RME ADI-2 FS DAC Review

The RME ADI-2 has received many rave reviews. Is it still the benchmark DAC at around £1,000. I find out...

Link to my Patreon

Link to UK distributors webpage

Time stamps
Intro 0:00
Design & features 2:12
Technical insights 5:18
Sound quality 9:46
Setup & partnering equipment 12:56
Conclusion 15:41

[RalfieDDrummer]

phenomenal review from an adi2 fs dac owner (have paired with DYN audio LYD 48s and mainly purchased for mixing/ mastering but also great for listening

[endurosp]

Do you remember wich DA-filter you used on the RME during the review?
Default filter is SD-Sharp.
I find the different filters to sound quite different from each other.
Thanks for the review!

[vvmaster]

Thank you for this amazing review, Sir. Im planning to buy this dac at the end of this month but the Pro FS BE to pair it with Hegel H590. There is also a new version that uses ESS chip (2/4 Pro SE), im thinking about it, what do you think?

[edhuslik]

I always shied away from RME dacs, even in spite of their great reviews, simply because I was afraid I'd never be able to navigate through the manual to achiueve it's optimum performance. But when Tarun pointed out the Parametric EQ, it's like the heavens parted. That one feature alone just sold me on this dac because now I can not only buy a great dac, but one that will enhance my Dirac room correction software even further at a price that no other dac can match. Thank you Tarun!!! Now I only have to figure out the EQ function - lol.

[RenaissanceEarCandy]

I'm getting this and a pair of Sennheiser HD800S as my first high end set up. Think I'll be happy?

[ronenbuium]

According to owner, the ESS version (v3 DAC): Without the fatiguing brightness of the AKM version.
Thanks

[dannyb]

Thank you Tarun. Because of your review, I have now purchased this item. I put the purchase through last night. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[martinezdecap]

Which one is a better fit? RME ADI-2 or Topping DX9?

[BoydCrowder-qq]

The slapback / reverb in your room makes this video difficult to listen to on the RME ADi-2/4 Pro SE. If that's the sound on a lavalier, good thing you're not using a large diaphragm condenser. That said, cheers on the well thought review!

[TriAmpHiFi]

. Pre-ringing?

Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[andrewwardle-buyx]

i have this dac, i love this dac, i dont mess with it as it seem complicated .
i just switch on put my focal clear phone on and bliss ....

[keithmoriyama]

Really like the design process and features behind this unit but, I only consider full size components in my 'main system.' Not a fan of SMSL sizing, especially when the cost goes past the $1K range.

[drbeats]

I feel very blessed to have the RME ADI-2 in my life, I just made a video about my journey as a producer, from low to high-end converters.

[tudorradovici]

Nice review! Maybe sometime în the fluture you will review some product from Rockna. A comparison Rockna Denafrips would be nice to see. Good luck!

[unc]

I have a new found respect for audiophiles.
I used to think you guys were kinda nuts but what I recently realized is that you guys are like the wine connoisseurs of Audio. Details, taste, flavor, strength, separation, after taste, all that matters to you guys.
I make and mix music and use the pro fs r to monitor. My first DAC and man this thing is unbelievably useful.
Wait! Am I turning into…. An

[syanhc]

I bought this based on your review. Arriving this Friday. This is the second purchase based on your reviews. The first being the Q Acoustics M20 HD. You keep making me spend money….kebabs! And again, no tap-dancing and I still spent the money….

[kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop]

This DaC wore you out! Another informative excellent review

[patricaomas]

You know you're in trouble when the company initialises its own name and adds it to the product title it's like an old two Ronnies sketch just speaking in Acronyms.

[johnparsons]

Really loved the review but disappointed with the lack of mention of the build in amp

[marksnetkov]

Hi Tarun
How would rme adi-2 compare against topping dx5?