A part of the RME ADI-2 series, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is the ultimate DAC for your audiophile setup. It's the home and hi-fi optimized version of the RME ADI-2 Pro FS, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. The ADI-2 DAC FS is a reference unit equipped with RME's exclusive Extreme Power Headphone Output and Super Low Noise IEM Output for an unparalleled listening experience.
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS has all the bells and whistles — Precision analog circuity, MRC remote control, perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with bass, treble, loudness, 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, and much more. With a simplified operation and stunning design, it's the perfect centerpiece for audiophiles who enjoy studio reference playback in the comfort of their home.
Dragon Cable Recommendation:
For connecting the ADI-2 DAC FS to a computer, we recommend the Black Dragon USB Cable. The Black Dragon USB Cable will provide you with the best possible digital bus transmission. Our Black Dragon USB Cable will bring an extraordinary amount of detail and resolution to your hi-fi system. The Black Dragon USB Cable is designed to transfer digital audio from your source device (like a computer, phone, tablet, or a digital audio player) to a USB capable DAC.
Features:
- A high-end DA converter in professional studio quality
- A headphone amplifier in true high-end quality
- A USB DAC like no other — The most versatile and capable one around
- Equipped with a Super Low Noise IEM Output for Sensitive IEMs
- An SPDIF/ADAT Playback System
- A DAC frontend and headphone amp for iPad and iPhone
Functionality for the At-Home Audiophile
With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS quickly became a reference-level RME product. The current version of the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is equipped with an improved DA conversion and an adapted analog output stage for even better noise and distortion values. To address the home and HiFi users, RME exchanged some of the Pro's studio features with typical home and HiFi ones. With an adapted feature set and much simplified operation RME proudly presents the ADI-2 DAC FS. Built on the technology, concept, and features of the RME ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality.
Connection Options for the ADI-2 DAC FS
Packed into the compact half 19” format factor, the ADI-2 DAC FS is filled with the finest high-end electronics, offering a reference class conversion from SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical (ADAT compatible) and USB to RCA, XLR, TRS and mini-TRS. As the most versatile DAC available, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS offers balanced/unbalanced analog I/Os, an Extreme Power headphone output, a super low noise IEM output, SteadyClock FS, 4-stage hardware output level control, DSP-based signal processing, external power supply operation, Class Compliant USB compatibility, sample rates up to 768 kHz as well as DSD playback. The SPDIF input signal can even be recorded via USB - as one would expect from RME the DAC is a true 2 channel Full Duplex audio interface.
Included with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a remote control that provides buttons for standby on/off, volume, balance, bass and treble, input selection (optical, coaxial, USB) mute, on/off loudness, bass/treble and EQ. There are also four programmable buttons that provide access to 52 different functions and commands for maximum flexibility. And RME’s latest SteadyClock FS technology ensures perfect jitter reduction and stable clocking, no matter if internal or external clocks are used. This helps to optimize recordings and mixes because the soundstage has more depth and clarity.
Ultra Fidelity for Headphones & IEMs
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS uses ESS's ES9028Q2M in a special circuit variant developed by RME that allows the chip to perform at its best. RME's Extreme Power Headphone Output brings the full performance of the DAC to the phone jack — Even when using low-impedance headphones. IEM lovers will be thrilled with the advanced IEM output stage that can drive even the most sensitive IEMs so listeners can receive the full dynamic range on playback.
With noise levels of 123 dBA, distortion less than -120 dB, or THD+N of -116 dB, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS delivers outstanding measured values, and allows the IEM output to reach a sensational low noise level of -121 dBu. In addition, there is +2.5 dB of digital headroom, so that high intersample peaks do not produce any audible distortion. The reserve in volume setting results in a still undistorted analog output signal even at a volume setting of +2.5 dB. The RME ADI-2 DAC FS delivers listeners excellent performance and high-quality analog conversion.
Bit Test
A bit test is used to check the playback path for unwanted changes in the playback data. Playback software can cut bits, add dither, or change the level - without these changes becoming noticed easily. A poorly programmed driver can manipulate bits, and a playback hardware could be both badly designed and defective (hanging bits, swapped bits). Even such features as proper channel assignment, left/right synchronicity and polarity can be tested by a well-made bit test.
Accessories
There are several optional items available for the RME ADI-2 DAC FS:
- MRC - Multi-Remote-Control (Included)
- NT-RME-2 Power supply for ADI-2 DAC. (Included)
- Robust and light-weight switching power supply, 100 V-240 V AC, 12 V 2 A DC. Lockable DC connector.
- USB2M RME USB 2 cable, length 78” (2m) (Included)
Optical cables for SPDIF and ADAT operation:
- OK0100PRO Optical cable, TOSLINK, 1 m (3.3 ft)
- OK0200PRO Optical cable, TOSLINK, 2 m (6.6 ft)
- OK0300PRO Optical cable, TOSLINK, 3 m (9.9 ft)
About RME:
RME offers a wide range of audio interfaces, converters, mic preamps, and network audio solutions, all designed to preserve music as it was originally intended. With over 25 years in business, RME has paved the way for multichannel audio on USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technology for Windows. In fact, RME was the first company to deliver performance over USB 2.0. RME places a high level of attention on the development of reliable, stable, and routinely updated drivers for RME products, and it all goes back to their unwavering focus on audio quality.
F.A.Q
How do you connect an RME ADI-2 to a computer?
Use the Standard USB socket to connect your RME ADI-2 DAC FS to a computer. The ADI-2 DAC operates as a Class Compliant device in 2-channel mode and can be directly used with Mac OS X and iOS. For Windows, the RME MADIface series driver adds WDM and ASIO.
Are there firmware updates for RME products?
Yes! Firmware updates are available on RME's website under Downloads, USB. If there is a firmware update for your unit, download the tool that matches your operating system, then unpack the zipped archive, and following the directions to begin the process of updating your unit.
What is DSP?
DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing or a Digital Sound Processor. DSP technology is found in almost every consumer audio device on the market, and this technology acts like a computer's CPU. It's where all the processing occurs for digital audio signals. DSP is usually designed on a chip - and like all chips - can come in a variety of sizes, performance variations, and prices. More powerful chips can "do the math" quicker and more efficiently than lower-tiered DSP chips, so performance will correspond directly to the price. All of this technology is built to make your music sound better. Your wireless headphones, standalone DACs, and even your room correction gear all have DSP as an integral part of making your audio sound the best it can.
What is DigiCheck?
DigiCheck is a free software tool on Windows is offered with any RME audio interface that analyzes levels, channel status and bit stream content, the true hardware sample rate, and much more. It's the secret weapon to high-resolution audio measurements, great for metering, testing, measuring and analyzing digital audio streams.
