RME ADI-2 DAC FS

RME ADI-2 DAC FS

The ADI-2 DAC includes improved SteadyClock, analog circuitry perfected to perfection, a new MRC remote control, Extreme Power headphone output and a very special IEM output. It has all the bells and whistles that have made the ADI-2 Pro famous, including its perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more. With its simplified controls and stunning design, this is the ideal centerpiece, from home listening to studio reference playback.

The ADI-2 DAC is the home and HiFi optimized version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. Combining high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless enthusiastic reviews for its sound, flexibility and technical capabilities.

The current version of the ADI-2 DAC features expanded remote control, further improved DA conversion and a modified analog output stage for even better noise and distortion values. To appeal to home and hi-fi users, RME swapped out some of the Pro's studio features with typical home and hi-fi features. With a modified feature set and greatly simplified controls, RME proudly presents the ADI-2 DAC. Built on the technology, concept and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality, along with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.

The DAC

Packaged in the compact half 19" format, this gem is filled with the best high-end electronics, offering reference-class conversion of SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical (ADAT compatible) and USB to RCA, XLR, TRS and mini-TRS.

As the most versatile DAC on the market, the ADI-2 DAC offers balanced/unbalanced analog I/Os, an Extreme Power headphone output, a super low noise IEM output, SteadyClock FS, 4-stage hardware output level control, DSP-based signal processing, operation with external power supply, Class Compliant USB compatibility, sample rates up to 768 kHz as well as DSD playback. The SPDIF input signal can even be recorded via USB - as one would expect from RME, the DAC is a true 2 channel Full Duplex audio interface.

Improved DA

The updated ADI-2 DAC uses ESS's ES9028Q2M in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers that enables the chip to perform optimally. With a noise level of 123 dBA, distortion of less than -120 dB, or THD+N of -116 dB, the device delivers excellent readings, and the IEM output can reach a sensationally low noise level of -121 dBu. In addition, there is +2.5 dB of digital headroom, so that high intersample peaks do not produce audible distortion. The reserve in volume setting results in a still undistorted analog output signal even at a volume setting of +2.5 dB.

There are no significant changes in operation, functions and behavior from its predecessor, therefore appearance and name have not changed. All differences are explained in the detailed manual of the ADI-2 DAC.

Super Low Noise for IEM enthusiasts

The headphone revolution has brought not only headphones but also IEMs (in ear monitors) back to the attention of audiophiles and music lovers. Modern IEMs have a reference sound that easily competes with bulky over-ear headphones, making them not only a mobile alternative but also an interesting solution for the home.

Modern IEMs are extremely sensitive and operate at very low voltages. As a side effect, they expose the noise floor of the player, DAC or headphone amplifier. When RME developed its Extreme Power headphone stage, care was taken to ensure that the noise floor would be as low as possible. Which was subsequently confirmed in many reviews (most black background...). Even when used with IEMs.

Still, RME wanted to ensure that even the most sensitive IEM combined with the most sensitive listener receives the full dynamic range when played back. Even capable outputs like Extreme Power's are not completely safe from operator error and could blow up ears or IEMs.

RME's solution: adding the most advanced IEM output imaginable as a second phone jack to the front of the ADI-2 DAC. The noise floor is an astonishing 10 dB lower than that of the Extreme Power output (background of a black hole...), the output impedance is close to zero ohms, THD reaches a new low record, click-free on/off is included, as well as volume ramp-up, and the sound quality with an IEM is just great. We're sure you'll love it!

Lights out!

A studio converter with all the lights off? Defective. But on a DAC, it was one of the most requested features by our ADI-2 Pro HiFi customers. Here we go: display, function buttons, volume knob, even the standby button - they all go off after 10 seconds without user operation when AutoDark is activated in the device's menu. When you touch a button or control, all the lights turn on for 10 seconds. The remote control can also be used to turn AutoDark off or on, and touching any button on the remote turns on the lights for 3 seconds. Again: we are sure you will love it!

New extended Multi-Remote Support (MRC)

The ADI-2 DAC comes with a remote control that is not the usual cheap add-on. This beautifully designed remote has clearly marked buttons that are readable even in low light without reading glasses, a clear button layout that is easy to remember, and perfect button ergonomics. Plus, it doesn't interfere with your ATV or other devices.

The ADI-2 DAC remote control has buttons for standby on/off, volume, balance, bass and treble, input selection (optical, coaxial, USB), mute, on/off loudness, bass/treble and EQ. In addition, there are four programmable buttons that provide access to 32 different functions and commands for maximum flexibility. There is no other converter or similar device with such an advanced, easy-to-use yet versatile remote control!

Note for owners of the previous remote control: the new MRC is also available separately as an accessory. It can be used with all ADI-2 DACs, even older ones, if they are equipped with the latest firmware (at least version FPGA 27, DSP 33).

SteadyClock FS

The ADI-2 DAC is the first device in RME's range to feature SteadyClock FS. There is not much to improve on SteadyClock, it has earned its accolades over years of flawless operation in countless RME devices, and guarantees that using the internal clock will produce exactly the same sound as when using an external clock. SteadyClock rejects jitter to a high degree and processes all digital interface formats in an exemplary manner. That is why the design and behavior of SteadyClock have not been changed in the DAC.

With SteadyClock FS, emphasis was placed on lowering SteadyClock's self-jitter to new lows, by improving the second, analog PLL circuit, and referencing both the Direct Digital Synthesis and the PLL to a quartz crystal with low phase noise. The self-jitter measured by DA conversion now reaches levels normally available only in master quartz clock mode, while SteadyClock is still always running in PLL mode - regardless of whether it is internal or external clock, the sound is (again) exactly the same. The low phase noise oscillator driving the updated circuit achieves jitter specs lower than one picosecond (ps), an area called FemtoSecond. Hence SteadyClock FS.

Bit test

A bit test is used to check the playback path for unwanted changes in the playback data. Playback software can cut bits, add dither, or change the level - without quickly noticing these changes. A poorly programmed driver can manipulate bits, and playback hardware can be both poorly designed and defective (hanging bits, swapped bits). Even properties such as correct channel assignment, left/right synchronicity and polarity can be tested with a well-made bit test.

With a bit test, such errors can be detected and, more importantly, ruled out.