1 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-06-30 00:54:32)

Topic: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

I'm new to the forum and RME in general. I know the brand but this will be my first purchase. This is mainly an introduction to the forum I expect to have questions in the near future.

So I'm more of an audiophile than a pro-audio guy. Last week I started looking for information on upgrading my DAC. I have a McIntosh C2500 preamp with a onboard 32bit/192 DAC that has no DSD support. The DAC has been a little glitchy the USB section often does not sync up and I have to turn the C2500 off and back on.

I mainly listen to vinyl and record and listen to 24/96 needledrops. That's what looked so interesting about this unit. I currently use a Focusrite Forte for my A/D conversion.  So I'm thinking this will be a noticeable improvement by using the same unit for both A to D and D to A conversion.

Anyone care to speculate if the ADI DAC will sound better than the onboard DAC in the C2500 and or the Forte?

2 (edited by Curt962 2019-06-30 02:09:22)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost Rider,

Welcome to the Group!

The RME Unit is at the Cutting Edge of Technology, and the Third Party Tests have verified this repeatedly.   It would be safe for me to suggest to you that the RME is Superior to your existing unit (and the others) by any measure!

Take some time to familiarize yourself with your new RME here:

(Hold On Tight!!  The Capabilities are Mind-Boggling!)

  https://archiv.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf

Best Regards!

Curt

Edit:   I'm an ADI-2 DAC user, and the Product has been SO impressive!  Not just the Stellar Sonics, but also RME's ongoing efforts with product refinements, New Features, etc provided to users via Firmware Updates available here at no cost to you.   

I"m SOLD!!  smile

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

3 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-06-30 02:08:03)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Thanks for the manual it looks like I don't need drivers for for W7 I found the link on p52.

Curt962 wrote:

Ghost Rider,

Welcome to the Group!

The RME Unit is at the Cutting Edge of Technology, and the Third Party Tests have verified this repeatedly.   It would be safe for me to suggest to you that the RME is Superior to your existing unit (and the others) by any measure!

Take some time to familiarize yourself with your new RME here:

(Hold On Tight!!  The Capabilities are Mind-Boggling!)

  https://archiv.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf

Best Regards!

Curt

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Wishing You all the Best!!

An Amazing bit of Gear, with Long Term viability in it's DNA.   

Enjoy!!

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Curt962 wrote:

Ghost Rider,



Edit:   I'm an ADI-2 DAC user, and the Product has been SO impressive!  Not just the Stellar Sonics, but also RME's ongoing efforts with product refinements, New Features, etc provided to users via Firmware Updates available here at no cost to you.   

I"m SOLD!!  smile

I found it a little interesting that the ADI-2 dac seems to out preform the ADI-2 pro. I'm thinking it won't matter in my situation. I'm hoping for improvements over both the onboard dac and the Forte.

6 (edited by Curt962 2019-06-30 02:36:07)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost,

I wouldn't read too much into that.   BOTH Units (ADI-2 DAC and Pro) are Cutting Edge.   You are missing out on nothing. 

As a fellow home consumer of Audio, allow me to say that the RME is the way forward!

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

I got mine. To soon to say what I think. I had issues figuring it out. This looks like more than I asked for smile

Not sure everything I might have done turning knobs. I may have turn B G F Q knobs and who knows what. I was having a problem getting the main 1&2 outs to work turns out you can't have the headphones (3&4) plugged in. Ultimately after I figure out the basic process I'd like to do a factory reset to make sure I haven't tweaked something.

All I want is to use the DAC preferably with no EQ or volume control. I also want to use the ADC to record vinyl adjusting the levels and the balance if needed. I would use the analog in.

To match the levels between the McIntosh DAC I have the ADI2 at -11. My 1st impression is the ADI2 is punchier but  McIntosh onboard sounds way smoother. May be one of those things you have to get used to.

8 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-07-06 01:48:29)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Is it possible I need a burn-in period for this to sound it's best?

Well I can definitely say it sounds different. It may come to pass some music sounds better. It's going to take a few days.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost Rider wrote:

I was having a problem getting the main 1&2 outs to work turns out you can't have the headphones (3&4) plugged in.

You can use Main 1/2 as output with headphones connected to Phones 3/4. See the manual 14.14 Phones under Phones <=> Line on p. 28. Manual: http://rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf

10

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost Rider wrote:

Is it possible I need a burn-in period for this to sound it's best?

You, probably. The RME, less so.

11 (edited by Curt962 2019-07-06 02:12:33)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Burn In?  Hmmm...perhaps as much as your Email Account did. smile

Ghost, there is a LOT going on in the RME, and it might Surprise a "Consumer Audio"
Person.   The User Manual is your Friend!  So PLEASE review the details regarding "Auto Ref"   

Ghost, You are in for the Greatest Audio experience you've ever had!

When you have.time, Check this!

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopi … =27767njoy Enjoy your Pro!!

Curt

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

I really appreciate everybody chiming in trying to help me out. I'm going to sit back and chill out and listen to it for the night. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions tomorrow.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost,

That's what Friends are for!!  Welcome Aboard Man, and please know that there are many Pro users here in the Forum to assist You.

Happy Listening!

Curt

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ok here's the deal. 90%of this device I will never use. I'm pretty sure this is how it's going to sound. I suppose I could adjust the eq to closer match the sound I'm used to with the c2500.

Cymbles were the first thing that sounded far more realistic with the c2500. So maybe I could raise the high hats.

I tried to record something and was difficult to more precisely set the levels. I'm interested in how it sounds when recorded and played through the ADI.

  If the unit is not going to be an improvement to the DAC in the c2500 I may not have the time or even desire to learn and study the manual. I think it's not likely anyone here ever heard a c2500 . So it would be hard to say.

If I don't use it as a DAC $2000 is to much for a recording device.

So before I drive into the manual is there a way I can reset the factory settings and bypass the volume and all DSP functions to the output 1&2? I want to hear the DAC with no colorization.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost,

I feel strongly that you may have a LEVEL issue.   Where is your typical Playback Setting at?  The MC is a Consumer Audio Device, whilst the RME is Pro.   Output Signal Levels are  wildly different.  To that end, if your Nuking the inputs of your Amplifier...you WILL get objectionable sounds.

Look at the "Auto Ref" feature, and the possibility of adding Attenuators.

All the Best!!

Curt

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Curt962 wrote:

Ghost,

I feel strongly that you may have a LEVEL issue.   Where is your typical Playback Setting at?  The MC is a Consumer Audio Device, whilst the RME is Pro.   Output Signal Levels are  wildly different.  To that end, if your Nuking the inputs of your Amplifier...you WILL get objectionable sounds.

Look at the "Auto Ref" feature, and the possibility of adding Attenuators.

All the Best!!

Curt

I can adjust the preamp for the levels so they sound the same. Doing it with the ADI it's at -11. Should it be at 0.0? As far as I can tell the eqs remain flat, which is how I want it for now. I believe they all are disengaged so the B G F & Q settings I may have changed learning how to navigate should not have an effect.

  I just turn it on see how to set the record levels and everything is a huge learning curve just to make the headphones work Outputs 1&2 are off I don't know why or how to turn them back on.

Going through the I/O using a test record with a constant 1000hz tone I see there are 4 ref level settings and a trim gain to go up and down from there. Phase invert is off not sure how the AD filter should be set. Dual eq is off and AD conversion is PCM.

  Ok this is not working it would be nice if RME had a tech number to call and have a product specialist walk me through the basic steps in navigating. I can not see how to turn on 1&2 and I can not see why phones 3&4 do not work.

Yes on page 28
Mute v. TRS 1/2 ON, OFF. Default: ON, but grayed out. As soon as a plug is detected in PH 1/2 the rear outputs 1/2 are muted. Note: This function requires Dual Phones to be on to become accessible. With Mute v. TRS 1/2 ON the channels Phones 1/2 and Mains Out 1/2 have separated settings. Al-though both outputs alternately play back the same signal, all settings (Settings, EQ, BT) can be different, and are separately stored in the background.

OK I'm getting somewhere what page tells you how to change this stuff?

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

OK I figured out how to turn on the phones. I toggled up and set the source in phones 3/4 to analog. Like I said I can set the record levels but how do I tweak the balance?

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

How do I turn on 1&2? I have it playing and the spectrum analyzer is active but 1/2 is off. Don't know what changed last night I was listening switching between the two dacs by changing the drivers in Sound Forge and inputs on the Mac. I turned it off and powered down the power supply as I do with all the wall-worts.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

I don't get it why does it have to be so difficult. There are only 3 knobs and each is a button too.so I figured out how to toggle through the I/O to get to the main 1/2 outs.the big knob if you push it the box at the bottom moves between 1/2 off and 3/4 set at -8.5. No other button or knob will turn on 1/2. I see nothing on p21 of the manual that tells you how to turn on 1/2 Just things that are available not how to navigate to any of them.

20 (edited by Curt962 2019-07-06 19:26:59)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost...Whoa!!  Slow down Man!

TMI...

I sent you a Users Manual, and that will direct You!  Review your Manual, and all will become perfectly clear.

Curt

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

yes I'm using it as best I can. If better than 90% of it has no use to me if I try to read it from cover to cover it will be a huge waste of time. All I want to do is turn on 1/2.

I just figured out I have to navigate and select to source for the phones every time I change inputs.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

OK I forgot it's the dual phones on p28   I'm still not seeing any directions on how to turn anything on

28 User’s Guide ADI-2 Pro FS -  v 2.314.1.4 PhonesDual Phones OFF, ON. Default: OFF. With Dual Phones ON the phones output PH 1/2 will be active. Default state is Off, as PH 3/4 is the main phones output and should be used exclusively unless two phones are to be connected. If Dual Phones is on and two phones are plugged in, a push on VOLUME toggles between 1/2, 3/4 and linked volume control (with the marker over both). When VOLUME is turned the Dual Volume screen is shown then. Bal Phones Mode OFF, ON, Auto. Default: OFF. In Balanced Phones mode output PH 3/4 carries the left channel, output PH 1/2 the right channel. See chapter 18 for details. When Auto is selected, the bal-anced phones mode is automatically activated as soon as both Phones outputs detect a con-nector being plugged in. This feature temporarily deactivates DSD Direct mode if active. Note: When active, the rear analog outputs are muted automatically.Phones <=> Line OFF, 1/2, 3/4, 1/2+3/4. Default: OFF. Activates the ability to toggle mute between Phones Out and rear Line Out. Pushing the VOLUME knob for half a second will then switch between loud-speakers connected to the rear and phones plugged into the front. This function can also be controlled by one of the four function keys via Remap Function Keys. Mute v. TRS 1/2 ON, OFF. Default: ON, but grayed out. As soon as a plug is detected in PH 1/2 the rear outputs 1/2 are muted. Note: This function requires Dual Phones to be on to become accessible. With Mute v. TRS 1/2 ON the channels Phones 1/2 and Mains Out 1/2 have separated settings. Al-though both outputs alternately play back the same signal, all settings (Settings, EQ, BT) can be different, and are separately stored in the background. Mute v. TRS 3/4 ON, OFF. Default: ON. If set to ON a plug detected in PH 3/4 mutes the rear outputs 1/2.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost.  You're dealing with a Computer.  It needs to be instructed what to do.

My Email is visible.  I'm an ADI-2 DAC user, but would be happy to help as much as I can.

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

24 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-07-06 19:55:04)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Curt962 wrote:

Ghost.  You're dealing with a Computer.  It needs to be instructed what to do.

My Email is visible.  I'm an ADI-2 DAC user, but would be happy to help as much as I can.

You're the best Curt smile

25 (edited by Curt962 2019-07-06 20:13:28)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Ghost.  You're too kind, but thanks!

Weekends tend to be kinda Slow here on the Forum, but Die Hards like myself are often Lurking smile

Let's get you sorted out.  The RME is the best thing going, and you WILL experience this in your own room.  I mean it!  No BS!!

Curt

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

All I'm trying to do is evaluate this device.  I'm listening to Black Sabbath 1 and for comparison I set the ref level to 0.0 and turned the trim down as low as it goes -6.0. So listening the AVI sounds good. Switch back to the c2500 and it is still 30% less volume and even still it sound like it is a different league. I mean everything but how the drums sound the air between each cymbal strike the blackness between each instrument. I'm talking apples to oranges here.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

OK I trying to record BS 1 setting the levels is limited Ref level at +4 trim gain at 0.0 I get a peak at -1.7 a little high. I would like to be no higher than -4.0 average around -6.0. The next setting I see is +13 with the trim gain at +6.0 and I get a peak at -6.8 average -7.7 with no way to get it in between that and with no way to change the balance. This is the level I'm going to record at and normalize later.

28 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-07-06 21:02:31)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Thanks Curt smile

I'm listening to the BS1 from vinyl as I record it. This is how the c2500 DAC sounds. And the ADI falls short. It can have all the features in the world but if it can't beat this in sound quality that's the end of the story.

I really wanted to make this work

29 (edited by Curt962 2019-07-06 21:41:20)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Hmm...not buying it.  Distortions can be quite fun!

Something is Hard Core F'd in your settings

Absorb your User Manual!   You have no idea of the Magic that awaits!

We're not going to let you fail!   I've alerted the expert German users to help you!

Curt

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

30

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

We have this from time to time: a confused user who didn't get it right in the beginning drives himself into total chaos by continuing the wrong routes. Let's see if we can detangle this. But it won't be easy as long as you don't use precise descriptions of what you want to achieve. Saying out 1/2 is dead when you want to monitor the analog input is a statement that will steer us in the wrong direction as well.

First of all: a total reset of the unit is described on page 11 and page 29 of the current manual (version 2.4). Please use the online version:

https://archiv.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf

A PDF is searchable! Open it, Ctrl-F, type in 'Reset' and there you are - page 11.

You might also want to update the unit to the latest firmware to make sure you don't run into an already fixed bug while exploring the unit:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=28936

Fiddling around with all knobs trying to find out what they do: we added a simple and easy to understand folded paper that explains all this and a bit more for quick starters that don't like to read the manual. Of course that paper can't explain everything.

The unit comes in a default configuration for typical first time use. That may not be your personal application, so needs some tweaking then. For example when plugging in Phones 3/4 outputs 1/2 in the rear are muted. You can disable that in the dedicated Phones menu (which you might not have if the firmware is older), but you can also use the long press on the VOL button to change between front and rear (Toggle Phones option). That's quite easy if you do one thing straight after the other.

A peak level of -1.7 dBFS @ 4 dBu will give -4.7 dBFS when set to +13 dBu with +6 dB Trim Gain (simple calculation: 9 dB minus 6 dB = 3 dB difference). You also have to note that the ADC is extremely noise free. Especially with vinyl as input you could record at -40 dBFS peak level and won't notice a difference in recording quality. What you have to do (and that is always true) is to normalize an analog recording after it is finished - the current record level/volume doesn't matter. Better lower with no peaks clipped than too hot. The software that you use will have this feature.

So please reset the unit and let's start over again with one question after the other.

One tip upfront: the unit comes with a Basic mode called DAC, which might help you using it as that simplifies input control and clock setting. See page 40. How to set this? See page 34, Chapter 17.1, second paragraph.

We also DO have support by email and telephone. If you are in the US our product specialist Jeff at Synthax US will be happy to help you with your setup.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

31 (edited by Ghost Rider 2019-07-07 05:51:36)

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

MC wrote:

We have this from time to time: a confused user who didn't get it right in the beginning drives himself into total chaos by continuing the wrong routes. Let's see if we can detangle this. But it won't be easy as long as you don't use precise descriptions of what you want to achieve. Saying out 1/2 is dead when you want to monitor the analog input is a statement that will steer us in the wrong direction as well.

First of all: a total reset of the unit is described on page 11 and page 29 of the current manual (version 2.4). Please use the online version:

https://archiv.rme-audio.de/download/adi2profs_e.pdf

A PDF is searchable! Open it, Ctrl-F, type in 'Reset' and there you are - page 11.

You might also want to update the unit to the latest firmware to make sure you don't run into an already fixed bug while exploring the unit:

https://www.forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=28936

Fiddling around with all knobs trying to find out what they do: we added a simple and easy to understand folded paper that explains all this and a bit more for quick starters that don't like to read the manual. Of course that paper can't explain everything.

The unit comes in a default configuration for typical first time use. That may not be your personal application, so needs some tweaking then. For example when plugging in Phones 3/4 outputs 1/2 in the rear are muted. You can disable that in the dedicated Phones menu (which you might not have if the firmware is older), but you can also use the long press on the VOL button to change between front and rear (Toggle Phones option). That's quite easy if you do one thing straight after the other.

A peak level of -1.7 dBFS @ 4 dBu will give -4.7 dBFS when set to +13 dBu with +6 dB Trim Gain (simple calculation: 9 dB minus 6 dB = 3 dB difference). You also have to note that the ADC is extremely noise free. Especially with vinyl as input you could record at -40 dBFS peak level and won't notice a difference in recording quality. What you have to do (and that is always true) is to normalize an analog recording after it is finished - the current record level/volume doesn't matter. Better lower with no peaks clipped than too hot. The software that you use will have this feature.

So please reset the unit and let's start over again with one question after the other.

One tip upfront: the unit comes with a Basic mode called DAC, which might help you using it as that simplifies input control and clock setting. See page 40. How to set this? See page 34, Chapter 17.1, second paragraph.

We also DO have support by email and telephone. If you are in the US our product specialist Jeff at Synthax US will be happy to help you with your setup.

Thanks this is a good start. Do you have a email for Jeff I would like to see when he might be available. Hopefully in the afternoon.

It's not that I don't want read the manual. It's just so far I'm hearing a step backwards in quality it's not that it's not good just the c2500 seems better.  I'm hoping Jeff will be able to set me strait.

32

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

I don't know the C2500. If the sound difference is so big then there is something different. Possible causes: the C2500 has no linear frequency response. The ADI-2 does not have a linear frequency response (it has, unless some options alter it). Heavy impedance mismatches change the sound (so far the total setup and signal flow is not described clearly).

Jeff is available here as  'Jeff' or by email:

jeff.petersen@synthax.com

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

Hey Ghost,

Armed with your User Manual, let's do a Reset, and put your PRO back to it's Factory Defaults.   From there, work Slowly, and Methodically BY THE BOOK  to Configure your PRO to best suit your particular set up

Go for it!!

Curt.

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

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

@Ghost Rider,

I can understand you frustration at least partly, the Adi2-Pro has oh so many expert features unseen elsewhere which is certainly overwhelming at first and the required user interface, though well designed, is not so ultra straight-forward compared to simpler a DAC+ADC preamp. I needed about total ~10 hours of operating time and manual-reading to fully absorb what's going in the device in any given moment. Only thereafter I could fully appreciate this *milestone implementation* of a 2ch ADC + 4ch DAC ultra-flexible and versatile device.

I suggest a loop-through test with the Adi2 set to AD/DA mode (96kHz), inserted between your MacIntosh and the power amp.
Set ref. levels of ADC and DAC to the same fixed and proper level (and Vol to "0dB") such that it doesn't clip the input (don't use L/R Trim as this is useless for headroom because it's done after conversion to digital) when you turn up the C2500 to the loudest reasonable setting. This is a quite unforgiving resolution and noise test for the ADC and the DAC because your volume control is in front of it, forcing the converters to really work on low levels quite often.

This basically is an impedance buffer (gain = 1) with "hidden" AD/DA internally. Balanced connections to be preferred.
Insert this buffer before power amp and give it a listen, comparing with the straight path. This will show if it's transparent enough to pass through the sonic signature you are used to with your gear. Quite probably it will.

Therefore, if you want to keep a certain magic of the C2500 you must record the whole thing (as passed to the power amp), routing the vinyl to the amp output, setting a useful playback level, etc. Don't be afraid when the ADC is running with "more than needed" headroom, the ADC section of the device is really outstanding.

Re: Getting a ADI-2Pro fs

KSTR wrote:

@Ghost Rider,

I can understand you frustration at least partly, the Adi2-Pro has oh so many expert features unseen elsewhere which is certainly overwhelming at first and the required user interface, though well designed, is not so ultra straight-forward compared to simpler a DAC+ADC preamp. I needed about total ~10 hours of operating time and manual-reading to fully absorb what's going in the device in any given moment. Only thereafter I could fully appreciate this *milestone implementation* of a 2ch ADC + 4ch DAC ultra-flexible and versatile device.

I suggest a loop-through test with the Adi2 set to AD/DA mode (96kHz), inserted between your MacIntosh and the power amp.
Set ref. levels of ADC and DAC to the same fixed and proper level (and Vol to "0dB") such that it doesn't clip the input (don't use L/R Trim as this is useless for headroom because it's done after conversion to digital) when you turn up the C2500 to the loudest reasonable setting. This is a quite unforgiving resolution and noise test for the ADC and the DAC because your volume control is in front of it, forcing the converters to really work on low levels quite often.

This basically is an impedance buffer (gain = 1) with "hidden" AD/DA internally. Balanced connections to be preferred.
Insert this buffer before power amp and give it a listen, comparing with the straight path. This will show if it's transparent enough to pass through the sonic signature you are used to with your gear. Quite probably it will.

Therefore, if you want to keep a certain magic of the C2500 you must record the whole thing (as passed to the power amp), routing the vinyl to the amp output, setting a useful playback level, etc. Don't be afraid when the ADC is running with "more than needed" headroom, the ADC section of the device is really outstanding.

Thanks to you and everybody for responding trying to help me out. This is an interesting Idea. The C2500 does have a analog processor loop. I think this would do what you are suggesting giving me a quick A/B comparison.

To tell the truth I'm all but sure the adi2 offers no improvement in sound quality I believe a step backwards. Jeff at Synthex was very helpful I updated the firmware and there are several improvements but the same sound ultimately. I pretty much knew that but wanted to be sure. So I have it boxed up but still have to get an RMA from Sweetwater.