Great review! I've had my ADI for about a week now and I'm blown away by the sound and versatility of this unit. It's basically an outstanding headphone amp, DAC, and DSP all in one box. The only downside for me was the steep learning curve. The factory reset option came in handy a few times - ha!

I absolutely love how functional it is. Both the DAC and AMP section sounds super clean (compared to my old Burson Conductor), and the PEQ + Tone controls with remote is heaven for someone like me who likes to make small adjustments and don't wanna rely solely on software solutions.

I just bought this for the neutral sound everyone says it has. You convinced me. I've been shopping around for awhile, watched all the reviews, listened to the experts and I believe this is what I'm looking for. I'll be using it as a preamp mostly, not too much headphone use. I miss visualizers and UV meters in systems too, I was a child of the 70's and 80's, so that's kind of cool too. I usually don't eq, but they are fun to mess with. I really hope I like it. I've been using my AVR for movies and 2 channel for a while, it's a good sounding system with a separate amp for my fronts, but not like 2 channel. I am finally going to have a true 2 channel system again, YES! Thanks for you're very detailed and informative video, very professional, articulate and to the point. BTW I paid $1150 us

That's probably the best explanation I've ever heard of Parametric EQ vs regular EQ. Nice!

PfS: "Obviously there is a power button there, you need one of those..." Schiit Audio: *sweating quietly in the corner*

Very nice review of the ADI-2 DAC! Technically, it really has 7 bands of PEQ though.... the treble and bass knobs can be custom EQ'd as well (though more limited frequency range). I initially bought mine for a DAC preamp of an electrostat rig, using stereo speaker amp (NAD C275BEE) into Mjolnir SRD-7 estat transformer to drive STAX compatible estats. The PEQ, crossfeed, balance adjustment, analyzer display, and USB implementation were the main factors in my getting it for estat setup. Also ran it as preamp for stereo speaker setup using same NAD amp, and it was beautiful in that role as well. ADI-2 DAC worked very well with my modded STAX SR-L300 Limiteds (L700 pads & headband + sealed pads with blutac), SR-404 Limiteds, Nectar Sound, and Kaldas Research RR-1 Conquest, where it's clean, precise sound did help. For my dynamics headphones though, I didn't like it as much using the onboard amp... specifically Denon/Fostex biodyna driver ones - neutral reference amps are simply not good pairing for them for my preference... too thin sounding and lacking in low end presence - I liked warm, powerful SS amps with biodynas. Eventually sold estat gear along with all estats, then ended up pairing the ADI-2 DAC with a hybrid tube amp (Garage 1217 Project Ember II)... Now that really awakened things with the biodyna's - REALLY good sounding especially once the right tubes were matched to them (which would be a Mullard 6201, Sovtek 6H30Pi, or Reflector 6H23n-EB). An amp with tubes is absolutely the way for me with the RME ADI-2 DAC... clarity and detail is kept, but also smooth the treble a bit and gain some extension, plus get that separation, 3D spacial presentation, and live feel which tubes do so well. As of now actually have 11 bands of hardware EQ because have Schiit Loki with the ADI-2 DAC... LOL RME ADI-2 is best value that can be had in a DAC... like you said, it's so powerful in what it can do, don't think there is any other DAC out there that has it's capability at any price point. Sound wise though, I did generally prefer the Gustard X20U I had until just recently for its overall smoother, more fluid sound along with better low end presence. It just didn't have the clarity and quite the detail of the ADI-2 DAC. X20U was just sold to coworker after I demoed his Gold Planar GL2000 and ifi Zen Can amp with it for 5 days ... made for a very good pairing and he was looking for a balanced DAC to run into the ifi Zen Can.

I have two of these units. You can preamp the output to another headphone amp and run most headphones as a result. The dac is excellent with lots of features. It’s headphone stage is wow outstanding and low noise floor.

I've always thought the digital spectral analyser on the ADI-2 was a lovely aesthetic feature and is really recognisable in photos and product shots. There's something nostalgic about seeing VU meters and spectral analysers on audio equipment, even if they're presented on an LCD screen.

Detailed review, well done! I like your point on one sounding better than the other and that result being subjective. Good job!

You’ve just cost me €900!!!! Great review. Thank you.

I love me RME ADI 2 FS. The onboard PEQ is outstanding. Its a great sounding DAC. So many great inclusions: PEQ (Independent channel control), IEM/SE amp, XLR and RCA outputs, variable loudness, pre and post monitoring, balance control!, preamp volume, selectable gain, it goes on and on...... The RME ADI 2 is easily the best DAC in its price range. Very clean sounding, so if you are looking for R2R richness - best to look elsewhere, or partner with richer sounding amplification or valves etc.

You are the first KZfaqr that could articulate what I heard on my RME DAC, it has some harshness in the 1-4khz range, where no matter what, I can't EQ it out without losing clarity, and it has some harshness in ~8k range I don't like that, and you can't EQ it out with 7 band EQ onboard of that DAC BUT...sound stage is pulled back, like the source is further back. Compared to my Saffire Pro 40. I am returning RME DAC, because I don't see the level of perfection that is claimed by RME on this one. It's a solid unit, but not 1299 USD worth, imo.

Getting ready to purchase this over the Mytek Brooklyn DAC

Really a very ideal unit for those who have common headphones (and if I've wanted harder to drive headphones, maybe just add bigger amplifier, to connect it to) and love iem's. Really have wanted this unit, be great to have it. Excellent review..👍🏼

Thanks for the informative and comprehensive review.

Great review, the RME Audio KZfaq channel has a complete walkthrough of all the menu options.

Set this up with my Empyreans today using oratory1990's EQ for the RME. Truly astounding!

I love the Parametric EQ, the dac filter options and the Crossfeed funktion on mine, and it's not complicated to use at all once you learn how it works, German engineering at its best, and I highly recommend it.

That intro was really nice! Keep up the good work!

Excellent review! Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks for your review. Can’t wait for the comparison video with the Qutest as those are two main candidates for a DAC to be used with my Auralic Aries Mini

Great review as always! Thank you!

Just pulled the trigger and ordered one of these … excited !

Another great review, thank you. There's so much power in the ADI. All the control and configuration options are very appealing to me. I imagine that's why a lot of people are interested in this device. This seems like a great option for someone who really wants a quality setup and doesn't already have an investment in electronics. For a buyer who doesn't already have an investment in DACs and Amps, this could be the only device they ever need. For those who decide they want a really great dedicated and balanced amp could add one down the road. It would be great if you could configure and control the ADI from an external device such as your computer, your phone or an iPad. I imagine being able to control the unit via a touchscreen iPad would make everything a lot easier and more intuitive. Of course adding support for network or Bluetooth connectivity would add complexity and cost.

Waiting for this one to arrive together with my new a90 - should drive my Aryas much better than the Fiio M15 I'm using right now! Your video definitely helped me choose this one!

After watching a number of your reviews - as well as a few others - I finally ordered one of these bad boys and just hooked it up! I’m sure I’m not using it to its fullest - and I definitely don’t have the ear that you do - but so far I have to say it sounds fantastic. (which is to be expected) - but really really good. I was coming from a Schiit Modi/Magni stack - so it’s a massive upgrade on paper - but it does seem to actually be multiples better. Like going from 1080p to 4k. It’s also just a nice piece of kit generally. Now have to figure out what to do w/ my old gear ... can’t decide if it makes sense to sell it or to keep it is backup or move to a different room for the occasional listening ... Anyways ... thanks for your videos and reviews! Cheers,

Nice detailed review like always. Good job!

Thank you for the most thorough, detailed and helpful review of the RME so far. I hope you'll get the chance to review the Burson Composer 3x Dac to compare. Your wonderful review of the Burson soloist convinced me that the sololist will be my next amp. I wonder if the Burson dac+amp stack is a better choice than mixing the soloist with the RME or the Schiit Bifrost. The visual mismatch is probably what keeps me from deciding :)

Great review! Definitely want to try the RME someday. Moondrop too!

Has the best remote of any of the volume DACs. Has cool locking power input and you can use an AQ fig 8 cord into the step down box. Better value than Benchmark DAC3. Amir told me this was his SQ pick out of his 35 DACs and I see why.

One thing no one really talks about is how is the quality of Adi-2 FS’ preamp if used to drive active speakers directly vs a separate dac and preamp combo. This is another important assessment of this all-in-one unit.

That sweater is ridiculous. But I agree with your review. What you didn't get into is the "Loudness" or equalization features of the RME when comparing sound. I've found that the ADI-2 fs sounds WAY better than the Chord when you actually use the tone controls/DSP equalization.

Beautiful review, thank you.

Looking forward to the comparison!

Great review. Been looking for a native EQ enabled DAC for a while. Thanks

Other than the obvious adjustability of the RME ADI-2 and all in one unit, could you make a sonic comparison to the simplicity of Denafrips Ares ll r2r Thank you very much for your time and thoughts. BTW............ great reviewer!

Also perfectly timed, as I've just been looking to get one of these too! And I see that the comparison video for this and the Qutest has just come up. I'll have to leave that until tomorrow though, it's getting a bit late now.

Thx for this wonderful detailed yet engaging review of the ADI-2. Three questions: 1. How much colouration can you add with EQ vs a separate warmer amp? 2. How does the build in amp sound with the Focal Clear and do you advice that combo to start with? As the Focal Clears is a bit coloured and also sounded ok with the THX789 I recollect. 3. Are the outputs on the back (balanced and unbalanced) divided? So can you attach a set of speakers and headphone amp and do individual settings on both? Thx :)!

Amir over at ASR uses this to direct drive his Levinson / Revel system. He told me he went thru about 40 DACs and this was his fav for sound quality but he doesn't use the gadgets (his words). Must sound really good I guess

I agree with the etched treble, I purchased ADI2 for my HD800, just couldn't tame the treble without EQ, heard it with my IEMs too. Along with that, I feel using the RME purely as a dac/amp for headphones lacks some dynamics and detail, (mainly vocals). Both headphone and IEM output showed the same results. Its a great unit, well built using quality parts but perhaps over-engineered to be purely a top-performing dac/amp combo.

Rewatching the review again, It's been a while. Good review. I think in 2021 they changed DAC from AK4493 to ESS9028Q2M measures similar but the DAC will definitely have it's impact in sound, I think it will sound even more sterile, as I have already experienced by share of ESS sound through my LGV30 ESS9218P it was a solid device I still have it as a DAP but it has a lot of bright character to it, Mids esp. Lows are great. While my Schiit Modi AK4490 has a smooth sound. Now the AK4493 is only available on the ADI 2 PRO (it has 2x of them). Right now DAC FS is selling for $920+tax and PRO is for $1300+tax at Thomann. I'm debating on which one to get, the NOS filter on AKM chips in both ADI 2s is better as it gives that smooth sound. ESS doesn't have it and replaced with Brickwall filter. Next the RME guys are finally admitting their poor power supply and giving a ground option with 2/4Pro which is insanely expensive at $2000+ it has ESS chips and some more features etc.

Great review again

Thank you for the detail review

ADI 2 FS with Avantone Pro Planar is absolutely amazing, listening to the music and not my gear.

Your video might just be the fairest appraisal of this unit that I have seen. I use the PRO FS-R version as a preamp - it switches to the TV TOSLINK input automatically when I turn the TV on, a feature that no reviewer has mentioned - mode switching by input sensing. The 32-tone intermodulation test result is very clean too, in answer to the accusations of music being more than a simple sine wave. I'm surprised that audiophiles review this unit, they usually prefer the warmth given by distortion.

I’d love to own the ADI-2!

I have one coming this weekend😏

Thank you so much for the great review again! :) Any chance reviewing the Focal Utopia and Elex?

Thank you for the review

Forgot to mention the Denafrips Ares2 777usd shipped and the ADI-2 1100usd shipped thanks again

Great review! I am really keen on this thing, and think I'll buy one.

great explanation why some DACs sound different

That's a beautiful desk.

Great review, the RME seems like a complicated beast but probably worth the tinkering. Possible replacement to my ifi iMicro Black Label.

According to owner, the ESS version (v3 DAC): Without the fatiguing brightness of the AKM version. Thanks

Great review Thanks

Really good, in depth review. The kind of details that really help when deciding where to lay down funds. Your curse is we always want more. So, since you're doing a comparison between the RME ADI-2 and the Chord qutest, how about running them both against the Denafrips ares II. Thanks and keep rolling them out.

Excellent, thank you

Great review !

Great video. Very well explained. Question: can the RME ADI-2 DAC FS be used as a preamp into a power amp for 2-channel audio through main speakers? Is there simultaneously signal in both the balanced and RCA outputs (so I can use the balanced interconnects for the main speakers and RCA outputs for subwoofers)? Is the output voltage level high enough to be able to drive power amps to their rated outputs? Thanks.

Just watched this video and... My damn wallet is on fire again, your killing me bro! lol, Great review, This has always been my endgame dac, and as high as I ever wanted to go, Thank you for the great review of it....as my finger hovers above the place order screen on my phone!!! Cheers

ADI-2 is probably the best audio device I've ever had. It sounds great, however, just replaced it with Denafrips Ares 2. Hype turned out to be real, the difference is very significant in sound quality. Sadly Denafrips USB driver is garbage, so I have to run USB-Optical converter. both run thru Soloist 3xp w Sparkos

I'm amazed that it was not highlighted , that the original AK chip has been replaced with a ESS chip. The effect of this is the option of Direct DSD is not now available. Why would we want DDSD ? HQPlayer - With filter options , modulators etc that will take the DAC to a new level of SQ- Far beyond the QUtest. Fortunately the RME-ADI-2 pro FS retains the AK chip , in fact there are 2 AK4493 chips installed.

Hi. I currently have an RME ADI-2 DAC - can you put the Chrord M-Scaler with the RME DAC? How big an improvement in SQ would that give? Was thinking of upgrading the RME to a Chord Hugo TT2 and then saving up for an MScaler later on. But maybe I'd getter faster improvements by adding the MScaler to the RME and then later on upgrading the RME to a TT2? Any views?

Hi nice comparison few points though, As a professional (recording/mixing),1. RME DAC (on the professional units) is on pair with the biggest names in the industry (Antelope, UAD, Apogee,...), So this is more or less the level of DAC used to CREATE the music, why the hell a consumer (not really using 196K 24bit) needs more (unless RME don't use the same DAC units, which doesn't make sense, as a pro audio company, to open a new line for consumer grade)? 2. The parametric EQ can (and should) be used for room correction (which is another product you don't need to buy). I am a long time professional RME interfaces (I'm on my third, while still using the 2nd, as extra IO, and on-the-go unit), It is super transparent, and so it seems like the Chord Quest (which I know only by name), is actually coloring the sound (to your liking).

Great channel ! Highly informative ! Especially since I’m new to the hi-end headphone game. I just ordered the LCD-X and I understand they benefit from EQing. Which brings me to this unit after after considering lots of others. I like all-in-1 and being able to easily move throughout house. Its about 95% my budget. 2 things though...While my hp are 20 ohm/103db and come SE anyway, Is the fact it’s not a “balanced output” a concern ? Not better ? Lastly is headroom when paired with the efficient LCD-X. audiosciencereview had it at 1.5 Watts driving in-efficient Ether CX 23 ohm/92db. Seems like it would be ok but again, I’m new. Still reading. Extensively. Thanks for a great channel !

im use adi2 fs dac with focal stelia. like EQ combined. no need nothink more.

Hello from Greece very good detailed review I am your new follower, I have quite good active speakers (adam tensor beta) along with (antelope zodiac gold) which is old I want to upgrade which one would you suggest in between REM ADI-2 FS, IFI IDSD PRO OR DENAFRIP PONTUS thank you from the bottom of my heart Tolis

Great review. Do you think the CHORD QUTEST DAC sounds better than the RME ADI-2 ?

Can you tell something about which filter settings you used in the comparision between the RME and the Chord? If the treble sounds a little bit too sharp for you, maybe a "slow" filter setting on the RME will sound better to you.

This unit is currently on sale for $999 in the US.

Just wondering how this would compare to the Violectric DHA V226 for about the same price

Moondrip Moondrep Moondrap a pair of Starfield Moondrop is what I require to make my music bop

I'm very interested in having a Dac with EQ functionality.. I never use PC->USB for my headphones but 100% DAP. I have a few cans that I'd like to experiment with EQ'ing (LCDX) but I'm wondering how easy it is to customize eq profiles and set variants for listening. Maybe it would be easier to be able to program it via pc and then be able to save each profile.

This is now at 1100.00 in the US. Would you still say this is one of the best if not the best at this price point in January of 2021? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the review. I have an ADI-2 on order. If you are familiar with the Headamp GS-X mini, would that amp be good choice to use with the ADI-2, and would it be a significant improvement over the headphone outputs of the ADI-2 alone? Also, if you are familiar with the Sony TA-ZH1ES, how does the ADI-2 compare in sound quality?

Thank you for your reviews .... much appreciated. I would really appreciate for those of us who have been out of the circuit for awhile and are interested in catching up and updating our systems so we can stream music ..... Can you give us some simple options / recommendations for the wiring a laptop into the system using the above mentioned DAC ?

Is it to late win the earphones?

Did you try the Slow filter on the ADI-2? It tames that sharpness that I think you're talking about.

Which do you think has better all around sound for an all in one dac / amp...the RME ADi-2 or the Burson Composer 3(x)? Great video..thanks for sharing! I have the HiFiman Aryas and they are a little weak on bass so trying to figure if the Burson or the RME would be better...

hi there great vid

Is the RME superior to the E30 if by DAC performance alone? I noticed they use the same chip. Looking forward to your response and keep up the great work.

I wonder if one can adjusts the settings (filters/eq/tones) so that it closes up or beat the qutest?

Would this all in one be a substantial upgrade from a schiit heresy and modi 3E?

Just wondering, are the EQ adjustment on this per channel? be handy for studio monitors

how would you rate it against chord qutest?

16:35: "It's about the things that happen faster than 20.000 times a second". I found this remark interesting but also kind of confusing. What do you mean specifically? I am not an audio engineer, not even close, so I am very likely wrong here, but that's why I'm asking. If we're talking about a regular CD type of medium, nothing really happens faster than 22050 cycles per second, except aliasing. So I'm wondering what you mean would be in the last 2050 kHz of frequency band we have left (20-22,5 kHz) that would be important for texture cues? This is what I'm confused about. Because wouldn't that information be reproduced by all D/As? We have 2 samples for every cycle in the CD format and we are dealing with an inherently bandlimited signal right? I was thinking you might be referring to "hi-res" music but then again I don't really understand, the same would apply and all D/As would be reproducing those texture cues even higher up the spectrum?

Again, thanks. What's you recommendation for a DAC around A$1000? I have 2 very nice headphone amps, so I would rather spend the $ on a DAC only w/o HP Amp. Much appreciated.

Should I go for this or a second hand Hugo 2? Looking at upgrade my Mojo, mostly desktop use.

How does it stand against aune s16 ? Thanks for your review

How does this sound compared to the Denafrips Ares and Pontus DACS? Thank you.

ADI-2 DAC is similar in price to Qtest however is more similar to TT2 in features. Qutest is just another good plug & play DAC only.

Will it be ok to add to it a tube amplifier? (because it already has amplifier)

Which one would you guys recommend ? Phonitor xe or the adr2?

Very in-depth review! Debating between this and the Schiit Gugnir Multibit to pair with my Sennheiser HD660s. Which would you recommend (I prefer "warmer" sound signature with larger soundstage and instrument separation)? For reference I am currently using ifi Micro idsd Signature feeding the affordable Loxjie P20 balanced tube amp (pretty affordable but amazing results using the xlr output). Or would you recommend instead to spend the same money on better headphones such as the Hifiman Aryas or Focal Clear MG's and continue using current dac and amp?

Hello my friend! Do you know how this dac compare to the Matrix mini i pro 3 ? Soundwise which is better? Cheers!

Looking for some ideas for a DAC streamer with Wi-Fi capabilities to pair with my burson soloist 3xp..headphones are Arya stealth.

Hi and congrats for another excellent review. Can I use the ADI-2 also as a preamp-and dac- for the Acoustic Energy AE1 active speakers?Thanks

Hello, great content. I just got the RME ADI2 ...can you suggest a few headphones under $1000 that would be best for this DAC. Thank you.

Now if only it has a calibrating mic input for room correction since it already has DSP baked into it for a full blown pro-sumer product. My Roland M-10DX has RAC room correction and it made things easier as a starting point for additional tweaking. Either way, can't wait to get my ADI-2 FS in a few days.