Another happy user of RME ADI-2 DAC FS newest generation here. "End game" for me. Especially (important point) with balanced XLR cables (to my MF M6si integrated). For balanced connection make sure to adjust DAC's reference level to +1 (see a lot of discussion about the topic on the excellent RME user forum.) This DAC is now the heart of my system. It is getting optical digital input from Node 2i. Node 2i gets music from Qobuz/Tidal, and from USB attached WD Passport disk with all my CDs ripped to FLAC. The DAC is also getting digital input from my CD player over a Mogami coax cable.
The manual is a great source of information about digital audio, UI is learnable and for me now it is set it and forget it. I use a very nice remote control to select input (optical vs coaxial) and to adjust volume/balance.
The sound is wonderfully detailed and noise free.
Expensive interconnects are not needed, mine are Sommer Epilogue for about $100. They beat Audioquest Colorado RCA. No 3rd party power supplies needed either.
At this point I no longer consider any further upgrades to my system, I totally love what I have today -- and just concentrate on music (not equipment)
The manual is a great source of information about digital audio, UI is learnable and for me now it is set it and forget it. I use a very nice remote control to select input (optical vs coaxial) and to adjust volume/balance.
The sound is wonderfully detailed and noise free.
Expensive interconnects are not needed, mine are Sommer Epilogue for about $100. They beat Audioquest Colorado RCA. No 3rd party power supplies needed either.
At this point I no longer consider any further upgrades to my system, I totally love what I have today -- and just concentrate on music (not equipment)