Just received: M2Tech Hiface USB interface

[Snoozer]

@Matias

 

what do you mean by "same technology as Hiface" ?. is that a new product from M2Tech or something else ?

 

Thank you,

Pepe

 

[Matias]

It's a release from the company, I don't know how the technologies are alike. Yes, it's a new product from M2Tech.

 

[Snoozer]

@Matias

 

Thank you Matias, could you please provide a link to the press release?. I'd appreciate that.

 

best,

Pepe

 

[labjr]

"All outputs (except I2S) are transformer-decoupled to avoid ground noise and EMI interference."

 

 

Has anyone yet figured out how to galvanically isolate signals containing 4X sampling rates without converting to S/PDIF?

 

[regal]

That expensive USB hub won't help much, remember the hiface has internal clock regulators that need to be removed and replaced with a true clock regulated powersupply like the flea or tentlabs.

 

[Matias]

Since this topic is about the original hiface, let's concentrate about the new version in its own topic here, ok?

 

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/M2Tech-Evo-and-DAC-details-and-photo

 

[Littlesloth]

Just returned my Hiface!

Used Windows 7 32bit, Netbook Dell 1012, Foobar 1.021 with KS plugin > Hiface coax 1.0.3 > Cambridge DAC Magic II.

I read that clicking was assumed to be solved, but it isn't!

Everytime I manually switch songs I can hear it clicking.

 

This happens only with KS and ASIO. With DS (direct sound) there is no problem. But, did I buy Hiface to use DS?! No!

 

M2Tech told me to use longer latency, but this has a new side effect: when switching songs you have to wait the latency time: meaning, in case you set 2s it takes 2s to switch to the next song.

 

I have no idea whether it is a SW or HW problem, but it is annoying.

I tried to set Foobar's crossfader to smoothen transitions between the songs, but still clicking.

 

I am not sure if WASAPI mode helped, because I had problems using it.

 

So, any ideas? I really like the Hiface, but please improve that clicking thing!

 

cheers,

 

Martin

 

[Matias]

It is definitively a latency issue. The more latency, less clicking will occur. The lag is a consequence of the higher latency, but better to have lag than clicking.

JRiver MC 15 WASAPI works fine though.

 

[ferenc]

No it helps a lot, as I mentioned, according to my experience and in my system.

 

It is good to hear that you think a true regulated clock (theoretically) would even help more, but based on my real experience not on a theory, I can say it works very well, and you do not need to open the box and modify the Hiface. It is one of the very few possible way to make the HiFace's sound better without open it.

 

[regal]

My hiface with Win7x64 foobar Wasapi plugin passes DTS and DD5.1 encoded files to my home theater where they are decoded so this is a bit perfect device, no worries.

 

[howin]

Hi ferenc,

 

Where were you get the Vaunix USB HUb? How much is it? I'm really interested in it . Is it work as an external power supply unit for HiFace? Does it need a exclusive transformer? Thanks!

 

[ferenc]

I got it directly from the manufacturer. It has an external wall brick 12V, 2A, 24W ordinary power supply then this is converted, filtered on a tricky way internally to 5V and 1A per port (it has 4 ports). I think the 12V power supply is international, so you do not need and external transformer for any voltage, but I will check it, if you want. I just connected it to our 230V and it worked. Like it so much, gives me a piece of mind not to connect the quite heavy HiFace directly to one of the two USB ports on my old black MacBook. I use it to power an external 320 GB Hard drive, an Amarra dongle and the HIFace and works without any problem.

 

[rn82497]

Ferenc,

 

How does your new HiFace setup measure up to something like the Weiss 202 firewire alternative.

 

Interested in any thoughts you have

 

Regards.

 

[ferenc]

I got a chance to compare it to Weiss DAC2 as FW-SPDIF converter and it was very much comparable, driving a Naim DAC from both using the same Naim DC-1 coax cable, both were excellent on a bit different way. I did not get a chance to try it against something like INT202. The HiFace is definitely much "better" than a TCElectronics Konnekt, I have few friends selling Konnekt 8 and 24D (using them as FW-SPDIF interface only) after they tried HiFace.

 

Be aware it is just my taste: YMMV.

 

Those comparisons are based on using the original HiFace with no Vaunix hub power.

 

 

[howin]

Did you get it at $199 in this web site? http://www.labbrick.com/standard-products.html#USB-hub

 

What is the main benefit of it? Silent? Dynamic? Or other?? Thanks!

 

[ferenc]

We ordered it from the manufacturer directly as ordered more than one for different purposes, were not using the webshop.

 

Using it has all sorts of benefits across the board, it makes the music reproduction more transparent, better flow of music are the most important for me. YMMV. It works in my system where the DAC, preamps and the computer are connected to Audience aR6p power conditioner. I connected the hub to the power conditioner too.

 

[howin]

I'll seriously consider your opinion. Thanks for you reply & explanation!

 

[jkeny]

POST REMOVED FOR SITE VIOLATION

 

[Audio_ELF]

@jkeny

 

How can you justify your post as anything other than an advert for your product / modifications?

 

As for improvements over the original HiFace; well the M2Tech Evo may do that...

 

Eloise

 

[jkeny]

POST REMOVED.

 

WHEN IN DOUBT DON'T POST SOMETHING THAT IS DIRECT OR INDIRECTLY RELATED TO YOUR OWN PRODUCT. SINCE MANY PEOPLE LOOK AT THE MOD AND ASK YOU TO DO IT FOR THEM THIS IS A BIT DISINGENUOUS.

 

[MichiGoon]

After buying the stock hiFace (BNC), I was so impressed by the sound that I ordered the modified hiFace from John Kenny in Dublin. When I introduced the hiFace mod to my system the improvement over the stock hiFace was not subtle.

 

It seemed to take all of the hiFace's qualities and exploit them; better separation and clarity. But what I found most impressive was the way the mod removed the edge. Music sounded easier, more present. Fluid.

 

Look, I'm not a reviewer and don't understand how to describe various degrees of improvement, but this mod (for me - and for the wife) was clearly a win.

 

Unfortunately, the bliss only lasted about 4 or 5 hours. When I connected the 6A charger that Mr. Kenny recommended, it fried the power switch. Game over. John was incredibly responsive to my emails through the entire troubleshooting process, but the unit had to go back to Ireland. John is no longer recommending that charger!

 

But if you’re wondering if the mod makes a noticeable difference, you'll hear it in the first few minutes. I did, and I miss it.

 

 

[jkeny]

Thank you Curt (Michigoon)for your kind words, I didn't know you were a member here.

 

I'll be able to analyse better what happened when I get the unit back but in the meantime I no longer recommend that 6A charger.

 

[jkeny]

Double post - deleted

 

[jkeny]

This getting ridiculous!!!

 

My last post was also removed.

 

In it, I posted a link to how the Hiface modifications are done in text & pictures.

 

 

 

[Audio_ELF]

Look jkeny ... Chris is pretty relaxed about the rules for manufacturers / commercial ventures here but you were pushing them rather.

 

Basically he asks that commercial ventures do not post about their products unless a question is asked directly. The first post you made was directly in breach of those rules. The second post talked about how to do the mods - which most people here (I think) would be unhappy doing themselves - which could lead people to searching for commercial company doing the mods; i.e. You.

 

Also no-one asked about modding the HiFace in the first place. So your initial post wasn't even responding to someone's question. It's like if someone was asking about the HRT Streamers, and Gordon (from Wavelength) posted that Wavelength make some very good DACs (not that he would do that - just an example of bad behavior).

 

As Chris said in removing your post ... "If in doubt, don't post it". It's pretty simple.

 

Eloise