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RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper...

73.229.163.4
Posted on October 15, 2021 at 19:42:45
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 ...for a while anyway ;-) I like the RME ADI-2 DAC FS a LOT so I think I'll keep it in my system for a while. I prefer it over the Denafrips Ares II, Topping D90, Chord Qutest that were in my system recently. I'm keeping my six year old PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC but I removed it from my audio rack for now.

Top to bottom: PS Audio GCPH MM/MC Phono. KAB modified Technics SL-1200mkII TT. Dynavector DV-20X cartridge.

Sony Blu-ray player. PS Audio GainCell DAC/Pre. PS Audio M700 monoblocks. RME ADI-2 DAC FS. 12-VDC LPS for RME DAC.
5-VDC LPS for Raspberry Pi 4 streamer on top Mac Mini. 2012 Mac Mini. Larger 12-VDC LPS for Mac Mini.




 

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RE: " I prefer it over the Denafrips Ares II, Topping D90, Chord Qutest...", posted on October 16, 2021 at 05:47:37
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Unless I'm missing something, it costs a bit more (quite a bit more) than those DACs listed above?

DAC, Pre and Headphone amp all in one?

In depth review coming???


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 06:20:36
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18285
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since: May 16, 2021
 It's nice you are comparing all of these DACs, so we don't have to. :-)

What is the graph on this Dac showing currently? Also, what kind of Power Supplies are those?




 

Doesn't surprise me..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 06:26:50
John Marks
Manufacturer

Posts: 7799
Location: Peoples' Democratic Republic of R.I.
Joined: April 23, 2000
 Years ago, by which I probably mean 10 or so years ago, the CEO of Steinway phoned me from a sound stage in Hollywood, where they were rehearsing for the Grammy broadcast. He didn't like the sound they were getting out of Alicia Keys' piano.

In the course of the conversation, and not in the sense of "What should I run to the nearest pro-audio dealer and buy?" (NB, in major cities, there are usually pro audio dealers who will make emergency deliveries), he asked me to recommend a small form-factor Analog to Digital Converter, and I told him to check out RME.

He replied that he was an engineer (I do not know which kind), and that he had never heard or RME. I told him that RME was an insider's secret.

Anyway, I first used RME stuff while working with Micha Shattner, whose hearing was just about as good as Bob Ludwig's.

Micha was not a herd animal. He did not follow the crowd. Later on, he told me that he could not get over the quality of the sound from Korg's shirt-pocket DSD recorder.

FWIW & YMMV.

john

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 08:43:59
soundchekk
Audiophile

Posts: 2426
Joined: July 11, 2007
 What actually is your (prefered) setup !?!?

To me your "showroom" looks like a collection of DACs and transports!?!?


Ever tried to attach the RME right to the monos?


Somebody mentioned you were using an USB isolator or filter !?!? Anything to report on that front?

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RME Engineer talks about the ADI-2 FS DAC / AKM vs ESS chipset...., posted on October 16, 2021 at 09:00:15
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 Yes, DAC, Pre, and Headphone amp.

The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is about $1300 MSRP available everywhere for that price including Amazon. I bought mine used on Audiogon. It does have variable output so I suppose you can say it includes a preamp.... that works fantastic at driving my amps directly which is something I can't say for the Topping D90. The D90 really needed a preamp as it sounded a little thin direct to my amps.

Chord Qutest is about $1695 MSRP
Topping D90 was about $700 MSRP
Denafrips Ares II about $800 MSRP

My six year old PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC was $1299 MSRP but easily available with any trade-in for around $900. I traded in a $12 DAC I had laying around for the TV.








View YouTube Video




 

OK. What are the two buttons/controls on the right side for?, posted on October 16, 2021 at 09:00:17
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15166
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 Just wondering. It seems too complicated for a basic DAC that also sounds good. Is it way more spacious sounding than the D90 DAC?

The guy I bought my D90 DAC from (which I immediately sold afterwards) got the RMI and was happy with it.

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 09:05:45
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 "What actually is your (preferred) setup !?!?"

As I have been saying for years now, my preferred setup is:

NAS running Roon Core. Sonore microRendu or DIY RPi4 Streamer running Roon Bridge, six year old PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC.

"Ever tried to attach the RME right to the monos?"

Yes, it's very transparent and robust sounding which I can't say for the Topping D90 which was a little 'thin' driving my amps directly.

"Somebody mentioned you were using an USB isolator or filter !?!? Anything to report on that front?"

Yes, I own the Intona USB 2.0 High Speed isolator. I still have it but it's not in my system at the moment and not the topic of this thread so nothing to report.


 

RE: OK. What are the two buttons/controls on the right side for?, posted on October 16, 2021 at 09:12:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Yes, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is noticeably better sounding to me than the Topping D90, Denafrips Ares II, or even the Chord Qutest.

It's a very flexible DAC with lots of settings and those two buttons are for navigating the menu system to customize settings. Yes, it is very flexible and very complex! Mine is set to factory defaults except for a filter setting that I altered.



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 09:40:02
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 The realtime vertical bar graph display is showing relative audio level across frequency bands as the music plays. Cool. I don't have to buy McIntosh gear for the bouncy meters, or build a 'color organ' like I did in high school shop class.

The small linear power supplies are relatively inexpensive units found on Amazon and eBay. But we warned, these are not audiophile approved LPS based on rocket science and priced to match.

Here's the $80 5-VDC Model from Amazon. There are two versions that can be ordered with the only difference being the supplied power cord connector.... USB-C [for RPi4] or micro-USB [for RPi3]

Here's the $55 12-VDC Model from eBay.

Or you can pay twice as much HERE where they cater to audiophiles. It's the same imported Chinese stuff.

You can download the video I created showing the RME ADI-2. Play it using QuickTime, VLC, or your favorite video player. Link below.

 

Is your RME the ESS chip version?, posted on October 16, 2021 at 10:30:55
Jon L
Audiophile

Posts: 6062
Joined: April 6, 2000
 and when using a separate preamp in the system, what specifically did you prefer the RME over Qutest?

I am looking for a second DAC with balanced outputs for a second system. Qutest is single-ended onlyt. Qutest with LPS is in my main system (single-ended) with very efficient horns, where I have to reduce the output to 1V (!) in order not to become too loud too soon.

I suspect the almost 7V output of RME will synergize better with traditional speakers and systems that require much more current and drive..

 

Serial numbers with "B" suffix use AKM. "C" suffix use ESS, posted on October 16, 2021 at 10:43:09
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Mine has the AKM DAC chip but I can't say that it's the chip that makes it sound the way it does. I have another DAC that is ESS based and I like it just as much if not slightly more.

I thought the Qutest was a refined, transparent, and very resolving DAC but it lacked that robust full-bodied sound that I prefer. I'm hearing more body in the RME yet it remains transparent with better dynamic punch vs the Qutest. As a bonus I was able to use the RME to drive my mono amps directly over balanced XLR interconnects while maintaining excellent dynamics.

This wasn't the case with the Topping D90 which I also used over XLR. The Topping sounded a little lean and dynamically 'polite' requiring an outboard preamp to sound its best.

Of course, I couldn't run the Chord over balanced XLR as it has RCA only, and it requires a preamp.



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 11:21:19
chocolate_lover
Audiophile

Posts: 1627
Location: South Central Coast, California
Joined: October 12, 2003
 just curious if you've been interested (or not) in adding any of the schiit dacs to evaluate along with the others that you've tried?

 

Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 11:28:56
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 What else could it possibly be?


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 14:17:37
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
I've never heard a Schiit DAC but I'd like to someday. Do you have one?



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 16, 2021 at 15:32:14
chocolate_lover
Audiophile

Posts: 1627
Location: South Central Coast, California
Joined: October 12, 2003
 The Bifrost 2 I have is a good sounding bang for the buck DAC - based on all the reviews I've come across it seems to be somewhere between the RME ADI-2/Topping D90 and the Denafrips Ares 2 sound-wise..many people also praise the pricier Schiit Gungnir and Yggdrasil.

 

I had the Korg., posted on October 17, 2021 at 07:04:45
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10581
Joined: April 12, 2002
 It had poor Battery Life when recording in DSD.
I now use the Sony D 100, in DSD 64.
I record rehearsals at my home, and Concerts with my Jazz Clarinet Qt.
Big Groups, esp Big Bands are to big and loud to get satisfying results, get lots of clipping, even at low recording levels.
Much, much better with Chamber Music.
Great sound and HOURS of Battery Life.
Then I use Korg Audiogate Software and DS Dac 100 for Editing and Exporting.
I use HQ to play the Files, or Export them to Sony HAP Z1, which is an amazing player with Clarus PC and ICs, and Precision Decoding Setting.
Modest cost for recorder and DS Dac, software was free, but need the Korg Dac to get the most out of it.

I think it would cost thousands to improve upon,
not to mention the gear, cables, stands.

 

RE: Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 07:08:46
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10581
Joined: April 12, 2002
 RME "said" that they fixed the ESS Chip to sound as good as the AKM.
Hmmmm...
I never trust "It's Just as Good as..." statements!
Better to say that than let sales tank.

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 09:24:58
soundchekk
Audiophile

Posts: 2426
Joined: July 11, 2007
 Sorry for asking about your actual chain. You're presenting a whole bunch of options and not A chain.

What you're saying since years can change. I mean.

You just declared the RME DAC a keeper. And that RME DAC can obviously drive your Monos very well. Sounds to me like your PS Audio DAC gets closer to its retirement.

OK. And for now you're not using the Intona device. Some inmates
weren't aware of that as it seems. That's clarified now.

And than, you can not really put that microRendu ahead of the RPI4 (in your rather basic RPI config). That would mean the "or" in "microRendu or RPI4" if Im not mistaken. (and btw. RPI4 and microRendu won't exist for "years")

To sum it up. Your reference setup still is the RPI4 without filters fed by that cheap linear supply and all that feeding your aged PS Audio DAC.
And finally, the RPI4 runs a DietPi based Roon bridge (without OS tweaks).

OK. And thx. That explains a lot.

..and puts a lot of stuff into the right perspective.


Enjoy.






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Or, said another way..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 10:14:16
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 He's not doing like YOU would do it.

But in his system (not yours) the RME ADI-2 FS DAC is a keeper.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Certainly be more believable..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 10:16:20
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 if they hadn't been FORCED to make the switch by the fire at the AKM factory.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Certainly be more believable..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 11:44:48
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 I thought the RME engineer did a good job of summarizing what they did in the ADI-2 DAC to accommodate and overcome the small shortcomings of the ESS chip they are now forced to use, vs their first choice in the AKM......

Unlike some other companies that slap the ESS into a new design, give the new DAC an "SE designation, and jack the price. Hello Topping ;-)



 

Thank you for your expert assessment of my system - nt, posted on October 17, 2021 at 11:46:53
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 .

 

And you usually have to pay MONEY for an assesment like that..., posted on October 17, 2021 at 17:06:23
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 and you got it for FREE!


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 01:13:50
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Maybe I can get soundchekk to evaluate my system.

 

You should..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 05:51:29
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Apparently he can do it without even hearing it.

My wife had a friend who knew an animal psychiatrist who would diagnose her cants mental state over the phone.

But she charged money.


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 06:07:34
13th Duke of Wymbourne
Audiophile

Posts: 2794
Location: Orange Co., Ca
Joined: September 19, 2001
 AKM chips are now unobtainable so that automatically makes them sound better.

 

And..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 06:38:21
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I know of a guy who can *magically* improve any system with just a teleportation! ;)

 

Exactly !! Just like rare or unavailable NOS tubes - nt, posted on October 18, 2021 at 07:45:15
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
.

 

That WOULD cost $$$$..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 07:54:59
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Teleportation is not cheap!


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 18, 2021 at 10:57:03
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I prefer it over the Denafrips Ares II, Topping D90...

Don't tell Amir. The D90 has a much better SINAD score. ;)

It uses about ten OPA1602s in the signal path.

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 19, 2021 at 09:04:53
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 That's what he does with all his stuff, keeper or not. And there is the music too.

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 19, 2021 at 09:35:55
soundchekk
Audiophile

Posts: 2426
Joined: July 11, 2007
 Hi Steve.

Good to see you're still around.

I just had a look at your profile.

What's your system worth? 200k?

Wow. Pretty amazing. Just thinking about it makes me feel dizzy.

$3500 power chords - each of them. You really don't leave any stone unturned.

I am pretty sure you're running one of the best systems on the planet.

And as one of the most talented reviewers out there, with your special focus on highest end gear, I'd seriously expect you know what you're doing.

If I ever make it to California (again), I'll let you know. I hope to get an invitation. ;)

Congratulations.

Enjoy.

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RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 19, 2021 at 11:40:01
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 "And there is the music too."

Unlike fmak I don't grind the same ole handful of 'audiophile special effects' tunes over and over again while butchering perfectly good USB cables.



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 19, 2021 at 13:41:36
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Klaus,

Maybe you would like my stuff?

I'm enjoying my system more than ever before.

I guess that's what it's all about.

Steve

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 20, 2021 at 02:35:44
soundchekk
Audiophile

Posts: 2426
Joined: July 11, 2007
 ""I guess that's what it's all about.""

Absolutely.

I am pretty sure I would like your stuff. You don't leave any stone unturned.

However. Even if I could afford it, I'd never buy it. Especially on the digital side we've seen systems evolving rapidly and price/performance ratios improving substantially. All these low number boutique devices simply can't keep up the pace. And that means. You, as buyer, will have to write off serious amounts of $$$$ to keep up the pace yourself.

Beside that my systems usually contain quite some DIY enhancements. I simply wouldn't solder a silver wire to a $25000 DAC to bypass jacks and plugs or fuses. And you bet. Even such a 25k DAC would benefit from that.
The best plug is no plug. The best fuse is no fuse. (soundwise)

Anyhow.

Tell me/us. What's your prefered setup at home? Your system summary shows several DACs and streamers. Is there a single reference. E.g. The PlayBack Designs DAC fed by the Sonore Signature Rendu ?? If I am not mistaken you're a Roon fan and you stream Qobuz data. Do you keep a local collection?

And btw. No mention of USB or network cabling!?!?


Enjoy.

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blog latest >> The Audio Streaming Series - tuning kit pCP

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 20, 2021 at 03:57:20
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Ha ha ha

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 20, 2021 at 04:25:50
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 My preferred system:

Playback Designs MPD-8 fed by a Sonore Signature Rendu SE optical. USB cables and network cables are Audioquest Diamond with the new dbs battery packs-filter.

I'm waiting for Ayre to release the new USB board for my QX-5 Twenty.

I do have a Roon Nucleus plus and another Asus gaming laptop that runs Audirvana Studio. I do not use Qobuz. I play from my local files.

Audirvana Studio sounds better than Roon, but it is a buggy-funky piece of s**t.

I also like headphones. I have Stax SR-007 Mk1 and SR-009S phones driven by a Headamp Blue Hawaii SE amp. My Ayre MX-R Twenty amps and the Headamp Blue Hawaii are powered from a Furutech Pure Power 6 NCF power conditioner. I have a pair of the recently released new flagship Stax SR-X9000 on order.

I will post pictures a little later today.

Newer is not necessarily better when it comes to cables. My main system - Ayre MX-R Twenty preamp and MX-R amps use some old Synergistic Research Tesla cables (2007) that were updated in 2013 with UEF bullets for the Active Shielding.









 

Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 20, 2021 at 04:28:16
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9858
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since: March 12, 2004
 ASR also rates the RMI ADI-2 very highly and recommends it ... see link below.

The OPA1602 is a top-rated op amp, (though I personally prefer the Sparkos SS3602 discrete op amp in my Purifi buffer).



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 20, 2021 at 06:32:06
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 ASR also rates the RMI ADI-2 very highly...

I still find it amazing that anyone today with a straight face rates audio gear strictly upon THD and noise.

Julian Hirsch lives! ;)

Mentions of music and sound quality only in passing...

"I had no trouble getting my ear lobes to resonate with bass heavy music! "

 

Enough straw-man attacks already, posted on October 20, 2021 at 07:04:40
Feanor
Audiophile

Posts: 9858
Location: London, Ontario
Joined: June 17, 2003
Contributor
  Since: March 12, 2004
 Personally I don't subscribe to the THD-noise tell-all, as a reasonable reading of my comments ought to have made clear.

"SINAD" is important, however, though more important, IMHO, is the distortion spectrum where relatively high 2nd or 3rd order HD makes the sound more agreeable to most people.

What is a thread-bare myth, OTOH, is that negative feedback is always bad.


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 20, 2021 at 08:34:18
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Coupling capacitors if there are any in the signal path. Can make major difference.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 20, 2021 at 11:22:32
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 As you know, I'm not hung up on specs and I had my doubts about the RME ADI-2 because of the company's roots in pro-audio. I was expecting a cool, lean, thin, and generally boring sound. I heard this in other DACs and amps from pro-audio companies. But I was wrong in this case. I like the RME a lot!

Op-amps? Makes no difference to me if the end result is excellent sound. Too many of us get hung up on the underlying technology. I could care less if the DAC chip is ESS, AKM, Burr-Brown, Cirrus, IC R2R, discrete R2R, etc. And I don't care if the output stage is comprised of a couple Op-Amp ICs or a dozen FETs or bipolars if the end result is beautiful sound!

One of the better sounding phono stages I owned was designed around a single video amplifier Op-Amp (one per channel). The Analog Devices AD817 used in this MM phono is intended for very high speed signals including image acquisition and video.

My Graham Slee Era Gold V circa 2009




 

Images of My Stuff, posted on October 20, 2021 at 13:18:26
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002



Shunyata AC cables throughout and Shunyata conditioners on the front end components with Furutech goodies including outlets. Furutech NCF AC cord for the Pure Power 6 NCF that feeds both Ayre MX-R Twenty amps and Blue Hawaii SE for the Stax phones.

 

Images of My Stuff 2, posted on October 20, 2021 at 13:29:45
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002



The rack with a 20 year old Basis Debut V vacuum turntable that still is fun to listen to. An Ayre P-5xe phono preamp, Ayre MX-R Twenty preamp, Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical with UpTone Audio JS-2 power supply, Sonore Optical Module Deluxe, Playback Designs MPD-8.

 

RE: Images of My Stuff 3, posted on October 20, 2021 at 14:11:54
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002


Where's Abe when you need him!! The best photo man here 😀

 

RE: Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 20, 2021 at 14:30:37
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Thank you for that nugget of wisdom.

Always the expert at stating the obvious, while never venturing into the details that matter. Safely vague as usual.



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 21, 2021 at 08:28:34
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 The best 75R cable I have ever has is the Mark Levinson Silver which was made in Japan with very decent core and shield sizes and soft teflon dielectric.

Somehow they just sound better than anything else I tried. By today's prices they cost nothing then. I think it was about $80 per foot or per metre; can't remember which.

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 21, 2021 at 10:52:39
cfraser
Audiophile

Posts: 3208
Location: Pickering, Ontario
Joined: April 30, 2000
 Totally OT, but I was wondering about your 5V RPi4 LPS. Checked it out at amazon here, and they cost $176 in Canada, and are sold by Abe's Magical Store!

 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 21, 2021 at 13:47:12
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 When you think about it, the audiophile wire business is a tough one. You have to keep reinventing "the wire" every 3 years or so to stay in business.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 22, 2021 at 04:29:05
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 looks like a garage job.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 22, 2021 at 04:44:42
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Quite so, especially a phono stage with coupling caps and a high esr tantalum.

 

RE: Images of My Stuff, posted on October 22, 2021 at 04:49:25
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Dusting is a big problem. I get very lazy. Also remove and remake connectors!

 

RE: Images of My Stuff, posted on October 22, 2021 at 05:18:54
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 How true for both points.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 22, 2021 at 09:32:10
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 "looks like a garage job."

Close. Graham Slee isn't a large company. I've seen worse manufacturing in other British made gear, but at least the Graham Slee phono sounds great!



 

RE: RME ADI-2 FS DAC - It's a keeper..., posted on October 22, 2021 at 09:34:19
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 "You have to keep reinventing "the wire" every 3 years or so to stay in business."

Nah, just keep reinventing the marketing literature now and then, and change the color of the sleeve / sheath ;-)



 

RE: Horrors !! op amps-sounds Great??, posted on October 22, 2021 at 23:35:26
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 This kind of statement defines the kind of posts about sound quality that you make.
A component whose sonic signature is defined by coupling capacitors, tantalum capacitors with high dielectric memory, and a 15 year old plus 'fast' opamp makes it most unlikely that your 'choice' is representative amongst those who want the best sound quality.

I used the 847 extensively 15-20 years ago and was familiar with the slightly terse and abrasive nature of its presentation. There are much better opamps to use these days.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps-sounds Great??, posted on October 23, 2021 at 11:21:52
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
" I used the 847 extensively 15-20 years ago and was familiar with the slightly terse and abrasive nature of its presentation. There are much better opamps to use these days. "

Yes, and I had the Graham Slee Era Gold V about a dozen years ago, and it wasn't the best sounding phono I owned at the time as I've had several more.

The point was, I don't rate the components inside to determine how a product sounds. Unlike you, I use my ears with a variety of music.



 

RE: Horrors !! op amps-sounds Great??, posted on October 24, 2021 at 05:31:01
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 If you do not get the basics rights, your conclusion about sound quality are invalid.

Simple truth.

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps-sounds Great??, posted on October 25, 2021 at 11:56:06
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 " If you do not get the basics rights, your conclusion about sound quality are invalid."

You just confirmed what I said about you in my last post ;-) You evaluate the components in the product to determine how it will sound, while most of us listen with our ears.

Enjoy.



 

RE: Horrors !! op amps-sounds Great??, posted on October 26, 2021 at 00:53:28
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Crap in, crap out. SQ judgement faulty.

 

RE: Now this was Nostalgic! :) nt, posted on October 26, 2021 at 11:50:19
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
 nt

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 26, 2021 at 12:00:11
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
 "I had no trouble getting my ear lobes to resonate with bass heavy music! "


Only when he can blast the headphones until they fly off his head and the pink panthers start dancing around the room, will he give his seal of approval! :)

 

RE: Horrors !! op amps, posted on October 26, 2021 at 12:20:27
Bob_C
Audiophile

Posts: 2667
Location: NY
Joined: July 31, 2000
 "The OPA1602 is a top-rated op amp, (though I personally prefer the Sparkos SS3602 discrete op amp in my Purifi buffer)."

Op amps can sound great...

but...

I have the same amp and I agree, the Sparkos sound better.

 

RE: Of course it's the AKM chip that makes it sound better..., posted on October 28, 2021 at 05:50:17
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Ignorant post

 

RE: Funny, isn't it! ;-) nt, posted on October 28, 2021 at 07:25:42
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 .

 

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