2. digital
  3. 190865-30175

DAC upgrade from RME

A couple weeks back I inquired as to a preamp upgrade, most likely tube, and received much appreciated advice. I now wonder if the upgrade bug should begin with the RME, although in many circle it receives very high marks. When listening to jazz trios/quartets I notice sharp piano strikes can become quite strident. I’m looking into NOS, R2R dacs with good USB capability. Mojo, entry, medium Lampi’s, Gordon Rankin Wavelength, Border Patrol SEi are a few where I have interest. Not so much the Chinese made R2R ladder dacs.

kckrs
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,840 posts
 

For what it’s worth, I replaced an RME with the Lab12

tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison
408 posts
 

@kckrs PsAudio DS-Sr used are about 3K, Ive seen the Jr. for $1,500

hsounds
153 posts
 

Hello, I thought the RME had a built in EQ. Can’t you adjust this for your liking?

 

If not try the Weiss 204. TMR will work something out with your RME trade in. 

kckrs OP
37 posts
 

Indeed it does but still comes off as strident. And while I do favor detail it comes with too much sharpness. And while I may be considered a simpleton I find the menu system extremely frustrating to use. And yes I am considering a couple pieces on TMR with the RME in a deal. 

jim2
165 posts
 

 

 

hsounds

149 posts

Hello, I thought the RME had a built in EQ. Can’t you adjust this for your liking?

I was thinking the same thing... it has Parametric EQ in the digital domain. This is an interesting thing... I have an Ayre KX-R Twenty preamp, Ayre MX-R amps, Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC, and an RME ADI-2/4 unit. I also have the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, as I bought up to the ADI-2/4 unit when I was so impressed with the ADI-2 DAC FS and figured I might as well get the one with all the bells & whistles... and Digital PEQ output.

I think the RME ADI units are some of the most revelatory pieces of gear I’ve ever used. I absolutely LOVE my RME stuff. It is exceptional as a preamp, but my Ayre preamps add magic that isn’t there when going RME direct into the amps. The thing is, it’s so good that is has to be kept in context too.

This is a perfect example of folks having different preferences / experiences... and why ya gotta listen for yourself - with gear you are very familiar with. I’ve made it a point to listen to several DACs in my own little shootout, and I learned what I wanted to know.



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