Audeze LCD-2 Classic Headphones & RME Audio - ADI-2 DAC FS Headphone Amplifier

Ultra-Fidelity PCM/DSD 768kHz DA Converter The ADI-2 DAC from RME features an enhanced SteadyClock, finely-tuned analogue circuitry, a brand-new MRC remote control, ‘Extreme Power’ headphone out and an exceptional IEM output. Featuring all the hallmarks that made the ADI-2 Pro so widely acclaimed, including its wonderfully clear signature sound and full capability of DSP processing, with 5 band EQ, crossfeed and much more.

The ADI-2 DAC now features more streamlined, intuitive operation, aswell as a beautiful new aesthetic design, it truly is the perfect centrepiece for any audio lovers home.

A whole host of new and improved features The ADI-2 DAC is an evolution of the ADI-2 Pro, optimised for home and hi-fi use. With a host of new, exciting and innovative features and a number of handy functionalities, the ADI-2 DAC quickly became the reference. With thanks to its combination of pro-level DA conversion, with dual IEM outputs and remote control, it has been acclaimed worldwide with lauding reviews for its versatility, sound and technical efficiency.

Fast forward to now, the current version of the ADI-2 DAC ships with a newly designed remote control, enhanced DA conversion and an adapted analogue output stage for even greater noise and distortion values. To account for the ADI-2 DAC’s intended home use market, RME changed some of the Pro’s studio functionalities for one’s which would better suit home and hi-fi use. Featuring an adapted list of features and simplified overall operation, RME is proud to present the ADI-2 DAC. Built and designed on the lauded technology and concept of the ADI-2 Pro, the DAC now focuses on DA conversion in ultra-high quality, alongside exceptional dual headphone and IEM outs.

Nothing comes close Inside the compact 19” format factor, the ADI-DAC 2 is packed with only the highest quality electronic components, which acts as a reference class conversion from SPDIF coaxial, SPDIF optical (ADAT compatible) and USB to RCA, XLR, TRS and mini-TRS.

The ADI-2 DAC is the most versatile DAC on the market, it offers balanced/unbalanced analogue I/O’s, an ‘Extreme Power’ headphone output, an incredibly super low noise IEM out, SteadyClock FS, 4-stage hardware output level control, DSP based signal processing, external power supply operation, Class Compliant USB compatibility, sample rates up to 768 kHz as well as DSD and Direct DSD playback. Nothing else comes close.

Super low noise floor The dawn of the headphone revolution brought not only headphones, but IEM’s to the forefront for audiophiles and music aficionados alike. Today’s IEM’s have a reference that can compete with traditional over-ear headphones, which make them not just an alternative for when you’re on the go, but also for home use.

Modern day IEM’s are super sensitive and run on extremely low voltages. The downside to this is that they pickup the noise floor of the source. When RME was developing it’s ‘Extreme Power’ headphone stage, great care and attention was paid to ensure the noise floor was as low as possible. RME wanted to ensure that even the most sensitive IEM, coupled with the most sensitive listener’s ear could enjoy the whole dynamic range upon playback.

The solution? Adding the most advanced IEM output possible as second phones connection to the front panel of the ADI-2 DAC. The resulting playback must be heard to be believed.

impressive new tech The ADI-2 DAC marks a first for a product in RME’s range, as it is the first to feature SteadyClock FS. SteadyClock really couldn’t be improved upon much, it collected heaps of praise and accolades from years of sublime operation in a number of RME products, ensuring that using the internal clock will produce precisely the same sound as if an external one was to be used. SteadyClock expertly rejects jitter and handles all digital interface formats in a flawless manner. This is why SteadyClock’s design didn’t alter in the DAC. SteadyClock FS focus was largely placed on reducing the self jitter of SteadyClock to new lows, by enhancing it’s second analogue PLL circuit, and referencing both Direct and Digital Synthesis and PLL to a low phase noise quartz crystal. The self jitter measured through DA conversion now reaches levels that are normally only available in master quartz clock mode, while SteadyClock still always runs in PLL mode – no matter if it's the internal or external clock, the sound is precisely the same. The low phase noise oscillator which drives the updated circuit reaches jitter specs lower than a picosecond, something called, ‘Femtosecond’, hence the name ‘SteadyClock FS’.

Top of the class RME Audio's ADI-2 DAC is packed with more features and cool functionalities than anything else in it's peer group. Check out some of them below.