[jimbones]

Hi, wasn't sure if this was the right circle, but here goes. I am using my laptop with USB (generic) into a Buyrson 160 into my Audio Research SP8 pre and Aragon Power amp. I was thinking of investing in a good USB. Should I bother? Should I just get a USB interface and go SPDIF? Long term what will get me the best sound? Right now I am purchasing 24/96 but Burson claims the 160 does up to 24/176. Advice?

[wilsynet]

The Burson does not have an async USB receiver.  The majority (me included) believe that async USB is inherently superior to adaptive USB, although as usual, execution and implementation do count.

My opinion is that you'll get superior results with a USB to SPDIF converter like those made by JKENY, Stello, Wavelength, Audiophilleo and Empirical Audio.  Getting a fancy USB cable to make adaptive mode USB better is a waste of time and money.

[jimbones]

OK Now I understand. So there is also M2 hiface and hiface evo. I was hoping to get something on the used market and keep it under $300.

[wilsynet]

There's an M2Tech Hiface for $165 on Audiogon right now, but I'd spend more and buy something in the $400-$500 range.  I just think you'll be long term happier.  For what it's worth, I've had a number of these units, and invariably those who get power from the USB port perform not as well as they should.

I'd get the JKENY in this scenario.  It's probably best value.

[wilsynet]

I should add that I doubt that the M2Tech Hiface will improve things by much (if at all) over the Burson adaptive receiver.  You may want to look at software instead.  If you're using a Mac, I strongly recommend Audirvana Plus for $49, and if Windows, then JPlay for about $125.

I haven't heard the Burson never mind plugged my computer into it; just speculation on my part.

[jimbones]

I am using JRiver and Jplay on my laptop. I agree that I should go for something better than the M2 Hiface. Thats why I was thinking Evo or Stello U3.

[saisunil]

If I did not get Eximus DP1 - I would have gotten their U3

[wilsynet]

I think the EVO or U3 will likely serve you quite well.  Go for it!

[jimbones]

Do you think that there will be a sonic improvement? Obviously as you go up the ladder (44/88/96/176/196) the improvements become smaller and I wonder if I do that will there be audible improvement.

[Saturn94]

I'm also pretty new to computer audio so my experience is very limited.  I didn't want to spend alot just to get my feet wet and ended up buying a M2Tech hiFace.

IMO, this little device sounds excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  It sounds better than I expected; enough so that I don't have an urge to upgrade it.

For reference my system includes an Anthem AVM20 pre/pro,  Parasound Classic 5250 amp, and Salk HT2-TL speakers.  I'm using Foobar2000 on my laptop.

 

[HAL]

I have been using the M2Tech HiFace Evo with my MS-1 music server and DAC with excellent results.  The Reference Recordings HRx WAV files sound excellent with the setup as do HDTracks HiRez music. 

I hear very good things about JKeny's HiFace units as well.   Battery power supplies really do well with the Evo.

The asynchronous USB interfaces are excellent for music replay! 

[Quiet Earth]

Great thread guys. Still learning a lot about computer audio myself.

  For what it's worth, I've had a number of these units, and invariably those who get power from the USB port perform not as well as they should.

Do you think the Evo would clearly outperform the U3 due to this design difference between the two units? Or do you think the U3 has good enough voltage regulation/isolation to make it a moot point?

I am considering an upgrade from my Stello U2 which gets it power from the USB cable.

[jimbones]

The Stello U3 is like the U2 in that it get's it's power from the USB. But the EVO uses an external wall wart. (?) Now I haven't seen a direct comp between the EVO and U3 but from what I read I suspect the EVO has an edge.

[Quiet Earth]

Yes, that is what I was asking. Thanks.

[TF1216]

I'm in the Minneapolis area if any you folks new to computer hifi are interested in trying the JKeny MK3 or jplay.

[jimbones]

How much does the JKeny go for? Does he have a website?

[kwl]

John's various products can be found here - http://sites.google.com/site/hifacemods/

Ken