[NYCMachine]

Looking for reviews on xxHighEnd program.
You can find info. at Phasure.com

[ted_b]

There is quite a bit of feedback over on CA (Computer Audiophile) where Peter posts, as well as on Audio Asylum.  And peter has his own forum as well.  It is a windows-based music player (which is why I moved it here from my HiRez Circle).

[NYCMachine]

Thanks Ted,
  Yes, I read much at CA.
Even corresponded with Peter.
He is very knowledgeable and generous with advice and suggestions.
Out looking for other perspectives.
Just found your HiRez Circle. Looking forward to reading and learning
What do you think of the M2Tech Hiface, as an Inter-phase

[neergan]

Be careful. Make sure all engines function before buying. I was not able to run the updated engine, or even to get it to work after purchasing, and was not given a refund. 

[mgalusha]

I tried it a while back with two different USB interfaces and was disappointed with the results, mainly because it played things at the wrong speed. I eventually was able to get decent sound out but it wasn't stable on my machine. Likely the newer versions are better.

[NYCMachine]

Thanks Mike!
  I have read your excellent review of the m2Tech Hiface at Enjoythemusic,
and many of your other posts. You seem to be the ..Go To Guy.. on this topic.
I am putting together a system consisting of a HP dv6t 2150us laptop.
 i3 Processor  4GB  320  No Audio/Video Card. Windows 7
I like the Onkyo, HT-S9100 THX,  Home Theater in a Box.
I'd like to run 7.1 Surround for movies. Do I need a 7.1 Sound Card?
Your article suggests using the software WASAPI, "which allows direct streaming
of audio data to the playback device".
Do I need the Hiface, since I'm staying digital?
Can it be used for Hi Res 7.1 Audio?
If so, I'd like to use the USB Extender from USBGear. ($29.99)
Is it necessary to have a separate power supply?  (5v)
And lastly, if I order the HiFace with a BNC connector, can I plug into the Onkyo Receiver?
Any suggestions....greatly appreciated!
You can answer ONSITE.
Thanks!

[bhobba]

I tried it but couldn't get it working on my machine.  Peter has a very active forum that I occasionally post to.  Initially when I found it I was very excited because I thought Peter and the other guys that post there were on my wavelength so to speak.  My enthusiasm has mellowed somewhat since Peter, its designer, for undoubtedly good reasons of not divulging proprietary information, is loath to supply basic details such as how the new DAC he is working on can get 788/24 data.  He also has made some claims regarding being able to control jitter that I cant quite grasp.  Modern DAC's like the SABRE for all practical purposes eliminate it.   He also claims compared to the NOS dac he is working on the SABRE and other oversampling DAC's are no where near as good.  This flies in the face of guys on headphone forums who critically listen to these things.  They are just about unanimous that the SABRE leaves any other dac they have heard in the dust.  Personally I must admit I prefer oversampling to nos - but then again that dates back many years when I compared them and things have undoubtedly moved on.  For what its worth computer audiophile found it very difficult and almost impossible to split Steve Nugent's overdrive DAC (a NOS DAC) to thew Weiss (an oversampling DAC).  To me that is much more reasonable.  I find it hard to believe these days correct implementations of either NOS or oversampling can be intrinsically better that the other.

Bottom line here is, since I can't even get it working, I will be sticking to my favorite players Foobar and XM player for the time being.  However I suspect once I get it working with a proper DAC such as the the SABRE based DAC I am looking at the difference will probably not be worth the effort in the sense it is likely to be a personal preference thing.  Then again I could be wrong - I most certainly have been before.

Thanks
Bill 

[NYCMachine]

Hey Bill,
  Thanks for the Post.
Yes, Peter is very knowledgeable and generous with great advice.
I'm sure in his hands the xxx High End is fantastic. However, I am learning and doing and pulling
things together on the run, so it might be something for the future.
I had posted what I'm doing above your message. Did you read it.
Since then I found a modified HiFace. Perhaps you can tell me what you think.
The Onkyo has a DAC, but I wanted a strong interface. I think the M2 Tech is only two Channel.
I'm going to run 7.1 Surround, probably with Foobar.
Can you give me your ideas on what I should have from start to finish.
    I have included an Email with sites on where you can find the Hiface Mods.,designed by
J.Kenny.
*********************************************************************
Here is an Email I sent.

 Mr. Kenny,
 
 I found and read your posts on the HiFace, at Audio Circle.
I also read your USB Transport Mods. at Google Sites.
 
 I am putting together a system consisting of a HP dv6t 2150us laptop. (New 2/1/10)
 i3 Processor  4GB  320  No Audio/Video Card. Windows 7
I like the Onkyo, HT-S9100THX,  Home Theater in a Box.
It is a 7.1 Surround Receiver with Digital Speakers and Sub.
I'd like to run 7.1 Surround for movies, and Music. Do I need a 7.1 Video/Sound Card?
I was considering a USB extender cable, so I can plug directly into the Receiver,
until I found your Transport Mods. Yours seem like the best way to go!
Can you please advise me on what I need from you to complete this system.
 
    Thanks,

         NYC

[mgalusha]

NYC - Sorry, I didn't see this until just now.

If you are going to use a PC for 7.1 the USB/SPDIF needs to be able to pass Dolby and or DTS encoded signals. I'm pretty sure the HiFace doesn't pass these signals, something else would be needed. I have not even looked around for such an animal as my HT, which is ultra modest, is separate from my music system.

Might be a good question to post in an AV forum.

mike

[NYCMachine]

Thanks Mike!
If you read above your Post, you can see where I am with this whole thing.
     NYC

[mgalusha]

I did read it. Have you chosen a source device yet? I'm curious as to what you end up with.

[NYCMachine]

.....Source device?
I was going to run the Laptop right into the Receiver.
That's why I was looking for the best way to connect the two.

[doctorcilantro]

Be careful. Make sure all engines function before buying. I was not able to run the updated engine, or even to get it to work after purchasing, and was not given a refund.

AB'd against MC15 using WASPI. Couldn't tell the difference. Usability is -100 on XXHighEnd and lots of hifivoodoo imo.

[mgalusha]

.....Source device?
I was going to run the Laptop right into the Receiver.
That's why I was looking for the best way to connect the two.

Guess I'm confused. I thought you were trying to find a good way to get 7.1 out of the USB of the laptop to feed the receiver since you asked about a sound card.

[NYCMachine]

Hi Mike,
  Yes, I'm looking for the best way to Run 5.1 or 7.1 out of the laptop into the 7.1 receiver.
What do you think I need? What do you advise?

[WGH]

I have two USB devices connected to my computer.

One connection goes to a HagUSB and a stereo DAC.

The other is connected to a M-Audio Transit that can be set to AC3 (Dolby Digital)/DTS pass through for 5.1 surround sound and is plugged into the surround sound processor digital input. It works great.
I use ZoomPlayer for movies.

Wayne