RME Headphone amplifiers

[mishoristov]

Hi all,
Which of the different RME (adi) dacs has an amp suitable enough to drive Senn HD800s and HD650? Is the one in the cheapest ADI-2 DAC good enough, or should I aim for the more powerful and balanced ones in the PRO or PRO 2/4 models?

thanks,
Misho

 

[Multicore]

See what Amir had to say about it in measurements and listening on HD650

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

This is a review and detailed measurements of the updated version 2 of the RME ADI-2 FS DAC and headphone amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by the company. The cost us US $1,149. The ADI-2 looks very nice in black with a bright, super responsive display (doesn't come out as well in the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Looks like it can deliver impeccable quality and drive to pretty much any phones.

 

[staticV3]

Which of the different RME (adi) dacs has an amp suitable enough to drive Senn HD800s and HD650?

My freaking Apple dongle drives my HD650 to uncomfortable levels.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

300mW into 300ohms will definitely drive hd800 without any problem.

Just don't read esoteric reviews on the internet... these people are clueless about what they are saying.

 

[johny_2000]

All RME ADI-2 DACs will be able to work properly with the HD650 and HD800s.

 

[DonDish]

Has anybody tried AKG K812 and 872 with RME.? Used to be an AKG fan until they sold out, but I think they make the TOTL in Europe.

 

[oleg87]

Has anybody tried AKG K812 and 872 with RME.? Used to be an AKG fan until they sold out, but I think they make the TOTL in Europe.

Should be fine, they're not demanding.

 

[dresler]

My ADI-2 DAC drives both my HD800S and my Stealth to more-than-uncomfortable levels without audible distortion, even with the bass knob cranked.

RME makes good gear. It's fine, don't worry about it.

 

[DonDish]

I have HD650 as my main HP, with first ADI-2 DAC and later ADI-2 Pro fsrbe. Good quality too, been toosing them around for some years now. Still like new. I wouldn´t recommend anything else.
When I upgraded to PRO, I made an adapter for balanced output. I like to tinker with stuff, but soundwise its really the same for PRO and DAC, balanced or unbalanced. I drive the HD650 like this just because I can, I guess.
IMHO you will be fine with any of the RME models. You should look to other functions, price and differences when deciding between DAC/PRO/2-4. If you dont need the I/O and extra power from top models, I would just go for the DAC. IEM output is really good too, a function I miss in PRO.