View Full Version : New MK3 Hiface & JKDAC
Two new products released:
- a new portable SPDIF unit running completely off batteries with a new SPDIF output stage using Wolfson WM8804 chip
- a new portable DAC based on the modified 24/192 Hiface feeding I2S into a ESS Sabre ES9022 24/192 DAC. Line level output which will drive most headphones
https://sites.google.com/site/hifacemods/home
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/483900/review-jkeny-s-modified-hiface/195#post_7619500
Got to listen to it some more today...nothing has changed, I'm still impressed. What you want in a converter is not to be able to discern a sound signature. It should be entirely transparent and let the DAC shine...which is what the MK3 does. The MK1 was a bit soft and slow, the MK2 was somewhat dry and closed in comparison, the MK3 is none of that. It's fast, detailed, revealing, very open, noiseless/black, delicate and all this without a hint of harshness. Some of the greatest areas of improvement over the other transports are the tight bass and grain-free, smooth, detailed, extended treble. The best top-end I've heard in my system.
I can't find any flaws with the MK3. I can't give it any higher praise because up till now, that has happened with only a handful of the best equipment I've owned.
I also like the fact that the build is more professional and the jacks are finally all at the back in one place. Makes wiring neater and more convenient.
Just as a reference, I've owned the y2 DAC/converter, Musiland 02US (3 of them), MK1, MK2, MK3 and stock HiFace, both Asus Essence ST and STX, Teralink-X2 (twice) with linear regulated PSU + aftermarket silver USB cable. I've also used several integrated motherboard SPDIF outputs. The MK3 is hands down the best out of these, and they're all better than straight USB. If people are still using the USB input with their high-end DAC, they're really missing out on the potential of their source. The difference is profound.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96722.msg968970#msg968970
Just for the heck of it it tried connecting it directly to my Patek amp and used the volume control in Pure Music or Itunes. Holey crap - everything improved - detail, sound-stage, life - everything. Once you hear this no going back - direct connection is the way to go. Anyway decided the comparison with the other DAC's needed to be done again so contacted my acquaintance who had arrived back and headed on over for another comparison.
......................
The JK is not a total giant killer - but it took a DAC three times the price to do it - and you also need a pre-amp. This SE was also the DAC that along with the Overdrive wowed them at the last RMAF - so that it took a DAC like that to best the JK Saber is again a fine showing. Next was a base level PDX - and yes it was better again - more life like and a real joy to listen to - but it was $2.7k - again much more expensive.
My new DAC ordering is Tranquility, JK Saber, Tranquility SE, PDX, Killer.
At $650-700 depending on the exchange rate this DAC is simply stupid good value for what you get. And direct connecting it to your amp will save money as well.
Via email:
John: I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the MK3! It is fabulous. I have been using it with my Macbook Pro, with several DACs (PSAudio Perfectwave, Centrance DacMini, Burson, Benchmark DAC-1 HDR)--it sounds superb with all and is a significant step up over the USB inputs on each, with a very smooth sound--extended highs, tight bass and very nice soundstage. I would put the Perfectwave with the MK3 very close to the Metric Halo ULN-8 firewire DAC (the USB implementation on the Perfectwave DAC is not very good), which is my reference. I haven't spent as much time as I had planned with A/B tests simply because I have been enjoying listening to the music too much!
You could call your enterprise up-stream. Did I win?:lol::lol::lol:
You could call your enterprise up-stream. Did I win?:lol::lol::lol:
I don't get it - am I missing the reference?
camtwister
27-07-2011, 21:27
You posted this in the Welcome section:
"I haven't thought of a name for it yet :scratch: I might hold a competition & the best name wins a MK2 modified Hiface?"
That's what Rob is referring to.
You posted this in the Welcome section:
"I haven't thought of a name for it yet :scratch: I might hold a competition & the best name wins a MK2 modified Hiface?"
That's what Rob is referring to.
Yes, I get what his post was about but I don't understand why the name "up-stream" - sorry, I'm probably stupid?
camtwister
27-07-2011, 21:34
He doesn't win then!
:)
Large Visitor Globe :The Hiface is a device that takes audio from the a computer's USB port & transmits this audio via an digital audio signal (SPDIF) to your DAC. It transports this audio stream in a bit perfect
Your words - not mine;)
:) - guess not !!
I will open up a new thread in the trade section when I'm ready to do this - is it a crap or good idea?
Large Visitor Globe :The Hiface is a device that takes audio from the a computer's USB port & transmits this audio via an digital audio signal (SPDIF) to your DAC. It transports this audio stream in a bit perfect
Your words - not mine;)
Ah, see I am thick & I need these things explained to me - thanks for that, it's a good first effort but maybe not catchy enough & requires too much explanation :)
camtwister
27-07-2011, 21:43
If Rob intended the name to be a play on the IT or engineering usage of the term "up-stream", then he's saying that you are closer to the source or original data, hence it's a good thing. That was my interpretation, anyway.
My, the single malt next to me is rather invigorating.
I've ordered up my JKDAC. I has originally ordered the MK3 but decided to go for the JKDAC after finding out that it could be used (effectively) in a bit perfect fashion with software volume control.
I'm hoping to see it early next week.
Chris
Chris, went out today. I emailed you the tracking number!
BTW, I tried JPlay playback software & it really is a step forward in sonics - You've got to decide if the price of 99 Euro is worth it but some people throw three times this at cables & don't get the benefits that are on display here. Anyway, a free demo can be downloaded & one can judge for oneself. Even if you don't buy it, it is the benchmark by which to judge other players.
Yes thanks for that John. I've been tracking it.
It doesn't look likely for today as it's not been booked in at the receiving office in Scotland. It's a Scottish Bank Holiday today so hopefully I might see it tomorrow.
I'm as excited as a six year old on Christmas Eve!
Chris
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