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RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter

BH #RMADI2DACFS • MFR #ADI2 DAC FS
 23 reviews
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter
Key Features
  • Studio-Quality 2-Channel USB DAC
  • High-End Headphone Amplifier
  • S/PDIF & ADAT Playback
  • DSD up to 768 kHz / DSD256
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a two-channel digital-to-analog converter for the discerning audiophile or engineer. It offers 32-bit conversion up to 768 kHz, making it compatible with high-resolution PCM formats and even DSD256. Additionally, the ADI-2 is compatible with iOS devices with apposite adapters, so you can enjoy audio streamed off your tablet or iPhone in a high-quality manner.
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RME ADI2 DAC FS Overview

  • 1Description
  • 232-Bit / 768 kHz Converter
  • 3Powerful DSP
  • 4Easy to Operate
  • 5Digital Inputs
  • 6A Panoply of Outputs
  • 7Level Settings
  • 8Steady Clocking

The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a two-channel digital-to-analog converter for the discerning audiophile or engineer. It offers 32-bit conversion up to 768 kHz, making it compatible with high-resolution PCM formats and even DSD256. Additionally, the ADI-2 is compatible with iOS devices with apposite adapters, so you can enjoy audio streamed off your tablet or iPhone in a high-quality manner.

For connections, the ADI-2 DAC FS offers stereo RCA outputs, stereo XLR connections, a 1/4" headphone output, and a low-noise IEM output. You can feed digital signal to the unit over USB, S/PDIF coaxial, S/PDIF Optical, or ADAT.

The built-in headphone amplifier provides low THD values even with 32- or 16-Ohm headphones, ensuring a transparent and crystal-clear sound. Onboard DSP allows you to dial in crossfeed, or instantiate a precise EQ for your exact predilections. This DSP also offers other features, such as a loudness contour reminiscent of old HiFi systems, and M/S encoding or decoding.

A high-resolution graphical operation surface makes operating the unit a breeze, as do the three push-button encoders and four dedicated-menu buttons. Included with the ADI-2 DAC FS are a remote control, an external power supply, a power cord, and a USB cable.

32-Bit / 768 kHz Converter
The ADI-2 DAC is a 2-channel digital to analog converter in a half-rack enclosure. 32-bit / 768 kHz converters offer a signal to noise ratio up to 120 dBA.
Powerful DSP
Powerful, built-in DSP adds useful audio processing, including a 5-band parametric EQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment, Crossfeed, Loudness control, and more.
Easy to Operate
Operation is quick and easy through three encoders, with push-button functionality, as well as four buttons to access dedicated menus. The unit remembers all current settings, even the menu position.
Digital Inputs
Class Compliant UAC 2 enables up to 768 kHz sample rate on an iPad. The same is available on computers for high resolution of PCM, DXD, and DSD at up to 768 kHz / DSD256. SPDIF coaxial and optical can be used alternately. SPDIF optical also supports two channels of ADAT operation, at up to 192 kHz.
A Panoply of Outputs
The balanced and unbalanced outputs are fitted with both XLR and RCA jacks. The unit uses a fully-balanced and DC-coupled circuit design. The Extreme Power headphone output provides reference-grade sound and headroom. RME's IEM output offers low-noise operation for today's super-sensitive in-ear monitors.
Level Settings
To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level, discrete 4-stage reference-level settings were utilized (-5, +1, +7, +13 dBu). The digital volume control of the ADI-2 DAC operates distortion free over a range of 190 dB, staying out of the sound's way.
Steady Clocking
RME's SteadyClock FS performs in all clock modes. Thanks to highly-efficient jitter suppression, the DA-conversion always operates on a high sonic level, being completely independent from the quality of the incoming clock signal.

RME ADI2 DAC FS Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Desktop
Converter Type
AD/DA Converter
Number of Channels
2
Analog Audio I/O
2 x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Output
1 x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Output
1 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
1 x RCA Coaxial AES3 / S/PDIF Input
1 x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
Converter Type
AD/DA Converter
Number of Channels
2
Display
Color IPS
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
2 x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Output
1 x Stereo RCA Coaxial Unbalanced Output
1 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
1 x RCA Coaxial AES3 / S/PDIF Input
1 x TOSLINK Optical ADAT / S/PDIF Input
Host Connection
1 x USB-B
Host Connection Protocol
USB 2.0
Sync I/O
None
Network I/O
None
MIDI I/O
None
Performance
Frequency Response
Analog Outputs:
0 Hz to 20.2 kHz +0/-0.1 dB (at 48 kHz)
0 Hz to 44.9 kHz +0/-0.5 dB (at 96 kHz)
0 Hz to 88 kHz +0/-1 dB (at 192 kHz)
0 Hz to 115 kHz +0/-1 dB (at 384 kHz)
0 Hz to 109 kHz +0/-3 dB (at 768 kHz)
Maximum Output Level
XLR Outputs:
+19 dBu at 0 dBFS (Switchable)
+13 dBu at 0 dBFS (Switchable)
+7 dBu at 0 dBFS (Switchable)
+1 dBu at 0 dBFS (Switchable)
RCA Outputs:
+13 dBu at 0 dBFS
1/4" Outputs:
+22 dBu at 0 dBFS
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
-3 dBu at 0 dBFS
Headphone Output Power
1/4":
1500 mW per Channel (Max, 0.001% THD)
1/8" / 3.5 mm:
40 mW per Channel into 8 Ohms (Max, 0.001% THD)
Impedance
XLR Outputs:
200 Ohms (Balanced)
100 Ohms (Unbalanced)
1/4" Headphone Outputs:
0.1 Ohms (Unbalanced)
SNR
XLR Outputs:
117 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +19 dBu)
120 dBA (A-Weighted, at +19 dBu)
115.4 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +1 dBu)
118.9 dBA (A-Weighted, at +1 dBu)
RCA Outputs:
117 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +13 dBu)
120 dBA (A-Weighted, at +13 dBu)
114 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +1 dBu)
116 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +7 dBu)
117 dBA (A-Weighted, at +1 dBu)
119 dBA (A-Weighted, at +7 dBu)
109 dB RMS (Unweighted, at -5 dBu)
113 dBA (A-Weighted, at -5 dBu)
1/4" Outputs:
117 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +22 dBu)
120 dBA (A-Weighted, at +22 dBu)
116 dB RMS (Unweighted, at +7 dBu)
119 dBA (Unweighted, at +7 dBu)
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
115 dB RMS (Unweighted, at -3 dBu)
118 dBA (A-Weighted, at -3 dBu)
THD
XLR Outputs:
-112 dB / 0.00025% (at -1 dBFS)
-116 dB / 0.00016% (at -4 dBFS)
RCA Outputs:
-112 dB / 0.00025% (at -1 dBFS)
-116 dB / 0.00016% (at -4 dBFS)
1/4" Outputs:
-110 dB / 0.0003% (at +18 dBu)
-110 dB / 0.0003% (at +14 dBu)
THD+N
XLR Outputs:
-110 dB / 0.00032% (at -1 dBFS)
RCA Outputs:
-110 dB / 0.00032% (at -1 dBFS)
1/4" Outputs:
-107 dB / 0.00045% (at +18 dBu, 32-Ohm Load)
Channel Separation
Analog Outputs:
> 120 dB
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
Internal:
44.1 to 768 kHz
External:
44.1 to 200 kHz
Sync Sources
Internal, S/PDIF
Clocking
Lock Range: 44 to 200 kHz
Jitter Suppression: > 50 dB (2.4 kHz)
Compatibility
OS Compatibility
Windows 7 or Later
macOS 10.6 or Later
iOS 7 or Later
*As of November, 2021: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
Processor Requirement
Intel Core i3
Required Hardware
Available USB 2.0 Port (USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1 Port, or)
Dock to USB Adapter 30-Pin, Lightning to USB Adapter (or)
Power
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
AC/DC Power Adapter
12 VDC at 2 A
Current Consumption
570 mA (Idle)
Power Consumption
120 mW (Standby)
7 W (Idle)
18 W (Maximum)
Physical
Operating Humidity
0 to 75%
Operating Temperature
41 to 122°F / 5 to 50°C
Dimensions
8.5 x 5.9 x 2" / 21.5 x 15 x 5.2 cm
Weight
2.2 lb / 1.0 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.75 x 8.5 x 3.34"

RME ADI2 DAC FS Reviews

The DAC to rule them all?

By Tommy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-22

I rarely use the phrase blown away, but that came to mind when I started using the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, paired with a Sennheiser 560S. The clarity and separation was significantly better than any DAC I've used before (which have all cost less than the RME ADI-2). I use it mainly with headphones, but have hooked it up with my legacy amp and tower speakers (HK and Polk), with excellent results. I will hold off a bit on upgrading my system thanks to the RME. In short, I think the RME ADI-2 is in a sweet spot when it comes to performance and price; it's not cheap, but you get a superb DAC. I should mention that I had an issue with my first RME ADI-2. After a few hours of use it gave an error message: Overload/short detected, phones deactivated. This seems to indicate a problem with the motherboard, and the only remedy is to send it back to the manufacturer. Not sure how common this is, but B&H made sure I had a replacement unit within 48 hours- excellent support! - and no issues with the new unit.

Great fit for Genelecs

By Brandon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-29

The DAC and clock in this unit is the best I've heard. They work very well with the 8330a pair w/sub, much better than my Schiit Bifrost 2 did. I'm able to calibrate the Genelecs using GLM for room accuracy, then use the RME to add a bit more base for fun, or easily adjust the panning slightly to compensate for some hearing lose in my right ear. Those functions are much less convenient to access through GLM, but now I can set them with a remote control on the RME.

Solid, well-made unit

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-01-04

After finding my current DAC doesn't have the best specs I decided to buy this RME ADI-2 based upon a review from audiosciencereview dot com. It appears to be a balanced review site for DACs with lots of measurement data and graphs. Anyway, this ADI-2 unit is German-made and solid, the remote is Chinese-made although of high quality. I can't hear any difference but I haven't done a side-by-side either. Given that I'm running this through Klipsch La Scala's/Cornwalls via McIntosh amps I want the sound as clean as I can get it. I'm happy.

I Don't See What The Fuss Is About

By Dominick
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-19

Sure the ADI-2 fs has legions of fans it seems but going head to head with my old Peachtree DACitx I couldn't honestly hear a difference. I tried different settings but if there was a difference it was barely perceptible. Add to that the convoluted menu navigation and it's small size and weight (may be a plus for some) but for me it has to be held with one hand to make any adjustments or it will just slide back. I guess it would be great for the geeks who like to constantly tweak or play with EQ. I'm not a huge headphone guy but none of my other equipment has a headphone jack so that may come in handy at some point. I do like the Bass and Treble controls. It's nice to boost either or for certain recordings. I was thinking this would be my last DAC purchase but probably not. I will go for a full sized unit next time. Maybe an R2R design.

Perfect device for my listening pleasure!!!

By Jeffrey
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-22

I got this as an upgrade to the iFi Zen DAC and WH-1000XM4 combination. I paired it up with some Focal Radiance cans and I couldn't be happier!!! I bought this DAC for its versatility and I LOVE all the options available. As many YouTube reviewers have said, the menu getting to those options is rough, but once you get your settings dialed, in you don't touch them anyway. The EQ let me dial the bass, mids, and treble just like I wanted them. Once the Radiance's burned in, the sound was incredible. But I found myself looking for even more enhancement and I found it in the roon audio player. I had been using Audirvana and was instantly blown away at how much better roon sounded. I subscribed right away and anyone reading this should too. So I got three upgrades to my previous setup in less than a week. This DAC easily blows away the Zen DAC in sound quality with more options. The Radiance cans have so much clarity over the XM4's I was using and roon was the finishing touch. This is my first DAC near this price point and I can't recommend it enough!!!

Great upgrade!

By Thomas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-17

I went down a rabbit hole a little bit. Originally I was looking to purchase a replacement for my well-loved and well-used Sennheiser HD 650 headphones, and I thought the Sennheiser HD 850S would be just the thing. I still think they are in my future. However, reading up on those cans I learned they are very dependent on good DAC and good amplification. I use my headphones primarily for listening to music on my iMac, and I had been using an old DragonFly Black for years. That would certainly have to be upgraded, so on I turned my attention to headphone DAC/amp combinations. Desk space is limited, so an all-in-one unit was my preference. After considering the whole range of products, I am glad a settled on the RME ADI-2 FS. I really have it only for casual music listening at the computer, although the listening is becoming much less casual than before. I find my self often immersed in the music. So multi-taskers, beware! The sound this thing produces is wonderfully crisp, clean, detailed and engaging. I have the unit connected to my iMac with the provided USB cable. There are quite a lot of settings you can use to achieve different acoustic results, but so far I have pretty much stuck to the basic configuration as delivered. It comes with a well written 70 page manual in English, with another 70 pages in German, so there are lots of capabilities a serious user can play with. The only modifications I have made so far, other than updating the firmware, has been to introduce the slightest bit of crossfeed. I think it's a great feature. One thing I should mention is that initially I was somewhat disappointed with the sound until I figured out that my 300 ohm headphones do much better with the Hi-Power setting turned on. My final comment has to do with considering this unit vs the RME ADI-2 DAC PRO. One of the many reviewers I read noted that unlike many modern tech products, such as iPhones, which use the Pro designation to denote an upgraded version, with this unit, the Pro is actually for people that need to use it like a professional might. It has another entirely discrete second channel, and a great deal more complexity is involved using it. However for listing to music, this unit is every bit as feature rich and sonically excellent as the Pro model, and considerably less expensive.

Amazing Sound

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-12

I purchased this after doing bit of research on a few audiophile forums for a DA converter to stick on front of a tube amp for headphones. Tunable for EQ. I have been using my iPhone and MacBook Pro to stream hi-res music from Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz via USB and outputting on the internal headphone amp. It is most detailed listening I have ever done. Quite a value. Pairing it with Audeze LCD-3, LCD-X and Sennheiser HD800's. All sound amazing. A rare treat for the price.

Incredible piece of engineering

By Siavash
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-12

I've only used it as a headamp so far, but given how precisely this was made, I imagine it would be just as great as a DAC. The sound is crisp without being overly analytical. Warmer than I'd expected with richness in the lower frequencies. Beautiful display. There are a few competitors with slightly better objective performance, but it's all sub-audible. This one blows them away in features.

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Yes this will accept 230volt but you will need to change the shape of the plug.
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Date published: 2020-05-25

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