RME's ADI-2 DAC FS is *the* DAC to beat at €1K

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RME ADI-2 FS DAC:
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[@DarkoAudio]

*THIS IS A TEST* -- With this video, we are trialling a new way of doing things: the comments section below has been switched ON but will be *moderated by a third party* who is under strict instruction not to approve racist or sexist remarks, (the seeds of) conspiracy theories or the unsubstantiated ramblings of grumpy geezers. If this test goes well, we will consider activating third-party comment moderation on other videos. The upshot? You have the possibility to leave a comment below the video but I don't get tied up in comment moderation and can stay focussed on making the next video, the next podcast and managing the Darko.Audio website and Patreon. I am not here. I am elsewhere.

[@victorscholz1084]

Happy to be able to interact with the audio community again! Thank you Darko!

[@Cespinozas]

Always thought your reviews were a bit high end and wouldn’t never be able to afford it . But damn I went on a splurge and bought the RME last month and your review is spot on . I love it , everything is night and day . This being my first DAC . I love it , makes my neighbors happy as well .

[@calebmiguel3103]

Curious but, did you ever read through some of the manual? I just ordered it and it’s going to be my first DAC as well.

[@martinezdecap]

would you recommend this or the new Topping Dx9?

[@patrickgeorge141]

​@@martinezdecapI have the RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE and absolutely love it. It is more than the dac version yet appeals to me more and no regrets. I have been told it has different dacs and am not sure on this yet all the ways you can adjust everything is amazing and that you can use it as a line stage (preamp).

[@leonbronson]

😊 I really enjoyed your review.! I like the analogy between the camera lenses and listening to music and experience we have. Also the fact that you pointed out that we weren’t actually in the studio or the control room when the music was created - and have no real reference as to what the overall sound was for the people present. Congratulations evaluation of an outstandingly sophisticated piece of gear well done 👍

[@raulhenriquez9412]

How can you not love this guy he is amazing with how he details the experiences with his tech.

[@r08zy]

I’ve been thinking about this DAC for a while now, at 14:13 when you said it’s sense of depth is like a smartphone my heart sank then I relaxed again when you said camera

[@04yellowjacket]

You mentioned Daniel Avery- Song for Alpha, so I paused the video (I do this often) and gave it a listen. Very nice. Like a mix of Tool, Deadmau5e and Nine in Nails. Thanks for that. Nice review of the amazing RME ADI-2 DAC FS as well. I have owned all variants over the last several years, now running the 'FS R Pro Black Edition'. Collectively these are the finest pieces of audio gear available. Amazing value and unmatched features. After using these, I find that I cannot live without the features, especially the oft overlooked 'loudness' feature. So good. Keep up the good work. 🍻

[@Fabs1994]

I went from a Schiit Modi Multibit stack to the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and im in love since day one. Your absolutely right, I couldnt live without all the features anymore. Stunning Allrounder. Almost, if not somehow End-Game Level stuff if you consider the price for the value you get. Especially when you think of all the updates it gets. top-notch development.👏

[@whollymindless]

John/Olaf - This production is just so pretty, the audio so luscious. Thanks for making something that could be dry and lifeless, delightful. I almost want to hear you tear up a device that didn't work for you.

[@vjzapp]

I just bought an ADI-2 DAC FS (I feel you Darko this sounds more like a model number of a fax machine 😅…) I have to admit why I like your reviews and they sounded just like what you said! There are better DACs out there but at this price point they sound so clean and so flexible and being able to tweak it to your personal liking! So thank you for reviewing gears for us! Please keep doing what you like for us!

[@MIchaelSybi]

Isn't it a bit illogical, as if a dac is good, there's no need to adjust EQ? I felt the urge to adjust both lows and highs listening to it on certain tracks, and later realised it's not a good thing. A good sound is just good, you won't adjust to it and itself

[@vvmaster2010]

which one is better? any recommendation?

[@ednooac8757]

I may be buying this DAC combo because of this review. So far after being an audiophile since the 70's I've never subscribed to anything but a few audio magazine subscriptions until now. I've become a subscriber on this site. Not sure what else I can say to show my appreciation.

[@mystikmeg]

He’s a very interesting lad, I’ve been watching his videos for a while. The initial draw was the discovery of excellent new music.

[@equilibrium2147]

The best part of every review video is the album or tract you are using … so much fun following it ! Lots of love from the Big Apple🇺🇸

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

This may already be my 2nd Favorite consumer-grade audio channel on youtube.

[@syanhc]

Dear John, Just bought this. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@geepee280]

loved it! don't know how you kept a straight face for so long, power of editing i guess, good show.

[@jonp6798]

RME is highly thought of in audio engineering. I use their sound card and mic preamps for recording and mixing so when figuring out a more hi-fi solution RME was my first thought. Thoughts for right now though is I need a streamer first for convenience as all I have now is a MacBook & sound card then this to improve DA & DSP down the line AFTER I’ve treated the room. When coming from a sound engineer perspective the DSP elements on this are essential. We do have the training and experience to get what we need out of it, I don’t know if that is part of the reason. For mixing I’d use it to take out any room or speaker elements which are not fixed in the room. For just listening I’d do the same but I am doing it for different reasons, it’s because that’s how I like to listen. I might add a subtle curve here and there just because I like it rather than my mixes are coming out bright or lacking in lower mids.

[@ArthurElectric]

What I also like about RME they still continue with new drivers for discontinued RME products

[@Dhananjaynaidu91]

As a photographer and musician I can really relate!! Wow can’t believe there’s other people who think of audio as lenses

[@zaheedhasib]

A guy with all his audio gears, vintage CDs and Meze Empyrean says he likes this in one Dac-Amp-Equalizer, then who am I to argue with my Focal Clears. RME for the win. BTW, I compared this with Monolith Liquid Gold X for a week and yeah, RME wins (for my taste and for my setup) by some distance, LAUX is a bitt too bass-y for me. Also, loved the video, subbed!

[@ArthurElectric]

vintage CDs??

[@lee_michae1]

Looks really good. Completely new to hifi & I'm learning a fair bit from your channel. Thanks for the great content.

[@labalo5]

Cool comments are back thanks. Now thinking of getting this dac w/ h390

[@ryandonaghy8613]

Why would you do that when the h390 has a day which is meant to be really good. Not heard either btw.

[@labalo5]

I sold the h390. The dac. Bought a Lumin x1 and the dac is leaps and bounds better. But now looking for something else.

[@christianjforbes]

My favorite feature of the RME … Dark display mode

[@ismael5310]

Perfect review !!! Thank you

[@totizedger]

My impression of the ADI-2 DAC is that it has a neutral sound signature, nothing really stands out which is great for studio work, listening to music however for pleasure is perhaps not quite as enjoyable as the sound is a bit analytical but i have no real complaints to be honest and it has very nice features as well like the EQ for example

[@jessielees]

I'm finding this to be the case as well. Dare I say it, at times I'd like a "warmer" DAC for my HiFi lol. Depends on the recording.

[@mikeweatherford5312]

go's great with a tube amp. The volume control was a life saver with my Liquid platinum, which has no adjustable gain.

[@RedSinter]

Dear John...Ha Ha... You, Thomas and Stereo, and The Cheap Audioman are my favorites... Each of you bring a particular flavor to your views and reviews... Thanks for all the Laughs...My Second Favorite Brit...the first would be my adopted Bro who is my Ex Bro In Law...But I don't hold it against him.

[@Foxrock321]

That’s what I like about DACs is that you don’t need a manual…just bought a vintage Bel Canto 3. ….to add to my “collection”..of DACs. 🤪

[@utube321piotr]

Compliments Darko for yet another stellar video. I own a Hegel H95 and am looking to add few chosen hi-fi amps to add spice to my music listening hobby. I am looking for tidbits of information that would compare the DACs you review w/ an internal DAC in a Hegel amps. I envision getting one chosen DAC and combine it w/ a separate streamer to serve w/ all my amps. That would give some basis to virtually compare particular DAC attributes since A/B comparisons pre-purchase are nearly impossible. If you could at some point consider doing a comparison video w/ new vs used DAC in terms of their current cost/value. Loved your photography cameo in this clip. FYI, the "cold" coloration of Sigma lenses is often the result of the number of glass elements used. The 35mm Sigma lens has 13 elements in 11 groups, while the Canon 50/1.4 (which I own and love to bits) has 7 elements in 6 groups. As you can see, the Sigma has almost twice the glass and twice the internal reflection pairs, which all contribute to filtering out the image, making it FLAT while sharp. The trick is to make it sharp w/ "zero glass". Sigma loads their lenses w/ glass adding weight and giving the perception of quality. So just imagine that your SIgma lens is like a cheap chinese DAC, crystal clear detail, but no depth, no soundstage and laser thin base and mids. Cheers.

[@joemartin6439]

Al we want is a Dac that makes us happy to listen to music and if the gods are with us we well be involved in the music . Money on the low level is bloody important , because of all the other budget needs to live. Tidal is marvellous

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

I'll be upgrading from Spotify to tidal soon. I love early music so I hope they have a good selection of that.

[@therealchoiboy]

mines arriving this week. can't wait.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

And how is the experience?

[@zefrog7482]

Just out of curiosity, why would you not use the RME as a preamp and discard the PS Audio preamp for the test?

[@miketan373]

I like how you go on the essence of themes

[@SalParadise]

good stuff...the comparisons with cameras and all

[@paultereo]

I absolutely love your reviews .... definitely kept me engaged ! I have a arcam AVR850, and wanted a decent Dac to get for my streaming needs ! Much appreciated your enlightenment

[@damn5987]

Did you end up getting a DAC for the 850?

[@rndm4642]

Awesome! How is the preamp performance of this unit?

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

Will soon be buying this along with a pair of Sennheiser HD800S

[@aerofart]

I placed an order for one of these units. Arriving today!

[@hardestyboy]

What a beautiful DAC

[@UncannyAleman]

How on earth a channel like this, dealing in the way in which how ‘things’ sound or are perceived and the emotional responses to same would need moderation is beyond me 🧐 Anyway, I wish I’d watched this before I purchased the Cambridge Dacmagic.

[@tazmattar]

Love these DAC’s - I now use the RME ADI 2 FS Pro for my mastering studio. Awesome piece of kit

[@PappuKumar-sw8pm]

But it not pro version

[@MIchaelSybi]

Just tested it, it has a very detailed sound. After my lavry da-10 it's a whole new experience, but... I felt a big of fatigue listening to it in closed headphones. The highs are quite pronounced. I will test it with my open ones next time. The bass is also strong. Not in a bad sense, but I use open headphones, and listened in closed ones. I had to take mine to compare. It has analytical sound, the one you'd expect from studio equipment. Transparent. Not as apparent on monitors, the details will definitely be not as defined as in headphones. I listened it on hifi setup around 4k, detailed sound, but couldn't say much more than that. The sound is intriguing, I definitely want to give it a second try with my own headphones and monitors. I'm not sure I could listen to it all day, that's my main worry

[@ememe1412]

Why the worry? The whole point of parametric eq features are to be able to contour the sound. You're approaching it with the audiophile 'purist' consideration of 'non interference' to the signal. If you think the highs are pronounced, you can dial it back. You can adjust it ad nauseum or tailor it to preference and listen away.

[@MOWFWDU]

How about Denafrips Ares DAC II?

[@marc8vino]

Can you plug in Mac Pro thunderbolt 3 /USB3 into the USB on this RME DAC? I have all Mac settings to hi res and music to hi res. Right now I have Mac Pro thunderbolt 3 going into OWC doc and using it's mini jack into Drawmer monitor controller into high end focal speakers. I think the weakest link right now is the OWC clock. It does not say what DAC specs are. I'm guessing or hoping it's at least 24 bit / 96K. I like the sound of my Drawmer MC3.1. It has a Spidf vis AES xlr in. Maybe I can find a way to go thunderbolt / usb to AES?

[@misterwoody_]

Thanks for the great review John. I finally succumbed and bought one after a really great offer from a UK dealer. So far I have you to thank for Roon and the RME - it was close at one point that I opt for a Chord Qutest (Dave is permanently out of my league I'm afraid). I'd be interested if you have plans to get any Burson Audio products on the horizon given your previous time living in Australia. Thanks again.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Was this review of the ESS or AKM version? *Edit* Just watched video and see it is AKM. Such a shame they now are sold with ESS which I can't stand. I hope they make them with AKM again one day.

[@christakimoto8425]

I'm in the market for a RME DAC for the features and measurement. But I do not believe that discernible audio differences exist between DACs at this level. Audible differences in speakers, yes definitely. amplifiers...possibly, high end DACs...no, mid level to high level cables...definitely no. But I still enjoy your videos as they are informative, have high production values, and I think the world is big enough for objectivists and subjectivists to coexist.

[@davestevens4193]

Easy to discern differences between R2R DACs and various DS DACs at this price level...even with old geezer ears.

[@teomage978]

Wow the sound is very good on my genelec

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Thank you.

[@ScoobaGreek]

Hello my friend! Do you know how this dac compare to the Matrix mini i pro 3 ? Soundwise which is better? Thanks for an awesome channel!

[@g.m.6417]

Great! Thanks! You remind me of Eric Clapton.😊

[@ianodonnell5552]

I have the Kef LSX II’s, I was under the impression you couldn’t bypass the internal DAC in them, so why would you connect an external DAC to the LS50’s? I would be very happy if I’m mistaken, or can you on the LS50’s, but not on the LSX II’s? I’m not super knowledgeable on everything, so maybe there’s another reason? Also, I plan to get a new pair of headphones at some point soon, my highest end pair to-date, I’m thinking the Sennheiser HD 800 S and I would like to get this to use with them, will I need an amp as well? I haven’t read up on everything enough yet to be sure, but it’s the direction I’m leaning, does anyone have any other recommendations? I already have a Chord Mojo 2, an older Schiit Modi Multibit, Vali 2, and the Loki which I use on a pair of HD 660S. I’m expecting a big difference in detail and soundstage from the upgrade. If anyone has experience with these setups and could chime in, will it be a huge difference, or much more subtle? I don’t have much money, as I have a very serious medical condition that prevents me from working, and it’s likely only going to get worse according to the doctors, so I want to be able to enjoy my music fully with the time I have left and I can’t afford to spend a TON. I think I need to figure out some good ways to make money at home first and foremost lol

[@guicamargos]

can I connect it with a mcintosh amplifier + speakers for living room sound, as well as a soundar for tv room. And then listen to soundbar + speakers together in sync whenever I want to play music on both rooms?

[@juscruzen]

Excellent video again! How do you think this RME DAC would pair up with the Pioneer SX -1280 as far as streaming with apple and Spotify using a iPhone or a Samsung Tablet? The speakers I use are the Pioneer HPM 100 200 watt speakers.

[@tomasbroulik7496]

Would you say / I mean have you heard the RME 2 DAC FS agains built in Bluesound Node (latest 2021 model) DAC? Do you expect a major upgrade? I might test them side by side in February but wanna hear from you guys if it’s worth it. Some people told me I should invest same money into my room instead, which is a valid point actually..

[@1oldson]

crossfeed is applicable to the rca outputs!

[@superprim12]

I bought this because of your review. It is was a great choice. 5 band EQ worth gold!!! Need your help on a streamer.

[@jessielees]

build a raspberri pi streamer and connect the USB to this dac. it will sound as good going into this dac as any other kit you could by for substantially more $....

[@GarethBeard]

@@jessielees this.... I built a ropieee pi4 and put rooncore on my server, total game changer

[@τρυφων-τ8β]

I want your opinion for power supply upgrade for rme...

[@bb1televator]

This has all the features Im interested in but it’s way out of my price range for now. Hopefully topping and other Chinese manufacturers have some ideas…

[@ArthurElectric]

The ADi-2 for the HiFi world

[@parabob2359]

Is anyone else excited by the hefty manual ??

[@holgerschnarre2052]

yes, I downloaded the manual without purchasing the device. The manual is very good. We get also the opinion of the engineers and the design decisions. This DAC is very good.

[@christinejames5697]

I‘m very tempted, but I am a fiddler and rarely know the difference between better or just different! I can’t even adjust a TV. I hope there’s a rest button. 😊

[@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 ?

[@tnarch]

Is this the rme with sabre chip or akm ? Thanks for sharing ☺️

[@Slim-man1977]

Jhon I'm considering a pure dac with room-correction /equlizer in the digital domaine. Betwen RME and Dirac-Dsp+dac. Which one sounds more fun and transparent

[@Dpak1980]

I emailed RME and asked them what the acronym RME stands for. And they replied , " it's a well kept secret since the inception of RME, 25 years ago". Strange....🙄. BTW , I ordered one.

[@conanshinn8348]

For what it’s worth, I really liked the Chord Qutest, but could never get past an artificial sound in the top end.

[@gastonguev]

Excelent, thanks! What Choosing between this DAC, Ps Audio Link III and Topping D90?

[@jonp6798]

A bit of a friendly engineers rant on DSP. It gives the options to fix issues that I don’t like when I’m listening. Why stubbornly say it must be flat when you’re sat in a boomy room with no acoustic treatment. Is it really more important that you don’t processes the signal path or that you get closer to the control room in Abbey Road the music was mixed in and therefore what the engineer intended. The answer is as long as you enjoy the music it doesn’t matter. If knowing there’s an eq curve on all your music ruins your day more than fixing something you can hear, then so be it. No two audio engineers would have exactly the same room correction EQ in live sound so it would be weird if everyone did the same thing with their hifi system settings.

[@auronthas]

Too bad there's no more AK chipset for this ADI-2, how does the V2 sound like? As ES seems more analytical than AK , my preference is neutral with slight warm.

[@kevinlooker8936]

But what about a Leica/Leitz rangefinder or a Hasselblad/Zeiss 6x6? Harry Pearson liked his Leica. You would have been a great contributor to TAS back in the day. Nice review, really enjoyed it. Great analogy to photography.

[@martinezdecap]

would you recommend this or the new Topping Dx9?

[@vincenthebert1608]

Great video as always John! I know there is a good chance you will.not answer.my question as you are busy with your other platforms. So I'll leave this question here for others. Has anyone tried adding a Shiit Frya or Freya+ with RME? I have had the RME for about a year and really.enjoy the sound, but curious if anyone has tries this? Tks!

[@careylymanjones]

If you have Roon to handle the DSP functions, is the ADI-2 DAC FS really $500 USD better than the Denafrips Ares II?

[@Alexander-zs5rj]

Maybe download the RME Manual , you must read it ... Its normally more than Headphone and Hifi DAC, Professional used it in Studios and DJ with some other Gears like RME USB Recorder. The Advantage is you becoming update and test tone software, if you used for PA and Live DJ with Laptop or Balance HiFi or a normally HiFi to pimp it up or only as a Headphone AMP, with Apple camera dongle ... Burn in Time (150hrs) is longer than Denafrips ! Must be for RME to get much better sound is a Heavy none vibration Plate (Marble or Granit 2-6 KG with soft rubber half balls like on sone subwoofer are used) and a High Quality USB Silver Plated , Direction Bounded extra power lines.. see Audioquest like Cinnamon (minimum) or those much expensive ones . A Professional Studio music maker write that the Audioquest Carbon gives all more of that what missing by the DAC. But the big step begins by cinnamon and the next expensive one ( chocolate? or another ). I was first like maybe you denafrips from shenzenaudio or another dac from them , but a advantage at the end makes the flexibility and if i need more other things to connect ( hdmi splitter 4kUHD 60hz 4:4:4 with toslink and hdmi output 70€ in red or black ) and good toslink splitter costs not a lot ) . If you vs. both internet sites against and what they produce and company history. That’s like Ford against Aston Martin

[@johnrus7661]

Well, there is a very simple way to do that in you are a DAC manufacturer. Measurements. They can measure and compare to achieve either something neutral and natural or rather. Their own take or flavor of sound. Besides just the objective technicalities of producing a DAC. And the quick and dirty if you are someone like me. Record yourself playing the violin or piano. And see how well it compares to real life. Of course you would have to trust your technique. But still, a high quality mic that has a known frequency response (Good ones are dam near flat). And good recording technique. You definitely will get a sense for what your gear is capable of.

[@equilibrium2147]

Hi John, I want to get this unit to drive my Hifiman Ananda as a stand alone DAC. Can you please let me know the necessary steps in doing it. I want to pair this with Topping A90 as my Amp. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@FabianWinkler]

Looks really nice. What I am missing is an analog input and HDMI ARC input. Something like a NAD C 658. and two of each input. The NAD is missing HDMI ARC and USB though

[@Dampfaeus]

The Wiim Mini comes with a 10-Band EQ. Just saying 😀

[@mfgillia7606]

Thanks for the album recommendation - really enjoying Song for Alpha with IEMs.

[@richardnelson1684]

I have the PRO version with the A/D converter which I use to transcribe my vast vinyl collection. The power supply (wall wart) supplied is very good but its noise masks low-level detail and shrinks the soundstage. I bought a motorcycle batters and made a cable to power the ADI-2 Pro and the improvement is not subtle. I also use an iFi iGalvanic3.0 to isolate the DAC from the very noisy computer. So for about $400, I substantially improved the already very good DAC/ADC.

[@LanciaD50]

Is today after 3 years the dac ti beat?

[@epi2045]

Commented sometime ago… man the RME is still the one to beat. Second runner up is the older Nuprime 9/10.

[@jameswu1261]

waiting to.see more videoa regarding this adi2 dac comparing with different dacs , and different input

[@gustoaudio8711]

How does the ESS version stand up to the AKM?

[@alanpatterson2253]

Hi John can you ask a quick question, I have the chance of buying the RME, but the chap has misplaced the instruction manuel will I still be able to set it up or do I need it.Thanks A.

[@theocostello]

It will be available on line.

[@lukeeong]

i wonder how does this compares to the hugo 2?

[@Peter_Crow]

Use Darko’s qutest comparisons as a good guide to answering your question

[@Mikaelsson]

How does it stack up as a preamp?

[@mastaboog749]

I need a balanced dac and I think I might pick this up in May when the super hours come in.

[@oevereng]

Wonder how the rme compares to the topping d70s?

[@onchuner]

how did internal amp work with Meze? would ADI-2 be good with planars as Audeze?

[@ramencurry6672]

I might get this for analyzing tracks in my home recording studio.

[@memeswillneverdie]

Just get the TC electronics clarity M, it’ll do a lot more in terms of metering, then get the ADI 2 DAC FS for the audio quality and DSP functionality

[@AnalogField]

What sample rate of DSD can the DAC handle? On the site all it says is "...sample rates up to 768 kHz as well as DSD playback."

[@davidm-1965tb]

Question.. as i have an integrated primaluna valve amp, and i want an improved dac over my marantz cd6006, using the RME, and the rca outputs, how does the volume on the rme "contribute"? Is it merely the volume for the headphones, and has no bearing on the output to pre/power amps? Apology if this is a silly basic Q

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

"ADI-2" "Analog Digital Interface v.2" ? Probably close. ;-) Pure tech language.

[@joemarz2264]

Jeez every audiophile swears they own the best DAC, but it happens all of them are different brand, model, price, etc.

[@mrdevlorx]

i use the ADI-2 fs and match it which a topping a90. Im happy :)

[@etin97]

How different does it sound compared to the ADI-2 Amp?

[@1retupmoc1]

best dac period

[@frodehoven9873]

Do they use a real balanced system? in this dac or just more gain?

[@yangarzon8994]

Just cannot let mine go. Meet my need and provide me fun good hours of listening.

[@officedotie]

he's good he's very good

[@toxotis70]

is there anything like that until this time, at this or lower price ?

[@nikosidis]

Tried it in my setup and Topping D90SE kills it. Reason is that the bass in Topping is way better, more detailed with better tonality. RME got a full midrange that made vocals strong and powerful but on the cost of lost micro detail. Same can be said about the top frequency. All inn all D90SE is more detailed with more even frequency response and way better bass.

[@GarethBeard]

How's the usb input? Any noise? Would it benefit from a filter/cleaner?

[@sylphr4843]

any DAC recommendations for iems? I like this thing, but little bit pricecy for me. I have 2 ALO iem and some Audio-Technica's

[@TheStefanAbad]

So the HD 6XX could be driven by this with no issues? Like full on enough juice to properly drive it?

[@paradoxical247]

Yes, same with the hd 800s. Added bonus, 7 band eq, meaning you can apply harman target eq corrections and edit on the fly according to your ears

[@paradoxical247]

Legit one of, if not the best DAC