Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Versatile device functions as a DAC, DSP unit, preamplifier, and headphone amp.
- Feature-rich with extensive equalization function, selectable filters, and a remote control.
- Clean, neutral sound signature allows the music to shine through.
- Impressive specs like low distortion and noise figures, with clarity and neutrality.
- Clear and detailed manual, making it user-friendly despite its many features.
Product Considerations
- Headphone amp is underwhelming, being described as having a low-fi sound, dynamically compressed, and lacking in soundstage depth and width.
- The array of functions can be dizzying, and the multi knob navigation system takes some getting used to.
- Soundstage can be relatively flat compared to competing DACs, with the soundstage almost seeming to come from the wall behind it.
- Can sound a little mechanical or even sterile with top-notch audiophile-grade recordings.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs S.M.S.L D300: The RME has a wider, more spatial soundstage and greater functionality.
- Vs Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro: The X-Sabre is more detailed with better treble clarity, but the RME presents a startling amount of detail and sonic organization.
- Vs PS Audio DirectStream: The RME comes much closer to the PS Audio than expected in terms of tonality, dynamics, and resolution.
- Vs Schiit Modi 3: The ADI-2 surpasses the Modi 3 in smoothness, overall detail, and “blackground”.
- Vs Ayre Codex: The RME is a more accurate and satisfying DAC than the Ayre Codex.
Takeaway: The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a versatile and high-performing digital solution with many features, making it a great value. It stays out of the way of the music while offering opportunities to tweak the sound to your liking.
All
ADI-2 FS
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) AD @ +19 dBu: 117 dB RMS unweighted, 121 dBA
- THD @ -1 dBFS: -114 dB, 0.00015 %
- Max Input Level AD: +19 dBu
- Input impedance balanced: 36 kOhm, unbalanced: 18 kOhm
- Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) DA: 117 dB RMS unweighted, 120 dBA
- Max Output Level DA: +19 dBu
- Output impedance XLR: 150 Ohm balanced
- Headphone Output impedance: 0.1 Ohm
- Max power @ 32 Ohm load: 0.7 W per channel
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 215 x 44 x 130 mm (8.5" x 1.73" x 5.1")
- Weight: 900 g (2.0 lbs)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- RME builds upon its professional audio heritage, packing studio-grade features like parametric EQ, adjustable digital filters, loudness contour, and crossfeed into its consumer DACs, providing extensive customization options.
- The brand offers multiple headphone outputs, including dedicated IEM and balanced options, delivering ample power and ultra-low noise levels to accommodate a wide range of headphones and in-ear monitors.
- RME provides unusually detailed product documentation, including comprehensive user manuals and technical specifications, empowering users to understand and optimize their devices.
Select products
ADI-2 DAC
- Positioning: The entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers accurate digital-to-analog conversion with a clear, streamlined design that suits small-room setups and personal listening environments. In comparison to the FS and PRO models, it lacks some advanced processing and connectivity options, making it ideal for those with basic functionality needs and tighter budgets.
ADI-2 FS
- Positioning: High-end headphone solution tuned for refined performance.
- Description: Delivers precise sound reproduction and improved headphone amplification with unique filtering adjustments that appeal to users with refined sonic goals in intimate settings. Compared to the entry-level DAC and the more functionally expanded PRO models, it strikes a balance between advanced sound quality and cost.
ADI-2 PRO FS BE
- Positioning: Professional-grade converter aimed at balanced, studio-standard applications.
- Description: Provides enhanced conversion performance with extended balanced output options and measurement capabilities, offering a dependable solution for professionals in controlled studio environments. When compared to the simpler DAC and FS versions, it introduces greater technical sophistication and connectivity.
ADI-2 4 PRO SE
- Positioning: Multi-channel converter designed for advanced studio and integrated system use.
- Description: Delivers top-tier, four-channel conversion with comprehensive input/output options and high-resolution processing that suit larger setups and critical listening demands. In contrast to the two-channel DAC and FS and even the PRO FS BE, it stands out with the highest level of performance and connectivity.
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Used
RME
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Neutral sound signature, detail retrieval, and overall transparency praised.
- Versatile and extensive feature set is highlighted, including parametric EQ, customizable digital filters, crossfeed function, and various I/O options.
- Excellent build quality and robust construction are noted, with suitability for both professional and audiophile applications.
- The quality of the headphone output is also noted, particularly for IEMs and sensitive headphones, with reviewers praising its low noise floor.
- The included remote control and its functionality are liked.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the headphone amplifier to be dynamically constrained, particularly with planar magnetic headphones, noting a lack of drive and a potentially bright character.
- The device's menu system and multi-knob navigation can be complex and require a learning curve to fully use its features.
- A few reviewers felt that the soundstage depth was limited compared to some competing DACs, describing it as relatively flat.
- Some reviewers stated that the stock power supply is not of audiophile grade.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL VMV-D1SE: The ADI-2 is more natural and fluid in its presentation, with a wider soundstage, while the SMSL VMV-D1SE is more analytical and etched in detail.
- Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Denafrips Pontus II offers a more enveloping soundstage, refinement, and micro-detail retrieval.
- Vs Chord Mojo: The Chord Mojo offers greater soundstage depth but cannot match the ADI-2 in terms of resolution.
- Vs Matrix X-Sabre Pro: The Matrix X-Sabre Pro has more incisive high-end detail, but the ADI-2 still delivers a smooth presentation and better three-dimensionality.
- Vs Schiit Modi 3: The ADI-2 offers more detail and smoothness with a cleaner sound than the Schiit Modi 3.
Takeaway: The RME ADI-2 DAC FS is a versatile and well-regarded DAC that provides a clean and detailed sound, making it a great centerpiece for both headphone and speaker setups. Its flexibility and comprehensive feature set allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences and equipment, providing a customized and high-quality listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Fantastic sound quality and usability for the price
- Easy to set up and use
- Includes the OptiBox, which improves sound quality via optical Ethernet connection
- Streams hi-res files and DSD without converting to PCM first
- Has a custom DAC that sounds phenomenal
Product Considerations
- There can be occasional lag when switching songs
- No hardware remote is supplied
- The screen is on the smaller side and may be difficult to see at a distance
- The NEO Stream is not an all-in-one media hub, as it doesn't have any other inputs aside from network and USB storage, and it doesn't work as a DAC for other sources
- No Bluetooth capability
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bluesound Node, the iFi NEO Stream has a larger, more organic sound and a wider soundstage
- Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, the Cambridge has S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) like the NEO, but includes a Type-B USB input for its DAC, and also has balanced XLR stereo outputs, but lacks the iFi's more advanced networking connectivity
Takeaway: The iFi NEO Stream is an impressive streaming DAC. It offers great sound quality, multiple features and makes enjoying high-quality streamed audio easy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
We shouldn't have favourites but CXN100 is something else. Hi-fi specialists and our listeners alike loved its predecessor CXN V2 – just wait until they hear this.
CXN100 will instantly transform a classic hi-fi stack into a system with a bright future. And because it's a network device, CXN100's firmware can be upgraded remotely, via our StreamMagic app, to receive the latest services. CXN100 Network Player's screen
Forever Changes
The first thing you'll notice is the big hi-res colour screen – all the better for album artwork. We've changed the volume control too, to do one thing well with a reassuringly tactile response. Inside, we take things up a level with a new ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC and our Gen 4 StreamMagic module. Redesigned, expertly tuned, and simplified circuitry for a purer signal path, complete the picture. Smartphone playing music through the CXN100
Ready for the Revolution?
The convenience of streamed music was once let-down by its quality. That's no longer the case – thanks to better CODECS, broadband speeds and products like CXN100. It's designed to deliver the effortless accessibility of the digital format, but with the uncompromised sonic excellence that comes with over 55 years of designing hi-fi, and well over a decade perfecting our StreamMagic platform. StreamMagic app screenshots
Whatever you Want
CXN100 has free and subscription hi-res streaming services, like internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect with MQA, Qobuz, and Deezer on board for the best available sound quality. With Apple Airplay2 and Chromecast built-in, you can access Apple Music, Amazon Music, BBC Sounds and more. CXN100 is also Roon Ready, consolidating your digital music browsing experience in one place. CXN100 internal circuit board
The Whole Story
CXN100's circuitry has been totally re-designed to capitalise on the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Digital Analogue Converter's 32-bit capabilities. We've been able to simplify the audio signal path and tune our carefully chosen components' performance to make sure that nothing comes between you and the original recording. The result? A warmth, depth and nuance not often associated with digital audio. CXN100's StreamMagic Gen4 Module
StreamMagic
If the DAC is the CXN100's heart, then our StreamMagic Gen 4 module is its brain. It runs our custom-made streaming platform and app, which we've perfected for well-over a decade. It's responsible for the network player's slick, seamless and stable listening experience from any digital source. CXN100's firmware can also be upgraded over-the-air to receive updates and access to new services. Young man enjoying the sound of a CX range stack, including the CXN100 Network Player
Control. Pure and Simple
A beautifully smooth volume dial and large colour display take the experience of playing music from CXN100 up a level. The StreamMagic app is your remote control, giving you intuitive command of connected sources – curate playlists, program pre-sets or browse albums from the comfort of your listening position. CXN100 also works with the physical remote control supplied with CXC and CXA components. Remote control available here
CX stack on an hi-fi rack, including the CXN100 Network Player, CXC and CXA81
Designed for Life
With elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminium and steel, CXN100 will endure physically and aesthetically for many years to come. Its ability to receive over-air updates should repay your investment too. Making products that last is just one of the ways that we can minimise our impact on the planet and maximise your listening pleasure. After all, great sound shouldn't cost the Earth.
Product Strengths
- Clean, precise, and articulate sound with ample detail
- Expansive and open soundstage
- StreamMagic control app is stable, logical, user-friendly, and easy to navigate
- Features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio
Product Considerations
- Loses a touch of its predecessor's sonic solidity and warmth
- Does not include HDMI ARC
- Bluetooth is only compatible with SBC and AAC codecs
- Can be provoked by careless system-matching with bright, treble-centric equipment
- Volume is not controlled through the StreamMagic app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- CXN100 has improved clarity, precision, and spaciousness, but is missing some of the CXN (V2)'s sonic solidity and warmth, compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
- CXN100 trades off detail functionality to offer a user experience that is polished and genuinely pleasurable, and is able to take less than stellar recordings and avoid sounding strident or aggressive a little better than the EverSolo DMP-A6
- CXN100 has better low end and a slightly greater perception of space, compared to the Cambridge Audio MXN10
- CXN100 has a more natural quality to vocals with better realism and less fatigue, compared to the Bluesound Node
Takeaway: The CXN100 is a user-friendly and feature-rich music streamer that provides clear and detailed sound. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to a classic hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
- Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
- Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
- Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
- Clean and effortless digital processing
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
- The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
- When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
- The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
- Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
- Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent and responsive touchscreen display, and user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate
- Versatile as an all-in-one device, functioning as a streamer, DAC, pre-amp, and media storage server with a competitive price point
- High build quality, featuring a solid aluminum alloy chassis
- Supports a wide variety of streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more
- Rock solid as a streamer, especially when going into a separate DAC
Product Considerations
- Customer support from Eversolo may be limited, with some reviewers noting slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries
- Internal DAC, while good, is not on par with higher-end—more expensive DACs
- Lack of a traditional I/R remote could be a drawback for some users
- Some unusual control procedures are noted, such as the inability to power on the unit from the mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DMP-A6 sounds just as good as the Lumin U2 Mini as a streamer
- The A6 beats the Bluesound Node when used only as a streamer
- The A6 has similar features, a similar control/display, and a similar size and shape
- The Lumin U2 has more "shine", dynamics, solidity and is a touch more refined than the A6
- The Eversolo is favored over the iFi Neo Stream, especially as a streaming DAC
- Eversolo proves it can play with Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) in many ways
Takeaway: The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a versatile and user-friendly streamer that delivers great value, and it provides a great streaming experience with its screen. It is a great entry point into high-resolution digital audio and can serve as the center of a modern hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The NEO iDSD 2 functions as a versatile all-in-one (AIO) solution, working as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier
- It has a significantly more powerful amplifier section than its predecessor, making it better at driving a wider range of headphones
- Includes sound-shaping features such as XBass and XSpace, plus selectable digital filters, allowing users to customize the sound
- Comprehensive connectivity options include USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- The amplifier section may not be powerful enough to drive some very power-hungry headphones to their full potential
- The Nexis app only works with a 2.4ghz WiFi signal
- There is a slight click or noise when switching inputs as a pre-amp
- Some reviewers would have preferred the inclusion of the iPower X power adapter instead of the iPower V2, considering the unit's price
- The variable volume output may not save the last used settings
Takeaway: The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 combines a high-quality DAC with a significantly improved headphone amplifier, making it a good all-in-one solution for desktop audio. With its wide range of features, solid build quality, and pleasing sound, the NEO iDSD 2 is a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, with a premium feel thanks to the aluminum chassis and attention to detail
- Clean, crisp, and clear sound, with a neutral presentation that resolves detail well
- Well-implemented headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones, and the headphone level reverts to the last used
- Bright and crisp LCD screen with VU meters adding to its visual appeal
- Versatile connectivity with USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs, as well as balanced XLR and RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- Lacks HDMI ARC input, which would be useful for hybrid setups
- Some reviewers find the treble a little aggressive and fatiguing with certain recordings or speakers
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, meaning a computer or other network streaming device is needed
- No dedicated subwoofer output
- Not a tone control, those looking for a colored or editorialized sound should look elsewhere
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Z8 has a more nuanced presentation and better separation than the Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M
- The Z8 is smoother with a darker background on the headphone output, but the SMSL M500 MKII is warmer and fuller sounding on the line outputs
- The Z8 has a cleaner sound, darker background, and deeper soundstage on the line-outs than the Topping DX5, but the DX5 has more powerful headphone amplification
- Java Hi-Fi gives a slightly cleaner presentation with more authority in the bass than the Z8
Takeaway: The Eversolo DAC-Z8 is a well-built and versatile DAC that delivers a clean and detailed sound. It is a great option for users looking for a high-quality DAC with a range of features, including a headphone amplifier and preamp capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sonic performance, characterized by neutrality, transparency, and detail retrieval
- The MA Remote app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering access to various streaming services and settings
- Solid build quality with an aluminum chassis, though the sides are plastic, and a bright, clear LCD screen
- Versatile connectivity with a wide array of inputs, including USB-C for external storage, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, and analog RCA inputs
Product Considerations
- Lacks wireless connectivity—no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Does not come with a physical remote, the RM5 is sold separately
- Some users have experienced issues with navigating large local music libraries
- Some reviews mention the touch screen controls being a bit fiddly
- No digital output to support an external DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node (2021): Mini-i 4 has better detail retrieval and is cleaner sounding
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: DMP-A6 sounds more natural with bolder bass and better soundstaging, while Mini-i 4 sounds tonally and spatially flatter
- Vs Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro: Mini-i 4 has a wider range of source repositories and USB storage reader
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 is a great sounding device for anyone wanting a DAC and streamer that can do it all. With its comprehensive set of features and focus on audio quality, enjoying music becomes easy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy streaming setup
- BluOS streaming platform is stable, responsive, and organized, which allows one to access local and networked libraries
- The internal DAC allows one to run the NODE directly into a preamp, integrated amplifier, or pair of powered/active loudspeakers as a source
- Has digital and analog outputs, a USB, Optical, and COAX out, as well as a SUBWOOFER OUT
Product Considerations
- BluOS control app isn't as user-friendly as some competitors, taking time to master
- There's no supplied remote
- Tone controls remain oddly limited in variable range
- Some reviewers recommend connecting via ethernet cable for a stable connection
- The BlueOS apps have issues, and the player intermittently will not be detected in iphone, ipad and windows desktop app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Cambridge Audio MXN10 offers superior dynamic transparency and rhythmic insight, but the Bluesound Node is still an appealing affordable box
Takeaway: The Node is a great way to add streaming to an existing system and delivers high-quality audio with versatile connectivity. It offers a comprehensive set of features to turn an audio system into a modern music-streaming system.
Video review
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