RME ADI-2 DAC

That’s right. I have use cases where I want to plug in a headphone into the RME unit and run the output to (1) another amplifier with an independent volume control, and (2) powered speakers, where I want to use the RME as a preamp. It’s good that those work when used independently, but I want that to work when used simultaneously. One example is two people using two sets of headphones listening to the same source who need independent volume controls.

 

It would be good to know what headphones people have tried directly out of the ADI-2 DAC and Pro. Pretty amazing little unit for travel but im betting it doesn't synergise well with everything. Seems like it has a lot of clean power and things like the LCD-2C, LFF phones and maybe ZMF would work well.

 

Hola, new but lurk a lot here, HeadFi, AudioScienceReview, and r/headphones. Finally took the plunge and ordered a better DAC than an LG V10 to pair with my E-MU and Auteur,which is coming in Tuesday. Hope I can help offer some insight after some critical listening this week/weekend and maybe borrow my friend's HD800S even though they may not synergize(sp?) well.

 

I'm assuming the DAC is a RME ADI-2?

 

Yes, RME ADI-2 DAC from ZenPro audio.

 

Day 2 Stream of Consciousness

• The USB input on the ADI-2 DAC is very good. While I slightly prefer using the Lynx AES16e with it, it's really unnecessary for all practical purposes (no digitus, it's just a bit less delineated and deft with the "micro"-stuff).
• USB Nervosa, Solved? This has to be the most reassuring component of any USB driver I've ever used:
  
• Combined with the Bit Test on the unit that tells me that indeed the bits I'm sending are bitperfect:
  
  
• The headphone out on this thing is surprisingly good. Unlike some DAC's that happen to have a headphone output that I've used, this doesn't not sound at all like an afterthought. I have it in Hi-Power mode and it works very well with the Audeze LCD2Cs and more than adequately with the Sennheiser HD650s.
• I'm using the Jan Meier crossfeed setting as well as inverting the phase on the right channel for the Phase Reversal Trick
• I still haven't fully settled on a DAC filter. SD Slow, Slow, and NOS are are getting some head time.
• The noise floor is dead silence. I can max out the volume on the ADI-2 DAC and the Project Sunrise III or Liquid Crimson and hear nothing without music playing on Audeze LCD2 Classics.
  
• While I've seen no confirmation that this uses the AK4490, I can't imagine they managed to get the AK4497 in there yet, and the specs largely match the ADI-2 Pro (which uses the AK4490). It also has the right number of filters (4497 has 6), does DSD256 instead of DSD512, etc.
• I've decided that I like the Loudness function. It'll eventually be one of the main reasons I store Setups (the Loudness floor needs to be different for different headphones and music software). I have it set fairly low both in amplitude and minimum volume required to kick in, but it's nice as I frequently listen at very low volumes.
• I wish the remote could be programmed with a couple more options. DAC Filter cycling would be nice for testing. I'd also like to be able to assign a button to scroll through the main Meter Screens (the default screen). The only way to do that is press encoder button 1 or 2.
• Is it as organic and "right" sounding as a really good R-2R DAC? No, not really. But, it's so versatile and appeals way too much to my desire to tweak things I'm currently willing to make that sacrifice. I was looking for black Gungnir Multibit before, but I'm not right now. Maybe something will strike my fancy again one day (it will) and this will end up as my work unit.
• Speaking of work... I mentioned this once already, but this the ideal work combo unit for me. Your USB and power can suck and it'll still work great. It's small an unassuming enough to sit quietly off to the side without drawing too much attention. And it works with IEMs. Probably. I still haven't tried anyway with it (okay fine, I just tried some right now and there's no hiss. My G10s are at work). Now I'll need to get myself a second one later in the year just for work...

Here's an image from some AKM/Teac AK4490 marketing material that is sure to taint your confirmation bias:

 

That'll be on-topic then .

Welcome to non-lurking. Do post an introduction, as requested in the site norms. In the meantime, though, hey, you are buying an ADI-2, and this is the ADI-2 thread....

 

Does anybody have a change to compare this against an Ayre Codex?

 

I think the two threads are okay, just because someone wanting to look just at ADI DAC info won't get have to read through the other thread pages. I really wish someone heard them side by side to compare.

 

I have settled on "Sharp" as the compromise between the details/transient speed of the "SD Sharp" and the organic sound of "NOS".

I find "NOS" filter affecting the timbre of vocals, so much so that I felt like I was listening to a different singer. "Sharp" filter does not have that issue, while it brings along with it a smoother sound, a better bass impact and tactile than the "NOS" filter.

But seeing how you like the LCD2C over the Focal Clear (personally I have issue with the vocal reproduction on the LCD2C as being inaccurate), I suspect that you may not have such an issue with the LCD2C.

 

I don't have them, but they are specifically cited in the manual.

8.2 IEM Phones Output
In Low Power mode, the Extreme Power design of the ADI-2 DAC turns it into one of the world's lowest noise headphone outputs. However, a few IEMs are so incredibly sensitive (means loud)h That despite all the technical super specs, a faint noise could become audible (current example: Campfire Andromeda, at least 20 dB louder as modern, already as loud categorized head-phones).

The usual remedy is the use of an external, passive voltage divider 16 Ohm to 1 Ohm, either self-built or bought as a pre-made product.

Since IEMs are not only increasingly popular, but are generally more sensitive than normal headphones and a powerful Extreme Power output stage always entails the risk of destruction of the IEM with wrong settings, the ADI-2 DAC has been equipped with an additional output stage optimized for IEMs. Here, there is no Extreme Power, but extreme noise freedom, with
the same sensational low distortion as at the big phones output, but a maximum output level of
only -3 dBu. For most users this will suffice even for ordinary headphones, in particular portable
ones with the mini TRS connector. This output with < 0.1 Ohms impedance turns the ADI-2
DAC into a reference for all types of headphones, from over-ear planar up to in-ear multi-
drivers.

 

I’m just a detour on the way to @brencho

 

hahaha i'm all set with m'DACs. maybe one day i'll go full audio pig again and have something for the office so keep up the good work everybody.

 

Haha...I can just try to imagine.

Might I remind everyone that this is a Pro unit. It is designed for those producing, mixing, mastering, editing, etc.

You are now using the same quality DACs they are using to have all the choices/features/routing options. I would not even call this a DAC at all, but rather a digital audio interface.

Although with Core Audio (if you use Mac) the inputs and outputs are rather simple.

 

Maybe. The RME line is certainly pro/serious-music-maker aligned. My hunch (and very uninformed it is. Just a hunch) is that this is a foray into the home/audiophile market, which includes a fair few of us that have always been a bit seduced by the aura of pro kit

 

Aura Shmaura, have you read that manual?

It should be 18+ if anything is.

 

Yeah, they should charge an hourly rate for reading it online.

 

Indeed, I have read. Even those over 18 should have to get their parents' permission: it's hot stuff!

Golden schlong? I think this kit merits the Tungsten-Carbide Schlong. Hard. Very hard!