• Registered: 2024-05-30
  • Posts: 2

Topic: RME ADI-2 Pro FS R as preamp into miniDSP 2x4 HD

Dear All,

I am contemplating to buy a RME ADI-2 Pro FS and use it mainly as DAC and headphone amp. Nevertheless it occured to me, that I could it also use as a premp for my stereo system, replacing severals other devices (preamp, separate DAC and separate headphone amp) at the same time.

My setup is as follows and I can't quite grasp, whether this is feasible or asked too much:

1. I use a miniDSP 2x4 HD as a 2-way crossover, feeding my power amps - it also is used for room equalisation and to tame my Fostex 206EN full range speakers (below 280 Hz they are supported by two 15-inch drivers per side)
2. All sources are connected via a normal preamp (an older Primare NP-30)
   -> that affords redundant DA/AD conversions, which I would like to eliminate by

- replacing my existing preamp with the ADI-2 Pro FS and feeding digital out directly into the miniDSP
- nevertheless I also need a analogue out, to feed my Stax headphone amp (obviously with fixed level)

in the worst case I could replace the miniDSP with an anlogue crossover, but than room correction and and a minus 10db level reduction @ 7-8kHz for the Fostex drivers would afford another dsp, because the ADI-2 Pro's EQ is not sufficient for room correction, I guess.

I could also substitute the miniDSP with a Behringer Ultradrive Pro for correction, which might electrically a better match to the ADI-2's AES/EBU output. The disadvantage would be, that currently the miniDSP is hidden somewhere behind the rack, whereas the Ultradrive would visibly occupy rack space.

My systems sounds nice to our satisfaction, but it maybe overly complicated with at least one conversion step, which I could potentially eleminate (now, from my existing preamp to the miniDSP).

So, if an informed mind could provide some information on feasabilty and suggestions for improvement, I would be very grateful.
Ben

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,523

Re: RME ADI-2 Pro FS R as preamp into miniDSP 2x4 HD

If miniDSP has an Optical, Coax or AES Digital input, ADI-2 Pro can feed it this way, abandoning a DA-AD step.
ADI-2 can volume control the digital output, full featured even with it’s DSP functions, same as on it’s analog outputs.

ADI-2 has analog outs, for your STAX amp too.

You can store and recall a “Setup” for each situation, speaker or headphones listening, or just use ADI-2’s independent PH 3/4 out to permanently feed the STAX.


Consider ADI-2/4 Pro SE, long term it’s extra features will pay out.

KaiS's Website

  • Registered: 2024-05-30
  • Posts: 2

Re: RME ADI-2 Pro FS R as preamp into miniDSP 2x4 HD

Thank you KaiS,
I am currently trying to understand the manual for the ADI-2 Pro and may be, if I succeeded (no easy reading stuff), I will look up the ADI2/4 manual as well. Clearly it also sports a RIAA section, but what matters more to me is having a fixed analogue out and a digital volume controle via optical toslink out. According to your post, that should work with the ADI-2 Pro. I just have to understand how...
Regards
Ben

4 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-05-31 17:08:01)

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,523

Re: RME ADI-2 Pro FS R as preamp into miniDSP 2x4 HD

Ben_Music wrote:

..what matters more to me is having a fixed analogue out and a digital volume controle via optical toslink out. According to your post, that should work with the ADI-2 Pro. I just have to understand how...

Have a look at manual page 43, DAC Mode.

The option Dig. Out Source: “Main Out” connects the digital outputs to the channel 1/2 DSP, including volume control.

Channel 3/4 now can be used as secondary output to independently feed the STAX amp.

The option:
I/O / Phones Out 3/4 / Setting: “Lock Volume” disables volume changes for channel 3/4.


The ADI-2/4 difference:

The balanced Rear TRSs can be assigned to carry the 3/4 signal, making connections a little more convenient.

On ADI-2 Pro the front TRS PH 3/4 would be used for this purpose.
Although beeing a headphones output, it can be used as line out without any compromise.

KaiS's Website