My audio upgrade: review of the RME ADI-2 DAC and the Meze 109 Pro headphones
· Michel Aguilera
I recently had the opportunity to tell you about the Eversolo DMP-A6 audio streamer, in the article here. To improve the hi-fi audio experience, I received the RME ADI-2 DAC headphone amplifier and the Meze 109 Pro headphones to evaluate their rendering quality. In this article, we will look at what these 2 components together bring to the setup of my current environment. Let’s discover them.
Sound… and beautiful sound at that!
To understand the point of this kind of setup, it is important to go back over what the components do and the purpose of adding them. Let’s start with the DAC. A digital-to-analogue converter, or DAC, is a device that transforms digital signals, such as those coming from a computer, a smartphone or a CD player, into analogue signals, such as those sent to speakers or headphones. The DAC is therefore an essential element of the audio chain, because it determines the quality of the sound you hear. As for the model selected, the RME ADI-2 DAC is a high-quality DAC that offers exceptional audio performance. It features an AKM AK4493 conversion chip, which provides 32-bit resolution and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz. It also has an IEM amplification circuit, which lets you plug in in-ear monitors without background noise or distortion. The RME ADI-2 DAC is compatible with the most demanding audio formats, such as DSD or PCM.
The RME ADI-2 DAC is an easy-to-use device that connects to the digital source of your choice via a USB, optical or coaxial cable. It has an LCD screen that displays information about the audio signal, such as volume, frequency or format. It also has buttons and a remote control that let you adjust the sound settings, such as the equaliser, the filter or the output mode. The RME ADI-2 DAC is equipped with two analogue outputs, one balanced and one unbalanced, which can be used to connect speakers or headphones.
By using a headphone amplifier with a DAC function, you can enjoy better-quality sound, even with basic earphones. This can be particularly useful for beginner audiophiles looking to improve their listening experience without investing in expensive equipment. Here is a review video (in English) on the particular features and specifics of the RME ADI-2:
But if you can add audiophile headphones, the result is completely different and brings a particular advantage. That is why we are now going to talk a little about headphones. The choice of headphones depends on several criteria, such as comfort, sound quality and budget, but also the context of use. If you are looking for headphones to listen to music at home, in a quiet environment, you can opt for open-back headphones, which will give you better sound immersion. If you are looking for headphones to listen to music on the move, in a noisy environment, you can opt for closed-back headphones, which will protect you from noise. There are also semi-open headphones, which are a compromise between the two types and can suit a variety of uses.
Among closed-back headphones, the Meze 109 Pro stands out for its elegant design and exceptional sound quality. These headphones are made by Meze Audio, a Romanian company specialising in high-end audiophile products. The Meze 109 Pro is the brand’s most advanced model, combining noble materials and innovative technologies. The Meze 109 Pro is a circumaural headphone, meaning that it completely encloses the ears. It has solid walnut earcups, which give it a refined look and good acoustic isolation. The ear pads are made of vegan leather, which ensures optimal comfort and increased durability. The headband is made of metal and carbon fibre, which gives it remarkable strength and lightness. It is equipped with 50 mm dynamic drivers, which are capable of faithfully reproducing the sound spectrum from 4 Hz to 110 kHz. These drivers have composite diaphragms, which improve the precision and clarity of the sound. The Meze 109 Pro thus offers balanced and detailed sound reproduction, with deep bass, rich mids and crystal-clear highs.
A short video (in English) giving an overview of the Meze 109 Pro, as seen by an expert:
My personal experience with the Meze has been very pleasant. Even during long listening sessions, it was a real pleasure. Of course, as always, to really appreciate this kind of headphone you need quality audio sources (MP3 fans, move along). Listening to FLAC and DSD, the rendering was superb. I also took the opportunity to test a portable DAC from the FiiO brand, the Q11. It is a DAC/headphone amp designed for use on the go, especially with smartphones or tablets. I tried it out with an iPhone 15 Pro Max and my iPad Pro.
The FiiO Q11 lets you enjoy your music to the full, offering sound quality superior to that of your smartphone or audio player. It has a powerful amplifier that can drive headphones of different impedances, ranging from 16 to 300 ohms. This lets you increase the volume without distortion or loss of quality. It also has a built-in battery that allows it to run for around 10 hours without interruption. Here is a video by PP Garcia talking about the Q11 and its big brother, the Q7:
In short… you have to listen carefully!
It is important to understand that to enjoy hi-fi quality, you need to plan a budget, but you can get some very fine experiences without breaking the bank. Admittedly, there are always more prestigious brands offering very fine setups, but you still need to have a room in which to enjoy them fully. My compromise of listening on headphones has allowed me to discover some very good, audiophile-quality sound.