• Registered: 2025-06-28
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Topic: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

Hi, I have a LINN LP12 with MC cart going into a NAIM Phono input with MC preamp cards and into GALE 401C Speakers.  This actually sounds incredible. Also I run TIDAL with AUDIRVANA on a macbook into the RME ADI-2 DAC gOing into the tuner i guess line level input on the NAIM. It's listenable and sounds ok but the turntable is just sweeter all round. The RME has default settings. Is there a way to make the rme sound better? I've played around with the eq settings but I'm an amateur in that respect.

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi 2025-06-28 08:47:20)

  • waedi
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Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

At the right side you have two knobs B and T Bass and trebble, give a little bit up on both and probably you think it sounds better.

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Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

The turntable chain is adding lots of extra distortion that you find aurally pleasing, the RME is not doing that. Try adding some subtle distortion/saturation plugins to your digital playback chain, Kelvin, Aroma, Silver Bullet etc.

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  • Kubrak
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Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

LovelyLinnLP12 wrote:

Also I run TIDAL with AUDIRVANA on a macbook into the RME ADI-2 DAC gOing into the tuner i guess line level input on the NAIM. It's listenable and sounds ok but the turntable is just sweeter all round. The RME has default settings. Is there a way to make the rme sound better?

If you want to compare, you should use the same source of sound. Turntable is turntable and Tidal is Tidal.... They for sure sound different on principle. If you want to compare two chains, feed it with the same sound, either Tidal, or turntable or some other source...

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5 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2025-06-29 07:12:54)

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Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

You have to be aware that the same track released in digital formats like Tidal or even CD isn‘t from same master.

Most Tidal releases are later “remasters”, a process that deeply changes the sound and unfortunately not always to the better, to say the least (google “loudness war” for more information).

Enjoy each format for what it is, use ADI-2’s bass and treble controls to tame the sound to your liking, and even check ADI-2’s “Loudness”-function.


I’m happy to have ADI-2/4 Pro SE.
With it’s superior turntable input it gives me the best of both analog and digital worlds.

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  • Registered: 2025-06-28
  • Posts: 4

Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

So simple. Why didn't I think of that? I've put them up both 3dB and yes there's more sparkle. The advantage being I don't have to keep getting up off the couch to turn the record over.

waedi wrote:

At the right side you have two knobs B and T Bass and trebble, give a little bit up on both and probably you think it sounds better.

  • Registered: 2025-06-28
  • Posts: 4

Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

Thanks, this could be the case but I'm not putting it through any software. Just  wifi -> mac -> Tidal -> Audirvana -> RME ADI-2DAC-> AMP -> Speaker-> ears. 

Sounds better with a bit of bass and treble on the DAC


Babaluma wrote:

The turntable chain is adding lots of extra distortion that you find aurally pleasing, the RME is not doing that. Try adding some subtle distortion/saturation plugins to your digital playback chain, Kelvin, Aroma, Silver Bullet etc.

  • Registered: 2025-06-28
  • Posts: 4

Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

Yes I see. Thanks.  I'm comparing John Renbourne Sir John a lot of LP with same on Tidal now.   with a bit of treble boost on DAC it gives the finger cymbals better prominence and zing. I always overthink things. Such a simple solution. And i don't have to get up to turn the record over.  Plus most of my records are well scratched! Thanks for the advice and discussion everyone.


KaiS wrote:

You have to be aware that the same track released in digital formats like Tidal or even CD isn‘t from same master.

Most Tidal releases are later “remasters”, a process that deeply changes the sound and unfortunately not always to the better, to say the least (google “loudness war” for more information).

Enjoy each format for what it is, use ADI-2’s bass and treble controls to tame the sound to your liking, and even check ADI-2’s “Loudness”-function.


I’m happy to have ADI-2/4 Pro SE.
With it’s superior turntable input it gives me the best of both analog and digital worlds.

9 Reply by MC

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Re: My Linn LP12 sounds better than Tidal with RME ADI-2 DAC

Thread title corrected.

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Matthias Carstens
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