Gustardx26 pro vs RME ADI2FS

Thanks for everyone's input. 

Was also wondering with all the functions the RME has, many of which I am getting lost in with the tree they use. Maybe a language barrier as well:  the "phones" section-  what!? A bit frustrating and not especially user friendly a la programming the VCR back in the day. 

I know the RME has a great clock. Do reviewers or QC ever verify that a song is being played at the correct speed and tempo? Is there a DAC out there that has this adjustment that can slow down or speed up a song? - kind of like the turntable speed dial. Just curious.

No doubt the RME choice of power supply is not critical ...

I switched from the cheap wallwart to a 12v Li battery and the improvement was nothing less than astonishing. Whether the wallwart's feedback back into the mains played a role I cannot say.  My wallwart is plugged into my mains 24x7 as I use it to charge the Li battery when not listening, so there has to be more than just that.

Perhaps the wallwart causes less issues when it does not have a load on it? I'll pull it out and see if I hear a difference.

I did try a friend's linear power supply and it doesn't match the battery. I think I left the wallwart plugged in while using the linear power supply but I cannot say for sure. 

Long story short, the battery beats all comers. 

Pauly, can you post a link to a(or your) audiophile battery, maybe one for sale? Let us know if disconnecting the battery with the stock PS made a difference. I'm thinking it would.

BTW, the manual for the RME is a great read. Does not feel at all like Google translated German and it is sort of written in the first person on R&D issues. 

@recluse   


The battery I used was this one  Amazon.com : TalentCell 12V Lithium ion Battery PB120B2, Rechargeable 38400mAh 142.08Wh Li-ion Battery Pack with DC 12V/5V USB Output and Wireless Charging for LED Strip, CCTV Camera, Mobile and More : Home Audio & Theater

I have to admit I never read the manual other than a cursory glance for the basics

@ pauly "neither has output transformers” 
removing transformers is good thing! good transformers in sound path will cost you a fortune, and results are still worse than avoiding them all together.