-2 Pro as a monitor controller. It can provide one-button selection of USB or DAC mode, selecting between two sets of speakers (one balanced, the other unbalanced), mono L+R, mono L-R, and use of headphone or speakers. These are functions that are commonly used when tracking, mixing, or mastering.

 

[ezra_s]

Is it possible to say low pass the xlr out and high pass the rca outs?
I would intend on using the xlr outs for the subs and the rca's to my amp, but i would like to trim the bass going to the rca out.
Sorry if this has been covered before, but i was unable to find the answers i need.

Not with the DAC, follow Atanasi comment.