Topic: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

Hi, I'm a bit confused after diving into the specification and discussion among all ADI-2 models.

How I plan to use it:

-as a DAC&Headphone amp to drive my headphones; and sometimes
-as a DAC in a stereo system.

Features I need (on top of basic DAC function):
-Balanced output;
-DSD&Hi-Res decoding ability;
-at least one (good) Headphone output.

Basically these are all I need. quite simple right?

I understand these features are shared among many RME models. What I would like to know is, with my (somewhat simple) requirement, which model/models among the ADIs perform the best, in terms of sound quality? And if some models are just as good when used in this way, which is the most affordable one?

P.S. I'm also looking at Chord Hugo 2. RME's design is better in my view, and Chord Hugo 2 is way more expensive...Any comments?

Thanks everyone.

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

No "sound quality" difference between ADI models. wink
For your use, I will go for the DAC version (Pro is overkill: you don't need DA conversion).

And for Chord, I'm no specialist but for me it is very expensive for what it is and seems more orientated towards audiophools marketing bullshit (on Chord website: "Hugo’s advanced technology will transform the sound of the music you love." I don't want a DAC to "transform" the sound of my music, just to play it right...). And no display, this light system seems not very convenient or useful...

ADI-2 DAC (with stock PSU) - Neumann KH 310 A monitors - Cheap USB and XLR cables

3 (edited by ramses 2019-03-27 19:23:16)

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

[deleted]

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

N00b wrote:

No "sound quality" difference between ADI models. wink
For your use, I will go for the DAC version (Pro is overkill: you don't need DA conversion).

You mean AD .. well depends whether you want to record/archive analog stuff or not.
But then I would still get the ADI-2 DAC because of the remote control.
If you need to record stuff get simply the ADI-2 FS on top.

BR Ramses - UFX III, 12Mic, XTC, ADI-2 Pro FS R BE, RayDAT, X10SRi-F, E5-1680v4, Win10Pro22H2, Cub13

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

ramses wrote:
N00b wrote:

No "sound quality" difference between ADI models. wink
For your use, I will go for the DAC version (Pro is overkill: you don't need DA conversion).

You mean AD .. well depends whether you want to record/archive analog stuff or not.
But then I would still get the ADI-2 DAC because of the remote control.
If you need to record stuff get simply the ADI-2 FS on top.

Oops! Yes AD I meant smile

ADI-2 DAC (with stock PSU) - Neumann KH 310 A monitors - Cheap USB and XLR cables

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

N00b wrote:

No "sound quality" difference between ADI models. wink
For your use, I will go for the DAC version (Pro is overkill: you don't need DA conversion).

And for Chord, I'm no specialist but for me it is very expensive for what it is and seems more orientated towards audiophools marketing bullshit (on Chord website: "Hugo’s advanced technology will transform the sound of the music you love." I don't want a DAC to "transform" the sound of my music, just to play it right...). And no display, this light system seems not very convenient or useful...

Thanks. Although I've been listening to some above-average headphones and speakers for quite a few years, I've got no "audiophile" burden on my shoulder, thus more than happy to accomodate this cheaper, and better looking (perhaps I'm a bit old fashioned?) product.

I've read quite a few long threads about ADI-2 line products on head-fi forum (one of the biggest hi-fi&headphone forum) but did not see any comparison between the ADI-2 DAC and Hugo 2. Perhaps in audiophile's world, the price is the major determinant of the sound quality - more or less?

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-rme-adi-2-dac

Nice review and compitition

Good luck
Enjoy...

Roon > RME ADI-2 DAC FS > Nord Three 1ET400A ST > Focal Aria 936

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

Qyy,

In the Audiophile World,  Price IS Sound Quality.   Only one who dwells amongst the Unwashed Masses would even consider buying anything that is not the Absolutely MOST Expensive...:)

Ramses rather comprehensive overview almost convinced me to buy ANOTHER ADI-2 DAC.   The ADI-2 DAC is a Stellar Product, that belongs in Your Set up!!

Welcome Aboard!!

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes

Re: Which ADI-2 model for music listening through headphone jack?

Qyy,

Just a further Comment, and using Ramses Post as a launch point...

Compare the Specifications of the ADI-2 DAC, it's Vast Feature-Set, as well as it's Wide Acceptance in the Pro Audio World to any of it's so-called "Competition" 

The ADI-2 DAC Wins such Comparisons Hands-Down.     

You've found your new DAC my Friend!!

Curt

Vintage 2018 ADI-2 DAC. "Classic AKM4490 Edition"
Cables:  Red, and White Ones.
Speakers:  Yes