KaiS wrote:jmimac351 wrote:Hi Kai, if you don't currently own and don't plan to own a turntable... what benefit is the ADI-2/4 Pro over the ADI-2 Pro, if any.
Improvements of ADI-2/4 Pro SE over ADI-2 Pro:
• Trigger Out socket provides a 12 V switching signal via 3.5 mm mono jack plug, which can be used e.g. to switch power amps with Trigger In on and off together with the ADI-2/4 Pro.
• The new Power Supply (ATS040T-P120) now has a 3-prong-connector that includes safety ground in a “soft-ground” configuration.
The safety ground isn’t connected directly to ADI-2/4 Pro SE, but through a 1 kOhm resistor.
This avoids stray current related hum that can appear in few certain use-cases, but avoids possible ground loop related hum from a fully grounded 3-prong mains PSU.
• DAC-chips changed from AKM to ESS.
According to my extensive, level matched blind A/B comparison, both sound the same IF SAME SHAPED DA-FILTERS ARE USED.
Albeit, most same-named DA-Filters have different shapes between AKM and ESS, ONLY IN CASE USING THESE both chips sound different.
The filters are well documented in each model’s manual.
“Sharp” sounds the same, the others are different.
The audible difference only occurs with sample rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz.
With SRs above the filters are out of the audible range.
Thank You. I have no use for RIAA / Headphones... but the power supply tweak would be of interest!
As for the DAC chip / filters... I have found the "SLOW" filter to be very nice. I agree with you about the filters.
I have a few other AKM DACs, some "Multibit" DACs, and an ESS based DAC that I am playing with right now...
Yes, I have 7 DACs under the roof and I'm running thru all of them. Previously I also owned a Border Patrol DAC SE. What I have learned is this:
They All Sound Good
What am I coming to conclude?
#1 I am glad I am going to this effort / expense. I've bought almost all of the equipment used, and bought well. The one new piece is still in the return window. Still, it takes effort to acquire and then move along to a new home.
#2 Basing "sound decisions" on stuff you read on the internet is risky. People have different gear, tastes, judgment, opinions... and perhaps more importantly - Hidden Agendas. Especially if there are financial considerations tied to "Audio Reviews", which is often the case. If you can... listen for yourself, and be honest with yourself about whether something really IS better - regardless of what others think, who made it, or what it cost.
#3 Be open to experiencing new things and do not dig your heels in on DACs. When / if something "better" comes along... have a listen. If you like it and want it, buy it.
#4 My opinion... anyone comparing 2 DACs based on aural memory, and not listening in real time... I am suspect of that. That's not my experience. "Trust, but Verify"
#5 I'm certain the RME "ESS DACs" sound great as well, but that's not what people are hung up on. My Ayre QB-9 Twenty sounds great with its ESS chip.
#6 Since I think all of these DACs sound good... the User Experience and the Flexibility of these units is the real differentiator.
But, perhaps my gear "isn't good enough to hear the difference"?
Well, I'm running Ayre KX-5 Twenty Preamp / Ayre VX-5 Twenty Amp / Equi=Tech Model 1.5Q Balanced Power. I'm just using the "DAC as a DAC", so the RME and TEAC are just as a "DAC". Speakers are Wilson Audio Duette with custom crossovers. The issues in the speaker have been fixed and they are INCREDIBLE. They are now a coherent, balanced 2-way speaker that play BIG. So, I think my gear is good enough. Besides, it's what matters to ME that is important. What matters to "You" is most important, for you. As it should be.
If curious about the speakers... see here. I'm the owner and visiting Texas next week to see about Open Baffle setups:
https://youtu.be/o_PJzPBCaOY?si=ArTPizswDMVoIpXN
So, all of these DACS are of widely varying price points, makes, etc. and if I'm coming to conclude that Features and User Experience are #1... well:
The RME ADI stuff wins - FOR ME
Some would suggest the RME is complicated. Yes - but I'll take "complicated" and Feature Rich over "Lacking Features". I'll learn how to use it, and frankly, I've found that challenge to be part of the fun. TIP: The RME Remote is EXCELLENT! If you are not using the RME Remote... stop dragging your feet and download / set it up now. It completely changes the experience, for the better! It's great on iPad and works great on my MacBook as well. If only I could control it via Bluetooth... but life is hard. . Besides, Amazon sells 15' USB cables.
Now, my reason for looking at the the ADI-2 Pro is for Digital Out. Why do I "need" Digital Out if I also say that the DACs all sound good? Well, I also know myself... so, when I get an itch to try some other "flavor of the month", or if something NewI comes along in digital, I can do that. I can plug it right into the system I already know well. Plus, I can do that while tweaking with PEQ and going direct into my amp. (Making sure I can do this is the last box for me to check off. I think I understand the manual clearly enough on this Use Case).
Some suggest ADI-2/4 Pro for RIAA flexibility and Headphones. I use neither and that is nowhere on the horizon. I'll very likely opt for ADI-2 Pro for "Digital Flexibility", as that is where my interests lie and my listening habits are very clearly defined. In the meantime, I'll just have to "make do" with my great little ADI-2 DAC FS.
Well, that's my current recipe for Fun. Others may have a different recipe.
Don't stress out over DAC chips... I now no longer do that. Now, I am all about "Features / Utility / Flexibility"...and Speakers.