RME ADI-2 Pro Discussion Thread

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by k.e., Nov 5, 2016.

  1. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,467
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    The TS outputs are for use with single ended gear since not everything is balanced. The rear XLR and front TRS should NOT be connected to single ended gear with adapters or whatnot.

    If you need dual outputs, then a simple splitter cable should do.
     
  2. LesC

    LesC New

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Toronto area
    I need two different balanced outputs, simultaneously, as in every other 2-in 4-out interface, such as the Lynx Hilo, the Antelope Pure2, and the Prism Lyra 2. I'm hoping that RME will come out with a professional version of the ADI-2 Pro which will dispense with the single-ended limitations.
     
  3. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    As @Armaegis said, why isn't a splitter cable sufficient?
     
  4. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,467
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    ...unless he's asking for 4 completely different channels and not just 3/4 being copies of 1/2??
     
  5. insidious meme

    insidious meme Ambivalent Kumquat

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Sector 8023 of the Third Quadrant
    [​IMG]
     
  6. bartzky

    bartzky Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2016
    Likes Received:
    62
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Germany
    Home Page:
    ADI-2 Pro Pro aka ADI-2 Pro²
     
  7. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
  8. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,070
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Cape Town, South Africa
    Thanks! Missed that detail, apologies. Per the manual:

    "Phones <=> Line
    OFF, 1/2, 3/4, 1/2+3/4. Default: OFF. Activates the ability to toggle mute between Phones Out
    and rear Line Out. Pushing the VOLUME knob for half a second will then switch between loudspeakers
    connected to the rear and phones plugged into the front. This function can also be
    controlled by one of the four function keys via Remap Function Keys."

    This is truly an amazing piece of kit.
     
  9. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    ADI-2 Pro - I won't call this a review, I'm not very good at using adjectives to describe gear (The tube review kind of suck when I look at them in hindsight).

    Gear and settings:

    Windows 10 PC -> jRiver Media Center 23 (IVS string of plugins*) -> Lynx AES16 (PCI) -> AES -> RME ADI-2 Pro -> Redco XLR pigtail with right channel phase flipped -> Balanced cable** -> HD800 with SuperDupont Resonator installed.

    OR

    Windows 10 PC -> ROON -> Lynx AES16 (PCI) -> AES -> RME ADI-2 Pro -> Generic XLR cables -> Genelec 8020D monitors + Genelec 7040 subwoofer. (Not covered in this review).

    Lynx ASIO driver, buffer set to 256 samples which keeps the latency low, but without dropouts. I haven't found changing the buffer has any effect on sound so I just use whatever works.

    Thoughts:

    The ADI-2 is a feature packed*** small footprint all-in-one system which is very much clean and transparent sounding with enough power for most headphones. It’s borderline cold and leans towards the analytical side of the scale.

    This dac/amp works very well with HD800 – but with HD650 I could never really relax. Even within the ecosystem of IVS the HD650 just sounded dull, off and boring. I think ModiMB & Vali2 + IVS + HD650 is a fantastic system and most people won't feel going any further is worth it…but that’s not why we’re in this hobby. We won’t (read: refuse to) settle, we will always seek out alternatives to throw our money at. I know others have found the ADI-2 Pro to be great sounding with HD650 - I never did, despite trying to "fix" things with additional EQ advice provided by @atomicbob

    With HD800 it becomes a different story and I prefer it to Schiit Yggdrasil + Mjolnir2, which is what I had before. Mjolnir2 is not the master of microdetail even with the best tubes you can find. Before selling my Mjolnir 2 I ran a 1950’s pair of Siemens CCa. I dare to say this is the best 6922/ECC88 tube available, or should I say not available. I couldn't see how Mjolnir2 would sound any better. But. Where MJ2 slams hard as hell and is fun to hear – ADI2 is clean, borderline cold and very detailed. I can’t comment on how Yggdrasil sounds with a better amp which is probably a very important note here.

    IVS* provides a solution for the somewhat cold and analytical sounding ADI-2 and I find myself ‘at peace’ . I can see how the ADI-2 works well in studio environments. I’m sure it’ll reveal flaws in mixes. Having said that I can’t fully enjoy the HD800/ADI-2 Pro combo without the IVS, less so compared with Yggdrasil/Mjolnir2.

    There’s 4 key reasons that has made me take the decision to keep the ADI-2 Pro:

    First of all for HD800 the ADI-2 Pro together with @atomicbob IVS* is a superb and very clean sounding system that has such a small footprint that it literally fits on top of my 28” monitors stand – which means that it just doesn’t take up any real space on my office desk. Secondly it has enough power for HD800, which is one of the headphones that I often see being way too underpowered. It’s not about pure volume, but about control and about having power enough to allow for sufficient headroom for what I personally has learned is needed in addition to the SuperDupont Resonator mod; the IVS – which can be read about here. ( http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/system-synergy-special-sound.54/page-14 ) ADI-2 has that, especially balanced. Thirdly a 0.5s push of the volume button I can switch to listening to active monitors with separate settings for the balanced outputs if needed. It's very elegant. Fourth and final, the ADI-2 Pro + HD800 + IVS leaves me content just enjoying music for 7-8 hours straight. It's not more fun than the Yggdrasil/Mjolnir2 combo but it is certainly more detailed and more balanced across the spectrum – if it's due to the amp (vs Mjolnir2) or the DAC (vs Yggdrasil) , I don't know.

    System synergy is key and this one can potentially be included in the system synergy thread as 'The Lighthouse'; referring to the silly plastic window that RME has added to the Anniversary Edition of the ADI-2 Pro allowing its user to see inside the box and doing so reveals orange diodes glowing in the dark. But it could also refer to the fact that IVS* + ADI-2 Pro + HD800 provides a safe haven which may not be very exciting, but that can still provide solid guidance to great sound.

    *(Sonarworks HD800 no limits profile with Bass boost +2 & Tilt -2) , DMG Audio EQuick SSBB at 12Hz/16dB/Q=0.55), Waves NX, software phase flip plugin + cable reversal pre-headphone driver (pigtail).

    ** I hear no difference between brands of headphone cables. Mine is a red/black cool looking balanced cable that is light weight and doesn't tangle. It was made by Impact Audio Cables.

    *** I do not cover the plethora of features of ADI-2 in this post. There's a BUNCH of great stuff, but as I do not use any of them I'll defer from comments. I use the IVS* to alter the sound.


    Music:

    1. Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (Symphony 2 played during test)
    2. Alfred Brendel, James Levine, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven Piano Concerto no 4, Op. 58.
    3. Ornette Coleman, Beauty Is A Rare Thing, Box Set.
    4. Evans/Fernandez/Gustafsson – A Quietness Of Water
    5. Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense – Moment & The Message
    6. Oliver Nelson – The Blues And The Abstract Truth
    7. Rodrigo Amado – The Attic
    8. Steve Lehman Octet – Mise en Abîme
    9. Dire Straits – Sultans Of Swing
    10. Nat King Cole – The Nat King Cole Story
    11. Cannonball Adderley – Them Dirty Blues
    12. The Thing with Barry Guy – Metal
    13. Angels 9 – Disappeared Behind The Sun
    14. Keith Jarrett – Concerts: Bregenz, München
    15. Thomasz Stanko & New York Quartet – December Avenue
    16. Mats Gustafsson – The Vilnius Explosion
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2017
  10. SquiGGlez

    SquiGGlez Acquaintance

    Banned
    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    24
    Trophy Points:
    18
    i see you're running the lynx card

    what r ur thoughts on that setup with the aes inputs vs usb?
     
  11. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    I haven't compared running the ADI-2 with USB vs AES so I can't say. I bought the Lynx card to move away from USB earlier this year and I haven't looked back since. I can see that the Schiit Eitr, discussed here, is probably a solid alternative if you feel USB is causing problems...
     
  12. LesC

    LesC New

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Toronto area
    Well, as I think I mentioned earlier, I need a DA - AD loop for analog processing. This is to add, for example, eq and compression to the two buss or for mastering. Then I need a second DA for monitoring the result of the DA - AD loop plus any software limiter that may be on the two buss. This way the eq and compression and any other processing can be adjusted and listened to while it's being done. If you don't record, then this may be something you're not concerned about. For those of us who record, this is the process we use during mixing and mastering, though some mixers are completely "in the box" after recording. Every other box with similar functionality to the ADI-2 Pro offers the ability to have two (different) stereo outs, specifically for this purpose, including the Prism Lyra 2, the Lynx Hilo, and the Antelope Pure 2. It's very frustrating that the ADI-2 Pro may offer better conversion quality than the others, but for some reason the functionality has been severely limited for no apparent reason.
     
  13. LesC

    LesC New

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2017
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Toronto area
  14. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Well, why not buy two Adi-2 Pros then? The new UFX also shouldn't be too far off conversion quality wise.
     
  15. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,467
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    I'm in the middle of trying to write up a review of the RME vs Prism Lyra, Yggdrasil and Forssell... I wouldn't say that the RME is "better" per se. I would rank them all roughly in the same tier as each other with each bring it's own particular strengths. So if you're chasing some mythical beast of greater converter quality, you're not going to find it here.
     
  16. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    I couldn't agree more. As having replaced the Yggdrasil with the ADI-2 Pro I think it's important to underline that even though it should be considered a tremendous strength to be mentioned in the same sentence as the Yggdrasil, it's also a very different piece of equipment. My summary further up this thread may not capture that enough, but my review voice here is not that strong so I wanted to keep comparisons to a minimum.
     
  17. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    That makes sense. I know there's some love for the Hilo here, maybe you should consider it if a one-box-solution is what you're after?
     
  18. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    4,276
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Well, these are high end units, so I wouldn't expect drastic differences. As long as neither bring any significant weaknesses. For me RME does it because of the feature set and I like that it's as un-audiophile as one can get away without sacrificing quality.
     
  19. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,467
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Winnipeg
    Although they did add "hifi" mode in their latest firmware update :D

    One of my brief notes from my various comparisons...
    Yggdrasil lets me see the forest
    RME lets me see the trees
    Prism sits somewhere in the middle

    But really the differences are so ridiculously minute and it's like work being so nitpicky to focus on things. Comparing amps is fun. Comparing dacs... less so.
     
  20. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,019
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Sweden
    Again, that's spot on!

    If I were to add anything to the ADI-2/HD800 setup it would be a Vali2, but that would ONLY be to add a bit of tube flavor for a low cost and because it's fun.

    I'm happy to see the RME team being supportive with feedback from users. The RME forum is an interesting read. Not sure what else they have left to add though - firmware wise...

    All in all it's nice to see additional contenders on Yggdrasils level but with slightly different strengths. It provides us with nice options to meet different demand. It's also nice to be able to provide users coming up with upgrade plans, with different options.

    I'd love to see @Torq and @atomicbob , being excellent with their scientific and descriptive skills, to provide more flesh to the bone . I know both are super busy, but all in due time I guess.
     

Share This Page