RME ADI-2 FS vs Topping D90LE, when not using headphones?

[penguin]

Hi folks!

I've tinnitus so I can't use headphones. The ADI-2 is $1232 while the D90LE is $872. I will be streaming from my computer to a couple Denton 85 Anniversary. The D90LE has BT which is nice. The DAC will be connected to a Primare I-15 amp.

 

[Rja4000]

I guess you meant "RME ADI-2 DAC fs" ?
(The RME ADI-2 fs is a very different beast)

The RME has several major benefits over the Topping.
First one is full EQ (Bass + Trebble + Full Parametric EQ) and Loudness compensation.
This is more than enough to justify the choice, IMO.

Actually, the Topping just brings the Bluetooth as an argument.
Which is quite poor: Most streamers also allow BT input.

 

[penguin]

I guess you meant "RME ADI-2 DAC fs" ?
(The RME ADI-2 fs is a very different beast)

The RME has several major benefits over the Topping.
First one is full EQ (Bass + Trebble + Full Parametric EQ) and Loudness compensation.
This is more than enough to justify the choice, IMO.

Actually, the Topping just brings the Bluetooth as an argument.
Which is quite poor: Most streamers also allow BT input.

Thank you! I guess I will not be returning the RME then.

 

[Dro]

I agree with RME for the feature set. While some of it might be achievable in software, having it built into a hardware device is just nicer.

But may I ask why tinnitus precludes headphone usage? I've had it for more than half my life and pretty much only use headphones.

 

[Jimster480]

I would just avoid spending so much in a DAC in general as there is no benefit especially with speakers... You can get an SMSL SU-8S for $300 or less... or get the Topping EX5, DX5, DX3+(This is only $200 with BT). They will all have inaudible differences and they all have remotes too.

As far as EQ; Save some money and go with a software solution. If you are going to play things like Spotify; you can use Equalify to do parametric EQ directly inside of the app.

 

[penguin]

I agree with RME for the feature set. While some of it might be achievable in software, having it built into a hardware device is just nicer.

But may I ask why tinnitus precludes headphone usage? I've had it for more than half my life and pretty much only use headphones.

Thank you! I find when using headphones the tinnitus in my left ear gets much louder. I got tinnitus when laying flat on the couch, and I switched source on the amp and it was so loud it almost exploded the speakers.

 

[penguin]

I would just avoid spending so much in a DAC in general as there is no benefit especially with speakers... You can get an SMSL SU-8S for $300 or less... or get the Topping EX5, DX5, DX3+(This is only $200 with BT). They will all have inaudible differences and they all have remotes too.

As far as EQ; Save some money and go with a software solution. If you are going to play things like Spotify; you can use Equalify to do parametric EQ directly inside of the app.

Thank you! Sadly the SU-8S isn't sold in Norway. I'll be using Qobuz.

 

[Jimster480]

Thank you! Sadly the SU-8S isn't sold in Norway. I'll be using Qobuz.

There are some EQ applications for phones and computers which you can purchase and use independently of the actual streaming app.

 

[tombee]

I've tinnitus

I'm the same, though i'm happy to use headphones. But yes, i wonder how much of my hearing is gone and whether there's any point for me in getting a good dac or other upgrade. Looking at the same two dacs as you and even considering an ares II. I really don't think i can justify more than that.

 

[Jimster480]

I'm the same, though i'm happy to use headphones. But yes, i wonder how much of my hearing is gone and whether there's any point for me in getting a good dac or other upgrade. Looking at the same two dacs as you and even considering an ares II. I really don't think i can justify more than that.

Not sure if it is worth it to even spend this much with DAC performance the way it is today.

 

[tombee]

yes, i'm wondering that and suspect i'll opt for a cheaper one.