M2Tech hiFace 24bit/192kHz USB to RCA Digital Audio Interface

The M2Tech hiFace USB interface from Italy has been conceived to obtain the highest quality digital audio signal using a PC or MAC. hiFace input format is a data stream signal with sampling frequency/resolution up to 192kHz/24bits, available from a PC or MAC USB port. A very high quality S/PDIF stereo audio output signal is available from hiFace for your Hi-Fi system DAC (Digital to Analog Converter). HiFace looks like a small USB pendrive, featuring a very compact size. Internal very low jitter oscillators and proprietary drivers allow for playing 192kHz/24bits audio files that feature the best signal quality.

M2Tech hiFace Digital Audio Interface Features

• Highest quality digital audio up to 192kHz/24bit
• S/PDIF audio format available from your PC or MAC
• Very low jitter oscillators and proprietary drivers
• Compact size (2x2.2x10.2cm) with hi-end performances

Most audio interfaces and USB-provided DACs refer the data stream clock to the same USB interface clock, that often suffers a very heavy jitter (short range oscillator frequency variations). Thanks to two quartz precision oscillators used on M2Tech hiFace, clock source for output data stream features a very low jitter. A more stable clock is recovered by DAC S/PDIF receiver; a low jitter produces a very limited sound image distortion and degradation. Phase noise (mainly responsible for jitter) is also very low: this guarantees a short and long range clock stability, also reinforced by a board supply voltage regulation (e.g. at environmental temperature stability is 2-5ppm approximately, compared to 50-100ppm performed by oscillators normally used on commercial CD players).

The standard audio drivers available on the market (e.g. Microsoft Windows operating system) that impose constraints, can be overcome thanks to proprietary hiFace drivers: they allow for transferring audio data and maintaining the original file quality without any loss of resolution quality. Also, sampling frequency constraints are overcome, while Microsoft and ASIO drivers oblige to operate at no more than 96kHz. When hiFace is used together with a player application such as FooBar (available for free on Internet), you can transfer S/PDIF stream music files to a D/A converter at 192kHz/24bits maximum frequency/resolution, avoiding undesired PC or MAC audio mixer data processing during the data transfer from hard disk to interface. Presently, Windows XP, Vista and 7 Windows drivers are available. Soon available also Mac and Linux drivers.

M2Tech hiFace features a very compact size and can be directly (or using an accessory USB A-A adapter, not supplied with hiFace) connected to a High Speed USB 2.0 port of any computer. A very high electric and mechanical performance RCA gold connector provides an output signal, ready to be connected to a Hi-End system. No external power supply is required, as hiFace draws its power from the USB bus itself and regulates it with its internal regulators. hiFace USB interface connected to a last generation mini PC provided with a High Speed USB port makes for a complete music transport system at very low prices. Such systems allow for listening to any density and resolution music files, playing CD’s using a CD ROM drive, obtaining access to more than 10,000 web radio stations, many of which broadcast their transmissions with CD quality.

M2Tech hiFace Digital Audio Interface Reviews

Computer Audiophile 2010

At $150 it's well worth the price and has a very high price to performance ratio.

M2Tech hiFace Digital Audio Interface Specifications

Input: 1 x USB A type male
Output: 1 x RCA female
Input: USB 2.0 Format
Output: S/PDIF Stereo Digital Audio Format
Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz
Resolution: 16 up to 24 bit
Dimensions: 10.2(d) x 2.2(h) x 2(w) cm
Power Supply: 5V DC from USB bus
Temperature: from 0°C to 70°C
Weight: 50gr approx

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