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
I love my RME dac.... sorry you aren't getting good results.  Maybe you should do a hard reset.   Could be something simple....  
RME is pro audio gear. I use their UFX a/d d/a unit in my professional post production studio and have made music recordings using it as well.
There are companies who install a better power supply in it that supposedly makes it sound better.
While I’ve never used it in my listening room, I can’t imagine it sounds anywhere near what my Directstream DAC sounds like.
Agree, not user user friendly.
If there was an app or software that would allow for manipulation from afar it might improve the situation. Going through all of the button permutations at the stereo rack is not practical.

Also agree that it imparts no flavor to the chain and its AD implementation is likely minimalistic in effect.

I do like the dsp and balanced connections.
I may fiddle with it for a while longer. I appreciate the advice given but one thing I’m NOT going to do is put more money into the RME ie. Power supply, better cables, etc.

I’m currently using a SUPRA TRICO-RCA 1 digital cable. I’ve tried a Bluejeans cable and a Pangea.

Maybe not the best but I honestly couldn’t really tell a difference between them.
@ recluse

That's one thing I haven't tried yet is using the balanced outputs.  Will need to get another balanced cable though first.  I only have one pair and it's being used between preamp and power amp.  

I do have an old pair of Straight Wire Maestros but I will need to do a repair on one.  

Maybe I'll just buy another pair.