ADI-2 DAC FS now ships with ESS Chips

We are living in times of a global chip crisis with extreme never before encountered production and distribution challenges.

Apart from that, at the end of 2020 a fire destroyed AKM's production facilities for AD and DA converter chips. A resumption of production and thus availability of these components is not expected before 2022. Therefore, many manufacturers - like RME - are forced to either discontinue products based on AKM chips, or to use other chips for the foreseeable future.

The updated ADI-2 DAC uses ESS's ES9028Q2M in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers that allows the chip to perform at its best. There are no significant changes in operation, features and behavior compared to the predecessor, which is why neither appearance nor name have changed. All differences are explained in the detailed manual of the ADI-2 DAC.

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[whitenoisestudio]

Big complements on sharing the how and what of the need for this chip change, This is far from common practice amongst manufacturers!

[cernus]

Bravo RME!
I wish all companies were as transparent as you are. Comprehensive and detailed explanations. Could not have been better. Thank you.

[cryptout]

Other companies would just have switched chip without saying anything about it. Good job RME!

[error]

Thank you for being so open about the change and giving a decent explanation why the actual converter chip matters less than many people think.
Many other manufacturers would have changed the chip without even mentioning it.

[bluewavesmastering]

I already been using a loooot of hours doing researching for my first AD/DA converter. I ended up between and Antelope and a RME, thanks to this video I took a decision, will be an RME. Not just for the amazing reputation regarding sound, but this video shows the transparent company that you are, that's represent me, and I want to be part of this. Congrats RME, you made it!.

[memeswillneverdie]

wow, I've been looking for a great DAC for mastering work in headphones and after deliberating between topping, SMSL and a few other I stumbled upon this DAC and after watching a short video then reading the PDF manual I'm sold but what makes me even more sure is the sheer transparency and honesty when it comes to RME, the insane warranty protection on all the products and the honourable nature of the company and their business practices, I can really see why RME has and will continue to be a staple in the pro audio world.

[kissarmy]

I bought mine in March of this year. Easily the best upgrade I EVER did to my system. No matter what chip is in my unit... Because of this, I can enjoy listening to music like never before. God bless you people for the pleasure you provide to us audiophiles.

[jeanbui]

I can't believe how transparent you are. This is true dedication to your customers. Thank you

[NeverCryWolf]

Good to see transparency from an audio company. Rare and appreciated,

[hallion]

Congratulations RME for this video! This is the ultimate proof of a reputable manufacturer. Saying truth with technical data. Well done guys!!!

[hugobruno]

RME as a company is as transparent as their superb products! Thanks so much for this comprehensive video on the chip change! <3

[djgunjan]

I appreciate the entirety of this video. Proud to own RME.

[mpordus]

I just bought a unit and noticed that it does not have "DSD direct" as a bad surprise. The included brochure mentioned "not in ESS units" and a few clicks away I found this video. I already have a good dac, but it is an older one and it does not have any DSD. I was never interested in DSD to PCA conversion as I could do it using the software. Since I had RME products in the past, when I "randomly" came across ADI-2 DAC FS, it seemed a no-brainer to me. But, now that I know I am missing "DSD direct" I am no longer sure. While mentioning this, the video does not elaborate enough. I really liked the idea of four hardware volume settings in combination with DSD direct - sounded like a killer to me. This is the key element I was looking forward to try. Perhaps I will return and wait until this feature is back in 2022. The last comment on PCM files tested with this DAC. While a good headphone amp is a plus indicating a well-designed output stage, I mostly listen via line-out directly going into a tube amp (BAT) and a pair of decent speakers. I can say that PCM sound is to my liking. I also like that all the features controlling the sound are very transparent from the technical point of view (no snake oil here). I really wish there was "DSD direct". Maybe it is not such a big deal, I do not know and I do not have all that many DSD files anyways, but this was the "main" interest point for me.

[AI-]

The audio quality that comes from this product is as transparent as the company itself :)

[benjamin_lecomte]

Thx ! It's how a company build trust !

[bolttracks]

Imagine if all companies were this open about their process and this dedicated to their customers

[temp]

There are alternatives for DAC chip but having a vintage Sennheiser headphones at a test desk - priceless!!! 😎👍

[alanroderick]

Although I am perfectly happy with my original AD1-2 DAC and do not envision changing any time soon for my PC/home office set-up, I commend you for being transparent on the chip situation and explaining the (small) differences.

[SamIntharaphithakOFFICIAL]

Just ordered one. Can't wait to hear it.

[jn]

The American made ESS chip is actually better than its AKM counterpart! Bravo. RME is amazing.