Difference in sound between the RME ADI-2 DAC and the RME ADI-2 Pro DAC

Maybe this experience of forum member VySer with Teddy Pardo will be an eye-opener...
 

Agree with others above. Have the FS with Teddy Pardo PS. The Teddy Pardo made a nice improvement across the board, plus a lot more options for power cables.

It used to use the same chip until a fire at AKM limited availability. . The DAC is using an ESS chip and though they make it sound  extraordinary with their other components, it's an  ES9028Q2M. Check out its specs.

I first t he DAC first bought and the day I received it went on sale for $999- $300 off. The Pro went down from $1999 to $1699. After a couple of weeks, the Pro returned $2K and the DAC remained on sale everywhere. I picked up the Pro on sale.

Both are a great buy- incredible versatility with Bass, Treble, and a 5 band Parametric Eq. If you listen to the pro in balanced mode the volume jumps significantly in low power mode. I don't have measurement tools but it may double.

Both units are easy to love and recommend.

Yes additional analog inputs and also headphone outs as well. I have the FS version and added the Teddy Pardo power supply and absolutely love it. Don’t think there’s any difference in sound as it uses the identical chip set.

I would say there is no difference in sound quality.  The "pro" version just adds analog audio inputs which allow you to record sounds into a computer.

You're better off getting the non-Pro version and then adding a really good external linear power supply.