M2tech Hiface into Beresford DAC

[Jimbo]

Anyone tried M2 Tech hiface USB /SPDIF convertor into Beresford DAC from Mac laptop? Just wondered if this could be improvement over optical output especially for 24 bit/ 192khz audio.

[purite audio]

Is the Beresford 24/192 capable?
Keith.

[Alex_UK]

Hi, I use a Hiface into a Beresford Caiman, but it was as an alternative to USB - in my experience the coax and optical inputs are very similar, so I am not sure it would be a massive difference to be honest, but never say never, and you'd easily move the Hiface on if it didn't suit. :)

[Alex_UK]

Is the Beresford 24/192 capable?
Keith.

The Caiman isn't.

[lovejoy]

I used a HiFace from a Macbook into a Caiman and yes, it was a HUGE improvement over the standard TOSLINK output of the Mac, even with standard 44.1KHz 16bit content, so worth it just for that. I always found the optical out of the Mac awful though, depending on which model of Mac you have, YMMV.

[Jimbo]

I used a HiFace from a Macbook into a Caiman and yes, it was a HUGE improvement over the standard TOSLINK output of the Mac, even with standard 44.1KHz 16bit content, so worth it just for that. I always found the optical out of the Mac awful though, depending on which model of Mac you have, YMMV.

Hi Rich,

I have a macbook pro 2009 and have also found toslink poor into Beresford Caiman DAC. Coax input from CD much better, so I was wanting to output from USB into DAC to try and improve SQ. Looking at my options I have considered either the M.F V Dac 11 or for half the price the HIFace!

[lovejoy]

Hi Jimbo,
When I ran USB straight from the Mac into the Caiman, it was only marginally better than the optical out, so I think the Macbooks from this era are just flawed when it comes to decent audio quality. The Hi-Face was certainly a better way to go, but ultimately I found myself dropping Macs altogether for audio and now I use a NAS drive feeding my music to a Squeezebox Touch and use Triodes USB output plugin to give me USB output from the SBT into my DAC. I've never looked back at Macs since, although I believe the newer models are better.

[Jimbo]

Thanks for the info on M2tech Hiface/Mac. I might still try one as the optical output is quite poor.

[AlfaGTV]

I use an M2Tech HiFace with my MacMini 2010, for two reasons:
1. Better sound quality (Not a huge difference in my environment)
2. Further sample rates supported (up to 24/192 formally)

Regards/Mike

[StanleyB]

Thanks for the info on M2tech Hiface/Mac. I might still try one as the optical output is quite poor.
It could be improved ;). email me if you got a few quid to spare that will cover my costs. Just remember that you can't mention what it is or how it works on any forums afterwards since it will be a USP on a forthcoming DAC. If you can't keep a secret then go for the M2Tech.

[purite audio]

Jimbo if you email me your address,I can send you a HiFace to try, no need to sign any non disclosure agreements!
Keith.