RME ADI-2 DAC FS - Chord Qutest Killer?
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- Опубликовано: 22 мар 2020
- I check out the RME ADI-2 DAC FS from Germany and make comparisons to the Chord Qutest DAC from the UK, in this film review.
For a written appraisal go to my website ; www.13thnote.net/2020/02/20/r...
For more information about the PMC twenty5 23s see ; www.13thnote.net/2018/02/28/p...
Or for an appraisal on the Qutest go here www.13thnote.net/2019/05/30/c...
Or the ATC SCM40A www.13thnote.net/2020/03/06/i...
Or an article about streaming www.13thnote.net/2019/06/28/s...
Or the HIFIMAN Jade 2 headphone system www.13thnote.net/2020/01/27/h...
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ME AND MY PROJECT CHECK MY WEBSITE here - www.13thnote.net/
#audiophile #DAC #RME
If you're in the UK, be sure to check out the Authorized UK Dealers page on the Synthax Audio UK website (RME’s official UK distributor), as they provide a free extended 5 year warranty on all RME products (when purchased from any of their authorized UK dealers). 
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As a pro user of RME equipment for almost 20 years I must say I’m surprised to see them leak over to the audiophile world. I have just sold my 15 year old RME audio interface and it worked perfectly for its entire life with me with no issues what so ever. RME supports its products for ever, so long that they will probably outlive you. I now want a solution for music listening only and will probably go with RME again, they are a brilliant company which I would buy from with confidence.
It shows where the capitalisation of markets is different and how products can compete - a bit like some digital audiophile products competing with those in the pc world. Audiophiles demand alu cases, whereas is this really necessary for sq reasons? Sometimes I think audiophiles just buy stuff because it is expensive.
It is exactly like that!
Hello, can I ask I am soo confused, because imagine you investing 1K$ into DAPS, if you listen music via wired earphone connected to iPhone, is it really worth and different to buy a DAP (SP2000 etc) to listen music compared to it?
A&K Sp2000 or iBasso dx320 or Fioo m17 or iBasso Dx320 or shanlang m9? I am soo confused should I buy Hugo 2 DAC or DAP or RME ADI 2 DAC?
Also do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)?
If Dac, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you
Hi. I am also a Pro audio user. and recently moved over to RME from my 13 years old trusty MOTU interface. I am at present using the Fireface ufx III. Had it about a month. So far. Rock solid build quality, along with very nice and full sounding.
My friend, I'm in Brazil, I need some information, I ask you to answer me with all sincerity, I have a Motu 828 interface, connected to a preamplifier, then connected to the audio compressor and then back to the Motu interface. is it possible instead of going back to the Motu interface, plug in that RME ADI-2 converter, in the pro version? and convert from analog to digital, and use usb as an interface to go straight to the computer? Does it work? answer me if the sound can come out with a superior quality of studio or television, with this converter from Analog to Digital?
friend answer me if you know, ...
thanks for your message. unfortunately I cant answer as Im not familiar with the Motu. maybe your dealer can help you.
Are you in the Salvador Bahia area?
You can do it with the pro version if you want to
Instablaster...
Very nice DAC. I use one since over a year. And you did explain exactly how it sounds. Very precise and extended.... thanks
yan garzon thanks very much. Sorry for tardy reply.
Just found this video, awesome review! Huge respect! So much better compared to most other reviewers who won't comprehend that exotic pricing doesn't always directly translate to better sound.
Thank you very much for your awesome comments, it’s a very popular one because of my honesty which I always do, otherwise what is the point of a review?
As an owner of RME for a few years who then got a Mola Mola Tambaqui and a denagrips Venus II, let me tell you DACs make a huge difference in the overall sound. Rme is a solid piece of a kit but it’s not end game or anything.
Fab review once again Simon! Glad you like the ADI-2 DAC as much as we do :)
synthaxtv thanks very much. This is my honest and credible opinion, which is what my website/project is aimed at which means that when I make these judgements, hopefully they are taken seriously by consumers, and great products like this DAC sell through honesty. Best wishes Simon
Thanks for your honest opinion. Your description of the DACS sound is just what I'm looking for to complement my set up.
Simon, I bought the Black Edition - based on your review and could not be happier! Cheers from LA.
Enjoy - it’s a great DAC, just been zoom chatting to a supporter in Australia who bought one who loves his. 😀
Good review. This DAC landed on top of my shortlist for a future DAC upgrade. I like the sound adjustment options it has, nowhere else to be found at this price. To me that's more important than MQA.
Thanks you. Definetely true that the quality of the dac is much more important than the format assuming you use cd quality or above.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I do. When a conversion is complete I'll have about 120,000 tracks of CD quality or higher. Then my plan is to leave the concept of albums behind by getting rid of CDs and vinyl, and keep the best 20,000 tracks or so on harddisks as the endgame music collection.
@@colanitower if sound adjustment is important for you (as it is very important for me) you should look at minidsp flex it is amazing and the new dac inside of it is very good too or you can use your own DAC with it.
I'm so envious. You're fortunate to be able to get your hands on great gear
True, but is a lot of hard work that goes into my videos.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 of course, but what else have you got to do?
You have two wild and crazy teenage boys?
I really enjoy your reviews. I had wondered if you did analog and saw on your site that turntables will be coming soon.. I for one, look forward to your style of reviewing the vinyl reproduction chain with the same attention to "quality & performance" to "value"
Hooman Rabieh thanks for your nice words. I might do Hooman if I can get round to it. At the moment it’s more boxed tech like amps, DACs and speakers which I concentrate on plus headphone systems.
Hi. I watched and fuljoyed your video explanation regarding the RME ADI DAC. I did have the ADI PRO version for a short time. Everything you explained about this model you used I recall a very similar experience using the Pro model. Very nice clean open full sounding DAC. Thanks for sharing your sound opinion with us. Good job, Man.
Hi. I have the Chord 2qute , and recently acquired Qutest without listening. I was hoping to get similar sound signature and to have a tad more open sound. But those two are more different than anything. It is like two complete different companies. Qutest is more hi-fi (sterile to me) with more sub bass and top end , and 2Qute full bodied, tick, lifelike character, relative speaking.
Does RME mid and midbass have more of that 2qute lifelike character, or just eq is more on warm side, if I am getting it right? How does Denafrips compare also?
From now on I’m trialing providing comparison advice to those who invest in my site via PayPal or patreon and who want advice, even if in small ways. Links in latest vids.
I am very satisfied with my own RME-ADI2fs. I have used mine about a month, and really agree to your review about the dac.
This buy was for me the best upgrade I have ever made for my system. A bargain for 10000 sek. / Sven A
Goran Aunes enjoy, it’s a great DAC. Maybe I can compare it to the Pro version at some point.
13th Note HiFi Reviews As long as pro version aka ADI-2 FS R BE now has a remote control you probably should.
Thanks for yet another great video!
For reference sound (clear and clean and neutral and natural) to mix and master dialogue and acapella in a small studio. No extra bells and whistles needed, I just want the best possible reference audio. What would you recommend?
1. RME ADI-2 DAC FS
2. TOPPING A90 + D90
3. Or another option?
Thankyou v much. Not tried others, but rme ….some beating….
Simon, hope you are doing marvelously well. 18 months on and I now own two of those (still your fault M8) and keep finding new tweaks to learn all the time. Thought I'd share the latest because I KNOW you're going to get a kick out of this: Technics SL-G700 M2 SACD > XLR > RME in DSD mode > AES/EBU > Pontus II. So yes, it has an A/D conversion in the chain but the RME is so good at these tasks the sound is INCREDIBLE! Even Alvin Chee replied with "this is interesting!". Also great is using the RME's EQ in AD/DA mode, XLR in - XLR out. Both the Technics and RME have fantastic DAC chips. This thing is just a beast. Cheers from LA!
Hi Marc, glad you are enjoying them. I’m doing a video on some Adam audio actives currently. A7v. Using the Eversolo and RME into them. Sounds tremendous bw simon
I know this is old, but having used RME Audio Interfaces for awhile now and currently using the ADI-2 Pro and UFX+ in a Recording/MIxing/Mastering environment, the transparency of the DAC "Circuit", not just the DAC chip used by RME, brings a sweet quality of it's own to the final audio output on their Analog outs. They really are experts at building audio circuitry and pulling the absolute best out of the signal chain, without destroying the natural sound of the source material. I hear people say "cold" "transparent" "neutral" analytical", but a I say "sweet" "natural" "inviting". I find it to be what I was looking for when I purchased other pro-level products in future past, only to be disappointed. I finally landed on what just works everytime, all the time, and I know that it's a rock solid build that won't let me down. Anytime there's been a "glitch", it's been user-error, not product problem.
Interesting. Also how they swapped the AKM chip for the ESS Sabre and they out out a video I saw on that. No doubt due to the pandemic and chip shortages. Possibly that AKM factory fire a while back.
Simon, great content. Perhaps you could help me with a query? At a budget of around 4000 GBP including the DAC, which power amp would suit this DAC? I need something that can sound good at low volumes too. I only listen through USB / Mac with Qobuz and high res files, I like to feel the sound out in the room as much as possible if that makes sense. Perhaps a Denefrips Thallo? Actually I was going to go all in on a Denefrips system but there would be no headphone amp, hence my looking elsewhere.
Thanks for pointing me to this video man , good review here. I have this on my shortlist and also looking at the few hundred quid more Teac UD 505-x , have you come across that unit before or heard any good things about it ? The spec on it looks pretty decent with its large toroidal transformers and it upsamples stuff too. Is it worth the additional few hundred though for the few extras?
I've been trying to find some comparisons between the ADI 2 FS and the NAD C658 with both used as a Pre amp. Most discussions seem to focus on DAC performance only. Has anyone been able to compare the RME to the NAD? I'm interested in how they drive active speakers, ATC's in particular. Nice review on the ATC 40A's BTW.
Hi Graeme , wish I could say. But I never comment on stuff I dont ear ball unfortunately. Regards Simon
Thanks for your review; after viewing this I’m giving it some serious consideration over a Qutest. Can I ask though, what is your view of it as a pre? I’m currently using an old Cyrus 8 with a PSXR as a pre into two biamped Smartpowers.
David Simpson pretty decent David but use primarily as a DAC
In my tube mono blocks, it’s superb.
Thsi may be a rudimentary question re equalizer. I get why this is SO important when I recently listened to a friends Anthem ARC corrected set with ARC ion and off. But HOW do I adjust the parametric equalizer effectively when I dont have an automated microphone type set up like Anthem ARC ?
I’m a tweaker, just go what sounds good to you on doing that and forget the audio science BS.
Well just bought one and currently in transit from Germany. My short list was the Chord Qutest-Denafrips Ares 2 and the RME ADI 2 fs, went for the RME.
It will be teamed up with the Willsenton R8 tube amp, Magnepan LRS speakers and the Triangle Genese Trio. Cambridge Audio streamer and then my next step, either buy a cd transport and use the RME as its dac or another unit that seamingly punches way above its weight, the Oppo bdp-105D which plays all. Currently have a Esound cd-e5 platinum moded cd player, not sure whether to use it as a transport!!!You may have a suggestion with experience of the gear you have tested...thanks
I wouldn’t be thinking that cd transports are massively better than others. It’s much more nuanced. The new rme has a different dac chip than my one I reviewed as they said on their RUclips channel but I wouldn’t be thinking that will massively effect things too.
has anyone reviewed RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ,is it the best SQ offering from RME or is it the same as the pro but with all the extras?
Any chance you could get hold of a Heed Abacus S for review? I had the original Abacus, lovely piece. I miss it
Outstanding review wanted to inquire if the RME DAC would do justice to my system. I hsve a Audiolab 6000CDT, Audiolab 6000A, a pair of Audiolab 8300 Monoblocks which run my Dynaudio Special 40s. In addition , any recommendations for a headphone amp? Thanks 🙏
Thank you, great speakers I’ve got the new emits at the moment. I think combo will work well
Nice review. I currently own a Geshelli powered by the TXH 789, Hifiman Ananda, Focal Elex and should be getting the LCD-2 F soon. Would you think this will be too much of a DAC for the headphones I currently own?
I don’t think so. I was running mine with MAs audio science X5i, around $300 and the combo was awesome.
Hi Simon, great review. How do you think the sound quality of the ADI compares with the Naim DAC-V1 (as a DAC)?
Thanks very much for saying. Don’t really know tbh as have never tried
Hello, I send greetings from Mexico, new subscriber on your channel, I really liked this video, and more for testing the dac's with floor speakers. I want to get RME ADI DAC-2 for my amp XPA-2 gen 3 and preamp XSP-1 gen 2 Emotiva system with bowers and wilkins CM10 s2, I listen to rock and any drum-based music. I love the bass and hype blow.
I would be very grateful if you could tell me which of the two dac's (RME - Chord) has the most energy, hit at low frequencies and is it more fun and exciting to listen to? I prefer the sound hard and authority, I don't like it soft or relaxed. Thank you very much for the video and I hope you can help me decide which of us is the best for my musical taste
Simon,
Thank you for the review. I find your comprehensive insight refreshing and to the point. Have you had a chance to listen to the current production units of the RME now since they have moved from AKM to ESS chipsets? Thank you again...
Thank you too. re dac chip change I think sq is reputedly similar.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 The Black version still has 2, AKM chips (as of mid-March).
How would you compare it to the Musical Fidelity MX-DAC? Its a little cheaper, but has not headphone amp. Is the DAC quality similar then?
The quality is a decent step up and a good improvement with the RME!
Dear 13th Note HiFi Reviews: Love your reviews, especially about DACS. I wonder if you would one day do a comparison review of the New Musical Fidelity M6x DAC and the Denafrips Pontus ii and/or which of the two you would recommend?
Sincerely Thomas.
So I was looking at getting the Michi p5 preamplifier and S5 power amplifier but it sounds like I don't need the p5 and could just buy this and pair with the S5 . Is that correct ?
Looks like you can do that with the inputs it has.
The USB input cable....is it just a standard USB cable? I have a Pangea dual lead USB cable I'd like to use instead of the supplied cable.
support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360009934899-Difference-between-USB-A-B-and-C-connectors. See my video of back connections and this link.
Thanks for the fixed output level setting tip. Would've found it eventually but I've only had my ADI-2 for 3 hours and most of it has been spent listening to music. My initial impressions - compared to my R2R DAC, this DAC expands and deepens the soundstage significantly. Instruments also have better definition in space and the clarity is a step above too. I am missing a little warmth in the midrange but that's something easily added with EQ or something I might adapt to. Plus, there's the NOS DSP filter to try.
edit: Used together with a PC running Tidal Hifi, a Hegel H90 and Harbeth Super HL5+. R2R DAC is an Audio-gd DAC-19.
edit2: Testing the headphone amp section on Hi-Power with a pair of Audeze LCD3s, there does not appear to be any lack of warmth in the midrange. And it is impressive, a highly competent headphone amp section.
Hi, do you keep running the ADI with the h90? I'm looking for an upgrade on my h95 dac, hence chord mojo seems to bring more body and depth on the sound when I use it on my system. Do you think the ADI could bring this sort of hollographic sense (compared with hegel's built in Dac) into my two channel system, as the mojo does?
@@funcionyforma Yes, and it is a significant upgrade over the built in dac. It is also better than a mojo, in my opinion. This pairing is now my second system though, doing tv/home theatre duties but it is still performing admirably. I do continue to play music on it from time to time, but my main DAC is now the Audio-gd R7 with a pre & power setup in the main system.
@@infn thanks so much for your insight!
Great review. Ive just bought the Musical Fidelity MX DAC. I love its speed, detail and separation but its missing some sparkle and low end punch to make it really shine. I was looking to move up to the cutest but now I'm not sure 😊
Get a decent power supply for your dac m8
@@jonasDoguedeBordeaux I tried the iFi Silent Power. It did improve things. I've upgraded to the Denifrips Aries II now.
@@HiFiMusicLover better choice m8 great musical dac
Hiya mate, the 2 DACs in question, if you was to do a blindfold test, would you be able to tell the difference, or is it splitting hairs? Thanks
I think I would enough to prefer one over the other.
Would anyone know please: can the PRO version of this DAC be used to rip vinyl to DSD?
Yes it can because on their website they talk about DSD record, then on p43 of manual which you can download on the rme website ; “The ADI-2 Pro converts the analog input data not only to PCM, but optionally also to DSD. Via I/O - Analog Input - AD Conversion the AD-converter can be switched from PCM (Default) to DSD. Based on the current mode the DSD data are then sent to the outputs AES and SPDIF (DoP), USB (DoP via ASIO or ASIO native), and the analog outputs 1/2 and 3/4 (re-converted by the DAC)...........” hope helps, cheers simon
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you! A condescending genius on Audiogon suggested this was impossible. For my purposes, I use an Antelope DAC all day every day but thought it would be even better if I could rip / archive my record collection for easier playback.
I concur with havin an outboard DAC-things develop so rapidly and technology improves and migrates down to lower price levels. BUT how do you feel about the need for a separate DAC vs a combined DAC streamer ?
I think it’s a compromise too because they’ll tend to put in a cheaper power supply which is combined. Keep the streamer basic but dac best you can afford
Thanks for your nice review. Have you listened to the GSP Audio Majestic DAC with Analog Input. Would be glad to hear your opinion on that. Since you are from UK, it should be easier for you to get one on their loaner program. Sorry for asking you this here, apologies if it is inappropriate.
Hi Vinod, no worries. Could try that one.bw Simon
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks again. Looking forward to have your inputs. Subscribing for your Channel. Wish you loads of Success
I have Falcon Acoustics RAM studio 20 speakers, which are just a bit on warm side, so i want to extend upper range, mostly treble response. They are powered by Roksan K3 integrated. Which of those to dac's would you recommend in my case. BTW, great and honest review :)
Zoran Babić thank-you for your tremendous compliment. I’d recommend checking out something from Mytek. The Brooklyn, if budget is not too much, but the lesser priced DACs they do - the Liberty (I’ve not tried) could be good and similarly voiced. Possibly Cyrus audio too. The chord and rme are similarly balanced and neutral so *may* not be best balanced.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 thank you for reply, will check Mytek. They use Sabre dac's and mite be just the thing i need :)
Thanks, Mate! Your review is what made me get this! My jaw has been in the floor ever since!🤯
Cool, thanks too. Glad you like like it. 🎼😀👍
Afternoon Simon, as you know I have the Marantz PM7000N/Kef LS50 set up, I am now looking at a second system, looking at the Kef LS50 Meta, the RME Dac FS, what amp/receiver/streamer would you think would compliment this RME/Meta set up, Kind Regards, John
Hi John, please sign up if you want me to answer as you have asked me lots of questions and tbh I don’t have time on single people as I takes away from the time I spend on reviews thanks simon
Simon fully understand and no problem at all, all for the best for now, Regards, John
If you want to make donations no matter how small, I can answer you fully. Go to my patreon page or PayPal links on the last film on kef ls50. All helps as I make very little money from this.
Will I hear the difference between this and Arcam rDac with midrange price HiFi equipment?
Sylwester Adam I really don’t know tbh. Use my judgements, take a view, then go out and try. Best thing I can say.
Do you need to do any extra menu diving to run this as a preamp into a power amp? Or is it just plug and play...?
It’s pretty easy 😀
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.
Did that in my atc review.
13th Note HiFi Reviews great! Let me check it out.
Simon, could you shine your light over my setup and what the best choise is between the Chord or the RME. I currently have a Bluesound Node 2i streamer, an Advance Acoustics X-i120 stereo amp and Triangle Signature Delta speakers. Highs and lows are absolutely amazing with the current setup. However, I am looking for a DAC that could improve particilarly the mids (and without a doubt for better sound overall, but that might be clear when going for a DAC). The mids are there but not really that punchy.
Thanks in advance.
Definetely the RME then if this is the preference between two. Is the dac you currently use in the node 2i?
@@13thnotehifireviews7yes, the Node 2i is the DAC at the moment as I am yet to find the right DAC (in the search for one now).
Rme is a mid focused sound to chords soundstaging. I have a node 2i and it is appreciably better in my set up. Doing node 2i creative vid atm. Bw.
How can I identify the new versions from older ones. Does it has PN or something?
Arturo Martinez Gracida you’d have to contact your dealer or the distributor there. Not sure. Or if buying used, ask the seller when they bought. I know they changed last year didn’t they.
I’m currently trying to decide what dac to use what would you recommend I have the pmc twenty:23s ,node2i along with the iotavx sa3 stack
hard to say if a DAC improvement as you didn't say what DAC you have or where it is, and without knowing where it is or what it is, hard to say. Worth trying on sale and return. Buy online for a trial as you've always got the opportunity of return for a full refund with no restocking fees (in the UK and Europe) Syntax Audio distribute these in the UK.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 sorry yes I have the audio lab M-dac thanks for your fast response
@@freeridemediauk316 I can recommend the new twenty5 23i speakers (or twenty5 23). I had the twenty 23 and now twenty5 23 and a big step up. That would be a bigger improvement for maybe similar money.
Great Review ! Just wondering if someone can help? can i connect the RME ADI-2 DAC to a sub woofer while connected to active speakers ? So if im using the XLR's outs to the active speakers and the RCA out to the sub woofer ? if this possible?
Can this be done ?
Thank you. Did you check out the manual on the RME website ?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Hello, That was good advice. I think i was being lazy. Just a heads up to anyone reading this i have the following.
1) RME Instruction Manual - The rear RCA and XLR outputs and the front outputs Phones and IEM are fed from the same
DAC, hence carry the same signal. They all have individual driver stages with different output
levels.
2) Also RME replied to this: "Yes, that is possible. The XLR and RCA outputs have the same output signal. If you want to EQ the signal differently, you can also use the headphone output as line output."
Also look forward to watching more of your reviews ! Thank You
Which one has more air and detail? Regards
*Thanks for this great sound description*
Thanks from Hamburg, Germany 👍👍👍 🤠😎
Hello! I want the best dac/amp for gaming.
For me the most important thing is imaging and depth. Which one would you recommend?
Depends on the rest of the gear as to benefit of either but chord has a deeper soundstage
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I'm using Sennheiser 800s. I dont know if soundstage is important while gaming. For me I need to be able to hear footsteps where they come from and how far away. and if they are behind me or infront of me or above me or same level. Dac needs to have low latency aswell.
Great insight! What I don't understand with other reviewers is they would rather recommend other DACs to people who doesn't prefer the sound of the ADI-2 when therein lays the DSP built into the hardware to model the sound. That's the whole point of this gear, to tailor it to your liking and preferred sound. RME gave us a very solid starting point with it's DAC's sound, a canvas per se and then gave us the tools (DSP) to paint our own perceived picture of perfect sound. Then again, one has to have the know how and or background on using pro audio sound gear or is willing to know how to use DSP in a pro audio setting. To complain about the ADI-2 DAC FS DAC sound when you are given the tools to make it sound to one's preference is mind boggling.
Now if RME would have decided to have a mic input solely for calibrating for room correction, which in turn also be a good starting point to further tweak the sound, since it already has a DSP engine built into the hardware and be able to export/import DSP profiles then that would have been the icing on the cake... the end all be all.
Maybe but it’s got a lot for the money. I suppose the equaliser is already a form of room correction. Dirac is a very good tool to use for setting up speakers.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 that's one way of going about it but if it was self contained in the ADI-2 DAC and be able to export/import the DSP. The good thing tho is the ADi-2 can enable duplex in USB and use it's headphone to monitor so you can pretty much DSP software to model your sound for that specific headphone/s and save it as presets. You pretty much have full control on how you want your DAC's output to sound. With other fixed sounding DACs you are basically tied to the manufacturers preferred sound, RME let's you get away from that.
Hello, can I ask I am soo confused, because imagine you investing 1K$ into DAPS, if you listen music via wired earphone connected to iPhone, is it really worth and different to buy a DAP (SP2000 etc) to listen music compared to it?
A&K Sp2000 or iBasso dx320 or Fioo m17 or iBasso Dx320 or shanlang m9? I am soo confused should I buy Hugo 2 DAC or DAP or RME ADI 2 DAC?
Also do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)?
If Dac, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you
Hey Simon, great review! I like the editing of your videos these days. I am curious how the RME compares to the onboard DACs of the Hegel integrateds. I recently bought an H120, in large part for the great on-board DAC. However I also saw your H390 review where I recall your said the RME actually bested that amp’s onboard DAC? Let me know your thoughts. I’m quite happy with the level of the H120, but this RME is an intriguing little product - and outstanding value.
Thanks for your positive comments, I’m gonna say that if people want my advices from now on they should contribute to my site even if in small ways. It makes little money and is hard work. You can go on PayPal me listed in my videos or patreon. Regards simon
@@13thnotehifireviews7 That sounds like a fair trade. Expert’s time is worth something so happy to oblige. Cheers
@@alexherceg9496 thanks for your small donation. Will send you a reply in a minute. If you like to chat feel free too, that’s even better
Great review Simon. Thank you.
Thank you very much Shane.
I currently own the chord mojo 2, but I would like to take a step forward, and in 99% I will buy the RME dac.. cant wait for testing.. greetings from Poland
Thx for the video. Have you heard the audio-gd R2R DAcs?
WelkySchullin no haven’t but want to try some r2r designs
@@13thnotehifireviews7 ... just got the Audio GD R1 in ... it’s ok. Has that warmer R2R kind of sound. It’s not going to come that close to a Qutest or even the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge. If one enjoys a warmer tone then it suits them.
With R2R DACs I find that pairing is important. Was the same with the Denafrips Pontus.
The R1 paired better with my Silbatone JL-107 than my Audia Flight FLS10
I am so taken with the RME that my only niggling doubt is whether to pay approximately twice as much for the Doge 7 which I concede might sound better under ideal circumstances but that I suspect I can't match to my room in as sophisticated manner as the RME. I would love a strait comparison video.🙏😊
Hi! Able to do a comparison between the chord qutest, rme adi 2 and musical fidelity mx dac?
I kind of did with the mx dac vid I did but other two in a different league understandably for price 😀
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Haha, yup understand theres a price difference, but just curious to know how much more "sound" will we get for the cost.
@@ravag3r94 think I’ve explained that in various videos. Check them out, or subscribe
This sounds like a very interesting DAC Simon. I love the fact it has headphone sockets and really love the idea of adjusting bass, mid range and treble using an equalizer. I'm sure build quality will be excellent being German but I'm not sure it will be enough to sway Chord lovers away from the Qutest. I own a 2Qute but one day will want to upgrade to the TT2, as I've been used to hearing Chord products for many years. The ADI in my opinion doesn't have the same classy looks of the Qutest but in saying that I would say the ADI will attract a lot of attention from other audio fans judging by what this quality product can do. Like anything in hifi it's peoples preference when it comes to sound that will sway them.
steve rees hi Steve. It’s possibly not as classy looking but saying that there is an appeal in functionality and for HiFi most people aren’t after ornaments perhaps. I like both of them tbh, but the thing with milled cases is you pay for it. Maybe if spending thousands that’s fine but for a dac at a grand then maybe not so much. I think the notion of a house sound in between DACs of the same brand is possibly a misnomer with Chord. The 2Qute I owned is close to the Qutest but the tt2 is more audiophile sounding with thicker bass still, and the DAVE is maybe a touch lighter on bass but has layering and detail all over the place. I think the point with this DAC here is that it may do things different to the chord - midrange and deeper bass to the chords detail chucking projection with big soundstage, but the differences aren’t like differences of two types of cheese. They are more like subtle differences between wines of the same grape. In other words both good wines but doing things slightly different. A lot of the reason why people will buy the Qutest is possibly due to the marketing of the Chord brand. They still produce extremely good DACs mind, but then so too do RME! Sometimes it’s difficult to get past that like car buying - ford or Peugeot etc.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 If it had been around when I bought the 2Qute then I may have gone for it instead, as I am not a brand snob, but instead I by what I like. BTW I've owned both Fords and Peugeots lol!
Chord designs are very eye catch indeed. However in the pursue of making very attractive designs they sacrifice too much “Human Machine Interface” capabilities.
I’ve owned Chord products and industrial design in terms of ease to use is very poor. Low to no feedback to user and so on. Not Friendly at all. One of the this I love from RME is how the unit is informing you in every moment how your files have being processed. Format, type, output, frequency response, volume level, balance, clock, etc etc. Blessingfor digital audio enthusiast like me :)
Classy looking is the last description I would use for the Qutest. It looks like it was designed by a 5 year old. It's hideous!
I got the grace design m903, is the RME better?
No idea unfortunately
I have this DAC, and love it. Completely worth the money, and great value.
Hi Ryan, have you got your head around the manual. I didn’t know you can run an iPhone straight into it with an iOS camera adapter. Tried it the other day.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Oh not yet I have had the DAC right on a week, and still trying to get a hang of it. That said I do like it.
Recently I upgraded to yamaha as3200 and it has limit on xlr input voltage signal. Started looking for ps audio , sonnet Morpheus. And then I saw Your review and influenced me and purchased rme dac Ad2 fs dac . What I can tell you absolutely your right. Actually you less praised about it . It’s natural sound and clear and smooth. the way we should listen. Let’s plan together something for audiophile world like we can design nice thick aluminum case, and put rme dac in that and then we can sell 5999 $ 🙃. Again thanks for review .
Thanks very much. It’s good I got this one right as I agonise over reviews sometimes.
@13th Note HiFi Reviews: i shockingly blown by this dac how my system become sooooo good. You can watch here ruclips.net/video/04NUhdMoJog/видео.html .
Thanks, I'm planning to get one of it because I want an all in one solution which can do Preamp for speakers, Headphones, IEMs and a solid DSP, plus remote and built in Europe or US vs China. Second part is right now DAC FS is selling for $900 at Thomann. Only thing which I do not like is it has ESS DAC now. I have experienced that sound from my LG V30 already and I prefer AKM of Modi. So I may have to get the Pro version because it uses 2xAK4493 that is selling for $1300 too. It's a better deal to be honest. And RME also uses FPGA like Chord, it uses Spartan 7 chip for DSP and other tricks it has. Since you mentioned it nails Qutest I think this confirms how Bass will be solid on this unit as well.
Purely out of interest, is the headphone amp capable to drive planar magnetic headphones to decent levels?
Don’t know , check the specs. Will depend on headphones
Excellent review. What's that song that's being played at the intro?
Thank you. Best thing is to sound hound it in your phone as I’d be doing the same
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks I did that, also Shazam. Neither of them finds it. What's even funnier: you get multiple artists/songs too 🙂
How is the cross feed? I am having a hard time listening to music without it.
I think it’s pretty intuitive and settings wise it’s got the lot although I don’t really use cross feed. You can get the manual on the rme website.
Nice review. What make and model is the dac in this?
Mike Cambridge hi Mike, thanks for compliment - it’s an AKM AK4493 , but in a special circuit variant designed by RME engineers. I think it is in the implementation of course ie analogue outputs etc. I don’t think this is just an ‘off the shelf’ implementation. I tend to go off SQ mostly anyway as that’s the acid test, and the SQ is extremely good for the money. I’ve even been thinking about selling my Qutest for the flexibility such a DAC will give me for my reviews - headphones, DAC, PRE etc. What are you using?
Hi, well headphone wise I'm using Arcam Rhead amp with schitt modi 3 dac and sennheiser hd650.
But finding hd650 a little too bright. And tad lacking in bass.
Mike Cambridge this is definitely not a bright DAC. neither is the Qutest tbh. Hope helps you.
Thank you for this review.
Thank you for saying so!
I want it just for the spectrum analyzer. Green please
Hi, do you need a preamp for this dac, or can you attach it directly to a power amp?
That info is all in the video.
13th Note HiFi Reviews thank you, but i am not a native speaker and dont understand all what you say in the video
Sn0w bl1nd ok no worries. it works as a pre amp and a DAC. you can attach it direct to a power amp
13th Note HiFi Reviews thank you!
13th Note HiFi Reviews may I ask. How is the quality of the preamp?
How would you compare RME ADI-2 DAC to internal Hegel 390 dac?
Check out the 390 review.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thx
BTW. Have you tried room correction with H390?
@@KK-bc3tq no not yet tbh
On the agenda I should say. Mini dsp is one brand.....
is it sibilant ?
I have a Qutest. I usually use it on the red "Warm with HF roll-off mode" but lately I have found the green "incisive with hf roll-off" is what I prefer. Now I want to demo the RME.
It’s not really an upgrade to the Qutest but is the better buy if someone didn’t have the Qutest. You may have seen John Darko’s video. I was saying it was a Qutest killer some time ago. My recommendation is always double the spend for a decent upgrade. Watch this space on the Denafrips Venus 2 dac I’m doing after the m10 NAd
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for your quick reply, Simon.Yes, I saw John Darko's review and then yours. You are both brilliant!
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Interesting that you mentioned the NAD streamer. I bought a Cambridge Audio CXN v2 streamer last week. I used the analog outs into my amp so that I could use the onboard DAC in the CXN. I had such high hopes but the sound is nowhere as good as the Qutest DAC. The Cambridge sounds muffled and I can't hear things that the Qutest gives me. Shame because it is a lovely, easy to use Qobuz streamer. I might try taking a coax digital out into the Qutest and see what that sounds like compared to my Zen Innuos 3 used with the Qutest.
@@nespressoman thank you !!!!! that was one of my older ones on the rme. I’m more proud of the newer ones of the Hegel and node 2i with better production, and getting content better with good script ...but they take ages..... I’m doing a really good one on the nad m10 atm. At least I got in there before Darko and called that RME a Qutest killer, which it is, Lol. Nice when a reviewer agrees with you. Another guy who has just started up says same thing, but passion for sound guy just went on personal opinion which you shouldn’t do in a review.
Aeroplane-wise, it sounds like comparing a Spitfire to a Me109. Reginald Mitchell designed the spit as a piece of art out of a Supermarine sport/race floatplane to win the Deutsche-de-la-Meurthe cup, while Willy Messerschmitt had mass-production in mind from the get-go. Do they let you hear the Merlin when you first turn on the Qutest or the Daimler-Benz with the RME ?
I suppose talking to an aviation geek and someone who has flown gliders and light aircraft, the me109 didn’t have the carb flaw of the spitfire early marks. But which was the better engine? The German one undoubtedly. The British spitfire had panache and was more balanced in flight, looked gorgeous like the qutest. But sound isn’t about looks but about engineering per pound, and undoubtedly the RME might be the me109 to the spits Qutest, look wise, but undoubtedly on the score of music, I know which is the better engineered for the money. It was the Schneider cup wasn’t it. I like your analogy. Good one.😀
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Schneider trophy indeed, my bad !
Berkut you can have a fly in one near me at goodwood , Sussex, uk. A mark 9 I think . Costs lots of money.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 something I have to do once in my life, most definitely !
Is RME adi 2 better DAC than for example Hugo TT2?
No not imo.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 thx
Always love your reviews. straight to the point and no horse shit.
Thanks,
You have some nice equipments there!
Giang Vu thanks very much
I have the Chord Qutest and I borrowed my friend's RME ADI-2 for a week. Both goes to my Cayin HA-300 tube amp with Psvane ACME 300b tubes and 1952 Sylvania 6sn7GT 3-hole bad boys to the Audeze LCD-3 2018 Fazor headphones.
On my system, although the ADI-2 has a cleaner, smoother, more polished sound, the Qutest has more texture, dynamic musicality, detail resolution, and visceral sound quality. The midforwardness of the ADI-2 also presents a less truer soundstage and instrumental separation compared to the Qutest.
In short, I just feel the music is just more alive on the Qutest, and some instruments just have much better timbre, as well, particularly saxophone. This could all be system synergy, but for me, I'm not planning to switch over to the RME ADI-2.
Joe Gunawan fotosiamo thanks for comments. When I see you mention tubes Joe I get that with chord. I’ve never been a tube person myself as dynamics are often a bit squashed to my mind, and I love electronic music . My recommendation would be that if you want more dynamics swap to solid state. This is the newest iteration of the Rme too btw
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Well done.
I was wondering what is your opinion to use this DAC to watch movies and the surround sound it delivers? Would Dolby Atmos be miss?
Probably for headphones and 2ch tbh.....
This dac is on my wish list sounds like a great product
It’s a great dac. Easily beats everything under and around a grand I’ve tried so far.
I'm thinking this will be my endgame DAC headphone amp and pre amp
How does the RME compare with the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+?
A better dac
@@13thnotehifireviews7 ... okay ... time to sell the Mytek 😂🤣
TQ!
Well yes and no, don’t take what I say as gospel . Use reviews as a shortlist. Make your mind up on a trial before buying too. The mytek is very detailed and mid centric with lots of airy treble. The rme is more the neutral detailed performer.
Lots will come down to system integration and your taste as ever
@@13thnotehifireviews7 ... I’m receiving an RME next week for demo. Waiting for my Lumin U1 Mini too.
I do like your reviews as you are detailed and there are comparisons so it gives us the viewer a reference.
TQ!
Just a friendly correction but it does not have an oled display. Would be cool if it was!
David Joshua Hernandez thanks for feedback David - I thought it did. What sort does it have? I thought it was of the same type on some mobiles. Must admit though not a technical audio channel but corrections always helpful.
13th Note HiFi Reviews manual says “high resolution IPS panel" which is most likely an led panel
David Joshua Hernandez in plane switching for wide angles. Looks like it’s an lcd panel. Thanks for correction.
i would like to know how is Rme adi 2 dac vs Mytek Liberty
MUDRA dont know. If the liberty is voiced like the Brooklyn (which I have tried) then expect a more forward presentation with the liberty that might not be so balanced but will be great for bringing our detail in smooth HiFi.
Beats it for my money. Would only look up to the DAC+ Brooklyn Bridge for its streaming!
@John Gian uhm darko highly praised the rme...
@John Gian yeah well we don’t care what he says about qutest then...
That’s because not many people have reviewed Rme and many more reviews and views on qutest.
I have one. Good dac , Good review
mike mullins thanks Mike, gonna be appreciating it with the lock down we have in U.K. Keep safe.
Hi, great detailed review. I know it may not be a fair comparison, but it's something I have in mind for my purchase i.e RME ADI FS compared to Chord Hugo TT 2. Would like to hear your opinion.
D. I. Tbh the Hugo tt2 will be much better with audiophile dim returns in the mix . Just better with detail retrieval, mids and bass. But more than 4 times as pricey. I’d like to see rme do a real premium dac to trounce these chords. Possibly the rme adi 2 pro version might. I might ask if they will let me do another a to b of pro verses normal and then I can comment on re better chords. What do you think ?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 i think that's a fine idea, will give us a real insight into the sond quality difference RME pro dac has against general dac. I know it will be a personal take but do you find TT 2 to me more musical (engaging) than RME.
D. I. About same tbh. But the rme adi2 dac fs is just much better value for money than Chord Qutest
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for a quick response. Lastly would just like to know if chord hugo 2 is of better value in comparison to ADI 2 as it has an amp section too unlike qutest.
D. I. No the rme has a headphone output and it also can be used as a pre amp, is cheaper. And remember the hugo2 uses the same filters and dac as the Qutest, so extrapolating the rme is a much better bet. If you’ve got the cash I’d definitely do an comparison to the pro version of the rme against the standard adi2 dac fs.
You have a unique voice to me coming from the states . I heard this history youTube video and it sounded like you . So I thought you might be doing English history voice overs. Its medieval times. It sounded like you that's all. hope it didn't freak you out. If not you do have the voice for it. Later Tom.
Oh sorry , I thought you were having a pop, no worries. It wasn’t me but they do sound interesting. I like the voices in the hammer horror series of films. Bw simon 😀
well, i bought it but sadly volume is done via dsp, so for purists, a preamp or headphone amp is desirable, also dsd is converted to pcm in this case and then dsp applied for volume. but as a dac, it's very accurate,
Nice review. However I believe that comparing RME ADI-2 to Chord Qutest is not correct. They are similar in price level, however equipment itself are completely different
Qutest is an unbalanced DAC only product. And that’s it. RME ADI-2 is DAC, headphone amplifier and balanced output pre-amplifier. With many other features too long to mention. I’d say that a more direct comparison would be to Chord Hugo TT2. In this scenario price difference is huge. So you get the best bang for buck with RME.
You have to compare similar at the same price to do a comparison.
Not a good comparison between hugo tt2 and RME. TT2 is on another level. You compare Qutest to rme because it’s a similar price, but I thought that would be stating obvious.
it does not have headphone amp and nor pre, it just adjusts the volume in the digital domain - it's called dsp. also if one listens to dsd and wants to use its volume control, the dsd is converted pcm. you can set it to dsd direct, but then the volume control is deactivated, hence the need for pre or headphone amp. i got fooled too :(
Nice review
Niyant thank you . Doing one on kef lsx this week
Thanks for the review and all your insights.
I was never a believer of that dacs have such a tremendous effect on sound while going with chromecast audio and later yamaha wxad10. But then I got this RME and the difference was very noticeable in my system. No brightness whatsoever despite my revealing horn speakers, great balance across the frequency range and a much better sound overall. PEQ and loudness features are just great too and very well made. Just need too get rid of the chromecast which is still used as transport through toslink now...
Hello, can I ask I am soo confused, because imagine you investing 1K$ into DAPS, if you listen music via wired earphone connected to iPhone, is it really worth and different to buy a DAP (SP2000 etc) to listen music compared to it?
A&K Sp2000 or iBasso dx320 or Fioo m17 or iBasso Dx320 or shanlang m9? I am soo confused should I buy Hugo 2 DAC or DAP or RME ADI 2 DAC?
Also do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)?
If Dac, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you
Seems like a great DAC, but at the price, MQA would be nice for those of us that use Tidal.
Don’t make MQA the be all and end all. It’s about dac implementation and quality as always regardless of formats. See my dac advice video.
Why's there a question mark in the title?
Michael Hoffmann because it’s asking a question to find out on watching it.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 , oh, thank you. ;) :D
What's the difference between its brother the pro... it's quite a big difference in price as well
John sweda details on RME website / haven’t tried it
Does it beat Topping D90?
Donno haven’t tried it
Topping D90 signature is a DAC with more focus and more air, but for me is missing meat around bones... Still Topping D90 signature is a really good dac and depending on the system, maybe better sounding... D90 signature is closer to a Chord Qutest / Mojo soundsignature and more forward sounding.
I find a book sized instruction intimidating on a product that should be plug and play and never looked back on. And I just bought a used 2qute yesterday 😅
You can plug and play with it and literally two or three buttons and a volume knob, I had the 2qute too
@@13thnotehifireviews7 good to know. For now it was a question of budget. A used 2qute fit it, a new ADI didn’t... stopped using my headphones mainly and just wanted a step up in dac from the marantz dac1 I was using.
Sound demo? Will make it perfect.
Can't sound demo online unfortunately.
Can I ask as to what is your cultural connect with Totem?
How come you ask the question?
13th Note HiFi Reviews
Hi, firstly thanks for the review..& efforts..
So the reason.., is my being Caucasian(English/ Irish etc ) myself & growing up here in 🇳🇿.., I/ we have come to learn a lot of the importance of people’s culture and cultural icon to people/ peoples... especially globally in last 30 yrs.. , language is culture as are dance, icon, symbols etc, they all have important meanings and are the very things that the culture.. lives with in.., highly highly important & to be respected.. as we respect & value the people...
So in seeing a guy that I imagine is English/ Caucasian.. I wondered if you have a cultural connect with Totem?? You may not?? But you might have an interesting story... family??
13th Note HiFi Reviews
It’s a cool looking Toem, what culture/ area is it from.., plus it’s significance/ meaning ..? Cheers
It’s a thing of some nations like Canada. I drew it from inkscape. A childhood ornament I’ve had all my life. Comes up in videos as a mascot.
13th Note HiFi Reviews
Sweet that you as a kid were inspired by Totem..👍, & not to stop that.., they are very meaningful.. the Maori Poe look so great standing above our M ways.., they remind us of those who loved this land b4...., however fwiw... we would only use them in a commercial operation.., with permission, consultation from the Iwi (tribe) ... & knowledge of the Poe etc we want to have meaning/ representation for us...
Not too be ott and you seem like a very respectful person.. all mentioned in that spirit 👍
I have a RME ADI2FS and i must tell it is a killer DAC, i decide for RME over Chord Qutest and Denafrips Pontus, RME is best allrounder and brings so many extras, which I was thinking that I didn't need, now I cant live without them! I also think that RME have nicer treble then Qutest. RME is also pretty OK peamp too if you don't have better.
I should do a pro versus standard model.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 YES! I am little bit sad that I didn't go in that direction, I was thinking that I don't need it... Now I am connecting even my turntable over RME to use help of DSP and equalise some LP problems sometime ... So I was left with a few of RIAA preamps with digital output, if I chose more wisely in the past, I would have now better choice of phono preamps. I am connecting Project DS2 phonobox to a RME over optical output.
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@barbosa pereira i had all three of them in my system at the same time, rme ADI2FS, pontus first version and Chord Qutest. I decided for a RME, i am not sure what would i decide today with pontus second version and my new listening habits... Pontus first version had some things better than RME, more 3D ssound stage and more meat on the bones, but it was to much of good things for me in my system with Harbeth m30.1. Today with Magnepan LRS in my system, little bit different listening habits, I don't need anymore headphones amp and I am using room correction on my computer, i think that i will probably chose Pontus. But all of those DACs are pretty close. RME ADI2FS and Chord Qutest are really close, Pontus is more different. I think that you need to try it in your system with your speaker and room presentation... Harbeth and dead room with some bass room modes, go with the chord or RME, Kef ls50 type of speakers and not so dead room with no room modes in the bass region, go with denafrips... But differences between those DACs are not so huge, so there isn't clear winner, except if you need usability, then RME ADI2FS is a clean winner!
The winner is of rme over chord for price and features
This device is very good(I bought one recently) . But, why does it use a cheap, plastic smps power supply? I understand general benefits of using smps , but how does the RME design and implentation offer superior benefits from other vendors? They do use AKM dac chip , like others, but their implentation is a superior design. Just curious about using this particular ps technology.....
Power supply is adequate. If you want to extend that though, Chord Hugo tt2 at £4k uses a smps. If you want to pimp RME you can. So never go on linear is better. Linear power supplies don’t cost much and designers would use them if there is benefits to their design.
Don’t go on the tech - go on your judgements of borrowing and hearing yourself. My film is but a shortlist for that.
I agree completely with 13th note; this DAC does not need an external linear power supply. I'm pretty sure the ADI-2 already has internal linear power conversion, despite using a common wall-wart external PS. The designer of the ADI-2 himself has said adding an external linear power supply would make zero difference in this DAC, and people who have tested this anyway have found that to be true (i.e. makes no improvement).