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

I am upgrading my main system with a Mark Levinson No 532H and pair of Tekton MOABs, arriving in the next few weeks. I decided my Music Hall 25.3 DAC should probably be upgraded as well, I have a PS Audio preamp I was planning on still using.

I am getting a lot of recommendations for the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, and some are saying replace my PS Audio preamp with it also. Pretty much every review or even mention of it I can find, comes with descriptions like "End Game product regardless of price" and "State of the art".

Thoughts?
Thanks.
brad1138

Showing 6 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
This DAC is awesome !!!   I installed the DigiCheck software and started playing around.  I can not believe the sound quality I am getting from my PC via USB.    Playing some 24/96 material on a HDD and streaming 96k and 192k off Qobuz from PC.    Clarity like I have never heard from a source.  I was apprehensive about digital streaming and digital files but I'm glad I got into it a few years ago.  I had two previous DACs that were usb but they were clunky and never quite worked as advertised.   This DAC has recognized and played every USB device I own and never an issue.

It was pretty cool recording a stream , or any digital input for that matter.   The sound quality is indistinguishable.....    will maybe be a great way to archive the.audio of a simulcast or concert on TV.    
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
I use it almost exclusively from the remote for power and volume.   Its a mechanical push button, it does not power up with switched AC.    
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
It has that ability,  only problem is when the 2 sources differ in volume it can switch to the louder one when the lower volume one has a significant pause.   Really should turn un used souce off, and it works flawlessly
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
Its a great DAC,  I was listening to Hi Res files on Qobuz via my computers USB and could not believe how great it sounds.

First DAC that I have had that recognized any and every USB source connected , phone, tablets . PC.... all work plug and play flawlessly without having to install drivers
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
I just ordered this DAC.... can't wait !    I'm using a NAD M51 which is a fine DAC so the comparison should be interesting.    

One of the reasons I bought this DAC is to use its crossfeed circuit with my Quicksilver headphone amp.  That along with its feature set.  I rarely buy anything sight unseen or unheard but hopefully it's as great as everyone says it is.


oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 
I love this DAC.   It is in an all tube system so I like a DAC that doesn’t add nor detract.  It is better in my current system than the M51 it replaced and although I posted the M51 for sale I think I am just going to keep is as the heart of a simple 2.1 system in another room

Rhe power connection is a locking connection.   Gently push in and turn to the right .  Gently !!!  It should turn about 1/4 way and stop.  


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