• Registered: 2016-12-16
  • Posts: 16

Topic: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Hello,

I was wondering if it would be possible to implement some sort of independent controls and settings for the XLR and RCA outputs.
Maybe just a mute option.
I have a pair of Genelec 8331 coming soon which I would plug using the XLR outputs of the Adi-2. And I was thinking of getting a Gilmore lite MK2 headphone amp that would use the RCA outputs instead.
Since these two use different outputs, ref. level, etc. it would be very convenient to be able to assign different parameters to each output, same as with the Phones and IEM output.
Is this something that could be implemented with a fw update?

On another note, which would be the correct ref level for the studio monitors? 13 dbu? Or should I leave it in Auto?

Thanks!

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,463

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Sindri,

Hello!

May I ask what is wrong with the ADI-2's Headphone Amps?  Great attention was lavished upon them, and unless you have a unique requirement outside of their design parameters...Use them!

On the Ref Level matter, I heartily suggest using Auto-Ref Level.  Brilliant!

Auto-Ref is designed to provide the user with the OPTIMUM S/N from the DAC, and indeed it works seamlessly.   

My ADAMs needed in-line pads (-20db) that  were not expensive, but aid in making everything function precisely as intended.

Happy Listening!

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes
  • Registered: 2016-12-16
  • Posts: 16

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Hi!

No problem at all with the headphone amp of the adi-2.
Just heard my focal clear through this other headphone amp a couple times, and I find that they sound more dynamic and with more slam too.
Thanks for the tip on the auto ref level!

4 Reply by Curt962 (edited by Curt962 2019-02-20 20:37:43)

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,463

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Sindri,

Cool Stuff, but "Dynamic Range" is a function of the range between the Noise Floor, and Peak Signal Level.   I find it difficult to believe that adding additional Circuitry to the Audio Chain could possibly improve upon the eerily quiet ADI-2, and thus "Dynamics" .   I would expect add-ons to diminish DR...even if only slightly.

Run your ADI-2 through it's Paces, and expect to be quite impressed.

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

5 Reply by ramses (edited by ramses 2019-02-20 20:42:40)

  • ramses
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: UTC+1
  • Registered: 2012-10-14
  • Posts: 13,183

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Just some ideas regarding your question:

I think separate controls for XLR and RCA outputs are not possible, because the ADI-2 DAC has no dedicated D/A converter for XLR and RCA. But both outputs can be used at the same time.

From the handbook you can read that the RCA output has 6db less output level. So if you have a HiFi Amp with balanced inputs you will most likely be able to set the Reference Level up to 13 and 19 dBu. This leaves still +7 and +13 dBu for RCA which is more than enough to drive your phones amp. You surely will find a setting which is fine for both devices.

I think AutoReflevel will set the level fine for both outputs.

If your headphone amp should have a volume control of it's own, then this should be fine for you.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub14
  • Registered: 2016-12-16
  • Posts: 16

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for the input!
Will definitely try that.

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,463

Re: Independent controls/settings for RCA & XLR outputs possible?

Sindri,

There is virtually NO End to the Options at your Disposal with the ADI-2.

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes