RMEAD Converter (ADI2DAC)

I hate to say this because it never ends up being true, but this is my end-game DAC. I won't go into a ton of technical details / comparisons here since there are better forums for that, but this is a definite upgrade from the Schitt Jotunheim (non-multibit) that was my previous daily driver.I bought this because I was looking for a DAC/AMP that would last me for a very long time. The RME stood out because of the company's history, background, and reputation in the industry.I decided to pull the trigger and am glad that I did. The RME ADI2DAC produces impressively clear details, a flat but "fun" sound profile, a very cool front display, hardware EQ adjustments for extreme customization, multiple inputs and outputs, and very nice and practical remote control.The balanced XLR outputs mean this device can be connected to a wide variety of devices such as headphone amps, speaker amps, etc.For the prosumers out there, this thing will definitely meet a lot of demands and for the individual who appreciates great quality music (and audio in general), this won't disappoint.

I am loving this DAC. After a month I am just scratching the surface learning all the DSP settings. Sounds excellent using XLR to my fully balanced, differential integrated. I wasn't even looking for a headphone amp, but this one is outstanding. Drives HD6xxs better than any other amp I own. I guess I've got to get some IEMs now to try the dedicated jack. With USB digital out I could see myself using this for a long time, even as just DSP into a different DAC.Edit: 6 months later. Still absolutely loving this. No issues whatsoever. Added a single ended tube amp that only uses RCA, and XLRs to the ss, so they're both hooked up all the time and I just swap the speaker wire(hmmm...maybe I'll try my baby Klipsch above the big ones and run both amps) Added an Allo DigiOne Signature and that's where my only complaint arises, $1100 and no BNC? isn't that how the pros do it? I'm converting a 75 Ohm right at the fitting. Both USB and coax inputs are great, but getting off the PC>USB was a huge improvement. I do think about R2R, maybe I'll build an Audio Note kit, but it'll be hard to give up the features of the ADI2

I have been through a year long odyssey of comparing different DACs and related components. This DAC has great sound, but for me the feature set was most important. I found and brought back to life an old pair of B&W speakers (803 matrix series 2). They were built to be used with a 'bass alignment filter', essentially an equalizer that cuts off bass below 24 Hz and adds a relatively wide 3 dB bump right above that. The speaker cabinets were designed to resonate with that in places. Other equipment could add peaks with different Q and gain but the RME had several different types of cut offs and other filters that enabled me to duplicate this old bass alignment filter. I am just throwing out an example of the surprising things I discovered this could do. For my old ears, also amazing are the separate equalizers for the left and right channel (tailor to each ear or do DSP in your room). Love this thing - the headphone amp is quite good, but might not be to everyones taste - analytical and exact. Even if you buy a different headphone amp, this is a great piece of equipment.

Why not just move to USB C or thunderbolt for power and data transfer? I can power it through my laptop and/or pc output and I could do much more with it but too many cables and the adapter is killing the looks of all. I like the sound but man get it together and I will buy the next gen.

Excellent balanced product. Fairly complex menu system but once you get it dialed it it is a pleasure to use.

I bought one of these DACs after careful review of many DACs to add to my collection of high-end DA-Converters. For reference, I currently own 2 Chord Hugo M Scalers, 1 Chord Hugo TT2, 1 Chord Qutest, 1 Topping D90SE, 1 FiiO K9 Pro, 1 Questyle CMA Fifteen, iFi NEO iDSD, and several "entry level" DACs such as the Zen series from iFi, FiiO K5 Pro and portables from FiiO, CEntrance, and Chord. I preface with what I currently own to demonstrate that I do not lack familiarity handling and purchasing delicate and expensive pieces of audio equipment.Looking for a DAC to use as part of my entertainment system (hook up to my AVR), I wanted something that could compete with my Hugo TT2 that was at the time processing music audio before hitting my AVR. This DAC from Synthax (the parent company) looked and sounded from reviews like it would fit the bill!! So I purchased it from a retailer I had some store credit with. Well, nightmare begins.Upon arrival, the DAC would not power on. I tried several times to power the unit on using the supplied power cord, but to no prevail. Thinking to myself that perhaps the power cord was defective, I used a different power cord that I own from the brand iFi. The unit still didn't power on. I emailed the retailer and told them about the DOA unit and the unit not turning on using either the supplied power cord or a different cord, therefore indicating something is wrong with the unit. They requested a serial number to confirm the unit is the same unit they sent me and upon confirmation provided me with a shipping label to send it back to them.Upon receipt of the unit back in February, I was informed that the manufacturer of the RME ADI2DACFS would not authorize a refund or exchange until they examined the unit to determine whether I caused damage to the unit by using a different power cord. Despite it not powering on upon unboxing the unit, they ignore this fact and refuse to honor my word. It is almost May and the unit still hasn't been "examined". I have not been refunded, given a new unit, nor have I been given regular updates. I have been threatened to be sent to collections if I initiate a chargeback with my credit card company. I have been threatened to be charged a repair fee "when [they] find that [I] caused the unit to not operate."I cannot recommend anyone purchase this product as the company does not stand by the quality of their product and will resort to using red herring arguments to avoid taking responsibility for their quality assurance problems. As of right now, I am still out over $1300, not including tax, waiting for the manufacturer of this DAC to inevitably "find" me responsible for damaging the DAC despite it arriving DOA.This is, without speaking in hyperbole, the worst customer service experience I have ever had. I without reservation cannot recommend this product or any product manufactured by Synthax or any company under it.