The affordable wonder-DACs are not, a wonder, that is. They can vary radically in performance between systems. Typically a system has to be changed several times to maximize the introduction of a new DAC. In some cases the system is superb with it. More often, much work is needed to optimize the sound. Perhaps in half the cases the sound never is worth all the effort. That is the reality of dealing with unknown/hyped DACs. Most components, really.
RME ADI-2 fs DAC: Not Loving It
I took the plunge about 6 months ago and replaced my Peachtree DACiTx with ADI-2. I got the DACiTx to play files via computer and from my old but beloved JVC XL-Z1050 CDP.
Can't say that I've noticed a marked improvement using the RME over the Peachtree.
I picked the RME because of the glowing reviews and the fact that it had DSP. I'm 61 yrs. old and last time I had my ears checked I haven't really lost much in the high freq's. But, I thought that it was inevitable that I would and the EQ that RME has may be a bonus.
In reality, it is not very user friendly and I'm no techie. I thought by playing with it for a while it would get easier but really all I want to do is listen to music.
I'm no longer using a computer but a Bluesound Node 2i for my files and also use Tidal.
Not really a headphone guy but thought it would be nice to have the option seeing that neither of my preamps have a headphone jack. I was only using my headphones with portable devices.
I have mostly listened to vinyl over the years but really wanted to upgrade my digital front end as I'm getting lazy in my old age.
The rest of my system :
Preamps:
Classe CP-50
Rogue Audio Model 99 Magnum
Power Amps:
McCormack DNA-0.5 Deluxe Edition
Black Ice Audio Fusion 3502P
Speakers:
PBN DP's
ACI Titan II LE subwoofer
Still using the JVC as a CD transport.
I usually mix and match tubes with solid state. Right now I'm using the Classe Pre with Black Ice Audio tubed power amp.
The RME sounds rather neutral, lean and dry to my ears. Nothing exciting. It doesn't make me sit up and take notice like when I first added the Peachtree to my system. I was like wow! This is what I been missing all these years. So, I thought the RME would be a significant upgrade over the Peachtree. So far, not impressed. Maybe if I was headphone guy? Can't comment there other than both headphone outputs work.
Any suggestions on what to try or what direction I should take next?
Can't say that I've noticed a marked improvement using the RME over the Peachtree.
I picked the RME because of the glowing reviews and the fact that it had DSP. I'm 61 yrs. old and last time I had my ears checked I haven't really lost much in the high freq's. But, I thought that it was inevitable that I would and the EQ that RME has may be a bonus.
In reality, it is not very user friendly and I'm no techie. I thought by playing with it for a while it would get easier but really all I want to do is listen to music.
I'm no longer using a computer but a Bluesound Node 2i for my files and also use Tidal.
Not really a headphone guy but thought it would be nice to have the option seeing that neither of my preamps have a headphone jack. I was only using my headphones with portable devices.
I have mostly listened to vinyl over the years but really wanted to upgrade my digital front end as I'm getting lazy in my old age.
The rest of my system :
Preamps:
Classe CP-50
Rogue Audio Model 99 Magnum
Power Amps:
McCormack DNA-0.5 Deluxe Edition
Black Ice Audio Fusion 3502P
Speakers:
PBN DP's
ACI Titan II LE subwoofer
Still using the JVC as a CD transport.
I usually mix and match tubes with solid state. Right now I'm using the Classe Pre with Black Ice Audio tubed power amp.
The RME sounds rather neutral, lean and dry to my ears. Nothing exciting. It doesn't make me sit up and take notice like when I first added the Peachtree to my system. I was like wow! This is what I been missing all these years. So, I thought the RME would be a significant upgrade over the Peachtree. So far, not impressed. Maybe if I was headphone guy? Can't comment there other than both headphone outputs work.
Any suggestions on what to try or what direction I should take next?