M2Tech HiFace - using it? Like it?

Curbfeeder:That is a solid recommendation given your experience with these things. My Modded HiFace got toasted in an electrical storm a few weeks ago because I was not smart enough to plug it into a surge protector. Now, John Kenny is sending me the latest version, MK II. That model has the battery charger built into the box (exact same size box) and it takes ALL of the power away from the USB line instead of just the initial 3.5V. I'm anxious to get it.

This little magic box deserves much more attention. When I added the John Kenny MK II HiFace mod to my system and powered it with the the same 12 volt car battery that I use to power my Altmann Attraction DAC, the results were phenomenal. Much, much quieter, smoother yet more detailed, more dynamic. The icing on the cake was the purchase of a Black Cat digital cable for a little over $100. I'm using with the Decibel software. Hardware is a 2006 Mac Mini with 2 GB RAM, so I know that there's room for even more improvement there. But as it stands, this is by far the best digital sound that I've ever heard. Finally, all the convenience of computer audio with sound quality that rivals the best analogue systems I've ever heard. People who still insist that digital has not caught up with analogue have not listened to what I'm listening to right now. Bravo!

After Much moving about, from one OS to another one DAC to another One Coax cable to some others My Hiface (unmodded) landed on my Bedroom system. Feeding directly attached to my Onkyo 805 receiver via a DigiKey BNC to RCA Gold adapter. It is fed from my Vista Laptop via a Belken Gold series USB extension cable. So the Hiface BNC, now RCA, sticks out of my receivers rear panel.

aS I’ve been forced to move much of my main system into my bedroom due to some re-construction efforts, I’m using my main speakers and power filter, power cords, cables, my Odyssey SS Plus amp etc.

the SQ exceeds that of disc playback, STB playback, and rivals that of DVD replay. I’m quite happy with it as is, for what it is it compares favorably with my main setup on many counts. Albeit, my main server is a skosh better overall. It has freed up my Oyaide BNC cable too, which is a real sleeper cable and surpasses anything I’ve heard from SPDIF cables costing several times it’s asking price. It is indeed special. I should perhaps sell my Stereovox wire.

BlindJim, my experience has been the same as yours. Great bang for the buck. It remains in my system. The field is progressing rapidly and what you buy today will be obsolete in less than 2 years. Yet, it is an inexpensive solution that has great sonic capabilities and is a great starter solution for USB to DAC connection. As you say, it benefits from the proper cable. Many devices can best it, but the price goes up. Highly recommended for those dipping their toes in computer audio

Obsolete does not bug me at all.

I make a point of not allowing any of my equipment to subscribe to, peruse, or crawl the web reviews of new gear!

I also make a point of NOT talking about the latest stuff in their presence!

Not working... broken... burned up... blown up... died... these are a few of my not favorite things.... that really do concern me.

Obsolete used to bother me when I lived on the bleeding edge of technology. I've since retired to a less volitile life style and surely a less expensive one.

if or when it breaks... I will address it then.... like anything else... if I'm able.