• Registered: 2019-01-03
  • Posts: 9

Topic: Volume on the ADI-2 when used as a DAC only

I have been using my ADI-2 as a single unit (DAC+amp) for some 18 months. Now I connected it to an external amp (Woo Audio WA3 - tube amp). What volume should I set the ADI-2 at? I have Auto Ref Level = Off and Ref Level = +7 dBu.

On the Head-Fi thread someone suggested that the ADI-2 should be at Vol 0.0 dB. Is this correct or is it cranking the unit too high?

Thanks!

2 Reply by Curt962 (edited by Curt962 2020-05-15 01:01:43)

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,462

Re: Volume on the ADI-2 when used as a DAC only

Captain,

How's your Eyesight?  smile  The thread right after yours discusses this very subject!


https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=30626

Curt

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

3 Reply by rolandkneisl (edited by rolandkneisl 2020-05-17 01:19:33)

  • Registered: 2020-05-17
  • Posts: 1

Re: Volume on the ADI-2 when used as a DAC only

The industry standard on RCA unbalanced input is 2 V. Anything higher will cause distortion in the sound because it is "clipping" the input signal. Set Auto Ref Level = On and turn volume to -5.0 dBr. That gives you 13 dBu - 5 dBr = 8 dBu which equals 1,95 V.

  • Registered: 2019-01-03
  • Posts: 9

Re: Volume on the ADI-2 when used as a DAC only

Curt962 wrote:

Captain,

How's your Eyesight?  smile  The thread right after yours discusses this very subject!


https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=30626

Curt

Someone pointed out that that thread is for Power Amps, not headphone amps. Are you saying the same advice applies to headphone amps?

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,462

Re: Volume on the ADI-2 when used as a DAC only

Yes.

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