2. digital
  3. 187883-171430

Pleased with RME ADI-2 DAC fs

I had a Node N130 with a LPS, and a SMSL M400 DAC, into powered B&O speakers.  But this gave me almost no ability to adjust the sound (e.g.-tone controls).  And I could only plug headphones into the Node, bypassing the better DAC.

So I thought I’d buy a headphone amp.  But that would lead to more cables, switching from one component to another, and another remote.  I found the RME ADI-2 DAC fs a great solution.  If I want to use headphones, I just plug them in.  I also now have an (over?)abundant supply of controls, which will allow me to experiment with all sorts of adjustments.  I now have full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more.

Upon setting up the RME I found some bass on some recordings to be unpleasantly muddled.  This is inconsistent, and could be electrical interference from the use of other things in the house, (e.g.-dimmer switches, dryers, etc.), something rattling on a shelf, my room acoustics, or just bad recordings.  I’ll be working on that.  But most of my music is great, including when listening on headphones!

128x128tcotruvo

Showing 1 response by tcotruvo

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

@jeenam I have the AKM version.  I think it’s the second version, as mine came with the remote with more functions.  I recently tested high frequencies and found that I could hear 2000 Hz, but nothing above that.  My wife could clearly hear 4000 and 8000 Hz.  So for me I either wouldn’t hear brighter highs, or they would sound better.

Since you tried the ADI-2 twice, what was drawing you to it?  

I have a UMIK 1 and plan to do some room testing this winter.  I know that room treatment is supposed to be the best solution to room problems, but I’ll give DSP a try.  There are so many choices in audio equipment and it’s difficult to make comparisons, but I’m happy with my results so far.

More to discover