RME ADI-2 DAC FS is it "All That", especially for under $2,000?

I actually bought both the RME ADI-2  and a D90 just yesterday. I will try them in combination with my PS Audio pre and my Axiom II pre w/walker mod from my other system, and see what works best. I will also try the RME as DAC and preamp.

I have a 60 day return policy on the D90. I bought the RME from the manufacturer, forgot to inquire on their return policy, but unlikely I'll want to return it.

I do use XLR between components for 2 channel. I hook my HT Prepro main outputs to amp via RCA, and switch back and forth. Best of both worlds so to speak. 

Thanks @ghjuvanni. It will take a while to learn, but I am pretty good with electronics. All the DACs I have used have power and source select as only options...  :)  

Hello again. I did compare the RME vs D90 and my Music Hall 25.3 as well.

The RME and D90 sounded virtually identical to my ears. I really could not discern a meaningful difference, especially enough to sway me one way or the other. I am sending the D90 back, the added functionality of the RME is worth the extra $ to me. I will be using it as just a DAC, and will continue using my PS Audio preamp.

The Music Hall was less refined than either of the other 2, it did have more bass, but not as tight. It almost sounded like it had the slightest bit of reverb relative to the other 2. Which was nice in some ways.

Although I am good at critical listening, my ears unfortunately are not what they used to be.... :( Others with better ears might be able to pick out more subtle differences.

I have been using the RME for a while now, fantastic DAC. I am temporarily switching to using its RCA out, until a new XLR preamp arrives. I have found I like the Axiom II Walker Mod pre from my 2nd system a lot better than the PS Audio I was using, but it is RCA. I have an XLR version on order. Should I mess with the output settings? I had been using +1 DBu w/XLR out on someones recommendation.