• Registered: 2024-08-18
  • Posts: 8

Topic: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

Hi. Audiophiles out there.  Is there any one using this rme ADI-2 DAC FS in home audio with preamp. Power amp and subwoofer.  If so pl guide me on the following
1. How to set controls of volume in rme and preamp. At what level.
2. How can I get music listening g better than pre rme. Do I need to adjust any other parameters.  Like auto ref level. Or filters. I m now using its rca out and connected to my preamp analogue in.
3 is there any other step I m missing.
4.  Is it a good to use in home hifi. Or only for studios and headphone.
5. Suddenly the spectrum analyser is not showing.  What to do to get it back. 
Any other practical suggestions. To get energetic and lovely music out of it. Thru preamp connection.  Thx.

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-09-05 17:37:25)

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,526

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

The name of your device is RME ADI-2 DAC FS.
Just to clear this up, as there a 4 different models.


ADI-2 DAC is made for studio AND home use.
IMO it’s one of the most sophisticated DA-converters / headphones amps available.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by the low price point (by audiophile standards).
It eats a lot of 10 or more times expensive units for breakfast, and there’s still lunch and supper …


Level:
With ADI-2 in factory default settings:
• Set your preamp’s volume control to middle position.
• Now dial ADI-2’s Volume control until the music is at your typical listening level.
ADI-2 will show a volume value in dBr.
This “r” behind the dB is important, it shows that ADI-2’s “Auto Ref Level”-function is active, like it should be.
If not, activate it.

• For a more dynamic sound switch on ADI-2’s “Loudness”-function (e.g. with the LD-button on the IR-remote).
For more or less effect of this DSP function set it’s “Low Vol Ref” higher or lower.

• To get the main screen (analyser) back, press either Encoder 1 or 2, until you navigated back to it.

KaiS's Website

  • Steff
  • ADAT user
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  • Registered: 2023-06-05
  • Posts: 23

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

I am using RME ADI-2 DAC FS for several years to listen to HIFI Music.
PC and Audirvana as player - RME - 2 Mono Blocks Class D - Bookshelf Speakers Triangle Esprit on their stands.
It needs nothing more to have absolute top experience.

I highly recommend the RME for this!

  • Muffin
  • S/Mux specialist
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  • Registered: 2021-12-26
  • Posts: 193

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

The OP has a number of threads.

This appears to be the most current one: https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?id=40081

  • Registered: 2023-04-03
  • Posts: 13

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

I do not put a preamp between the RME and the power amplifier. Works fine.

I do have a preamp to receive an analog signal, from a turntable setup, and then on to the power amplifier.

In front of the power amp input I have an RCA line junction box, an MT-ViKI, to switch between the two. The box is a cheap passive component.

  • Registered: 2022-07-20
  • Posts: 21

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

Yes, no need to add a preamp. It is already a "preamp".

...and with the  ADI-2 Pro FS R BE I don't even need any switch (my only analogue source is vinyl).

7 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-09-18 17:49:18)

  • KaiS
  • DAW Mastermind
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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,526

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

ketalar wrote:

Yes, no need to add a preamp. It is already a "preamp".

...and with the  ADI-2 Pro FS R BE I don't even need any switch (my only analogue source is vinyl).

And with my ADI-2/4 Pro SE I don‘t even need a phono preamp for vinyl smile

My MM Ortofon TMP-40 goes direct to ADI-2/4.
The MC Dynavector Karat 17D2 runs through an Ortofon T-30 step up transformer with lowest gain setting.

Best vinyl sound ever in 40 years.

KaiS's Website

8 Reply by Curt962 (edited by Curt962 2024-09-26 18:17:59)

  • Registered: 2019-01-07
  • Posts: 1,463

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

Here, the ADI-2 DAC feeds directly to my active speakers/subs since years.  Very simple signal path, and with only two digital sources,  I've never needed more. 

The RME is an amazing unit!

Enjoy!!!

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes
  • From: Bad Soden
  • Registered: 2020-04-19
  • Posts: 8

Re: ADI-2 DAC FS for Hifi use?

Here, Desktop Audio: rme  ADI-2 DAC FS with Lin-2 DC and Canton AM5 Active Speakers. Works wonderfull and in some areas better than my Living Room Hifi (5,3 x more expensive).