RME vs Newer Chinese DACs - Who Wins?!

[@shonen84]

Wonderful detailed overview, thanks! Love my RME. Paired with my Focal Clear Mg - I have graduated from the audiophile hobby. I got everything I need

[@Raymondey]

As always - the best sound signature description on KZbin 👍Thanks! 🙏

[@jonibz1456]

Having the ability to eq my headphones on the RME is great, and have been enjoying it for a couple of years as a dac as is on my speaker system. thanks for the great comparisons and in-sight.

[@JanBurak-ng9gq]

I listen to music from a computer + DAC + monitors. Is RME suitable for playing music in such a simple audio system?

[@andyl2700]

I just found out about the RME today and this was exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for the great reviews.

[@Berkanann]

Great review! I used to own the ADI-2, paired with different amplifiers like Burson 3XP and others. Great d/s DAC indeed. Parametric EQ, loudness function which you can calibrate on each output is really appealing. Soundwise it is indeed on similar level than Qutest. To me, none of these DACs can compete though when it comes to proper R2R (sound only). The feature set of ADI-2 is unmatched to date.

[@gg0297]

The RME Parametric EQ is an unmatched feature. You can really compensate for your faulty room acoustics, from a frequency response point of view. Unmatched.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

5 bands isn't remotely good enough.

[@gg0297]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez It is, if you use subwoofers and an active crossover. More than enough. Less is more, otherwise you alter the signature sound of the speaker.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@gg0297 all speakers need dsp room correction. There is no exception to this rule. REW and Dirac use an infinite attention PEQ filter array for a reason. Soeakeds no a huge amount of help to actually sound coherent. Some of that comes from your room, placement, and the coherency of your speakers, but it also need to come from dsp. Those first 3 things arnt enough.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@gg0297 you simply have low standards of what musical fidelity is. Once you've heard a properly corrected speaker, the masking caused by colouration is very apparent. Masking should not exist on any system you payed $$$ for.

[@gg0297]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez How have you come to that conclusion? 😂 I have a fully treated room (not some foam on walls), since I used it for music production (15+ years experience) + room correction. When it comes to hi-fi, though, perfect frequency response is not a thing ( a linear response is dull for the majority of listeners, hence the house curve - lower frequencies are higher than mids and highs - is a more popular approach). Stop assuming, kid.

[@seanb3303]

Nice review. I really enjoy the RME PEQ filters that let me cut bass where my room modes are. Also this DAC allowed me to ditch my preamp so one less box.

[@maximyllion]

mic preamp?

[@seanb3303]

@@maximyllion this is a consumer product

[@chengo51]

Great review ! .....I have this DAC since it appears on the market and I use it with a Decware tube amp of 2,3W and also with a FirstWatt F5 amp ! I can tell you that with both amps, the sound stage is really wide, just the depth could be better.....but you always want more of everything and this review was great because of the comparison with the new Dacs like the Gustard. I chosed it because of the volume attenuator, when you listen to Qobuz for example, you have always quite a lot of gain difference between albums so the remote to set the volume is a must for me. Something else not mentionned in the review, is the possibility to compensate in some ways, your room acoustic and I can tell you, with this RME you can play around with so many parameters that some users sold it because it was too much for them and they wanted something more straight forward ! Also RME is mainly producing professionnal equipment for recording studio, the quality control is surely a strong point here, I hope RME would come out with a R2R DAC sometime but I doubt it, this DAC seems to be just a side production ...... "for fun" may be !

[@deanslater6028]

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this DAC comparison video. One of the most informative and useful videos on the subject

[@garfythecat]

I've been using this for a few months now and I can't imagine ever needing anything else. It has tons of power, so many features and sits neatly on my desk.

[@NosEL34]

Right...and it's built to last forever.

[@nikolaygramchev]

I will not try to add anything after your review except confirming that ADI-2 FS to the tube otl Feliks Audio Echo2 is a killer chain for headphones.

[@SimonP2]

I just bought one of these, in part thanks to this review so thank you. I upgraded from a Hifiman EF400 and as much as I loved the EF400, this is definitely an upgrade in every way, especially the PEQ side of things which I need. It offers so many other features that I will find useful that I see it as being my end-game, absolutely amazing.

[@ffs7954]

I love you so much man. Youre my favourite hifi youtuber by far

[@pasch_]

Still loving the ADI-2 2 years into owning it. Pairs beautifully with the Meze Empyrean and Focal EVO 65s.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Have you tried it with sensitive iems? I'm curious about the noise floor/hissing 🤔

[@ianorigbo7617]

You just said all I've thought of the RME. Really good review. 👌

[@leifbrandt3454]

Wonderful review! Is the A26 the best dac you've listened to? Is there a cheaper one that can provide an almost as large soundstage? Depth, width and height? Thank you in advance.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Very detailed comparisons. You’re reviews are always very informative. Btw, based a great deal on your review, I’ve purchased a Ladder Schumann. I concur with your analysis of it. A terrific piece of stereo gear. My soundstage immediately expanded to almost ridiculous width. Bass and treble full and clear. Just tremendous. My big problem is I can’t find a single manual or piece of set up doc. So, I’m pretending it works like my old Ares II.

[@rodrigoarias390]

Hey friend! Have you updated the Ares 2 FPGA? If so... Do you find the Ladder Schumann still much better? Or have you compared the Schumann to a Pontus 2 or the Gustard R26? Thanks so much!

[@stevezeidman7224]

@@rodrigoarias390 Hello, I haven’t applied the FPGA update because I traded my Aries 2 for a McIntosh MX115 tuner/preamp. I have not heard the Pontus or the Gustard. The Ladder Schumann looks like it escaped from a Denafrips factory so I believe it is probably closer to the Pontus than the Gustard. Forgot to add, I do like it quite a bit better. I was using NOS for a while, but I feel like I like the OS/fast setting the most.

[@elgolelgol8075]

ridiculous width soundstage maybe means that something added from dac except if all recordings have recorded with ridiculous depth of soundstage

[@cruise2023]

Great video, you explained it very well. I agree the RME is featured packed and unmatched.

[@NosEL34]

The RME is solid, the Parametric EQ is what sets it apart in my opinion...well also the fact that is very well made with quality parts and chassis. The RME will still be going strong 20 years from now..I dk about all these other flavor of the month dacs. Although I think I want to try out the Gustard R2R.

[@Alexander-zs5rj]

I have a RME Adi-2DAC FS , was my Best Buying Choice. Next is a SPL AMP. Both in a System with so much Sounding and Dynamic Ranges could be my Privat Reference System to my Old Infinity Kappa 90 Loudspeakers.

[@rodpinfold8824]

I have has ADI 2 for two years and tried the R26 after so many positive reviews. It went back and the RME stay longer, why change a winning team Ears ADI 2 FS

[@pbea2410]

I think comparaison with Denafrips would be interesting. On the other hand, I own an RME and my views are consistent with your conclusions 👍

[@bobsmoot8454]

I’ve seen a couple of your reviews and I think you do a very credible job of ascertaining the differences in the sound of the equipment under review. I’ve been using a RME-UFX for about a dozen years, and your statement on the 3D soundstage is inline with my experience, in that I use Altec 820 corner horns with large format upper horn, the width is not an issue, but the depth as compared to listening to records with a tube preamp has more depth and definitely more warmth and a rounded leading edge

[@gaetancharbonneau3902]

Very nice detailed review! I am using the RME with a Conrad Johnson CAV 45 control tube amplifier (EL34 tubes). I love it! This DAC is the audio component I never think about, the ultimate praise I can think of. It just play music! 🙃 Cheers from Canada.

[@rdowdall1]

Have you listened to the Pro-ject DAC Box RS2? I would be interested in a comparison between RME ADI and Gustard X26 and the RS2. Both the Pro-ject Dac Box RS2 and Gustard use dual ES9038 chips. The Gustard uses the ES9038pro and the Pro-ject Dac Box RS2 uses the ES9038Q2M. The difference is the PRO version of the dac chip is 8 channel vs Q2M is a 2 channel chip. Price of the Pro chip is $90 U.S vs $19 for the Q2M. Currently I am using the RME ADI-2 (ESS) with a McIntosh MA-352 integrated amplifier and am looking to upgrade my dac.

[@IronHorsey3]

You hit on something major with the RME: using it direct with tube amps. I have it and used it with different tube amps. It's stellar. Each improvement was picked up, eaten and churned out by the RME. Now I have some great tube monoblock amps. Once again, spectacular results with the RME ADI-2. Using different setting the tunings are as varied as you like but there's an automatic "ref setting" that allows it to select the best pairing with the output to the tube amps. This as it turns out is the best selection and offers the best quality with high volume output. No preamp, just a terrific match. Well done to highlight this aspect.

[@DropoutSound]

We must get it clear in our heads that the RME ADI-2 is not made for audiophiles, it is created as a measuring instrument for ie. mastering. So it sounds exactly as the digital signal should sound, no more and no less, with maximum transparency. All other products insert character/stage/etc. intended by the designers. RME doesn't, it simply gives you the actual picture, then it's up to you to add amplification stages to give the desired colour.

[@mikelanier5617]

Love my RME with AKM for the sound quality and eq presets for multiple headphones or IEMs. Just got the Gustard R26 delivered and will put it on my main system with nos tube rolled Willsenton R8. I will use the RME in my head-fi stack with Bluesound Node 3, Schiit Lokius plus a Monolith THX amp for my planars. Finishing up a new audio rack and coating Ikea cutting boards with mineral oil and beeswax for isolation platforms. Really hope the R26 is as good as reported and if so, will be my end game Dac for sure. Great review as always and your opinion on the RME is the same as my experience using it for 3 years 👍

[@priedits]

Please share your experience. I have R8 and chord mojo 2 at the moment. Looking at r26 really hard ar the moment 😁

[@mikelanier5617]

@@priedits I will post an update once I have the R26 hooked up and running 👍

[@ProducerMC]

R26 has an amazing soundstage that feels natural and analog. However AKM are more forward with less soundstage/depth, but more slam in the transients. They both sound natural but the R26 is amazing and transforms the sound into a more desirable sound. Mind you, it’s neck and neck. Both are stellar

[@mikelanier5617]

I've been switching back and forth between the R26 and RME adi-2 and the R26 wins on overall sound quality and seems to bring out more layers and instruments. The RME will stay in my head-fi stack as it is still fantastic and I love the parametric eq presets for different headphones. The R26 is just beyond anything I've ever heard, crazy good actually and very happy I bought it! I must say I like the R2R sound for sure and the built in renderer gives me Tidal over Lan using Upnp which is a massive bonus.

[@marcgoldstein2957]

I'm still discovering the RME after a year of ownership. Also...it has an incredible EQ. Amazing device.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Can i ask how is the noise floor/hissing with sensitive iems

[@NeilBlanchard]

I think that well implemented AKM sigma delta DACs are in a sweet spot. And if you can get a good 12V (50W?) linear power supply - I am guessing the soundstage and dynamics *would* improve.

[@ufarkingicehole]

A really good and "quite" power supply will add a good bit to the price. You are right though.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@ufarkingicehole Since the power supply is external on this DAC (like some others), you can get your own linear power supply. You need to match the voltage (and be sure it needs DC), and get something with at least as much available wattage, and you will likely hear some significant improvements.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@NeilBlanchard I have tried a few different supplies and I ended up with a almost $400 power supply for my blue sound node 2i. I had to alter the power section using a polish board and found big differences with the sub $100 power supplies in comparison to the $400ish ps. It's hard to describe but easy to discern in person. The expensive power supply seems to be far more quite and opens up the spatial resolution. It also sounds cleaner. I didn't believe that it would make such a difference but tried it and it's definitely a massive upgrade.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@ufarkingicehole Absolutely - I have done that same thing to my Node 2i. I am using a dual voltage linear PS (5V for the Node and 12V for my Geshelli Labs JNOG2 AKM) that has twin 50W transformers and separate regulation/filter boards. It cost about $220 shipped from China. I now know of a good source here in the US (Pine Tree Audio) that would cost about $375 for a similar LPS. Pine Tree also sells an amazingly great AC power cable called the Iso-Braid, which is quite reasonable at $65 for 3' and $10 for each additional foot. These have almost as "big" an effect as the LPS.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@NeilBlanchard that's awesome. I also have a J2. I have several amps to include a few Crown amps. The J2 was not the best pairing with some of my class A/B amps but it made my crown amp sound fantastic. I honestly was going to sell it but after hearing it with the J2, synergy happened. Do you have a model number for the J2 power supply you are using? I am also tempted to get a decent power filter (used) at some point. Power cables have been an interesting journey for me. I will have to look into the cables you mentioned. Believe it or not but my favorite power cable so far is a "krell" knock off from Ebay. The cable is a knock off BUT it's incredibly well made and relatively cheap.

[@riccitone]

Outstanding review, and so happy you took the time with a majorly overlooked situation in "sum of its parts" being exceptional to other solutions. But also helps me understand better what I might need going forward. Love my AKM based D70s, but wonder now how big a jump the Gustard would become. Regardless, I hope to get an RME someday!

[@ThomasL]

Stellar review, many thanks for all the details and the quality of your analysis and the way you explain your feelings with comparisons.

[@rm-mastering]

Very good review, well put together and comprehensive. Thanks

[@ВасяФорточкин-ж2щ]

Thanks a lot for the review. Guys, how do you think-which device plays better this1 or teac ud-505?

[@ProducerMC]

Love what’s going on here.. as a professional audio engineer RME is used in the studio. It tells you exactly what’s happening in the mix and helps you translate that to a final product. After that stage is when consumers should mix and match DACs and amps to their taste. Get a RME if you want to know EXACTLY what they heard in the studio

[@seanb3303]

Good to hear your perspective. So many pro audio people think that the focusrite scarlette is completely transparent.

[@ThomasL]

@@seanb3303 Scarlett ?! No, if you're speaking about Pro Engineers talking about Focusrite qualities certainly not, you're probably getting mistaken with their Clarett range, which look alike through images, but in quality, one is levels above the other. And also some of their older ISA range is clear as hell (The preamps used in their ultra rare console from the 90's, the ISA 110's modules)

[@ProducerMC]

Not many “Professionals” use the lower tier Focusrites 😅

[@seanb3303]

@@ProducerMC yes they are pro but have no work 😀

[@LoniGuitarChannelHr]

Thanks for the review, one question.... Eversolo DAC Z8 vs RME ADI 2? Which is better buy? (pozdrav iz ZG)

[@iiWiReviews]

RME ADI-2 is a better sounding product to my ears. I would go for Z8 only if price difference is significant and important for my budget. Pozdrav 🍻

[@LoniGuitarChannelHr]

@@iiWiReviews Thank You 👍

[@ffbossy]

In my possession for over two years, it does not have an audiophile price tag. But the sound quality is audiophile, the standard power supply is good, but with the linear power supply from sBooster there is also no distortion, but you hear tubes instead of transistors. The loudness function is great, there is no difference in sound quality between 45dB or 100dB What has of course changed is the sound pressure .iPhone connected to the RME ADI-2 FS DAC ensures that you will never have to play an LP or CD again. The resolution is often higher than that of the CD. With ALAC the orchestra is playing in the concert hall. If you like classical music and opera, Apple Music Classic is the best choice. Het verschil tussen de standaard geleverde of lineaire voeding van sBooster is enorm er is absoluut geen vervorming maar je hoort nu buizen ipv transistors. De loudness functie staat bij mij aan, en weergavekwaliteit blijft audiofiel. Je hoort geen verschil tussen 50dB of 100dB alleen de geluidsdruk wordt veranderd.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Can i ask how much the sbooster changed the sound quality?

[@marcoluca6552]

Thank you for interesting review. I like to known if the difference you have noted are not music type dependent. For example if you listen only Pop/Rock you get the some differences ? Or for Classical and Jazz the difference are more evident ?

[@prathibha1230]

Hi, great review yet again; I have Hagel Hagel H190 I'm considering upgrading to an eternal USB DAC; what DAC you'd suggest that can improve on Hagel 190's Internal DAC?

[@larsanderhus3652]

Great review. I use a ADI-2 for my 2nd setup. With a Teddy Pardo LPS the soundstage/depth/ and overall sq increases quite significantly compared to the standard SMPS.

[@MOWFWDU]

In spite of the fact that RME says a better PS is a waste of money because of blah blah blah? If you can't trust a manufacturer with this, why would you believe anything they say? Apart from your using your ears and musical experience that is.

[@waterglass55]

@@MOWFWDU I see your point, but RME may comment by their theoretical assumption, without comparison, besides there are quite a few opinions to support such a linear supply. I use IFI PS for ADI-2 FS simply because I have one, which improves the SQ a very little :)

[@levinste2750]

Can you please, give more details about ?

[@vekanoid]

Great review as usual. How would you compare the DMP-A8 internal DAC to the RME? Which one is better for your ears? The DMP-A8 is very popular, so it would be interesting to consider it in comparisons like this :)

[@tedmingolla2847]

Apples and oranges, The RME DAC is as clinical a DAC as they come. Every Chinese DAC that I have heard is biased (filtered) for a specific market. When I bought my ADI-2 it was 700 euros/ $720 usd at the time. IT was the absolute best deal for a DAC/PreAmp/ Parametric EQ/ Headphone Amp. It got so popular it became a $1300 DAC overnight.

[@MistaLova-Lova]

Very nice descriptions of each device, as always 😃 Like I've commented in your other videos - this is the difference between op-amp-based products which have their limitations and a fully discrete architecture such as the Gustard A26 or X26Pro. If you then switch off such a DAC's internal upsampling, "turbo-charge" it with HQPlayer-upsampled sound (i.e. address the weakest link - the chip) and pair it with a similar-quality amp (i.e. discrete/Class A) you'll be in audio heaven or at least knocking on its doors. 😉 What a great time to be an audio enthusiast.

[@johnh539]

I have now had the RME for five months . I chose it because I decided that with all it's settings and an integrated valve amp if I didn't like the resalt it must be my fault for not setting it up right or not liking the valves I chose. Partly because I licked the sound so much I have infect not changed anything yet. Though I do use my WiiM EQ . I have finely achieved what I have spent all this money for, ' too hear music at verry low volume when I want without loosing "Tambor" '. As to the sound stage it has sometimes amused me that on some recordings it is bigger than my room.

[@revanshy498]

I just got back into audiophile stuff again in the last month and it's funny to hear about the AKM factory burning down from everyone all the time like I missed an arc of One Piece or something XD

[@marcelbeles9404]

hello Srboljub, I want to ask you if you will also do written reviews on your pages? KZbin reviews are great, you are doing really well, but I also like to read your insights, Google translate works better than KZbin translation :D Thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

I had some issues with my work space that prevented me from catching up with my written reviews... But I am just now renovating my working space so I can do more work on the website in coming months.

[@zibikonti8901]

Excellent analysis - thank you. I have own ADI-2 FS for last 3 weeks and I am very happy. Few important features for me in this DAC are: ability to tune BASS/TREBLE tones easily; experiment with the sound stage width using Crossfeed/Wide features. Possibly EQ my ears and headphones (HIFIMan Edition XS) later . There are many other features that you may find useful on this DAC. I have found no DAC/Amp below 1500 Euro that allows all that.

[@st33Npuist]

Nice review! I was thinking.. as a Reaper user, ITB mixer.. no need for inputs. Should I buy this, I would say YES, or a Babyface or UCX?

[@indrakumarc73]

Nice review, i have Luxman DA 250 DAC that is a 2016 model. Do you think RME dac has some advantages? Also do you plan to review RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE as well ?

[@dentboxhero1717]

RME being a pro-audio gear you will not get a colored or an unnaturally expanded sound, what you will get is a sound true to the source material. You can of course tweak the sound to your hearts content as you have that option under it's feature. The PEQ section is the icing on the cake as it can save multiple profiles which is perfect for those that have and use multiple headphones/iem. Dig even further down it's feature and you can also have the option of a digital out. Nothing really can touch the feature-set that the RME offers in both FS and PRO version, specially the PRO.

[@johnkom2339]

Yes I've often wondered whether this soundstage issue is correctly understood. I think some Dacs artificially expand the soundstage and separate the instruments, because designers know that this is a quality some listeners like, but a price is paid. Best is music that is true to the source, not "analyzing" out the instruments and separating them. Your ears can do that.

[@boonwong1]

As usual, excellent analysis and comparison.

[@DJMikeron]

To be honest I bought it and tested it . I did an A to B test with the ifi zen one signature DAC and I preferred the ifi . The sound stage and overall sound was more pleasant to my ears out of the box❤

[@DT-vc7hd]

I love big soundstages and I cannot lie

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

It also has a lot of features that you won't get with l70+e70 stack like peq for example. It seems like an excellent choice for a all in one desktop/ nearfield solution. Otherwise and in a standard 2.0 or 2.1 stereo solution where you don't use headphones i'd always choose a dac with better soundstage capabilities like su-10 or even the cheaper r2r solutions.

[@gatila76]

Thanks. Perfect review and comparisions.

[@AshishPatel-yq4xc]

I have had this version of the RME adi2dac with the AKM chip since it was released. Your review is very accurate about this dac. I have other dacs too and some do sound more analog than the rme, wider soundstage , more slam in the lower bass, richer midrange and extended highs. I did not need to spent more, infact a 1/2 of the RME price and a lot older tech wise. The input to these dacs is also XLR input not coax/optical that RME has. I have found the Xlr digital connection is definitely better on these dacs then coax or optical.

[@michaelwitt1733]

" 1/2 the price" ... please do tell of which dac you speak of ????

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Aune s9c Pro ​@@michaelwitt1733

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you as always for your very honest, detailed, and comprehensive review and opinions. You are a genuine yardstick by which I personally measure my audio purchases.

[@iiWiReviews]

I appreciate that!

[@enduro500sp]

Do you remember wich DA-filter you used on the RME during the review? Default filter is SD-Sharp. I find the different filters to sound quite different from each other. Thanks for the review!

[@takeiteasy6154]

I have this dac with the ESS chip, I think you are right it exactly output verbatim what you put in, so you hear the original recording, pcm that had a bad nyqist filter at encoding, you can hear the ringing on this, good encoded music sounds brilliant. I use sharp or sd sharp filter for the most resolution, excellent sound.

[@anonimushbosh]

Excellent review. Sorry if I missed a reference but do you have you any experience of the Gashelli J2 dacs?

[@kriskelvin64]

Love the detail of your review. Great

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Wonder how the RME stacks up with the EverSolo Z8 Dac? Anybody? A lot of people seem to like that DAC. Kinda like a new kid on the block. I'm in no hurry for a new DAC but the EverSolo sounds interesting. So does the RME. Has some features i could really utilize. EQ and separate balance controls with individual eq's for both left and right. That is an awesome feature that i have not heard of on any DAC. Thanks for the review!

[@wojciechczupta]

the best feature for an audiophile is the inbuilt EQ, with adjustable frequencies and filter steepness. Most of audiophiles however won't use EQ ever. How sad... They will never know how their room should sound like.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

yeah used eqs and bass boosts for basically everything, plain monitoring are just boring on most system, and most of times, sounds thin

[@wojciechczupta]

I don't mean here 'enhancing' the sound. I just mean keeping it proper regardless of what kind of damage your room geometry does.

[@barrywatson7]

I have an RME ADI2 and it took me a while to get the best out of it but with a streamer (rather than my iPad) it sounds really good. I have used its preamp with my Trigon amp and it is excellent. I’ve looked around for something better but the RME offers a great value proposition. I’d have liked RCA in too,but I need the Pro for that. Great comparison.

[@donanimdunyasi]

Excellent video, thank you

[@andreygolovchenko]

For me the absolute winner, if to take into account price - sound, is E70 Velvet. Gustard A26 is only marginally better overall. Size-wise E70V wins too.

[@legione1capone]

How would the rme compare to the ladder schumann? Oh I bought a shumann btw thanks to your review and I am loving it!

[@jamesderby4522]

Well done. I have a question/request. I have noticed that musician audio and ladder have a strong resemblance to denfrips. I asked shenzhen audio if the ladder Bach preamp had the same internals as the Hestia and confirmed…minus the remote. I would guess the Monoceros is a Hestia rebadge. Can you line up the Pegasus, Aquarius, Schumann with their Denefrips cousins? Is it simply on par by price?

[@iiWiReviews]

They're not as far as I can see and hear. Internals are always different to extent. Ares II, Pegasus, Schuman... All sound different. First Denafrips that uses equally precise resistors as Pegasus and Schuman is Venus II. But Venus II also has much beefier power supply so it's once again a different build. And so on...

[@dougg1075]

I want the RME for the spectrum analyzer alone:)

[@ДмитроЖигалкін]

I think that RME is not so poular because it demand quite high quality hi-fi system to uncover all his capabilities. But if you have such one - you can enjoy it!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

hi great review. i recently got the border patrol se i dac for 1500$ and i love it so far. it's handwired in usa ,has a tube rectifier and does only up to 24/96 not the last word in resolution or detail but sounds very full natural open and relaxed without being dull. i hear the rme dac a lot at work on live gigs and honestly it's nothing special ,beats the chinese crap for sure unless you go r2r .

[@dingskydongsky]

yeah right, people said exactly the same thing about Japanese products in the seventies.

[@ronenbuium7699]

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

[@landosazo7506]

you are right, the Quetie should be about $700-800

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Great review as always! The SU-10 would have been my choice if not for the forward vocals that’s so close to listener. I need something similar with the singer a bit behind the speakers, this helps for headphones users. So far this is what I learned : From further back to most forward Pegasus/R26 Schumann Denafrips Schiit audio SU-10 Where would the RME fit and what is your opinion and recommendation on that matter.

[@chengo51]

In general but it of course it depends on the recordings, vocals are slightly behind the line of your speakers, so not at all in your face.

[@downnoutdubin]

Funny thing is I had a Pegasus before my R26. I almost got rid of the R26 and tried my luck with the Pegasus again, due to how forward the whole range is on the R26. It kind of ruined the staging. Sounding almost flat (but wide still) due to the placement of the vocals. Which seemed about even with the high-hat, cymbals, and guitar. Which kind of blended those instruments together almost too much. Also, to me, those instruments sounded more real to life on the Pegasus. However the Pegasus did lack in the lower mid department. So much so, my HD660s sounded like cheap headphones. I plan on buying another Pegasus and keeping the R26, and I feel like between those two. That will be end game. The more I researched into the Holo Spring 3, it just seemed like it was slightly better than the R26. Wouldn't have provided what I felt like the R26 lacked, where the Pegasus shined.

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Funny indeed. I was thinking of the r26 for myself as a reviewer mentioned that with NOS ON it sounded forward but once you switch to NOS OFF the vocals are move all the way back. Please let us know if that is really happening. The eversolo z8 and SMSL 400ex are also pushed back but not as 3d as R2R

[@kalakalaiand3343]

Gustard R26 was an eye opener for me. I didnt know dac can change this much in sound. Since then i tried A26 and now i got chord Dave. Im done now :D

[@veetour]

Between the R26 and A26, which do you find better? How close are those two Gustard DACs to the Chord Dave?

[@kalakalaiand3343]

@@veetour A26 for pop/electric songs, R26 with live with vocal and instruments. Chord Dave is both combined with mega +..

[@20puskinas1992]

Dave doesn't look anything with its pathetic power supply. Nothing special at all.

[@rodrigoarias390]

How would you say the Gustards compare to the Denafrips Pontus or Venus? Thanks!

[@WorldView22]

Adding a better power supply to Qutest and RME would give you a more accurate picture of what these DACs are capable of. I've done it with the Chord 2Qute and the difference was very significant, especially in terms of low and mid freq weight/volume as well as imaging. You simply cannot leave good DACs with noisy switch-mode PSUs, you'll be greatly underutilizing them.

[@andrewfurst5711]

It seems ridiculous that at the price Chord charges, they don't include an upgraded power supply. Yes add a $400 power supply to Qutest (or 2Qute) and it's great, but then it's about twice the price of the RME. And at that huge price for Qutest + new power supply, you still you don't get the pre-amp, equalizer, headphone, and remote control features of the RME. Imagine what it would cost to add a comparable quality pre-amp, equalizer, and headphone amp to the Qutest (plus power supply) set-up. So maybe those two DACs shouldn't be compared, given the massive price differences when you add it all up.

[@Rev0ltTTV]

I just watched a interview of Rob saying the power supply that comes with the Qutest is the best. And that the difference you're hearing by adding a different power supply is noise degradation. Not sure about the 2Qute though.

[@JanBurak-ng9gq]

Do you listened ifi zen 2 DAC? Can you compare its scene's to RME?

[@KingFiercer_zip]

You're describing very well. RME is a good DAC with its own unique features. If you want a softer/richer sounding DAC/Amp, you can try the Singxer SDA-2, it must be something between E70 and SU-10. I liked it more than the D70 and A18, and than the RME.

[@WXSTANG]

Attenuated signal means nothing in home audio. You have to level match your equipment just like car audio. In home audio, you aren't running against a noisy environment, so there is almost zero benefit to a 5V preamp input vs a 2V preamp input. When DACs are level matched, I have yet to hear one sound superior in any way, shape or form.

[@Sebastian_Athea]

Have you tried changing filter settings on RME? they have a pretty big difference, and most of them are a bit useless of hifi environment, like both sd filters are meant to reduce the delay for using the dac to play digital instruments. Slow and sharp are the ones you wanna stick with, slow expands the imaging but it also makes the dac sound a bit smoother and less detailed compared to sharp.

[@IronHorsey3]

It's not a big difference audibly among the filters but when combined with the options to adjust the EQ, then you have tremendous variability for your room, genre and personal taste. None of the others here can touch it.

[@jackd4758]

I thought so too, until I used RME as a preamplifier and then the differences could be heard quite clearly

[@somename8831]

I like this review, actually tries to compare different dacs. Topping seems to be hard to get your hands on, they always have months of waiting. I am looking at the RME but the amount of weird (paid?) reviews of this thing makes me wonder if I should get it...

[@johnlovric5896]

Which Usb cable and XlR interconnect did you use or recommend?

[@tango_gru]

Hello , Thanks for the great review. Any chance you compared it with Ares 2 ?? Anybody else please feel free to chime in if you have compared the these two DACs

[@yanzhen4249]

Rme is just too expensive for me. I hope you could review SMSL D1SE2 soon. You are the number 1 reviewer I go to whenever I am searching for a certain product, thanks for all the reviews

[@BillyKueekSG]

I am waiting for a newer version of this RME but no news yet. Is it still worth getting this now at its price range? My better DAC in my use us the Gustard R26

[@cruise2023]

I own the RME and quite like it, admitably my first and only dedicated dac I have owned, so can't say or compare. Due to the fact i own a Oppo bdp105D player and wish to also play SACD, I can't use the RME as an external dac. There is a way with i2s input, which the RME hasn't, but the likes of Denafrips Pontus II has. ( connection HDMI out from Oppo to junction box with i2s out to Pontus II ) Getting the Pontus II is the way I am thinking. After all this it would be great if you could compare/review the RME vs Gustard R26 or A26 vs Pontus II not just for the i2s connection but also sound. 😁

[@colindoyle9876]

Chipset is ESS 9028Q2M not original AKM 4493 due to factory fire. Pro version still has it.

[@DonutsReview]

Love the SMSL DO200 and it does sound warm. 😍

[@slobodankovacevic5725]

Greqt video, as allways.I recomend adi dac to people Who have a tube power or integrated amp.

[@memeswillneverdie]

I mean the mono, polarity, eq, crossfeed, safety features for DC offset, power failure, volume warning, spectrum analyser and level meter, variable filters, remote, dim functions etc. for an audio engineer there is nothing that compares

[@mechantl0up]

I agree on what you say about the DAC of ADI-2, but the headphone amp section is not as high performing as you describe. As a matter of fact, it has the worst soundstage I have heard on a decently priced amp. It is extremely small, congested, and 2-dimensional, to the point of brung almost claustrophobic, and hence is very unnatural sounding. I have tested the amp on two different units, so it is not a hardware issue. I simply could not use it as a headphone amp even for casual listening. And the better the headphone, the more accentuated these flaws immediately become. It fails to scale with the headphone completely.

[@colanitower]

A Denon PMA-A110 with its builtin DAC, or a well-reburbished Denon PMA-QS10 II + RME ADI-2 FS DAC for 900 euros less? I finally took the decision and chose the latter. Out-of-the-box the difference seems small when hearing the first sound, but after a few tracks the richer detail of the ADI-2 FS DAC reveals itself. And finetuning in my system using the ADI-2's many capabilities is yet to start. I'm glad I took this decision, but the PMA-A110 is a good solution too, good-looking and amp+DAC in one box.

[@PlaAwa]

Excellent vid, and it looks like you have hundreds more intriguing ones for me to get through. I happen to have made the decision to boycott 'chi-fi' to the greatest reasonable extent (nothing against the people or race itself) and so the results are comforting. I also have a tube amp packed away that I hope to unpack at future accommodation. That valve amp also only has one manual volume knob and a toggle switch between two line level sources. I guess that a phono stage would round-off the 'bonus preamp' characteristics of the RME nicely, but that would also increase its price, plus the balanced outputs suit mixing consoles (including DJ mixers like I have) and a number of separate phono stages. What I was really curious about, though, is whether you've listened to the heed abacus. Price-wise, it's a tier - or few - above these, but I'd probably snatch one up if it entered the used market at or below 50% RRP. I'm a sucker for design. I think heed is not afraid to add a bit of 'colour' (or 'sound signature'), taking a risk against the 'purist' audiophile aspirations of many.

[@mfisher702]

I have the Eversolo DMP A-8 which I definitely enjoy buy I sense that the DAC could be better. I'm considering running it through this RME. Thoughts? Thx.

[@iiWiReviews]

A8 DAC is better than RME. You would only loose soundstage size and some fine deteils that way.

[@mfisher702]

Thanks. Good report.

[@IronHorsey3]

They are close and among those who have done a direct comparison, I believe they felt the RME was right there or slightly better.

[@mfisher702]

I stuck my toe into the deep end of the pool and fell in. I got a Mystique Y NC dac from Mojo Audio. I run my A-8 digital out to it. The difference is astounding. Because I’m now severely underutilizing the A-8 features (pre-amp and dac) I’m seeking a server to replace it. Funny how this hi-fi game works.

[@colindoyle9876]

**** But is it sibilant? Question should be addressed in all dac videos as this has been the issue with digital since the beginning of digital audio

[@gomdoryzoa]

Would you recommend the new ADI 2/4 Pro SE at that price point?

[@SalParadise]

Very informative, thanks

[@dougg1075]

I disagree!! What were we talking about? Another great review man

[@iiWiReviews]

🤣

[@guystpierrecomposer]

The only Dac I know that do eq, cross feed and headphone amp (like RME) is the mojo 2. Cheaper, Goldensound prefers it to Qutest.... I choose it over the RME because of the portability. For exemple, try the latest Sonny Rollins "Go west" (GREAT remastering) without crossfeed in headphones... ouch. Plus the Eq is VERY helpful for older classical recordings and "so so" mastering (much more important in my view than a slight "bigger" bass from a dac)

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Even though it's a bit different in some ways (features) mojo 2 seems like a good alternative.

[@guystpierrecomposer]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh and I forgot: you don't have to worry about fancy power supply... it's battery driven. But It's not as clean looking and you need a good interconnect (I have a big Sur by AudioQuest). I did test it against the Qutest with all fancy cables and linear power supply... as good for me appart from the dsp fonctions and amp capability that the Qutest doesn't have.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@guystpierrecomposer being battery driven is good and bad. Batteries will eventually degrade and die. Also i think it has an intelligent desktop mode (the name speaks for itself) where it doesn't resort to battery. Does it have balanced outputs? It definitely wins on portability and price. (value)

[@guystpierrecomposer]

@@JoseFerreira-zb7wh no balanced outs. It have a special battery management system to ensure longevity... I'll come back to you in 5 years ;)

[@OveRanheim]

Great review! Totally agree 😀