Thanks, @Torq.
You were spot on about the drivers. After googling on the RME forums (which I didn’t know existed), I deleted the drivers and now Roon is no longer down sampling.
As for the reference level, I turned “Auto Ref” off (which was set to +13 for the SE), and it looks like +1 dBu is the lowest reference level that I can get away with.
Thanks for the help!
After quite a long search and discussion on RME forum I ended up using the DAC for adjusting the volume in auto Ref mode.
According to RME this is the best way to take advantage of all its DR and features too (“clever” loudness).
In any other DAC using it in fixed volume setting and adjusting volume from the pre (or head amp) it would be preferable but with the ADI-2 I think it’s the other way.
The volume setting is also one of the most discussed topics in RME forum… give it a search there!
While using the AutoRef setting, and controlling volume on the RME unit, will preserve the best output performance from the RME DAC, it does not ensure the best overall performance from the system.
This is because the RME’s output does not take into account the amplifier receiving the signal from the DAC, and specifically its input stage sensitivity and headroom.
The +19 dBu (XLR) maximum reference output level on the RME unit, will clip the inputs of almost all consumer-level amplifiers out there. And that’s what you’ll ultimately get if you wind the volume up on the RME with AutoRef = On.
I’ve got tube amps that won’t tolerate more than the -5 dBU setting with the RME doing no digital attenuation (which is always lossy, even if done properly, like the RME, it can be audibly transparent).
I’ve known too many people that don’t really know what they’re doing, follow the “just use AutoRef and do volume via the DAC” advice, and wind up complaining it was bright, harsh and distorted … to the point where they wanted to send the DAC back. All because they’d managed to turn things up to the point where it was clipping their amplifiers input stages and sounded like garbage.
Short version; it’s not a one-size fits-all setting, you have to know what it’s really doing to use it properly, and it won’t be the same for every amplifier.
Yes you are absolutely right. But one should know the RME “way” too no?
In my case I didn’t have any problem with my speaker amp input but forgot to mention I use attenuators in any case (as RME too suggests).
Sure, and that’s something I’ve explained 20 or so times (in this thread alone) before.
However, in this case the question was in regard to a specific amplifier - one which I know works subjectively, and objectively, better with a fixed reference level as it does not have the input-stage headroom to get an advantage from the AutoRef behavior of the RME ADI-2 DAC fs.
New firmware up for the RME ADI-2 series.
Honestly just replying to get this thread on to message 667.
With that - I’m getting more of a collection of IEM’s lately and now understand just how good the 2DAC is for this use case!
Which IEMs are you using with the RME? Do you have any problems with hissing with any of them?
Nothing high end yet unfortunately. Recently it’s been the Ouranos, Zero and now the CRA+. I don’t get any hiss as a general theme, only if the track or IEM has it at times. I’ve noticed this at times with the CRA+ if that helps. Even on these budget IEMs though, the 2DAC just gives me an excellent black background I don’t always experience with other things.
Saw on a recent Zeos video (CANJAM vlog) about a new balanced edition for this DAC. Not sure if it is only on the PRO edition though.
PS.: Happy birthday, btw…
Thanks for that btw.
Yeah the 2DAC is a super nice feature rich DAC. It’s also so damn good for IEMs. For the SE amp to headphones, it’s alright. Just alright. I actually miss my Jotunheim 2 chained to it but the Liquid Platinum does very well. I’m in the market currently for another good amp (balanced) to pair up. So we will see.
I’m curious on the new RME for sure, but the price is too steep right now for me to justify.
The ADI-2/4 Pro SE is more of an evolution of the ADI-2 Pro FS R BE - which already had balanced headphone output; you just had to use a dual 6.35mm cable to get it.
The ADI-2/4 Pro SE adds two additional DAC channel vs. the Pro FS, a 4.4mm Pentacon socket for balanced headphone output (without needing an special cable), ups the maximum amplifier power by 50% and adds a couple of software features (inc. RIAA compensation/EQ for digitizing vinyl without a phono stage).
The DAC FS is strictly two-channel, with single-ended-only headphone output. And both it, and the Pro FS R BE, will stay in the lineup.
And then I think the units use different DAC chips … the ADI-2 DAC FS is using 9028Q2M, the ADI-2 Pro FS R BE uses AKM 4493 and the ADI-2/4 Pro SE is on 9038Q2M.
Thanks @Torq. Yeah, I always found that double TRS cable adapter working as balanced a little awkward w.r.t. usability. The 4.4mm interface is way simpler and easier to the users.
This product would be a killer audio interface if they were also able to pack Phantom Power at those inputs (for condenser mics). Last time I checked they had to axe this feature due design limitations – actually physical limitations if memory serves me well. Nothing than a separate is unable to address it though.
I use IEMs with my RME that’s my dedicated reference DAC and have not had very many (if any) issues with hiss. It’s quite supportive of IEMs that are usually fussy.
Well this is interesting and what was referred to in this thread about the not one size fits all scenario of this DAC/AMP.
I just got in the Cayin iHA-6 and paired it up with the ADI2DAC to power my ZMF Atrium. This is the first time I noticed using balanced on the Cayin that I’m cranking the volume pot to 75% or so for volume and proper dynamics. Mind you, the Cayin is one hell of a powerful amp. So now I’m going to do some testing with a different reference level on the ADI2DAC to see if I can’t get a better sweet spot. I have no desire to use high gain on the Cayin as I didn’t care for the sound when I used it on either SE or XLR.
Right now my reference is set to -5db which was pretty standard and has worked thus far for my Liquid Platinum and Echo tube amp.
I’ll probably go the next step up which I believe is +1db to see if that better suits without clipping. I’m thinking that could possibly clip the Echo…but all to be seen.
I get some people may get annoyed by this…but to me I’m rolling up my sleeves and salivating for the experimentation of it all (and being cautious of my gear while doing so).
That’s why people like us exist - the guys willing to experiment so others don’t have to!
This is good information to know, and quite interesting in general - thanks!
In case RME ADI-2 DAC fans haven’t heard, RME (and their software maestro MC) have released a MAC and iPad “Remote” app that allows you to real-time change the settings and visualize the entire state of the device (you can also save and restore entire Setups and PEQs).
Link to RME Forum post
@Torq , I know you are on Summit-Fi levels for your personal kit now, but I thought you might find this app interesting as a developer yourself.
I have spent so many hours building setups and PEQs on the RME DAC that I dreaded the day I had to re-key in everything on the unit’s controls when I bought a new one if-and-when the old one breaks. Now I can just save and load my Setups. Very cool app. I love seeing the Bode Plot update as I key in values for the PEQ bands.
Cheers
[edit] for the iPad app, search for “RME adi-2 remote” in the App Store.
This is just off memory so I could be completely off base here but I think the SE and Balanced on the IHA-6 have pretty significant output impedances as the IHA-6 was designed for powering the HE-6. I know @Resolve used to own a IHA-6 and talked about it’s design to no end. Off-topic for the RME thread but just seeing this!
Absolutely. The SE out of the IHA-6 is either 10ohm on the low or 120ohm out of the high. The XLR is, I believe, just .3 ohm out.
I’ve really thought about throwing some cheap IEM’s on the high output to see if I can blow them up… hmm
You could do cheap IEMs. Or you could ask @antdroid to send you his 
for scientific purposes…