RME ADI-2 DAC FS Review - Extreme utility in a DAC/Amp combo

[@Damien_N]

This is the first presentation I’ve seen from Grover. Tremendously well delivered, and authoritative.

[@mccririck01]

He's come a long way since his Sesame Street days.

[@markflower8885]

👍Best review of the RME ADI 2 i've seen Grover. This has been on my shopping list for a few months and your review has convinced me to buy. Thank you.

[@robm321]

It's a no brainer. Ive had mine for awhile, and there's nothing else that interests me.

[@goodboid]

I use a Adi2Pro. Having two balanced outs for the left and right headphone channels, putting out 1.5w per channel, solves the lack of power for driving hard to drive HPs. I've driven the Ether 2s, Heddphones, Aryas, Anandas and Focal Clears... with ease. I absolutely adore the RME unit as a headphone amp. Love it's crystal clean presentation and it's fantastic bass resolution. I'm a techno head though, so a 'warm sonic signature' to me is like chugging warm beer. Blecch. So do take my opinion with a pinch of salt. Loved your deep dive, very thorough!

[@mjmonjure]

You just helped me make up my mind on this DAC as I was getting a little nervous that the amp would not quite cut the mustard on my Arya’s (Organic). Thanks for this input!

[@kimchi3600]

Wow really articulate and organized review. It's very easy to follow and understand yet thorough and detailed, probably the most out of all reviewers I've seen so far. Very much a fan, thank you for a fantastic review!

[@marcgii]

The current production version of the ADI-2 uses an ESS ES9028Q2M-presumably due to unavailability of AKM chips.

[@creesmith2794]

That’s the same chip in my mobo. Wtf?

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

@@creesmith2794 That means way less than you'd probably think. It's akin to thinking that because a genius has a brain and we also have a brain, that means we're geniuses. The design and the supporting circuitry means more than the actual DAC chip.

[@takeiteasy6154]

@@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST well put answer to a simpleton!

[@veritas7010]

thank god, akm DA sucks

[@gomez3420]

I have the RME ADI-2 DAC (with AKM chip) feeding a Feliks Euforia and Focal Utopia and feel like this combo has cured my G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome)..... for the music that I am hearing is totally sublime.

[@peteralexander1155]

Why are you highlighting the AKM chip? Is there any difference?

[@SeethingKIWI]

Fuck meee brother let me in on some tips to secure the bag for me £50 headphones right here

[@MartinLeschinski]

Thank you for the great review! Love my RME ADI 2(4493)

[@User_not_found_403]

spot on review! I came to the same conclusions with my own experience with this unit.

[@LifeLongCaboose]

Happy to see Grover on the channel.

[@TK-yu2pv]

Outstanding review! This has helped me make a final decision, having been on the fence about purchasing for some time. Although I will be purchasing a dedicated headphone amp to pair with my existing RME interface in order to drive my Aeon Noire headphones most efficiently, I can definitely recommend this as an all in one unit for someone who needs a good DAC/Amp combo, especially if they don't have crazy power hungry headphones like mine and they don't already have a good DAC/interface. Thank You for posting this review in time to help me decide. Grover, you are an amazing reviewer. Keep up the great work!

[@alwynroberts8465]

Fantastic review, so to summarise I should buy this amp DAC combo over the Phonitor 1D for my desktop set up, at the moment I only have Grado Hemp and HD660s headphones, so I guess no worries powering them. I really like the way you explain your views it helps a newbie like me understand all the jargon. Look forward to the next review. Thanks

[@ixoye56]

Thank you for the great review! Love my RME ADI 2 FS (ESS) EQ and Crossfeed options are fantastic.

[@andrewharper1887]

Fantastic detailed and technical review. I’ve just bought this after months of reading everything I can find online and love it. Using with an external amp which was hard to find coherent info on. Completely agree with your description. Wish I’d seen this sooner. Looking forward to watching more of your reviews. Subscribed.

[@AndreGzz]

Which amp are you using? I’m currently looking at getting the same setup, the RME with an external amp.

[@andrewharper1887]

@@AndreGzz I have Lehman linear. I wanted the effortless low end, and HF extension with clarity but no harshness. It delivers and produces really natural timbres. Highly recommended. Plus two headphone outs is great for listening with others.

[@robm321]

One of the best audio purchases I've made.

[@johnparsons3761]

One of the best reviewers out there

[@aceofspades6667]

Again Grover knocked this review out of the park! I’d say the Conductor 3XP is a better sound quality AIO where the rme has more functionality. I was going to go RME but instead went Holo spring KTE + Burson soloist 3XP.

[@ChefBag]

The updated ADI-2 DAC uses ESS's ES9028Q2M

[@Mastermnd1]

I found this video tremendously helpful and enjoyable. Thanks a lot

[@olimphus26]

I’d really like to hear your opinions about the ifi pro iDSD if you have ever heard it.

[@LosFicosMusic]

Dude great Job!

[@mrteera88]

Could you please review ADI-2/4 Pro SE? I think it has more headphone output power.

[@eruilluvitar]

Great review! I love my ADI-2 as a DAC, but haven't found a great amp pairing for it yet (I have a wide variety of headphones) - any recommendations?

[@eruilluvitar]

@@Maver1ck911 I'm fortunate enough to not worry too much about price, but I probably wouldn't spend much more than 5k on just a headphone amp. I like tubey sound, and I really love the sound of my Cayin C9 in all it's different modes (honestly, if I could find a desktop version of the C9 that could drive both headphones and speakers, I'd be incredibly happy)

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great product review! Really appreciate your detailed analysis. Thanks,

[@jmp622]

Thanks. For 2023 it’s fairly good for headphones still, but in my main system R2R DAC is much more fitting (Ladder Schumann or Pontus ii). Sound stage much wider in my R2R Dac’s). Ladder Schumann is great value, try it out, it’s right near there with Dennafrips Pontus ii at lesser cost.

[@lev_anni]

I wonder how bass, tremble and EQ are controlled in other DACs where they only have a volume knob on front panel?

[@JayGreezy]

correction: it's not a graphic EQ with 5 bands like you mentioned, its a full parametric EQ

[@ixoye56]

its actually a 7 band full parametric EQ

[@Simanick1]

What an excellent review. I was curious what you would recommend as a great amp for planars such as the LCD-X?

[@SharkWithADrill]

The X is made to run off a potato. Very sensitive. You can blow out your ears with with a schiit magni

[@exodusvelo]

no more audeze for this guy, or dual job or how does it work? thanks for your work guys, love your shows.

[@exodusvelo]

@Grover Neville very nice, we need more people like you with fancy hair cuts like david bowie. This is full or boring fat square head deaf yankee old men this hobby.

[@mrfrosty3]

Another quality review!

[@dominicdriman1319]

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?

[@themobileman6895]

A very impressive review. Thank you!

[@ario-5925]

Can this drive a 600ohm headphone?

[@matiaserp]

Remember that RME has the more expensive ADI-2 Pro, which has 2 headphone outs that can be set to balanced, with more power for running higher end headphones.

[@djhmax09]

I wish other DACs had flexible output levels like the RME with its reference levels.

[@davidrevelli91]

Such a thorough and well thought out review! Well done!

[@FreeD00M]

Nice review including different perspectives. One question that I have is: is there an interface for mic input(s) that can compare when it comes to DAC performance sound wise? Seems like a waste for me to buy this unit and an interface with a similar DAC from the same company. A reply is much appreciated.

[@D_K93]

Im using the ADI 2 PRO FS R with my Aryas. Now, I completely agree with what you said regarding planars but the aryas don't seem too limited. However, I did just pick up some Susvaras.. I know they're going to need a separate amp. Could you give me some suggestions as what amps would pair well with the RME DAC and Susvara?

[@johnlara1365]

Which all-in-ones (with eq or comprable feature set ) would you recommend for planars like the lcd-x?

[@sand9577]

I'm on this weird place when it comes to headphones, I want good treble extension, excellent mid range and jaw shattering bass. It seems the ADI-2 FS covers the first two. If I wanted to add a dedicated amplifier to give the bass thump, what would be the amp to pair with the ADI-2 FS that preserves as much as possible the hallmarks of the ADI? I've been thinking maybe something like the Phonitor X, but I would like to hear your choices.

[@ramonmendoza7125]

Fantastic review! Very concise to the point no fluff. Btw, I have mine😁😁😁😁

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I like this unit as well as the Matrix Mini Pro 3. I heard the Matrix and it was very clear and detailed compared to my NAD preamp. I am thinking the RME would be also good with a neutral sound but with perhaps a better headphone amp over the Matrix?

[@javiers.3433]

Grover, given the price, how does the RME compare to IFI IDSD Pro ? Given that both use dads the lean towards The warm side of the sound spectrum. I don’t mean to ask a loaded question , however, you did a good job in the review.

[@bentobox3140]

An all in one like this for more money? Or a more basic balanced setup with mostly Chinese stuff from SMSL/Toping and the Lokius to tweak the sound?

[@ohnonate]

Great review! Can a subwoofer be connected to the unbalanced if the balance is connected to active speakers

[@natesilvers2166]

Yes

[@renzrulzz]

Using this as a dedicated DAC only, what will be the best or recommend amplifier to pair with it.

[@rhyharmel]

Nice review Grover. Curious how the DAC and amp of the Fireface UFX II compare to the ADI?

[@seasterl]

Would this pair well as a DAC but using the SPL Phonitor SE for powering the headphones?

[@superprim12]

I love this damn thing....... With Jriver and Tidal..... sony MDR-Z1R and FocalCelestee Cant beat it

[@yukio32]

listening to this review on a RME ADI-2 DAC FS (AKM)

[@2k9flash]

I have a Rme Adi-2 DAC FS which has unbalanced headphones output. Is there any way to make it balanced somehow by connecting any external device? If yes, can you recommend any make and model and how can I connect it ?

[@smawa5478]

How does it compare to the denafrips ares II? specially in the bass?

[@aprasert]

What would be a good tube headphone amp pairing with the RME?

[@quick217]

Hi guys, nice work. What about RME ADI-2 DAC FS vs Chord Hugo 2? RME sounds better?

[@olajideparis]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@Jinny-Wa]

Good for HD800s and only using for PC Windows? I don't see it having 4.4 headphone balanced connector

[@samk.871]

Is it capable of running speakers, shelf speakers or maybe bigger? Can you show me couple of mid to high end speakers that it can run, power wise? Thanks for the help

[@bluegoldgr]

Would it makes sense to buy this just for using with speakers?

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@mrgadget4863]

Great review 👍

[@mikaeljonsson99]

Supprised you say that its exclusively a hifi product as it takes ADAT, spdif coaxial and optical, plus an unbalanced AES signal. Its an excellent monitor controller too. You get TotalmixFX when U connect it to other RME gear. In itself it doesnt need it, there is nothing to mix with this box alone. Playback only except from DSD recording from a digital source. Thats conversion, no AD´s here. No studioman myself, but I know others would disagree. Anyway an excellent review.

[@Aquiiin]

Really breaking my head over wether this is good enough for mastering and mixing pro audio, what th lcd-5, mm-500 / LCD-X ki nd of headphones. I feel like i need a better, more juicier headphone amp, which leads me to the questions: - which better headphone amp that is precise, juicy, transperent, detailed and musically inspiring not cold and sterile. - and if so which DAC would for then, since the RME by itself is not the best player for the price especially if i use a different headphone amp. Sure the features of EQ, filters and crossfeed are great, bit they are replaceable if needed by software like can opener etc. - I wonder how this RME box compares to the ifi Diablo or Signature in conversion and headphone amp quality!? Any leads? - What other products could fit my target? Thinking about the new topper A90 discrete, the GS-X mini and others? Same for DACs 🤔🧐

[@envo6539]

Hey i have a question. I am mixing on the LCD X headphones on an apollo twin and i am trying to figure out if i should upgrade to a lynx hilo or an adi 2 for monitoring my headphones. Which one would be the better option for me? i know the HIlo is a great converter but what i am trying to figure out is which of the two have the better headphone amp.

[@LosFicosMusic]

RME AD-2 or PRISM LYRA

[@DJTHEFONZ]

I have a Hifiman Arya and I am looking for a DAC/AMP combo (max 1100 dollars). What would you recommend? This RME ADI 2 or maybe the SPL Phonitor One D or maybe something else? Keep making those great reviews :) Cheers Fonz

[@andrewwardle-bu9yx]

l love this dac have had for a long time now , i have it connected to the pc as desktop setting , i have kef lsx and focal clears plugged in. its too comlicated for me , i just power on put focals on and bliss ....

[@whollymindless]

The best description I have had for people is that it is made by German Engineers.

[@SuperFake89]

I have this bad boy and an LCD-2, what amp is the best? I heard about Liquid Platinum or Burson Soloist…

[@exodusvelo]

Singxer sa1

[@SuperFake89]

@@exodusvelo Have you listen to it with any lcd hp or is it just an advise? :)

[@exodusvelo]

@@SuperFake89 actually yes, lcd-2C and the singxer, in low gain already more than plenty. class A vibe, still really precise amp. I then have 2 dacs, so I can combine sources. Burson very good amp also, very good, but more ugly and more expensive. Mst stuff in audio is overpriced, if we can be honest, but anyhow.... LCD2 are magic though, I gotta say, worth every penny. a tiny bit heavy unfortunately, but, that is life.

[@SuperFake89]

@@exodusvelo thanks for your advice! I do love my LCD2s, they are really heavy but once the music kicks in, I almost forgot I got headphones. One last question: I saw in ASR measurements that single ended is a bit lacking behind the XLR out. Do you use balanced with LCD or single ended?

[@exodusvelo]

@@SuperFake89 balanced sounds better, like in any amp

[@uselessoldman7964]

ITs also compatible with DSD/PCM

[@digitalnation2876]

Hello, is this better than A30pro + E30pro stack ? in sound quality

[@mosszaphod]

Would this be enough to power HiFiman Arya's? Also if so, would it be good for adding some bass to them? Thanks for the great vid!

[@Anavrinv]

RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Arya my current end of game package. On Hi-Power mode Arya sounds decent. I EQ bass and tamed high frequency. Compared with Burson Conductor 3 Reference. RME was a winner for me in terms of ergonomics and functionality richness. Burson is tad more musical with sense of depth easier to pick up. RME deliver precise and clean sound with less sweetening. Sense of depth feels more flat at first but after sometime my brain adjusted and all far away sounds feels like in another layers.

[@mosszaphod]

@@Anavrinv - thanks so much for all the good info and comparisons. Do you think the Burson Conductor 3 Performance provides enough bass as well to the Aryas? I currently have a If I Micro IDSD Black Label and Aryas sound great with the bass boost on. Very organic bass, but it uses a dang battery. I want a usb powered or a power plug instead. I want a solution I can travel in my camper and when I go to friends house. Will be using with a laptop. I need the amp / dac combo to provide extra bass for Aryas and have enough power. so it's not maxed out with extra power head room. That being said, which do you think would be my better choice? Thanks.

[@aaanekre]

At 4:11 you mention "high or low input impedencies". Should be input sensitivity. Otherwise a good review of a really nice product

[@Musictron]

Great review!!! Would you recommend this for mixing with the LCD-X and could I pair it with RNHP-1? And what would in your opinion be a step up in a all around detailed DAC?

[@storage-space4927]

@Grover Neville I am not quite sure but the audeze lcd x is 20ohm with a sensitivity level over 100db similar to the mx4 and gx. They don’t require monster amps but will have better diaphragm control I believe with more power?

[@manuelfilho11]

Great review! Does it apply EQ to the headphones inputs independently from the line outputs? Can they both use different EQ settings?

[@mikaeljonsson99]

Every output is independently customizable. You can even set different EQ for left and right.

[@manuelfilho11]

@@mikaeljonsson99 Awesome. Thanks!

[@edwardwilliams4679]

Rme can it be use as preamp to a power amplifier?

[@MichaelPsyrras]

Yes it can! I use it this way and in the “Auto Reference Level” mode it’s great! You may need a pair of attenuators though in order to get the most out of it! See in the RME forum. There is an extensive coverage for the matter! I never thought I would retire my pre amp but finally I did!

[@functionaldoc5054]

Nice review check out the The ADI-2/4 Pro SE a new release for a better all in one with 3.1 watts/channel at 32 ohms on 4.4mm balanced connection. I waiting for a thorough review of this new model.

[@AionWakiNerthus]

Great review, thank you so much! Really helps to understand this product. What amp would you recommend for the LCD-X?

[@alexk1239]

Hello, I found the internal amp of RME best for LCD-X. Tried other amps like RNHP and while drive was there, LCDX lost its transparency and rolled off the deep bass and air. Also i used EQ and completely transformed the headphone reaching very deep layered bass with absolutely no distortion. If you have the LCDX, this is your unit. Other headphones are different story though. Hope that helps.

[@alexk1239]

@@MarioHernandez4music wow nice, Audezes really shine with EQ

[@alexk1239]

@@Maver1ck911 I believe RME's DSP engine is of a higher class than software EQ. However its good to know that LCDX is a lottery and i bought the 2020 version and needed EQ. When i auditioned my RME at a shop with their LCDX (i believe 2018 model) was an experience, no EQ applied. From the one side helped me learn how to EQ and reading graphs, but from the other side i couldnt stand the unit variation and sold it. Bottom line is that they paired well as i a very easy load for RME and EQ from the unit is very easy after you will get familiar with the GUI. Best advise though is to try yourself if possible!

[@alexk1239]

@@Maver1ck911 True but the implementation soundwise is better in RME.

[@UntakenNick]

@@alexk1239 This is not true, equalizers like APO or Peace are lossless, and there's no such a thing as more lossless. The ADI-2's EQ is great for when using other sources but for PC use, software equalization is always preferable.

[@wendellgayheart9228]

Great work 👍🍗

[@stuka78]

I would buy it just for the graphical eq… and use my schiit magni 3+ for the amp session

[@OptLab]

I wish it had slightly better metal build quality.

[@조성윤-z8y]

I own Rme adi2 dac and they are extremely detailed dac for sure but I would not use it as an amp for sure. I mean they have pretty decent amount of power yet it has lack of imaging and openness on my opinion in terms of amp! I highly recommend people use amp that is better than rme adi2.

[@reallyoldcob]

rem adi-2 headphone amp vs SPL phoniter se

[@nights4eva]

I kept looking at the book titles ^^

[@davidsmithson9236]

I couldn’t stop looking at that crime-scene tabletop, all that blood.

[@anthonysamra7777]

Not a fan of ESS. They all ship with 9028... just not a fan, can't find an AK unit anywhere ; ;

[@siruspan]

I've owned the RME briefly and I was dissapointed with the sound. It was reasonably detailed and not harsh but it produced flat wall of sound without any depth and severely lacked microdynamics especially noticeable on the vocals. Overall good product with great functionality but as a dac is just meh. Amp section is also not very impressive. On the brighter side and with thinner low end.

[@natesilvers2166]

Compared to what?

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

I feel the same when compared to the Bifrost 2

[@zahitemremetin606]

There's a hiss in the recording

[@thelastrhino2581]

I think you had the camera shooting from the wrong angle there for awhile. Are you the guy who was doing the camera from below look for those Audeze streams? Is this a thing?

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.0

[@leonardotov8733]

Honestly love ❤️ the quality sound of your 🎙️ mic…. Congrats on that…. What I don’t like is your haircut ( 🔥 the barber) another thing it was the review of the dac…. 👍 well done …. But seriously get another barber 💈

[@reallybites8701]

Nice review bud! Just 2 points of constructive criticism for ya; 1. put some foam on those walls lmfao 2. you don't need to implement those "camera B" shots of you talking from another angle; it's more jarring than engaging tbh. Regardless, great review!

[@catonlsd3]

"really flexible EQ" ... really? ... really? It has some welcomed features sure, but it's far from 'flexible' ...

[@UntakenNick]

All these comments about it needing a separate amp are so cringe..

[@ixoye56]

Yes, it's ridiculous, but some audio nuts like yo spend money unnecessarily.

[@julianvanderkraats408]

Not a fan of this channel usually, for it being super vague and leaving me wondering what I have actually learned watching a video of them, but this is a very welcome change (even though it is two years old now, seems like a style that wasn't maintained).

[@patozf]

have a like :)