Best DAC for around $2,500 or less

RME ADI-2 fs is an outstanding DAC. Remarkable what this thing does and how wonderful it sounds for the money. Was using the DAC in my Cambridge 851C with SR Black fuses and it’s no slouch but the RME is just better across the board. Even out of the box the RME pulled away from my Cambridge; by comparison the Cambridge sounds harsh and it’s not. Highly recommend regardless of the price. $1,099 new from BH Photo.

Unless the Oppo Sonica is better than the 205 which I own, the RME ADI-2 fs is superior. It’s not just a different sound, but cleaner, smother, bottom end more extended and controlled... better all around. I have not heard the Sonica so it might be better than the UDP 205, but if the same there’s better for the money.

@pastorbob was your RME the earlier or current fs version? Just curious as I have the current model and find it very musical, but that being said I recently upgraded the power supply with a Teddy Pardo and now the RME really sings.

Any current RME owners should look into the Teddy. Don’t believe what RME says that changing the power supply will not make a difference. What has improved is lower tighter bottom end, more open and effortless top end with no edge. I don’t play loud but I have noticed on nasty or less quality recordings I can play louder with absolutely no fatigue. Lastly it now was PRaT. From Israel to the US in two weeks for $390... still well under $2,500 for both DAC and PS. Loving this combination.