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RME ADI-2 fs DAC: Not Loving It

I took the plunge about 6 months ago and replaced my Peachtree DACiTx with ADI-2.  I got the DACiTx to play files via computer and from my old but beloved JVC XL-Z1050 CDP.  

Can't say that I've noticed a marked improvement using the RME over the Peachtree. 

I picked the RME because of the glowing reviews and the fact that it had DSP.  I'm 61 yrs. old and last time I had my ears checked I haven't really lost much in the high freq's. But, I thought that it was inevitable that I would and the EQ that RME has may be a bonus.

In reality, it is not very user friendly and I'm no techie.  I thought by playing with it for a while it would get easier but really all I want to do is listen to music.

I'm no longer using a computer but a Bluesound Node 2i for my files and also use Tidal.

Not really a headphone guy but thought it would be nice to have the option seeing that neither of my preamps have a headphone jack.  I was only using my headphones with portable devices.  

I have mostly listened to vinyl over the years but really wanted to upgrade my digital front end as I'm getting lazy in my old age. 

The rest of my system :

Preamps: 
Classe CP-50
Rogue Audio Model 99 Magnum

Power Amps:
McCormack DNA-0.5 Deluxe Edition 
Black Ice Audio Fusion 3502P

Speakers:
PBN DP's
ACI Titan II LE subwoofer

Still using the JVC as a CD transport.   
I usually mix and match tubes with solid state.  Right now I'm using the Classe Pre with Black Ice Audio tubed power amp.

The RME sounds rather neutral, lean and dry to my ears.  Nothing exciting.  It doesn't make me sit up and take notice like when I first added the Peachtree to my system.  I was like wow! This is what I been missing all these years.  So, I thought the RME would be a significant upgrade over the Peachtree.  So far, not impressed.  Maybe if I was headphone guy?  Can't comment there other than both headphone outputs work.  

Any suggestions on what to try or what direction I should take next? 
nicktheknife
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@ recluse

That's one thing I haven't tried yet is using the balanced outputs.  Will need to get another balanced cable though first.  I only have one pair and it's being used between preamp and power amp.  

I do have an old pair of Straight Wire Maestros but I will need to do a repair on one.  

Maybe I'll just buy another pair.
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
One other note on the sound that I'm experiencing.  I noticed the center images especially seem small when compared to my analog rig.  

I played Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick (Steve Wilson remix)  on vinyl and I streamed the digital version on Tidal.  

The beginning acoustic part was like listening to a life size Ian Anderson (vinyl) to an Ian Anderson midget (digital).

I know apple to oranges comparison but I thought it would be closer.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
A lot of people speak highly of the Cullen power cords. I know before I upgraded the switch power supply I first upgraded the power cord and it made enough of an improvement it provoked me to change the power supply next. I’d strongly recommend changing out the $2 power cable that came with the RME. I’ve not tried the Cullen’s but many here rave about them and they’re affordable. If you don’t feel it helps I doubt you will get hurt selling it or possibly you have a Blu-ray play or your Node uses the same C7 plug. I have a Bluesound Vault 2 which I upgraded the PC and recommend you might want to do as well. Try just the one PC and go from there.

Are you hardwired on your Node or only going WiFi? Ethernet direct does sound better so change that too. More cable advice… Supra Cat8 - it’s affordable.

Good Luck.

https://www.cullencable.com/c7-power-cable/
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
Thanks adg101. I got a little confused and thought you were referring to the ADI-2 power cord. I did upgrade the pc on the Bluesound. I am currently using an AudioQuest NRG-Y.
I would have to have a pretty long length on that Cat 8 cable. My router is in another room.  I'd probably need at least 30 ft. 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
The affordable wonder-DACs are not, a wonder, that is. They can vary radically in performance between systems. Typically a system has to be changed several times to maximize the introduction of a new DAC. In some cases the system is superb with it. More often, much work is needed to optimize the sound. Perhaps in half the cases the sound never is worth all the effort. That is the reality of dealing with unknown/hyped DACs. Most components, really. 


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