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Marantz PM Ki Ruby and RME ADI 2 (Am I crazy?)

Hey guys,
My setup is node 2i > rme adi 2 dac > pm ki ruby > dynaudio special 40s.

All this while I’ve been using the RME as a dac and the marantz as pre and power.

while browsing some random stuff, I realised that the rme could also be used as a pre and the marantz just as a power amp. 

And of course, I tried.  But am I crazy to think that my system sounds better? The soundstage has widened , better imaging and overall improved sonics. Is this even possible or just my mind playing tricks? 
Please help, I’m losing it!! Lol
prashanth13485

Showing 3 responses by mofojo

mofojo
2,312 posts
 
Assuming you can get the volume on the RME up to where you are not bit stripping it will be the least amount of any colorations possible. RME recommends running the DAC directly into power amp. 
mofojo
2,312 posts
 
“@mofojo sorry but can you please elaborate? I’m not very technical. I’ve left the reference volume on auto (-5db). The volume on the rme is around -25db to -40db. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks again for your help!”

The RME volume is digital. Once it gets down so far it starts to lose resolution or bits. Most content is 16 bit and I believe the RME is 32 bits so not sure how far down you would need to go for anything to be affected or if it would even be noticeable. I found the volume to be very transparent with no noticeable degradation.
 Try the loudness function as well. You can add bass and treble at low volume that gradually goes away as you turn it up. All configurable and pretty damn cool! 
mofojo
2,312 posts
 
There are some really good YouTube videos of the RME functionality. I was able to grasp that easier than the manual. Not too bad once you start messing with it. 
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