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Exact3 t1_j5o48fx wrote

If you're a measurements-type of person, be sure to activate Auto ref level; it'll automatically switch between low- and high-gain to maximize SNR.

Also give crossfeed a go. I can't even use headphones without it anymore, makes the sound so much more natural, especially if you're used to listening to speakers.

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[deleted] OP t1_j5pay07 wrote

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Exact3 t1_j5sztnc wrote

I've used all five different crossfeed-settings, changing up up every once in a while. I usually like it on 2, just enough to get it sounding more natural while keeping most of the soundstage alive. Too much crossfeed just makes the stage too narrow for my tastes.

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Kingstoler t1_j5pdcv3 wrote

I got it a couple of months ago and it's one of the best audio purchases I've made. Not that it sounds any different from my older Burson Conductor, but I was starting to get some issues with the Burson which is why I bought the RME. And the amount of features. Nothing on the market comes close, especially in this price range.

The menus are a bit clunky at first, but once you get used to it it's super intuitive to navigate. I have individual PEQ profiles for all my headphones and it drives anything with ease. The remote is great and the quick access to treble/ bass was something I didn't think I would need as much as I do. If you use Crossfeed you can bind it to the remote so you don't have to go to the menus every time you wanna enable/ disable it. It's truly a "end game" DAC, whether or not you believe a quality DAC can change the sound.

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plumpudding2 t1_j5q6qun wrote

The RME ADI-2 is a fantastic piece of gear. If you want an upgrade that is significant enough you'll have to go spend 10 grand or something like that. One nice thing to do is to buy a powerbank with a similar size (so it can stack) and a 15 volt output, you'll have endgame on the go!

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DowntownPossum t1_j5qcj04 wrote

The power bank idea works, I've done it too - but for portable use, you could just get a Qudelix 5K.

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therealbrookthecook t1_j5pzsy1 wrote

My Sennheiser HD 600.

BG+3_F85_Q1.3, 1G+3_ F100_Q1.1, 2G+2_F500_Q1.5, 3G0.0_F1.00k_Q1.2, 4G+1.5_F5.0k_Q1.3, 5G0.0_F10.0k_Q1.1, T+0.5_F6.5k_Q0.8

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MixWorried428 t1_j5qfrda wrote

I thought I was going to miss the bigger knob of my Schiit amp when I got the ADI-2, but honestly I much prefer the smaller, endless turning, knob, it just feels so smooth.

Glad you are enjoying yours. I 100% agree, this unit is amazing, probably endgame for me as well!

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Farpun t1_j5qq99g wrote

I wish there were more affordable digital to digital dsp boxes. There's one from minidsp but it's not cheap. It's hard to swallow paying that much for EQ when it's free on windows. I already own an element III so would prefer something that is just dsp in a box.

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Muttywango t1_j5rd7f6 wrote

I wanted to buy just one DAC/amp and never get into the amp upgrade/sidegrade scene, one unit for the rest of my life that is suitable for all headphones and earbuds. I wanted balanced output for my active speakers. I wanted parametric EQ. I didn't want anything large or showy. That's why I bought mine and I don't regret a single penny.

I came from a Fiio E10k and a Shanling M0. The improvement was, as you can imagine, astonishing. Mindblowing. That's when I started buying more headphones.

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5o44lv wrote

The RME is truly THE DAC to rule em all.

Although, for people like me, who don't need all the software functionality, I'd really appreciate an RME ADI 2- Light.

Same inputs and outputs, same amp and DAC, just without the software and display, thus cheaper.

One can dream, right?

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TRX808 t1_j5o4xvd wrote

Just buy a different DAC? The software functionality (including screen) of the ADI is what makes it $1K. The inputs and outputs aren't anything revolutionary.

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5o5boy wrote

Maybe I should clarify my point:

If you don't wanna buy chinese, you are basically out of luck, when it comes to good performing DAC/amp combos with balanced XLR outs.

The ADI 2 is one of few that fit that bill but is also highly expensive.

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TRX808 t1_j5o6c29 wrote

Schiit? Geshelli? I'm sure others.

All the PCB's and many of the chips are made in China regardless.

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5oa95i wrote

The Jotunheim with a DAC module is 690€ The Modius alone is 350€ and that is a standalone DAC. Gashelli unavailable in Europe.

Meanwhile SMSL offer a complete package with balanced out for 240€ in the C200.

If everything is made in China regardless, why even bother with schiit then?

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TRX808 t1_j5oce0f wrote

>If everything is made in China regardless, why even bother with schiit then?

That was your question, now you're moving the goal posts:

>If you don't wanna buy chinese, you are basically out of luck

>The ADI 2 is one of few that fit that bill but is also highly expensive.

Schiit and Geshelli are American brands. RME is a German brand. They still source their PCB's elsewhere.

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5oiemz wrote

I don't give a shit about where the PCB is from.

I do care however, about how servicing, warranty claims and potential returns are gonna be handled.

With Chinese brands that have no office within the EU that's often an issue.

Ordering through Amazon is ok, because you can return it within two weeks, if something were to go wrong. But not everything is available on Amazon. And after the return window closes one is kinda FUCKED.

Good luck getting my cheap chinese electronic repaired in the EU. All the way back to Shenzhen it goes, with all the hassle and customs nonsense that entails. Nah thx.

SMSL's and Topping's pricing is aggressive and I just wish there was some competition from EU brands. I don't expect RME to offer something at 240€, which is never gonna happen. But at least 500€ or so would be a nice change of pace over here.

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TRX808 t1_j5ojxpd wrote

I addressed your Chi-Fi service complaints as well, you could have posted that further up... but why not let other people wait out your true sentiments?

You seem to be perpetually upset.

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[deleted] OP t1_j5offq0 wrote

[deleted]

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5oftu2 wrote

?

Excuse me for wanting to buy from a Brand that actually has customer support and service centers IN MY COUNTRY?

Nothing to do with being xenophobic.

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TRX808 t1_j5ogd7e wrote

TBF dealing with some Chinese companies can be pretty rough. You almost always have to pay shipping for returns or RMAs back to China as well which further complicates things.

EDIT - Looks like I was beat to this similar comment.

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beagleboyj2 t1_j5q3ovd wrote

They literally explained why, your reading comprehension could use some work.

>With Chinese brands that have no office within the EU that's often an issue.

No offices in EU = more difficult customer support or more often than not, no support whatsoever.

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MisinformationALWAYS t1_j5pqmlc wrote

Are you terrified that a SMSL C200 for $185 performs as well if not better and offers the same input/output.

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pinkcunt123 t1_j5q4nsy wrote

I am terrified of SMSLs customer support and servicing.

I'd rather have a contact and service center within the EU instead of having to communicate with and ship to Shenzen.

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