The ADI-2 DAC includes an improved SteadyClock, a fine-tuned to perfection analog circuitry, new MRC remote control, Extreme Power headphone output and a very special IEM output. It has all the bells and whistles that made the ADI-2 Pro famous, including its perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and stunning design it is the ideal center piece from home listening up to studio reference playback. The ADI-2 DAC is the home and hi-fi optimized version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless enthusiastic reviews for its sound, flexibility, and technical capabilities. The current version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, a further 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. Built on the technology, concept and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality, along with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.
The ADI-2 DAC includes an improved SteadyClock, a fine-tuned to perfection analog circuitry, new MRC remote control, Extreme Power headphone output and a very special IEM output. It has all the bells and whistles that made the ADI-2 Pro famous, including its perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and stunning design it is the ideal center piece from home listening up to studio reference playback. The ADI-2 DAC is the home and hi-fi optimized version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless enthusiastic reviews for its sound, flexibility, and technical capabilities. The current version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, a further 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. Built on the technology, concept and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality, along with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.
The ADI-2 DAC includes an improved SteadyClock, a fine-tuned to perfection analog circuitry, new MRC remote control, Extreme Power headphone output and a very special IEM output. It has all the bells and whistles that made the ADI-2 Pro famous, including its perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and stunning design it is the ideal center piece from home listening up to studio reference playback. The ADI-2 DAC is the home and hi-fi optimized version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless enthusiastic reviews for its sound, flexibility, and technical capabilities. The current version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, a further 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. Built on the technology, concept and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality, along with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.
The ADI-2 DAC includes an improved SteadyClock, a fine-tuned to perfection analog circuitry, new MRC remote control, Extreme Power headphone output and a very special IEM output. It has all the bells and whistles that made the ADI-2 Pro famous, including its perfectly transparent sound signature and full DSP processing with Bass, Treble, Loudness, 5 Band Parametric EQ, Crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and stunning design it is the ideal center piece from home listening up to studio reference playback. The ADI-2 DAC is the home and hi-fi optimized version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality. With many fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless enthusiastic reviews for its sound, flexibility, and technical capabilities. The current version of the ADI-2 DAC comes with an extended remote control, a further 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. Built on the technology, concept and features of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC concentrates on DA conversion in top high-end quality, along with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs.
Last updated at 06/08/2026 16:32:51
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Free delivery between 11–18 June
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM DSD 768kHz DA Converter
Free delivery between 12–18 June
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768kHz DA Converter
Delivery between 9–23 June $58.70
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter
Delivery between 17–19 June $29.99
originally posted on scan.co.uk
I bought this DAC after reading and watching many reviews. It seemed to be unanimously recommended. It has far more functionality than a bare DAC, also being a headphone amp and pre-amp. My main requirement was for a quality DAC but I will also use the headphone functionality.The quality of the sound is extremely good, revealing exceptional detail in both downloaded music and on CDs played through the digital inputs. I was slightly sceptical about a DAC making much difference but it truly adds a new layer of information. I am delighted and pleased to corroborate the positive reviews elsewhere.
originally posted on scan.co.uk
This is not a comprehensive review covering every aspect, just a subjective opinion and some notes on the usability. First off, it appears very small and light when you first unpack it. The included remote is small and neat but nicely weighted and pleasant to hold. It is powered by a CR2025 coin cell. Secondly, the user manual is impressive. Properly bound and printed on quality paper. It is also very comprehensive and somewhat daunting. You will need to study it closely.Before using you will need to download the USB driver to your computer or laptop. While you are doing that check for firmware updates. It would be nice if there were more than three inputs (say two optical), but only a few DACs have more than three.The visual display is amazingly good. You need ... MoreThis is not a comprehensive review covering every aspect, just a subjective opinion and some notes on the usability. First off, it appears very small and light when you first unpack it. The included remote is small and neat but nicely weighted and pleasant to hold. It is powered by a CR2025 coin cell. Secondly, the user manual is impressive. Properly bound and printed on quality paper. It is also very comprehensive and somewhat daunting. You will need to study it closely.Before using you will need to download the USB driver to your computer or laptop. While you are doing that check for firmware updates. It would be nice if there were more than three inputs (say two optical), but only a few DACs have more than three.The visual display is amazingly good. You need to look from a close distance to see all the information. The equalisation functions are staggering. Not only bass and treble but a five band equaliser with variable turnover frequencies and slope. You may never need this but it is there should you so wishI only have Sennheiser HD600 to evaluate the headphone output. No problem with output power. Sound quality is as good if not better than the other separate headphone amplifiers I have. No complaints at all here. I was concerned that the two output levels were too wide apart. At +7 and +22 db would you be between not having enough volume or far too much. The DAC automatically senses which level to choose and this works very well. In practice +7 is all you need even with the HD600 unless high volume is required.I retired my existing preamp (I have a separate power amplifier) as the quality was simply better using the RME. It is very easy to adjust volume, there being no big jumps in level. There is plenty of power to drive any power amplifier, but I chose to limit the output level in the software as I never play music very loud..The RME is better than the other DACs I own in just about every aspect of sound quality. Very detailed and very natural. Lastly, do not judge the DAC after the first few minutes of listening. When new it sounds detailed but very clinical and dry. This was in direct comparison to the other equipment I own. I let it play overnight through headphones and it sounded noticeably better. This is just my observation, I don't normally agree with terms such as "burn-in" of new components so this aspect surprised me.
originally posted on ebay.com
I was lucky enough to get one of these with the AKM chip inside (4493), from a fantastic eBay seller at a really great price. Straight out of the box the sound is so NON DIGITAL its not even funny. And you can literally tweak so many things from parametric eq freqs to well, you name it, output level, balance level, digital filters, its really endless and has no peer when it comes to DACS at the $1200 range, nothing touches it. Firmware updates are a snap wit a Mac. And the meters, oh the meters give you a visual on both frequencies and output level, which allows me to tell in an instant which cds are brick walled. And built like a Pro piece of gear, laboratory grade construction, even the knobs/buttons feel Top Tier. Rocker909
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Digital Input Format | S/PIDF |
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Free delivery between 11–18 June
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM DSD 768kHz DA Converter
Free delivery between 12–18 June
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768kHz DA Converter
Delivery between 9–23 June $58.70
RME ADI-2 DAC FS Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768 kHz DA Converter
Delivery between 17–19 June $29.99
I bought this DAC after reading and watching many reviews. It seemed to be unanimously recommended. It has far more functionality than a bare DAC, also being a headphone amp and pre-amp. My main requirement was for a quality DAC but I will also use the headphone functionality.The quality of the sound is extremely good, revealing exceptional detail in both downloaded music and on CDs played through the digital inputs. I was slightly sceptical about a DAC making much difference but it truly adds a new layer of information. I am delighted and pleased to corroborate the positive reviews elsewhere.
This is not a comprehensive review covering every aspect, just a subjective opinion and some notes on the usability. First off, it appears very small and light when you first unpack it. The included remote is small and neat but nicely weighted and pleasant to hold. It is powered by a CR2025 coin cell. Secondly, the user manual is impressive. Properly bound and printed on quality paper. It is also very comprehensive and somewhat daunting. You will need to study it closely.Before using you will need to download the USB driver to your computer or laptop. While you are doing that check for firmware updates. It would be nice if there were more than three inputs (say two optical), but only a few DACs have more than three.The visual display is amazingly good. You need ... MoreThis is not a comprehensive review covering every aspect, just a subjective opinion and some notes on the usability. First off, it appears very small and light when you first unpack it. The included remote is small and neat but nicely weighted and pleasant to hold. It is powered by a CR2025 coin cell. Secondly, the user manual is impressive. Properly bound and printed on quality paper. It is also very comprehensive and somewhat daunting. You will need to study it closely.Before using you will need to download the USB driver to your computer or laptop. While you are doing that check for firmware updates. It would be nice if there were more than three inputs (say two optical), but only a few DACs have more than three.The visual display is amazingly good. You need to look from a close distance to see all the information. The equalisation functions are staggering. Not only bass and treble but a five band equaliser with variable turnover frequencies and slope. You may never need this but it is there should you so wishI only have Sennheiser HD600 to evaluate the headphone output. No problem with output power. Sound quality is as good if not better than the other separate headphone amplifiers I have. No complaints at all here. I was concerned that the two output levels were too wide apart. At +7 and +22 db would you be between not having enough volume or far too much. The DAC automatically senses which level to choose and this works very well. In practice +7 is all you need even with the HD600 unless high volume is required.I retired my existing preamp (I have a separate power amplifier) as the quality was simply better using the RME. It is very easy to adjust volume, there being no big jumps in level. There is plenty of power to drive any power amplifier, but I chose to limit the output level in the software as I never play music very loud..The RME is better than the other DACs I own in just about every aspect of sound quality. Very detailed and very natural. Lastly, do not judge the DAC after the first few minutes of listening. When new it sounds detailed but very clinical and dry. This was in direct comparison to the other equipment I own. I let it play overnight through headphones and it sounded noticeably better. This is just my observation, I don't normally agree with terms such as "burn-in" of new components so this aspect surprised me.
I was lucky enough to get one of these with the AKM chip inside (4493), from a fantastic eBay seller at a really great price. Straight out of the box the sound is so NON DIGITAL its not even funny. And you can literally tweak so many things from parametric eq freqs to well, you name it, output level, balance level, digital filters, its really endless and has no peer when it comes to DACS at the $1200 range, nothing touches it. Firmware updates are a snap wit a Mac. And the meters, oh the meters give you a visual on both frequencies and output level, which allows me to tell in an instant which cds are brick walled. And built like a Pro piece of gear, laboratory grade construction, even the knobs/buttons feel Top Tier. Rocker909
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 ... MoreI 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.
This is a high-end DAC/headphone amp/pre-amp with a comprehensive feature set. I think the only words of caution I'd offer are that there's quite a steep learning curve, and for the vast majority of people, its capabilities will wildly exceed their requirements. If you just want decent quality sound at home or even in your studio, then it could be argued that this is overkill.Still, relative to competing products it's not THAT expensive, and you have the peace of mind that it can do pretty much anything. It can be optimised for virtually any headphones on the market with masses of power, all selectable via different power settings and outputs (there's an IEM output for a better SNR with high sensitivity in ear monitors or indeed most headphones) and there's ... MoreThis is a high-end DAC/headphone amp/pre-amp with a comprehensive feature set. I think the only words of caution I'd offer are that there's quite a steep learning curve, and for the vast majority of people, its capabilities will wildly exceed their requirements. If you just want decent quality sound at home or even in your studio, then it could be argued that this is overkill.Still, relative to competing products it's not THAT expensive, and you have the peace of mind that it can do pretty much anything. It can be optimised for virtually any headphones on the market with masses of power, all selectable via different power settings and outputs (there's an IEM output for a better SNR with high sensitivity in ear monitors or indeed most headphones) and there's parametric EQ if you need it plus some other useful features.I might add that in addition to its comprehensive feature set and state of the art specs, it's very well made, compact and attractive.All in all, it gets a top recommendation. I'd just say that you should have a think about whether you really need that sort of power and capability. If you just want a DAC/headphone amp for a bit of decent quality music at home then honestly this is massive overkill. If you want the best and you can afford to buy it without doing anything silly then go ahead, it's fantastic!
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 ... MoreI 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!!!
I chose this DAC for my office desktop setup. As far as sound quality it is worthy of the price point- it sounds very clean and realistic with no color or added musicality. Users who wish to achieve different sound can always add an external amp down the road. I primarily use this to switch between high end IEM’s and powered bookshelf speakers. It is well designed with more options than I have the knowledge to utilize. The display is excellent and I love seeing the active EQ while my music plays. On my PC this device was plug-and-play with no need to download drivers or firmware updates. The included user manual is considerable due to the sheer number of functions on the DAC, but it is helpful. RME has also uploaded various instructional and informational videos on ... MoreI chose this DAC for my office desktop setup. As far as sound quality it is worthy of the price point- it sounds very clean and realistic with no color or added musicality. Users who wish to achieve different sound can always add an external amp down the road. I primarily use this to switch between high end IEM’s and powered bookshelf speakers. It is well designed with more options than I have the knowledge to utilize. The display is excellent and I love seeing the active EQ while my music plays. On my PC this device was plug-and-play with no need to download drivers or firmware updates. The included user manual is considerable due to the sheer number of functions on the DAC, but it is helpful. RME has also uploaded various instructional and informational videos on YouTube, which I appreciate.In short- I would recommend this gear to anyone who wants a single device that will drive the majority of headphones and IEM’s without issue, or anyone who wants a solid foundational DAC to begin building out a desktop setup.
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 ... MoreI 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.
In a world where even cheap usb dongles offer audibly transparent DAC performance, what does a top of the line DAC look like? For RME, their answer is unrivaled amounts of functionality and value. Parametric EQ? Of course, with separate controls for L/R EQ profiles, hardware shelf volume dials (to quickly adjust bass and treble). Oh and the integrated head amp is one of the best on the market as well. I highly appreciatet the IEM output, it's very tricky to find amps that sound just as good for high sensitivity headphones as they do for high impedances. While I have more powerful amps on hand, even my harder loads like 600 ohm Beyers or Fostex planar mags are easily driven by it as well.I've had mine for a little over 6 months now, in that time RME released an ... MoreIn a world where even cheap usb dongles offer audibly transparent DAC performance, what does a top of the line DAC look like? For RME, their answer is unrivaled amounts of functionality and value. Parametric EQ? Of course, with separate controls for L/R EQ profiles, hardware shelf volume dials (to quickly adjust bass and treble). Oh and the integrated head amp is one of the best on the market as well. I highly appreciatet the IEM output, it's very tricky to find amps that sound just as good for high sensitivity headphones as they do for high impedances. While I have more powerful amps on hand, even my harder loads like 600 ohm Beyers or Fostex planar mags are easily driven by it as well.I've had mine for a little over 6 months now, in that time RME released an easily applied firmware update that added substantial features. This included a digital DC fault protection that is orders of magnitude more sensitive to the existing, parallel analog detection - it also added user facing features like new colors for the UI and visualization.Can't recommend it enough, treat yourself. The only downside is you'll have a hard time finding anything to upgrade to!
This is an extremely capable DAC, made by a professional sound company for domestic use. I haven't even begun to play around with all of its many customisable settings, but that's partly because without altering anything, it sounds fantastic - very neutral, very competent. Basically, you hear what's on the recording, and nothing else. The headphone amp is capable of driving even relatively insentive phones (like AKG K702s) on it's lower powered output - so haven't tried the other one. Very happy with the DAC. Usual superb service from SCAN - beautifully packaged and swiftly delivered with no fuss.
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Digital Input Format | S/PIDF |
