2. digital
  3. 169580-96030

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? 
nicktheknife

Showing 3 responses by romanesq

romanesq
105 posts
 
Hi, please bypass the preamp. Tell us what happens. 

I have Ave the older version RME with AKM chip.  Also running very sensitive tube momoblock amps. Used to own the McCormack DNA-2 deluxe Rev. A with carbon wiring. 

 My system is very sensitive to changes. The RME is a major player and runs direct to the tube amp monoblocks with no preamp. Volume is handled by the RME.

Also now running the RME on batter power and in my system that was a nice bump. 

Bottom line, get the preamp out of the way. Let us know. If you are unsure about settings, just do a reset.

Lets see what happens. 
romanesq
105 posts
 
Just another sidebar note: RME is an outstanding company who works to improve their product with firmware upgrades on a regular basis.

Was on version 35/35 and just upgraded to Firmware Update ADI-2 DAC 66 / 41. 

You can read about the technical details here: 
https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?pid=176455#p176455

For my big tube monblocks system, this is not a small improvement. Again, I do not use a preamp and have the RME ADI-2 running direct to each of the tube monoblocks. (Many people I've seen were reluctant to remove a preamp but until they did, had no idea it was an impediment to the RME's performance until they did.)

In addition, I run the RME on battery power with a $100 unit that has given it a boost in sound quality. For the moment, I'm trying to wrap me head around the firmware upgrade. It's that significant.

Happy listening and good luck. 
romanesq
105 posts
 

@nicktheknife - don't think the firmware if going to affect your use but I do think you may see some difference if you go direct from the RME. A number of people have been surprised in noting it. 
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