RME ADI-2 DAC FS

The ADI-2 DAC offers an improved SteadyClock, analogue circuitry tuned to perfection, the new MRC remote control, an Extreme Power headphone output and a special IEM output. It has all the special features that have made the ADI-2 Pro famous, above all its completely transparent sound and the sophisticated DSP processing with bass, treble, loudness, parametric 5-band EQ, crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and breathtaking design, it is the ideal centrepiece for the listener at home through to reference playback in the studio.

The ADI-2 DAC is the version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality, optimised and adapted for home and hi-fi users. Packed with fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became a reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless rave reviews for its sound, flexibility and technical capabilities.

The latest version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, a further improved DA conversion and an adapted analogue output stage for even better noise and distortion values. To better appeal to home and hi-fi users, RME replaced some of the studio features with typical features of hi-fi devices. Equipped with a customised and extended range of functions and simplified operation, RME now presents the ADI-2 DAC. It is based on the technology, concept and functions of the ADI-2 Pro, but focusses on DA conversion in highest high-end quality, combined with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.

Packaged in a compact 9.5 inch format, this little gem is equipped with the finest high-end electronics and offers reference conversion from SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical (ADAT compatible) and USB to RCA, XLR, TRS and mini jack.

As the most flexible DAC on the market today, the ADI-2 DAC offers balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, an Extreme Power headphone output, an ultra-low noise IEM output, SteadyClock FS, 4-stage hardware output level adjustment, DSP-based signal processing, external power supply, Class Compliant USB compatibility, sample rates up to 768 kHz and DSD playback. The SPDIF input signal can even be recorded via USB - as you would expect from RME, the DAC is a true 2-channel full-duplex audio interface.

Improved DA conversion

The updated ADI-2 DAC utilises ESS ES9028Q2M in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers, which allows the chip to perform at its best. Be it a signal-to-noise ratio of 123 dBA, distortion lower than -120 dB, or THD+N of -116 dB, the device delivers outstanding measured values. The IEM output achieves a sensationally low noise floor of -121 dBu. In addition, there is 2.5 dB of digital headroom, so that inter-sample peaks do not produce any audible distortion. The device also offers a significant reserve in the volume setting. +2.5 dB still results in an undistorted analogue output signal.

There are no significant changes to its predecessor in terms of operation, features and behaviour, which is why neither the appearance nor the name have changed. All differences are explained in the detailed ADI-2 DAC manual.

Even lower noise for IEM lovers

The ongoing trend towards headphones has brought increased attention not only to conventional headphones, but also to IEMs (in-ear monitors) among audiophiles and music lovers. Modern IEMs have a reference quality sound that can easily compete with bulky over-ear headphones, making them not only a mobile alternative but also an interesting solution for the home.

Modern IEMs are extremely sensitive and operate at very low voltages. As a side effect, however, they often make the background noise of the player, DAC or headphone amplifier audible. During the development of the Extreme Power headphone circuit, care was taken to keep the noise floor as low as possible. This has been confirmed in many tests (deep black background...). Even when using IEMs.

Nevertheless, RME wanted to ensure that even the most sensitive IEM would deliver the full dynamic range to the ears of the most sensitive music listener. Also, high-quality outputs like the Extreme Power are not immune to operating errors and could overstrain ears like IEMs.

RME's solution: add the most advanced IEM output imaginable as a second headphone output on the front of the ADI-2 DAC. Its noise floor is an astonishing 10 dB lower than that of the Extreme Power output (black hole...), the output impedance is close to zero ohms and the THD value reaches new record lows. Click-free on/off switching is just as much a matter of course as volume ramp-up, and the sound quality with every IEM is simply incredible. We are sure you will be thrilled!