Rme - ADI-2 DAC FS

The current version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, even better DA conversion and an analogue output stage adapted for even better noise and distortion values. To appeal to home and HiFi users, RME has swapped some of the Pro's studio features with typical home and HiFi features. With an adapted feature set and much simplified operation, RME proudly presents the ADI-2 DAC. Built on the technology, design and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC focuses on DA conversion in high-end quality, as well as two outstanding headphone and IEM outputs.

There are no changes in operation, functionality or behaviour compared to its predecessor, which is why neither the appearance nor the name has changed. The only difference is that 'Low Dispersion', another digital filter, is now available for selection. Explanations of this filter can be found in the detailed manual for the ADI-2 DAC.

Super Low Noise for EMI enthusiasts
The headphone revolution has brought not only headphones but also IEMs (in headphones) back to the attention of audiophiles and music lovers. Modern IEMs have a reference sound that easily rivals bulky over-ear headphones, making them not only a mobile alternative, but also an interesting solution at home.

Modern IEMs are extremely sensitive and operate at very low voltages. As a side effect, they pick up background noise from the player, DAC or headphone amp. When RME developed its Extreme Power headphone deck, background noise was taken into account to be as low as possible. This has subsequently been confirmed in numerous reviews (blackest background...). Even when used with EMIs.

RME always wanted to ensure that even the most sensitive IEMs combined with the most sensitive listener received the full dynamic range during playback. Capable outputs such as Extreme Power are not totally immune to operating errors and can cause ears or IEMs to explode.

RME's solution: the addition of the most advanced EMI output imaginable as a second telephone connection to the front of the ADI-2 DAC. Its noise floor is an incredible 10dB lower than that of the Extreme Power output (black hole background...), output impedance is close to zero Ohms, THD reaches new record lows, no-click on/off is included as well as volume ramping, and sound quality with any IEM is simply incredible. We're sure you'll love it!

The ADI-2 DAC remote control provides buttons for standby on/off, volume, balance, bass and treble, input selection (optical, coaxial, USB), mute, volume on/off, bass/treble and EQ. In addition, four programmable buttons provide access to 32 different functions and controls for maximum flexibility. There's no other comparable converter or device with such a sophisticated, easy-to-use and versatile remote control!

The SteadyClock RME clock rejects jitter and handles all digital interface formats to optimum effect. But with SteadyClock FS, the emphasis has been on reducing SteadyClock's auto-jitter to lower levels, by improving its second analogue PLL circuit and referencing both the direct digital synthesis and the PLL to a low phase noise quartz crystal. The auto-jitter measured via DA conversion now reaches levels usually only available in master crystal clock mode, while SteadyClock always works in PLL mode - regardless of whether the clock is internal or external, the sound is exactly the same (again). The low phase noise oscillator driving the updated circuit achieves sub-picosecond (ps) jitter specifications, an area known as FemtoSecond. Hence SteadyClock FS.

A bit test is used to check the read path for unwanted changes in the read data. The playback software can cut bits, add dithering or change the level - without these changes being easily noticed. A poorly programmed driver can manipulate bits, and read hardware can be both poorly designed and faulty (bits hanging, bits swapped). Even features such as correct channel allocation, left/right synchronicity and polarity can be tested by a well-done bit test. With a bit test, these errors can be detected and - more importantly - excluded.