EDIT: heavily edited, please re-read (11:21)
The D/A conversion quality of the ADI-2 Pro and the features of the phones preamp are superior. If you want this quality and features, then you need to take the ADI-2 Pro FS.
Its not possible to construct a device like the UFX+ PLUS all the features of the ADI-2 Pro FS. Efforts/Price would explode and nobody would/could buy it. So it makes no sense to produce something like this. The way to go is to combine these devices in a proper way, and this is thanks to RME easily possible.
The good news: you can combine the ADI-2 Pro FS with any RME recording interface. You only need to look that you get the required I/Os (preamps, digital I/O, ..) and desired features (FX chip, Autoset, Durec, Standalone Profiles, etc ...)
In this blog article I showed how you can integrate the ADI-2 * into your setup and how to make best use of the very nice remap-key features for this purpose: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … tup-EN-DE/
I think perfect for you would be a combination of UCX and ADI-2 Pro FS (this is 1.3 in the calculation below) to stay close to "the budget" assuming the price of the UFX+ is your budget. Optional: later addition of ARC USB if you want.
If you think you need more headroom for recordings (more Mic channels, Durec, etc), then go for option 1.2 to combine ADI-2 Pro with the RME UFX II.
Should you want to perform recordings in different parts of your appartment / house / studio in the future, then the UFX+ would be the best choice, because in a ring of MADI capable devices each fiber cable can be up to 2km length, giving you much more options for the placement of up to 8 additional Preamps like Octamic XTC in other rooms or part of the building.
Only informational:
Differences UFX+ / UFX II: The UFX II is basically the same recording interface as the UFX+, simply without MADI/USB3. If you do not need MADI / this high amount of +64 additional channels IN/OUT, then this saves you around €500, then simply take the other flagship interface UFX II. Its the same like the UFX+, only without MADI and USB3.
The advantages of UFX II and UFX+ over old flagship interface UFX: you can read from my blog article: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … 68-RME-UFX
RME UC as alternative to the UCX ? It would also possible to take the RME UC instead of the UCX, but the UCX has a few very nice features, why I would recommend to take the UCX:
The Advantages UCX vs UC:
FX chip
Autoset
USB2 and FW400
More modern converters with lower ADDA conversion latency
Class Compliant mode to be able to connect an iPAD for recording or control of the device
6 Standalone profiles that can be recalled directly on the device
And now something completely different
Shall you have also demand to make D/A conversion superior in front of your HiFi, then I would propose to you the following solution:
Take a combination of either:
ADI-2 Pro FS, UFX II, ADI-2 DAC or (to keep the price lower)
ADI-2 Pro FS, UCX, ADI-2 DAC.
I did it the same (only with taking an UFX+ as recording interface).
My setup is described in this blog article: https://www.tonstudio-forum.de/blog/ind … her-EN-DE/
Overview of my setup in brief (full overview in the blog article):
1) UFX+ connected to my PC, ADI-2 Pro connected via AES to UFX+
The Advantages:
Main monitors (Gaithain RL 906D) get a better more detailed sound by the ADI-2 Pro
I get the best and most versatile phones preamp for my phones (Audeze LCD-3)
I can use my PC as high quality Music Player. MusicBee supports ASIO!
Can connect Octamic XTCs (currently 2, up to 8 possible) and remote control via MIDI over MADI
Full inclusion of the XTC's as AUX device in TotalMix FX, can store setups digitally in TotalMix Snapshots
2) Connection from PC/Recording corner to HiFi Corner
From UFX+ to HiFi Corner via 15m TOSLINK cable to ADI-2 DAC in front of my HiFi.
There the ADI-2 DAC is the center of ALL High Quality D/A conversions !
Very nice operateable with a remote control.
With an additional TOSLINK Switcher in front of the ADI-2 DAC you can enhance the device to support up to 4 optical SPDIF sources. These switcher also come with a remote control, so by this its all extremely comfortably in terms of operation.
The Advantages:
Best D/A conversion for all of my audio sources (TV, BluRay Player, Music from PC via UFX+)
Comfortably operation of ADI-2 DAC and TOSLINK switcher by remote control
You can use your HiFi as Monitor B when Mixing and Mastering Music
Since I am using the ADI-2 DAC in front of my HiFi I am amazed how good Film music is being produced
The ADI-2 DAC's D/A conversion quality is superior and allows for a very defined reproduction
of music material and room information. If there is depth, then you hear a room in your room
Since I have the ADI-2 DAC I very much enjoy music when watching TV.
BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13