2. digital
  3. 164911-75156

A DAC that ought to be better known: RME

I just bought a RME ADI-2 DAC on the recommendation of some technological minded audiophiles on another site and am delighted with the sound quality and price point. It isn’t especially user friendly and the multi page user manual is complicated. Plus the DAC has equalization and a great headphone amp, all in a small package. I always thought the Exogal was a great performer but the RME strikes me as superior, especially considering the significantly lower price. I listen to a lot of chamber music and it conveys the timbre of the string instruments exceptionally well. Plus, for the first time in a long while I can actually read the screen and see what’s happening. If anyone out there is looking for a DAC this is worth at least investigating. 
128x128rtorchia
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
the rme is an excellent unit, tons of useful features and very good sound, especially for headphone users

very hard to beat for the $, for those who want a clear, upfront, somewhat 'zippy' sound

but in my experience there are better sounding ones for more somewhat more $
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Add a linear external power supply and throw the switch one away. Something such as the Teddy Pardo will step it up to another level. No zippy sound whatsoever. Teddy delivered will run you $400 and worth every penny.
rtorchia's avatar
rtorchia OP
138 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I do run it directly into the amp. Will definitely get the power supply after a while. 
paulcreed
554 posts
 
jjss49, I don't find RME "zippy" in my room. I also have a highly modded MHDT Labs dac to compare it with and the RME is far from zippy when played side by side in the same system. I do have the Teddy Pardo on the RME with JPS Labs digital cable and Acoustic Zen silver ref 2 going out to preamp. You would think the silver wire would make it zippy but that's not the case. I find RME is very transparent and warm but in no way "zippy". I did find it took over a month to break in, I leave Teddy Pardo and RME on 24/7 and notice even being on 24/7 it take 20 or so minutes of music running through it before it sounds right. 
mofojo
2,266 posts
 
Paul,

don’t keep us hanging brother. Comparison!!! Appreciated. 
More to discover