AMP Battle Royale! RME ADI-2 vs SMSL SP200 vs Violectric V280
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 24 сен 2024
- Is RME ADI-2 DAC's amp up to the task? We pit it against the S.M.S.L. SP200 with THX AAA technology, and we're throwing the Violectric V280 into the mix to see if it's worth the cost.
Custom shelving unit: www.etsy.com/s...
===========
Equipment used:
===========
- RME ADI-2: amzn.to/2yPb4vu
- S.M.S.L. SP200: amzn.to/3cfEUab
- Violectric V280: tinyurl.com/y8...
===========
Test Tracks:
===========
Alexis Cole - Cry Me a River - tidal.com/brow...
The City of Prague Philharmonic Chamber Group - Four Seasons (Spring I Allegro) - tidal.com/brow...
Augustin Hadelich - Paganini: 24 Caprices, Op. 1: No. 2 in B Minor - tidal.com/brow...
Zack Hemsey - Mind Heist - tidal.com/brow...
TelepopMusik - Breathe (Kartell Slow Remix) - tidal.com/brow...
===============
Intro music: www.bensound.com
![ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sCP63G8MYOI/mqdefault.jpg)
![ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]](/img/tr.png)
Thank you for the review MidFi Guy! Currently I'm comparing RME ADI-2 DAC and mighty Burson Conductor 3 on my Hifiman Arya. Despite Conductor can push 5W into 32 Ohm, ADI-2 competes very well (to my ears) on high volume and low gain. On low gain sound is not congested as on high gain and on high volume ADI-2 can keep sound quality just fine. Conductor 3 still has tad wider soundstage and dynamics hit harder sometimes. ADI-2 has better resolution though. Have a great listening experience folks!
I always wanted to try Burson amps. They look so well built inside and the owner is a true audio nut in his interviews. Congrats on the amp and thanks for the impressions!
Half a year later, which one do you still own? SMSL, RME, or Violectric?
Would be really interesting
Very nice review. I have over 50 years of audio and music experience. Having someone like you who is straight forward and not huge or has an agenda other than what you observed.The exposure is fine and video looks nice and your audio is great. Keep doing these reviews. I am looking at the RME closely as my reference. I am using a Motu Ultralite mk.4 and Schiit Modius and Asgard 3.
Please note that songs without singers are called pieces (Paganini, Carpices for violin)! Also a song is a piece (but it's called song when somebody sings)! It always tells if a person is deep into (classical) music! Sorry to correct you on expressions while I'm not even an English speaker! 😇
But I also wanted to congratulate you on the V280! Lake People and Violectric (by Fried Riem) is one of the very special headphone amps out there! Lehmannaudio (Linear ii or Drachenfels) would be another German headphone amp! 🤔
Thanks for the review! I have an ADI-2 DAC FS and a THX AAA 789. I expect it would be close to your setup, but not exactly the same. What i found was the inputs/outputs you use with the THX AAA 789 make a big difference. I recommend only using the XLR inputs and XLR outputs on the for the best quality (at least on the THX AAA). I found that when using the single-ended 1/4" on the THX, it sounded worse than on the ADI-2 with 1/4". Similarly, I was also using the RCA inputs on the THX to A/B other DACs with the ADI-2 and also found that they have way more distortion than the XLRs. In your tests, the use of the RCAs with the SML, might have resulted in poorer sound quality. It's hard to A/B test when you are swapping XLR cables, but give it a try and see if you notice a difference too. I was only able to get equal or greater quality from the THX to the native ADI-2 1/4" when using the XLR inputs and output.
I've read the SMSL converts the XLR inputs to single-ended anyway for the amplification stage so people said RCA input may actually result in better SQ due to the SP200 not going through the signal conversion process of balanced -> single ended. I'll try to see if I hear a difference again in a future video.
@@MidFiGuy I'm no engineer, but I did perceive differences. I believe the differences I heard may have more to do with the voltage levels and noise rejection/handling from signal from DAC en-route to AMP. This article might shed some light benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/balanced-vs-unbalanced-analog-interfaces
@@User_not_found_403 789 is NOT a fully balanced amp! It means that XLR input gets converted to single-ended before amplification. Your perceived differences is most likely due to higher volume provided by higher voltage of XLR I/O. Yes, XLR measures slightly better on paper, but I doubt you can tell the differences between XLR/RCA input once volume is matched.
@@derekw.5108 I concur with what you say about the 789 not being balanced design internally, but when I did the comparisons I did volume match. In my comments I said that there was also noticeably higher distortion when inputting via RCA than XLR. Even though the balanced in puts are being converged internally, an RCA signal path is still not identical to a balanced signal path that is merged at the tail end. I did no measurements - my observations are based on listening. Maybe my bias is burned into my head, lol, but I've repeated the experiment many times and received the same result. I would have never bothered to bring this up if I did not sonically notice a degradation in quality.
Was wondering about the violectric brand so thanks for the review. Dig the new hair style too :p
The fact that you are comparing two expensive amps to one that is about 1/5th the price, says a lot about the SP200! For people on a budget looking for better solutions it kinda hits the nail on the head!
Yup, and comparing them knowing the price. I’d like to see him do a blind test using headphones he’s not familiar with...
Great review. Looks like we have the same taste as we almost have the same equipment. Keep up the good work, looking for more in the future.
Nice review! I am getting an ADI-2 soon. Please learn more about the music you are listening to though. ;)
Paganini is not the name of the piece. Niccolò Paganini is the composer, the piece is Caprice No.2 in B minor from the 24 Caprices. Augustin Hadelich is the performer.
Thanks man. I find myself just finding new music on Tidal radio and need to research more into the composers. Thanks for clarifying!
Nice vid. The violectric just showed up on drop and was curious how it performed. Like the comparison too cause I have the rme and the 789
Should try the RME slow filter with DSP correction for the roll off.
The NOS actually rolls off the highs even with correction that's noticeable. Maybe better for an 800S or Arya or speakers with a hot treble but not great for headphones. The Slow filter gets better bass response and gives a little more space but everything else between that and SD Sharp (default) is next to impossible to determine.
great review and honest. I had the THX789 and Benchmark HPA4. They are VERY close, despite a major price difference.
Great review! I really think you need v281. With v281 balanced out, you will like everything you like about v280 x 1.5. SE out is about the same as v280.
The THX is made in China. With European product, we have a lot more regulations and higher sense of quality and durability, so you also can expect a far better product.
Thank's for your review. I have ADI-2 DAC and HD800s, and also I am looking for an external amp, so your review is extremely important for me. I like and really appreciate HD800s, but this combo is a lit bit analytical for me, especially when I listen progressive or hard rock. (BTW, I really enjoy this combo when I listen jazz). And I know that, for a less fatiguing experience, I can sell HD800s and buy a new pair headphone, like Aeolus, or buy a warmer amp, like V280. What do you suggest in this regard? My musical range lies between jazz to hard rock/metal.
I know sound characteristics of HD800S and ZMF Aeolus are very different. What do you think about the harmony between V280 and these pairs?
Thanks,
I hope to own the HD800s next, I think they perform a hair better than the Aryas for that precision in the upper-mids and treble extension.
The V280 excels at pairing with analytical headphones as it's on the warmer side. Check the thread (or the V281 thread) on Head-Fi and see what people are saying about the top-tier Sennheiser headphones on it.
As for Aeolus, it's still really, really good w/the V280. I personally prefer them on tube amps for the overly eupohric sound but I like how the Violectric throws tons of power at the Aeolus and it's exquisite to hear these two work together. It really just depends on the song you're listening to. For something fatiguing the Aeolus will pair better.
These are all sighted impressions, and at least according to Violectric, the amp has a ruler flat FR from 0 to 60khz. I suggest you do a bit more research before dropping 1500€ on something that doesn't do anything special.
@@MidFiGuy I am looking forward to hearing from you about your thoughts for HD800s with these amps.
Can you compare the degree of warmth of V280 with tube amps?
@@ahmetgorkemer2734 I just got a pair of HD800S :D They absolutely shine on the V280, it's really hard to stop listening. I'll discuss it more in a new video.
As for V280 warmth vs tube amps- I'd go tube amp all the way. Check Drop.com, they're selling the new La Figaro 339i for $650 which is a steal. Only a couple more hours left for the drop.
SMSL is the best cleanest amp I've listened to. I noticed zero difference between the SMSL and ADI-2.
Would you say the SMSL and ADI-2 amps are more similar than different? What cans are you using?
i have RME ADI 2 DAC and this is great dac. But im not use built-in amplifier usually.
The Topping A90 should supersede the THX/SMSL SP200 options at the $300 - $400 price range now. There are a few options in the $500 - $750 price point that are intriguing (RebelAmp + Flux Acoustic Labs FA-10) and a bunch of options in the $1k - $2k price range. In terms of hifi anything < $2k is really considered entry level or midFi. There are plenty of amps in the $3k - $6k level ( Pass Labs HPA-1, Niimbus, Questyle CMA800R, Eleven XI Audio Formula S , SimAudio 430HA, Violectric V281, ALO Studio Six, Woo Audio WA5LE, Eddie Current's Balancing Act ). There are plenty of DACs that go $3k+ even up to $10k+ (Chord Electronics Dav). It's always good to have perspective on price to performance and understand the entire value stream of Hps, Amps, Dacs, Preamps, Speakers, Cables, TTs, Cars, Phonos, and interconnects.
Does the Violectric really sound better, or just different? The THX technology ought to give a more analytical sound, which most people do not prefer. However, some, e.g. sound engineers, might prefer the sound of the S.M.S.L.
Have you tried using the parametric EQ on the RME? I was wondering if you could improve the sound much with that feature. And are all of these capable of connecting to a stereo system, as DACs only? How about the sound then?
RME is the only one with a DAC of these 3, and yes you can hook it up to a stereo system. That EQ really is a marvel for fine-tuning a pair of headphones. But EQing does take a while to get a hang of when just starting out, but it sure is worth it. I have an EQ profile for all my open backs I use at home with the RME, some need it more than others. Like with my HD800, the notorious 6-7k peak is pretty easy dial out, and a few db of sub-bass boost works great too. Also the general bass and treble knobs on the front panel are nice for on-the-fly tuning in different moods etc.
I'm quite happy with the RME's amp, but might just get the SMSL to see if more power & the THX-tech brings better results in dynamics especially. Thanks for the cool video, btw!
@@ZeBubba True! I always have a ~1.5db shelf at 120Hz, but crank it up for EDM tracks. And of course it all depends on the headphone too.
I want a ladder R2R DAC so bad but the PEQ on the RME is so addictive/needed for DACs that I don't think I could ever get rid of it!
Good review. I have been looking at these amps and dacs for quite a while now and everyone seems to be listening to recorded music that actually sounds great, but that is not the case for me.
The quarts-mechanical watch nerd analogy is great, bravo.
The V280 is the Grand Seiko Spring Drive of amps, though. Pick some 5-figure tube amp to be the Rolex :p
Curious to hear how these compare to the SPL Phonitor line of amps
Great review. Just subscribed and looking forward to new content. I have very similar tastes in headphones as you and was looking at the RME. I currently listen to my HD800s Verite closed and Arya the most. I usually listen to the hd800s and verite on tubes but when I want that solid state sound is the RME a good pairing for these or do you have suggestions in that price range I should look at?
Cheers & much appreciated! The ADI-2 is great for solid state. Imo if you feel it's not meeting the performance of your tube amp then look into one of the THX amps, a used Burson Conductor or the NFB-1 from Audio-Gd. You can spend more but the return on investment is a slippery slope.
@@MidFiGuy Haha great minds think alike. I am trying to sell my Audio GD 11.28 to fund the RME.
@@jeffpera7930 Hah truly! My first non-portable HP amp was the 11.28. Worth every penny!
Have you tried the sony mdr z1r with the v280?
After watching this and doing some more research I've decided to buy a Violectric amp to go with my newly acquired Audeze LCD-X. My question to you is do I really need to go for a 281? I can afford the 281 but don’t want to spend the extra cash if I don’t need to. I don’t need the pre-amp functionality however balanced would be nice to have. Also, do I really need the upgraded volume control?? In other words, do you think it’s worth it??
Imo the standard volume pot is perfectly fine. I tried the premium volume pot for the V281 at Canjam and it wasn't groundbreaking to me at all.
Nice review. I have the same feeling between Violectric V90 and SPL Phonitor One. V90 is fuller, warmer. Phonitor One is more analytical, there is more detail at high frequencies, but I am distracted by sounds. Since Violectric, I just listen to music :) I have AKG K702
Is the ADI-2 enough of a Headphone Amp to run HiFiman Arya with enough headroom? Thanks for the video.
Great and thanks man!!! May I ask you which headphones you can recommend to pair with the vioelectric?? Audeze LCD 2 Classic?? Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸
So i spotted on massdrop "the drop" that there's a buy on the Violetric V280 for $1199. I currently have the THX 887. Is the SP200 similar to the THX 887? If so how does the Arya pair with these amps/which is the better pairing? I may pull the trigger... but at the same time I don't want to lose the analytical sound either. Great review BTW got a subscriber!
I haven't tried the 887 but just about all reviewers say all the THX amps are hard to distinguish from each other sound-wise. I don't doubt the 887 may sound better with a beefier power supply though.
Arya will shine best on something that feeds it tons of power. It's a higher end planar and craves wattage. The v280 with its neutral-warm sound signature is a great pairing here.
@@MidFiGuy thanks! Looks like I'm gonna pull the trigger.
great video! quick right to the point enjoyable with due diligence bravo sir
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.
A little bit cheaper? How much DOES she charge you?
Have you tried a Violectric V200? I know it is cheaper than the V280, but is the V200 any good? Also, how does the V281 compare with the V280? Is the V281 even better? Thanks, Nick
hello, but the monolith 887 thx and the smsl sp 200 are not really balanced? the violectrix 280 instead is completely balanced?
I have a hd 6xx I'm running through a smsl sp200 amp and a fiio m11 as a source. When I go from the line out 3.5mm of the fiio m11 the sound is completely different from the 4.4mm balanced output. The balanced 4.4mm output sounds a lot bigger with a lot more bass but I dont know if it's a "normal" sound. The smsl is SE throughout I'm wondering which way is the most "normal" way to listen....
Hi. I'm a new subscriber. I love your honest and in-depth review. I have a question regarding SP200. Isn't the issue adjustable through specific DAC? I have Jurunheim multibit, but hasn't been satisfied. Magni 3 with explorer 2 as a DAC has been more satisfactory. I ordered SP200 to see how THX sound is like. As soon as I ordered SP200, I met your channel. I'm just trying to find the reason not to return SP200 now:)
Great review! The Violectric is a beast
The rme is really a dac more then a headphone amp
Totally agree. There are folks that say this amp is the only one you'll need because it measures so well. I wanted to put that to the test in this video.
@@MidFiGuy I bought the RME but I really miss the soundstage. What amp would you recommend? Price up to $2000. thanks a lot
@@zelareka check the GS-X mini or a used Violectric V281/new V280
lighting is poifect, bro!
hey the smsl pushes 3w/32ohm through the rca as well ? wanna know thx
Does your SP200 amp make a very noticeable pop when it turns on and off?
I tend to remove the headphone cable before I flip the switch, didn't notice it personally
SP200 is not balanced ... For the spec Nerds.
Watch analogy was great 👍🏻
I need that shelf, where did you find it?
Check the description. Tell him Mid-Fi Guy sent you ;)
Great review! Is the rme good for iems? Thanks so much!
John Hayes 👌
Great review! Keep them coming! 👍
Can RME drive Arya taking the full potential out of Arya? or should look for more powerful AMP? Thanks
The Arya really opens up when I connect it to the Violectric amp. It's still enjoyable connected directly to the RME but you'll get more refinement from a quality outboard amp.
@@MidFiGuy thanks for your feedback I think I will add an Amp like violelectric to drive Arya but instead of adding cost to buy Arya and Amp I am thinking to get second hand Empyrean.
Hello, I just retired from the Planetarium Post Office on west 83rd. St. You have a nice channel and I wish you success. I have an older Arcam irDac I had in my main system. I looking to replace my old Logitech 2.1 system on my PC. I’m looking for a headphone amp to use with my Arcam irDac for the meantime. I was considering the Schiit Modi multi-bit, Asgard 3 or Jot. 2 in you big Dac shootout you liked the R2R Bifrost with a THX amp. combination. Anyway any thought’s you’d like to share would be appreciated, stay well and good luck with your channel Sir
what about the violectric v200-a
I haven't heard that amp but the V200 is legendary and the V280/281 takes lots of tech & cues from the 200
@@MidFiGuy there is a new aniversary edition.. also there is the monotor from lake people.. seem to be same builder.. i like the fact that crosstalk is low and voltage swing high
so the sp200 is not a real balanced amplifier?
should the rca connection instead of xlr to have a better sound quality?
I tried both and it sounds the same to me, with the XLR input being louder due to the voltage difference (4v vs 2v).
It's not a true dual mono amp, no but for all intents and purposes in the head-fi world I would call it a balanced amplifier. There's more in-depth discussion about the semantics of this online, in the SP200 thread on Head-Fi.org but I mainly care about the sound
@@MidFiGuy thanks
@@MidFiGuy I bought sp200 recently and with beyerdinamic amiron it's fantastic
those little amps need to be pushed at a high volume to get that bass and full sound , always noticed that with different amps i've tried
only then they come alive
but that's basically with all music stuff i've had ...
i turn my amp up 75% , and Then adjust the volume of the source , it just sounds better with everything you throw at it
it's too bad those thx 879 don't ship to europe , rather tried one of those out , but no shipping to my country
a lot of the stuff that's on amazon just doesn't ship too europe , what so ever
a real shame
have a DT 770 pro 250ohm and DT 990 600 ohm , can't use them ...
those need a lot of power to drive or they just don't get a descent volume
thinking of buying the amp from beyerdynamic for those 2 puppies , never even tried them out
Yo man great stuff. I’m new to this best headphones I own are £50 jvc something😭 for my first hifi was thinking used schiit bifrost n thx amp. Listen mostly to rap rock n little bit of jazz music( some rap stuff has those kinds musical notes) was with some Huffman sundara. Imo seems like a good entry level n could pick it all up for under £500. Let me know or anyone for tha matter. Safe
If you're into watches, Rolex is where you start (and far, far from where you stop)... :P
Nice review as usual but please stop hitting your microphone ;)
Stand Link?
Link for the stand is in the description
MidFi Guy I have the Arya with sp200. Your descriptions really ring true, it’s too flat and lacks dynamics and impacts especially on drums (I play drums and the easiest way for me to gauge an amp is the snare sound and how close it is to sitting at my kit. Sp200 sounds extremely sterile and no punch) Something I used to work this out was live Dave Matthews band recordings. Even my schiit magni 3+ sounds nicer with drum impacts and electric guitar tones. Also the voices sound warmer and more full bodied compared to the sp200. I’m thinking a schiit Asgard 3 may be a better match with the Arya for cheap, probably similar to the violectric in terms of warmth and impacts just much cheaper. Any thoughts?
@@Snook_ Hey dude, great question. I keep hearing great things about the Asgard 3, not only of its stellar quality but that it punches above its weight when you're talking about price. I haven't heard it personally so I can't vouch for it but it may be just one of those blind buys that ends up being a smart choice.
You could also look for Audio-gd NFB-1. AG gear is also amazing bang per buck and I love the sound they produce.
MidFi Guy will check. What’s your fav amp/dac combo with the Arya so far?
@@Snook_ V280 all the way. You get the punch, the dynamics, and the power. As for DAC I'm currently testing 3 right now but my reference is the ADI-2. It's fun to play with the EQ to get the punch that you're after. >=)
Like your new look
This is... just weird.
RME + SMSL might be better that Monolith THX AAA. However, Monolith is definitely better as all in one against RME. And SMSL solo wont do a thing w/o proper DAC.
between the two amplifiers you have tried which one do you prefer for purity and sound separation?
SP200 for purity, V280 for sound separation
@@MidFiGuy Sp 200 doesn't have enough separation?
@@cirotube74 yes it has it and it performs really well. It's just when you're comparing to the V280 that you notice the difference and subtleties in separation.
well your wife is just fantastic. great vidds
Yes I got real lucky :D
nice review
I found the rme amp a little compressed sounding vs my aaa 789
most of the headphones hes using dont have a great sound stage ,
Apple dongle beats them all
500th like here..do I win a special prize for saying so? 😏😏 enjoyed the video like all of yours btw!
I don’t understand why you are comparing a $265 amp to a $1200 & $1700 amp. Terrible content.
useful review, thank you. any recommendations to smoothen the highs on the focal elear?