DAC upgrade from RME

 

 

hsounds

149 posts

08-05-2024 at 06:20pm

Hello, I thought the RME had a built in EQ. Can’t you adjust this for your liking?

I was thinking the same thing... it has Parametric EQ in the digital domain. This is an interesting thing... I have an Ayre KX-R Twenty preamp, Ayre MX-R amps, Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC, and an RME ADI-2/4 unit. I also have the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, as I bought up to the ADI-2/4 unit when I was so impressed with the ADI-2 DAC FS and figured I might as well get the one with all the bells & whistles... and Digital PEQ output.

I think the RME ADI units are some of the most revelatory pieces of gear I’ve ever used. I absolutely LOVE my RME stuff. It is exceptional as a preamp, but my Ayre preamps add magic that isn’t there when going RME direct into the amps. The thing is, it’s so good that is has to be kept in context too.

This is a perfect example of folks having different preferences / experiences... and why ya gotta listen for yourself - with gear you are very familiar with. I’ve made it a point to listen to several DACs in my own little shootout, and I learned what I wanted to know.

Hello, Another option is changing the digital cable. I have played with this a lot. It makes a big difference. Also, the power cable. Try the Puritan Classic plus power cable. It can really help out your RME. Also the decay is killer. 

Since you mentioned liking the characteristics of NOS R2R DAC’s you should look into the Dutch made Metrum and Sonnet DAC’s.

Above someone said the PS Audio DSD senior would cost $3000 used.  Maybe the Mark II, But the original is often available for under $2000. There's one for sale at TMR right now for $1400.  I still love mine after 6 years. Detailed and musical, though not the quietest noise floor.

https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-mk1-d-a-converter-1/