tms0425

As I understand it they are the same. You lose functionality in the OLED display, IR remote, and 12v trigger, in addition to the cable length and jitter simulator which aren't really used at all. I didn't think I'd really want the display but it is really quite nice, always shows the bit depth/sample rate for the source and volume setting if you're not going 100% direct.

I recently purchased the Audiophilleo 1 and it definitely won't be going back. I'm not a reviewer but I compared it to a stock HiFace BNC version I have on hand. The AP1 plays perfectly with my Alix Linux USB server at all rates, which any of the M2Tech based products do not, so I was only able to compare to the Hiface using a Macbook with PM. Overall the Alix/AP1 presentation was just the smoothest and most lifelike to me, with good space and precision on instrument locations, lack of congestion on complex mixes, and no thin-ness in the upper registers. I guess it's more about what it doesn't add, than what it does, which is a good thing. Just a very fluid presentation with this setup, though plenty of nice detail without added harshness. The remote volume/preamp functionality is just a bonus. If you don't need the bells and whistles, I believe the AP2 is supposed to provide the same sonics for a few hundred less. Highly recommended! Tom

Demian, I noted from your comments "The existing PK100 supports USB audio class 1" Ray indicated in a message to me that the PK100 already supported Audio Class 2.0 (24/192). Can you clarify if this will be supported on the PK100 or just the upcoming "USB only" device? Tom

A worthy competitor to the Auraliti, at least sonically, might be the Bryston BDP-1 music player. It uses a lower power and likely even quieter Alix motherboard (vs the Intel mobo/ESI Juli@ in the Auraliti) along with a similarly modded ESI Juli@ board, Voyage MPD, and typical Bryston linear power supplies. Some of the non-essential parts (display support) of the Alix board have also been removed to quiet it further. They're not supporting USB output yet, though it should be a simple software change to do it. Overall, a really nice package to consider, though with a front panel display/controls and classier case, about 2.5x the price. It's great that both of them are out there pushing Linux audio a bit more into the mainstream. Certainly a long way to go before it's plug and play but obviously worth the effort based on great feedback coming in on the Auraliti and Bryston players. Tom