1 Topic by atfanp (edited by atfanp 2022-05-17 17:03:02)

  • Registered: 2022-05-17
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Topic: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

Hello fellow RME enthousiast,

I have question, perhaps a noob one. At the moment I am running in circles, don’t know what to do.

I want to connect a balanced headphone (Dan Clark Aeon Noire) to the ADI-2 DAC (both not bought yet). The headphone outputs on the front are not balanced. I do wonder if the dual XLR outputs (left / right channel) on the back with an adapter dual XLR to balanced female 4.4mm make this possible? Are there any drawbacks?

I already looked for such a cable, but no luck. Looks like I have to make it myself.

Best regards,

Rob

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Re: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

The  ADI-2 DAC does not have balanced headphone output.
No, you shouldn't drive headphones from the back.
Just use single ended connector and connect to the front.

3 Reply by rawac (edited by rawac 2022-05-17 18:08:18)

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Re: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

Please read Can XLR outputs drive headphones?, if you want more information. My Opinion: If you really want a balanced headphone amp, look for the ADI-2 Pro, it has. But the advantage is doubtful. Balanced headphone can be used with unbalanced amp, if the amp is powerful enough, and the ADI-2 DAC can deliver about 800 mW at 13 Ohm. With the sensitivity of 92dB/mW for Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire 800 mW correspond to 121 dB. That will kill your ears.

Ralf
(ADI-2 Pro FS with ThinkPad Yoga L13, Dynaudio Focus 600 XD or Focal Clear — and a lot of Jazz)

rawac's Website

4 Reply by atfanp (edited by atfanp 2022-05-17 19:03:23)

  • Registered: 2022-05-17
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

Thank you both for the quick reply.

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=34432  KaiS wrote:

“ADI-2s XLR outs are only suited for higher impedance destinations.
600 Ohm are OK, below 300 Ohm you move outside of the used OPA’s spec’s.”

So perhaps it is possible, but not for the headphone I chose.

5 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2022-05-17 21:38:05)

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Re: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

atfanp wrote:

Thank you both for the quick reply.

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=34432  KaiS wrote:

“ADI-2s XLR outs are only suited for higher impedance destinations.
600 Ohm are OK, below 300 Ohm you move outside of the used OPA’s spec’s.”

So perhaps it is possible, but not for the headphone I chose.

I had to corrected myself, even in this posting I did then.
I don‘t know where you took this quote from, maybe achieved?

Indeed, later I did some measurements and found the XLRs can drive every possible headphones, more or less.

Due to the XLR’s output resistance of 200 Ohm, the output power would be limited into the DCA Aeon 2 Noire’s 13 Ohm.
0.6 V into 13 Ohm, = 27 mW, 108 dB SPL.


I have the DCA Aeon 2 Noire and ADI-2 Pro, and really like it single ended.
The 27 mW would be enough for me, but I’m running it on the regular HP output, with below -30 dBr volume settings.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2022-05-17
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Re: RME ADI-2 FS DAC -> balanced headphone

Thanks for your reply KaiS