• Axmax
  • AD/DA expert
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  • Registered: 2024-06-17
  • Posts: 42

Topic: iBasso D16 Taipan vs RME ADI 2 DAC FS

Hello,
Before I start the thread, I want to make sure, I do not want advices on the RME forum, for some other audio products
Just comparisons, that's all
I own the RME ADI 2 DAC FS and I love it, amazing piece of hardware
I'd like to buy something portable, as well, and maybe someone here own both, RME ADI 2 DAC FS and iBasso D16 Taipan
Does the D16 match the RME ADI 2 DAC FS soundstage, sound quality, etc?
I'd really like to have some portable amp / DAC, with the RME ADI 2 DAC FS sound quality, or even better.
Thank you in advance

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2024-09-28 00:30:04)

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

Re: iBasso D16 Taipan vs RME ADI 2 DAC FS

iBasso claims they have built a quality portable DAC / headphones amp, and I see no reason to doubt that.

What it lacks is ADI-2’s DSP functionality, like EQ etc.

The Qudelix 5K is, to my knowledge, the only portable DAC/amp to offer this, at a much lower price - so no big risk to try it out.
I have it and like it for what it does, does not fall behind ADI-2 in sound quality.

KaiS's Website