I'm thinking about getting M2Tech gear The Evo Hiface Evo 2 USB to SPDIF adapter with the optional clock and power supply. I have a Berkley Alpha USB but it only has one output and I need more flexibility. The Evo Hiface will give me that. I have never seen the units and there is no local shop that demonstrates them. I will have to buy them blind. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
@nmmusicman , The similarities to a Ferrari are rather striking! What would life be without Italians. Wonderful people, the best metallurgists in the world. Not so hot with electronics.
I have the M2 Tech Vaughn DAC that I purchased from a friend after replacing some PS caps that had failed in the unit. As you may know, the unit runs on battery power that gets charged when the battery runs low. Best digital I've heard in my system but unfortunately I've had problems. I've lost 3 of the 4 S/PDIF inputs and not sure why. The USB input is the piece de resistance of the unit but unfortunately it develops a small popping noise that gets progressively worse as time goes on so I stick with the BNC S/PDIF input via a PrimaLuna Prologue 8 feeding it. Also, the S/PDIF input will develop a static like noise and I have to pause the CD player several times to clear it. I am running the DAC and CD player from balanced power that is well filtered and grounded so I'm at a loss as to the noise issues but damn does the unit sound good!
I have sad news. I got the three units as ordered. One of the switches on the Clock did not work. The HiFace Evo 2 sounded Ok by itself but it only lasted an hour before going AWOL. M2Tech USA dealt with the problem with dignity and they refunded all my money before I even go the units back to FedX. My sense was that they were very embarrassed.
@mesch , Reload the program? I think you mean start it up again. No problem. If you always use the same output device it stays locked in. When you use multiples It can be a real PITA.
@stereo5 , No problem I will. This will be my first encounter with Italian electronics.
@mijostyn I use the pure music program. Have used it with several converters and DACs. Each time one changes the device one must go into audio setup and change to the new one. It asked you to then reload the program. A very quick operation.
@mesch, Unfortunately Channel D's Pure Music program only allows you one output device. Not sure why. So I can only use one converter at a time. Another Alpha would also cost a little more.
I ordered the M2Tech Gear and will report on it after I have had time to evaluate it. It is supposed to arrive on the 27th. My wife will have to be home to sign for it. She hates signing for audio gear:-)
@stereo5 , We are about a 2 hour drive at most from each other. If I ever go down that way or you up here perhaps we can get together. It is always fun to hear other systems.
@fabbe, Thank you Fabrizio. Given the political situation in our country I would love to move to yours!
@mesch, Thank you. The problem is that I need to send the signal in two directions and the Alpha USB won't do that but the M2Tech will. If I get it I will go full zoot with the outboard clock and power supply. It should be very close to the Alpha but it is an $1800 gamble. At least I'm gambling on the Italians and not the Chinese:-)
I have the M2Tech HiFace USB/SPDIF converter and have enjoyed it with my MacBook pro. No need for a USB cable. The Evo is an upgrade, though can't say how it would compare to your Alpha which is supposed to be very good.
@stereo5 , the Evo series looks a lot different. M2Tech is an Italian company, They have a different sense of style than we do. If it is constructed well I'm fine with it. Problem is I don't know that. Thanx for replying. North Andover? I'm about 3 miles from North Andover right now! Where do you live? My office is in Salem NH.
I heard the M2Tech Young DAC and although it sounded ok, I hated the looks. I heard it at a store that is no longer open (owner Ralph retired) and can’t remember the store name. Store was in North Andover, Ma.
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