Submitted by musiciseverything on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 21:07
First, thanks to all the members here for helping me get closer to my goal of freedom from optical media. I received the M2Tech HiFace today and what a difference it makes. I am surprised that the sound improved so greatly. My Mac mini was playing iTunes Apple Lossless (standard resolution) via snow leopard and feeding a PS Audio Digital Link III via both USB and optical. Neither was quite I was hoping for, although quite good in my system. To my surprise, the HiFace made a difference that I could instantly recognize. I kept going back and forth between the inputs and every time the HiFace to spdif coax was better. There was a greater sense of space, depth, height and a naturalness to instruments that wasn't all there before. Going back to the USB it seems flatter, and more artificial. I don't understand how it can so noticeably improve the sound but, no matter. So, to those of you who may be sitting on the fence, I recommend it. Tweekgeek gives you a 30 day return privlege if you don't like it. Next stop, high resolution. Thanks again to you experts! Now, back to the music program already in progress.
Mac Mini->M2Tech Hiface->Signal Cable digital interconnect->PS Audio Digital Link III->Modwright SWL 9.0SE Tube Linestage->Bel Canto M300 monoblocks->Von Schweikert VR-4JR speakers
I ordered one as well and it should be arriving Friday. I'll compare it to my Focusrite Sapphire LE and let you know what I think. I'm hoping it will be a significant improvement so I can hold off buying a Sonicweld diverter or Wavelength Wavelink for a while.
Current system: Mac Mini (Bolder PS- Pure Vinyl) - M2tech hiFace - Peachtree Audio Nova - Wyred 4 Sound amp - Gershman Sonograms
I use mine on my current setup using a BNC Stereovox SPDIF cable going into my Audio Note Dac. The Hi-Face reclocks the signal in adaptive mode. This is the main reason why my system and your sound so much better.
Powerbook G4 15 inch Aluminum, "Play," M2tech Hi-Face (BNC), Stereovox XV Ultra (BNC) Audio Note Dac Kit 2.1 Level B Signature, ARC SP-16L Tube preamp , VAC PA100/100 Tube Amp), Vintage Tubes, Furutech ETP-80, (Alon 2 Mk2, (upgraded tweeters, Usher Woofers), Pangea Power cords, Omega Micro Active Planar PC. Signal Cable Silver Resolution ICs.
...the usb input of the PSA DLIII works in adaptive mode, while the hiFace uses the asynchronous mode with proprietary drivers.
I've waiting for the hiFace too, I'm hoping the hear the same improvement here!
I am having very little problems with clicks on my early 2009 Mac Mini. Mostly at the beginning when I'm switching to a new song. Also I can't use the remote update feature on my Pure Vinyl as it clicks everytime it updates. (every 3 seconds). It sounds significantly better than my Focusrite Sapphire LE, which sounded significantly better than my Toslink out. The sound is more transparent, more 3 dimensional, smoother, more analog sounding. Instruments are more separated. I'm very pleased. Maybe I can hold off for now before purchasing a more sophisticated usb spdif converter.
Current system: Mac Mini (Bolder PS- Pure Vinyl) - M2tech hiFace - Peachtree Audio Nova - Wyred 4 Sound amp - Gershman Sonograms
Marco at M2 Tech has just sent me a new Mac 10.6 driver, if you would like to try it just let me know, I realise how frustrating it must be to suffer pops and clicks.
Keith.
http://www.puriteaudio.co.uk/
I purchased My Hiface from the Italian retailer(after hearing it used at this years Rome Hi-End show), as of yesterday I've tried ALL of the Mac drivers still with no luck although the clicking noise does take me back to my days of vinyl, perhaps this was the "analogue" sound they were after,hard luck all you PC owners ;-))
Malcolm