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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
paulcreed
559 posts
 
Nick, you may want to watch the video’s on how to operate the RME, that are produced by RME, there are maybe 5 or 6 of them. I have never looked at the book I learned everything from video’s, watched each one a few times. You may have adjusted something and not known it with the remote. 
With your image problem there are balance adjustments on the remote they could be out of wack. Bass and treble adjustments on remote could have been altered, EQ could be on and not know it. Do you know how to look at display and see what has been adjusted if any.

 I have a huge life like imaging going on with the RME, big bass and smooth treble, I do have the Teddy Purdue power supply but I don’t think it makes that huge of a difference, it’s noticeable but not drastic. 
I also have the MHDT Orchid with 6922 and 6sn7 adapters with some very nice tubes and find it can’t keep up with the RME with complex music. It does image a little better and is more relaxed but I spend more time listening to the RME, but I do very much enjoy the Orchid. Some of the things you describe am am not experiencing. Ever since I had RME set up I haven’t touched it in months. I will have to go back to video’s to remember how to adjust it again.
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@paulcreed
I went into the RME to change the filter to NOS to give it a try. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to listen to it today though. I was in the settings and had the EQ off. Bass and treble at 0. I could have something else not set right. I may have to just reset the unit and just change the filter setting to NOS.
romanesq
90 posts
 
Hi, please bypass the preamp. Tell us what happens. 

I have Ave the older version RME with AKM chip.  Also running very sensitive tube momoblock amps. Used to own the McCormack DNA-2 deluxe Rev. A with carbon wiring. 

 My system is very sensitive to changes. The RME is a major player and runs direct to the tube amp monoblocks with no preamp. Volume is handled by the RME.

Also now running the RME on batter power and in my system that was a nice bump. 

Bottom line, get the preamp out of the way. Let us know. If you are unsure about settings, just do a reset.

Lets see what happens. 
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 
@ romanesq
I’ll have to give that a try as well although I have no plans to use it in my system that way as I need more inputs than the RME allows.


adg101
1,062 posts
 
Agree it would be nice if the RME had one or two more inputs. 
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