M2Tech HiFace - using it? Like it?

I bought the HiFace (BNC version) so I could use USB from my Mac Mini to SPDIF on my Cambridge Audio 840C. It replaced a glass toslink cable. The difference was remarkable: tighter more defined bass, much more defined soundstage, vocals sound real... let me put it this way... I had my new HiFace for 2 days and decided to order a modified version from John Kenny in Ireland. Can't wait for it to arrive. I'll probably sell my original HiFace on the Gon after it arrives.

The HiFace is the biggest bang-for-the-buck piece of equipment I've experienced.

System includes: Vandersteen 2Ce sigs, Arcam AVR350, Acoustic Zen cables, PS Audio PPP.

Oh... I forgot to mention Amarra Mini in my system configuration; also highly recommended!

I had the same experience Cdm! Tell me about the modified version.

Cdm

yeah... what about that modified one, and who's doing it for how much?

As small as it is, what's he use? A microscope?

Porta
PM

As best I can tell without getting to deeply into things, it appears as a plug in which see's and allows playback of file types that have higher than norm 16/44 & 16/48 resolutions.

Not owning a MAC pc... I didn't look too much into it apart from reading the intro.

I'd think it must have itunes running first... but I'm not sure. Amara does that as well... uses iTunes for HD file playback.

it's more than highly doubtful any problems would arise from trying it out, with your art work or music folder & files.

the only caveats to be wary of are the usual... uncheck the copy files to itunes folder when importing... to avoid duplications from pre-existing folders and files... and IF PM upsamples AND converts file types, you probably would wwant to disallow that too... in order to perserve the orig file integrity.

Amarra cost was around $400 for the lite version... nearly a grand for the whole shebang. For $80 or $90 provided there's a trial period... I'd give it a go were I to own a MAC... AND BE INTERESTED IN PLAYING HIGH RES FILES i'VE EITHER MADE ON SITE, OR BOUGHT FROM THE WEB.

aNOTHER OPTION AS i THINK OF IT IS fUBAR 2k.

iT'S FREE AND PLAYS BACK hd files... and when I had it with the RCA Hiface I had on loan here, the resultant combination of Fubar + Hiface was fantastic.... using kernal streaming mode.

Ohh... and Fubar? it's free.

Still haven't received the modded HiFace, but it should be here by Friday. It's a fairly modest mod... just includes replacing the 3.3V power supply coming from the USB source with a 3.3V battery supply.

John Kenny, from Dublin, is doing the work and there are a handful of glowing reviews on the results.

Incidentally, I think I paid $265 for Amarra (without the dongle) and consider it money well spent. It makes everything sound more dynamic, or present. It also lends more seperation (width and depth) to vocals and instruments.

At least that's been my experience on my system.