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M2Tech USB Converters, USB DAC's, Analog to Digital USB |
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| Joplin A/D Converter | |||||||||||||||
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| hiFace Two | hiFace EVO | EVO Supply | |||||||||||||
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| NEW hiFace DAC | Vaughan DAC Reviews | Young DAC | |||||||||||||
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| Palmer Power Station | EVO SPDIF DAC | EVO Clock | |||||||||||||
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| M2Tech Joplin A/D Converter 384/32 - $2499. - 6 preset E.Q. curves user selectable. | |||||||||||||||
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the JOPLIN is an A to D converter that is capable of turning any
analog source into a digital file. It can digitize to any sample
and bit rate from 44.1 kHz 16 bit to 384 kHz 32 bit. The
inquiries came from all sorts of people with many different
applications. Straight from Pisa, Italy and attached below are
four applications, with flow diagrams, showing how the JOPLIN
can be used for: 1. A digital grabber from any analog source - radio, television, cassette, et cetera 2. A digital archiver for vinyl collections! 3. A digital input to a DAC from an analog source in real time 4. A digital bridge between a digital source and a computer with no digital inputs. |
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Reviews:
Enjoy the Music Review By Tom
Lyle "M2Tech's first suggestion for using the Joplin is as an analog input for digital systems. I spent less time using it for this purpose than using it to archive digital, but during the Joplin's review period did use it in that way. I had in house two different DAC/preamplifiers, the Wadia 121 Decoding Computer, and M2Tech's Vaughan DAC/digital preamplifier. Both have similar purposes, but the Vaughan was the superior of the two, if only considering the fact that it is able to decode higher sample rates. It is also nearly eight times as expensive. Using the Vaughan, the Joplin performed as its literature stated it would. Utilizing the M2Tech Joplin as a Phono preamp to connect it to a Vaughan DAC/digital preamp was an interesting experience. As I said, the Joplin performed as advertised; I was able to use my analog front-end in the system when using the Vaughan DAC as a digital preamplifier. During this period I was comparing two different LP reissues of Antal Dorati conducting Prokofiev's Love For Three Oranges and Scythian Suite originally released on Mercury, the Classic Records pressing, and the newer double-LP 45rpm version from ORG. It was easy to differentiate the two; the Classic Records reissue was the far better at every quality that made this "Living Presence" such a joy in the first place, and perhaps one of the best sounding LPs in my collection. Most noticeable was that the ORG didn't have nearly the quality or amount of bass response as the Classic Records version, nor didn't have the soundstage, sparkling treble, or luscious string sound. No, the ORG version isn't a piece of junk, so if one missed purchasing the Classic Records version (or doesn't have an original Mercury pressing in perfect condition in the collection) the ORG will do just fine, as it is a great performance of two great pieces of music, the Love For Three Oranges being the better of the two, in my opinion. The LP converted to digital through the Joplin also sounded excellent, but let's put things into perspective here. When I would archive an album at a decent sampling rate, say 96kHz/24-bit, then play the resulting signal through my system with an analog (tube, no less) preamplifier the signal sounded marvelous, highlighting the excellent way the Joplin had with converting the signal to digital with far less "damage" then I, or anyone else I suspect, would anticipate. When playing LPs directly through the Joplin, then through the digital preamp, the LP sounded good, but very good digital. The M2Tech Joplin is a fantastic product. Not only is it a fantastic analog-to-digital converter, it also seems as if it was designed for a modern audiophile, particularly one that enjoys archiving vinyl. With its Phono equalization performed in the digital domain, the "straight wire with gain" paradigm comes closer to reality when one is transferring their precious records to digital formats. As a bonus, since digital preamps are becoming more popular every day, the vinyl aficionado is being invited to the party because of components such as the Joplin, which not only allows one to connect the turntable to a digital preamp, but to do so in style". |
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DETAILS High-speed asynchronous USB connection. Single-ended stereo input on RCA. S/PDIF, AES/EBU and Toslink digital outputs. Auxiliary S/PDIF input for bridging. Selectable input gain 0dB to 65dB. Wide choice of equalization curves in digital domain. Various filter options (anti-rumble, anti-hiss, MPX). Remote control. Encased in a stylish aluminum case. FEATURES Joplin is a high performance A/D converter capable of handing up to 384kHz sampling rates and 32 bits resolution (USB output). It features a high speed asynchronous USB input based on the M2Tech hiFace Two technology, further developed to allow for higher sampling rates. A comprehensive output set (S/PDIF on RCA, AES/EBU on XLR and optical on Toslink) provide great connection versatility. Also, an auxiliary S/PDIF digital input on RCA allows for re-using the digital connection used for the Joplin for a digital source, as well as for redirecting the output from a digital source to a computer which is not provided with an S/PDIF input. Despite its price, Joplin encompasses a leading edge technology for data handling and processing. An FPGA is used to provide a seamless connection between the ADC IC and the USB port (both operating in master mode for low jitter reasons), as well as for a large number of important clock and data routing tasks, not to mention the VU-meter drive. The analog stage is based on the best PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier) available on the market, and allows for gain as high as 65dB (equivalent to 0.95mVrms for 0dBFS). A comprehensive set of equalization curves can be selected, to accommodate all Phono formats ever used from 1925 to the present day, plus eq curves for reel-to-reel tapes with straight output from the playback head. The small size and stylish look of the Joplin allow for a uninvasive placement in every living space. SPECIFICATIONS Size: 200(w) x 50(h) x 200(d) mm Weight: 1Kg approx. Sampling Frequencies(kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8*, 384* Resolution: 16, 20, 24 bit (S/PDIF, AES/EBU, optical, with or without dither), 16, 20, 24, 32 bit (USB, with or without noise shaping) Frequency response: 10-20kHz +0.1/-0.5dB (fs = 44.1kHz), 10-150kHz +0.1/-0.1dB (fs=384kHz) SNR: 122dB (A weighted, 384kHz, 32 bits, gain 0dB), 114dB (A weighted, 192kHz, 24 bits with noise shaping, gain 0dB), 100dB (A weighted, 192kHz, 24 bits with noise shaping, gain 40dB) THD+N: 0.00045% (1.7Vrms in, 192kHz, 24 bits, gain 0dB) Gain: 0dB, 10dB to 65dB in 1dB steps Cross-talk: -110dB @1kHz Inputs: analog single ended on RCA female, S/PDIF on RCA female Outputs: 1x S/PDIF (RCA female), 1x AES/EBU (XLR), 1x optical (Toslink), 1x USB (USB female Type B) Input voltage: 1.7Vrms (4.8Vpp @ 0dBFS) Supply voltage: 15VDC Supply current: 290mA *: only USB |
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JOPLIN 16 preset E.Q. curves built in and easily user
selectable. RIAA AES Angel (ANG) Audiophile (AUDP) Capitol (CAP) Columbia (COL) HMV Decca/London FFRR MGM NAB Oiseau-Lyre (OYLR) Pacific Jazz (PACJ) Philips RCA (RCA1, RCA2 and RCAO) Brunswick Columbia 1925, Columbia 1938 and Columbia England (CO25, CO38 and COLE) Decca FFRR 78rpm (DEC) MGM 78rpm (MGM7) Victor 1938-47 and Victor 1947-52 (VIC3 and VIC4) |
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NEW
M2Tech
hiFace DAC $295. Availability
- Now In Stock! Hi-End Asynchronous 2.0 Audio Class USB 384/32 DAC |
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Review: What*HiFi? Andrew Everard May 16, 2013  How does it sound? "Well, to these ears, the answer is 'fabulous': the little orange stick delivers a sound with a presence, power and dynamic freedom I've only encountered with some very expensive digital hardware, and has the bass grunt and control needed to make any rhythm-section-driven music truly exciting. The day started well with Bob Marley in 24-bit/192kHz, took a turn for the more sombre mid-morning courtesy of the new 24-bit/48kHz B&W Society of Sound offering of Berlioz's Grande Messe des Morts – one of Sir Colin Davis's last recordings, with the LSO and choirs in the vast St Paul's Cathedral acoustic – and moved, via a spot of Daft Punk retrodisco in 24-bit/88.2kHz, to some ultra high-res classical music from Norwegian label 2L. In 24-bit/352.8Khz. Detail and definition are a given, and just get more striking the higher the resolution you choose to play, but the real revelation here is how well textures and characteristics of voices and instruments are conveyed, and how well that is achieved while retaining a delicious smoothness and sweetness in the treble." |
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The M2Tech hiFace DAC is the same size as the hiFace and hiFace TWO interfaces, this rolls in an excellent DAC along with the USB interface. This little product will easily squash the $249.00 "Dragonfly" TM by Audioquest. The Dragonfly maxes out at 24 bit 96 kHz while the HiFACE DAC easily cruises at a comfortable 384 kHz sample rate and 32 bits of resolution.
Plug it
into any laptop or portable device, including the iPad with a
USB adapter i.e
(Camera Kit required to work in Host
Mode) and you can directly power headphones for a
very enviable audio experience while traveling. For the
full-on audiophile experience, you would want to plug this into
a preamp or headphone amplifier when at home with your audio
gear.
Highest quality stereo analog audio up to 384kHz/32bit available on your PC, Mac, Linux computer, iPad (Camera Kit required to work in Host Mode) or Android tablet. 2.0Vrms line output level, 112dB THD+N. Very low jitter oscillators, asynchronous 2.0 Audio Class USB. Also drives most medium- or high-impedance headphones. Highest value-for-money. Compact size (2x1.4x8.8cm) with hi-end performance hiFace DAC has been conceived to make hi-end equipment performance at hand to budget-conscious audiophiles, without any compromise. One hiFace DAC and a laptop, Mac Mini or even an iPad (Camera Kit required to work in Host Mode) make for a hi-end music file source at the cost of a middle range digital interconnect. The hiFace DAC includes all necessary features to be the perfect DAC for all kind of hi-fi systems: asynchronous data transfer mode on USB 2.0, compliancy to USB 2.0 Audio Class (no drivers needed for MacOS, IOS, Linux and Android), very low phase noise oscillators and last-generation conversion IC capable of 384kHz and 23 bits. Windows users will enjoy it in Direct Sound, Kernel Streaming, WASAPI and ASIO (depending on the OS version), while Mac users will be able to take advantage from Integer mode and Direct mode. While the hiFace DAC output is purposely designed to give its best with amplifiers’ and preamplifiers’ line level inputs, it may also be used to drive medium- and high-impedance headphones: try it with iPhone’s in-ear headphones. FEATURES 1) LOW JITTER, LOW PHASE NOISE, HIGH STABILITY OSCILLATORS Most audio interfaces and USB-provided DACs refer the data stream clock to the same USB interface clock, that often suffers a very heavy jitter (short range oscillator frequency variations). Thanks to two quartz precision oscillators used on M2Tech hiFace DAC, clock source for internal interface to the conversion IC features a very low jitter. Low jitter produces a very limited sound image distortion and degradation. Phase noise (main responsible for jitter) is also very low: this guarantees a short and long range clock stability, also reinforced by a board supply voltage regulation (e.g. at environmental temperature stability is 2-5ppm approximately, compared to 50-100ppm performed by oscillators normally used on commercial CD players). 2) USB 2.0 AUDIO COMPLIANCE No need for custom driver. Using the hiFace DAC is very easy. Just connect it to your Mac, iPad or Linux computer and it will be immediately visible in the devices list and ready to use. A driver is still necessary for Windows computers, which enables for DS, KS, WASAPI and ASIO mode. 3) COMPACT SIZE, EASE OF USE AND VERY HIGH PERFORMANCE M2Tech hiFace DAC features a very compact size and can be directly (or using an accessory USB A-A adapter, not supplied with hiFace) connected to a High Speed USB 2.0 port of any computer or tablet. A 3.5mm stereo jack socket provides an output stereo line-level signal, ready to be connected to a Hi-End system. No external power supply is required, as hiFace DAC draws its power from USB bus itself and regulates it with its internal regulators. hiFace DAC connected to a last generation mini PC provided with a High Speed USB port makes for a complete digital music source at very low prices (in the range of few hundreds Euros). Such system allows for listening any density and resolution music files (up to 384/32!), playing own CD's using a CD ROM drive, obtaining access to more than 10,000 web radio, many of which broadcast their transmissions with CD quality. SPECIFICATIONS Connections: Input 1 x USB A type male Output: 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack socket I/O Standard: Input USB 2.0 Audio Format, Output stereo analog Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz Resolution 16 up to 32 bit Output voltage: 2.0Vrms @10kOhms Frequency response: 5-22kHz (fs=44.1kHz), 5-150kHz (fs=384kHz) THD+N: 112dB (@ 1kHz, A-weighted) Dimensions: 8.8(d) x 1.4(h) x 2(w) Power Supply: 5V DC from USB bus Temperature: 0°C to 70°C Weight: 20gr approx. |
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| M2Tech EVO DAC - SPDIF and I²S $524. | |||||||||||||||
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Recommended Digital Cables: Oyaide Great Value at $235 for 1.2M! WireWorld starting at $79 for 1.0M WyWires Next Level up from Oyaide! |
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192kHz, 32 bits conversion, 32 bit I2S connection for use with
hiFace Evo, coaxial S/PDIF and optical Toslink connections for
compatibility, single-ended analog output on gold plated RCA,
same form factor as hiFace Evo and Evo Supply, can be powered by
Evo Supply or by the wall adaptor included in the package FEATURES: digital-to-analog converter capable of 192kHz/32bits operation when driven on its I2S input 192kHz/24bits operation is available on its coaxial S/PDIF input, while 96kHz/24bits can be achieved when using the legacy Toslink input, included for compatibility towards many digital sources The best way to operate Evo DAC is in partnership with the hiFace Evo to play hi-rez files from a computer By connecting the two units in I2S with a CAT-5 straight cable, a virtually zero-jitter chain is implemented, from the computer to the DAC, for unbelievable sonic results by such an affordable solution Evo DAC is a great unit even when used as a normal DAC by driving it on its S/PDIF input: the receiver’s great performance in reducing the jitter leads to sonic results which are unexpected by equipment in this price range Polypropylene capacitors and a low noise, low distortion opamp on the output buffer exalt the performance of the conversion IC A modular system, based on an Evo DAC, an hiFace Evo and an Evo Supply, eventually built during time, makes for a nearly hi-end digital source at an affordable price! |
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| M2Tech Young 24/384K USB, SPDIF (RCA Coax), AES/EBU (XLR) DAC -$1499. Blue or Red LED's | |||||||||||||||
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Recommended Cables USB WireWorld Platinum Starting at $459. for 0.3M Digital Cables Oyaide Great Value at $235 for 1.2M! WireWorld starting at $79 for 1.0M WyWires Next Level up from Oyaide! |
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Reviews: The highResMan Translated from German to English NextHardware.com Portion of th review Translated from Italian to English "The Young gives immediately the impression of a sound relaxing, we would dare to say analog, simply maintaining a high transparency; in fact, the transparency is actual an of the features that marks this converter. The reconstruction of the sound stage is excellent; the expansion is spacious and enough deep, so like the focus. With a very fine grain, the Young is very pleasant to the listening and did not show marks of spigolosità and/or harshnesses... is fluid. The low range is very neutral, deep and articulated and not show you mark of "dryness", with a round lower part accompanied from an acceptable punch. The shouting are full-bodied and the you surround very definite; the feminine shouting I am very extensive, without marks of yielding. Also the high range is clear... crystal clear and comes intended precisely in second plan, facilitating the correct interpretation of the resonant plans". http://www6moonscom/audioreviews/m2tech2/1html November 2011 by Wojciech Pacuła M2Tech DAC will show it immediately by being an exceptional—really exceptional—DAC that opens up our horizons for what is to come tomorrow by handling almost everything we have today" http://wwwtechradarcom/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/hi-fi-accessories/m2tech-young-dac-963645/review?src=rss&attr=reviewhi-fi http://wwwenjoythemusiccom/magazine/viewpoint/0711/aa_chapter_140htm http://wwwm2techbiz/public/pdf/Reviews1pdf http://wwwdigitalaudioblogcom/2011/06/review-m2tech-young-dachtml "One of its strong point seems to be its adaptability - the ability to get right into the groove with any kind of music we threw at it It has the ability to cope with both raucous rock music, and can instantly adapt to lyricism of deep classical passage Many competing DACs are good with either soft jazz or classical music, but not rock, less-than-perfectly-recorded-pop, nor electronic music Not the case with the Young It has an urgent sense of timing to the music, and a great sense of "body" when all the instruments came together Central images are clearly individual, yet still part of a coherent whole" |
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DETAILS High-speed asynchronous USB connection Oversampling filters with minimum pre-echo and phase linearity S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink digital inputs Line level single-ended on RCA output connectors Encased in a stylish aluminium case FEATURES: Young is a high performance, very high value-for-money D/A converter capable of handling up to 384kHz sampling rate and 32 bits resolution (USB input) It features a high speed asynchronous USB input based on the hiFace technology, further developped to allow for higher sampling rates A comprehensive input set (S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, AES/EBU on XLR and optical on Toslink) provide great connection versatility Despite its price, Young encopasses a leading edge technology for data handling and processing A high performance oversampling filter, custom-made on a programmable logic device (FPGA) implements minimum-phase filters optimized for sound quality which allow for a very low noise floor A 32 bits -D/A integrated circuit is used in a non-conventional mode to allow for 768kHz internal operation The synergy between the DAC IC and the custoim oversampler allows for exceptionally low noise floor and THD The output buffer uses a special operational amplifier with very low noise and THD thanks to its class-A biased output stage The small size and stylish look of the Young allow for a uninvasive placement in every living space SPECIFICATIONS Size: 200(w) x 50(h) x 200(d) mm Weight: 1Kg approx Sampling Frequencies(kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4*, 192*, 352.8**, 384** Resolution: 16 up to 24 bit (S/PDIF, AES/EBU, optical), 16 to 32 bit (USB) Frequency response: 10-20kHz +01/-05dB (fs = 441kHz) 10-90kHz +01/-01dB (fs=384kHz) SNR: 121dB (A weighted, 192kHz, 24 bits, 20kHz bandwidth) THD+N: 00003% (192kHz, 24 bits) Inputs: 2 x S/PDIF (RCA and 75 Ohms BNC) 1x AES/EBU (XLR) 1x optical (Toslink) 1x USB (USB female Type B) Output: single ended on RCA female Output voltage: 2,65Vrms (75Vpp @ 0dBFS) Supply voltage: 15V-18VDC Supply current: 240mA@15V |
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| M2Tech Vaughan 32/384 USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, I2s DAC Battery Powered with Preamp! $7999. | |||||||||||||||
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Reviews: http://6moons.com/audioreviews/m2tech5/1.html Enjoy the Music - By Tom Lye On the rare occasion when I spin a disc it is on an Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition universal player, usually to decode the audio portion of DVDs through the Vaughan's S/PDIF input, but sometimes I listen to a SACD through its analog outs. The speakers are, as usual, the Sound Lab DynaStat electrostatic hybrid augmented with a Velodyne HGS-15b sub. All the hardware sits on an Arcici Suspense equipment rack, except the PS Audio Power Plant AC regenerators powering the front end, and a Chang Lightspeed conditioning the power for the speakers and the subwoofer. All the equipment is connected to two dedicated AC lines fitted with Virtual Dynamics wall receptacles. The medium-sized listening room is treated with Echobuster acoustic treatment panels, and where the panels do not cover the walls they are lined with LPs, and CD jewel boxes that are used to hold the inserts that I reference once in a while, and of course the physical CDs, just in case (a pun, again). After a while, when playing back the signal of everything I fed it, regardless of its resolution the sound of digital through the Vaughan became the new normal in my listening room. I jotted down in my listening notes, "I could get used to this". I think it is worth mentioning that the greatest change between the digital sound I was accustomed to before and after the Vaughan showed up at my doorstep was not only the amount of detail of each instrument, but the detail of the surroundings of these instruments. Along with the increase in the detail of the ambient space was the spaciousness of the soundstage that appeared between, slightly in-front of, beyond the sides, and to the rear of the speakers. Regardless of their type of design, compared to other speakers my resident Sound Labs are hardly soundstage champs. But when the right ancillary gear comes along, be that a great power or source component, they can bring out the best in what soundstage abilities are contained within these speakers, especially in regards to the depth of the soundfield. Ok, I admit it, I've heard this kind of soundstage before from these speakers, but only when spinning vinyl. When playing the high resolution file of Elgar's Cello Concerto that I mentioned above, I could "see" Jacqueline du Pre's cello in front of the orchestra – not by picturing her instrument as recorded by a spot microphone and then the mixed at a higher volume – but by physically placing itself in front of the rest of the orchestra. I should clarify this statement by saying: but by physically placing itself in front of the front of the instruments that were in the front of the orchestra, because the orchestra itself is now heard as a complex layering of the instruments under conductor John Barbirolli's stewardship. The empty auditorium's acoustic is heard as clearly as the instruments, but its dimensions not that clearly defined because this recording sounds as if one is listening from about ten feet in front of the podium. The environs are heard almost as a separate entity, an aura surrounding the musicians on the stage. For an EMI recording that is good sounding, but not the best that's ever been released from this wonderful era, one can only hope that this isn't the last high-resolution EMI classical recording that sees the light of day. One would hope that the soundstage wasn't the only sonic improvement in the system's sound when using the M2Tech Vaughan. It wasn't. I suppose the best analogy I can think of is akin to changing a turntable from an affordable Rega to a top-tier Basis model. So, in my system when I would switch out a relatively affordable unit such as the Benchmark DAC1USB or the Wadia 121 to the M2Tech Vaughan, the physical size of the DAC wasn't the only thing that was larger, but so was its the sound. I like to call this the whomp-factor, where not only does the low-end go deeper, but the entire sound is much more weighty, and real sounding. It is more lifelike because when hearing live music the impact is not only visceral, but emotional. When listening through speakers that might not have an exceptionally deep bass response, the music is still able to enter one's psyche. This explanation might seem a bit obtuse, but in reality it isn't because the main goals in assembling a system should not only be to recreate the recorded event as accurately, but realistically in one's listening room as possible. The M2Tech Vaughan aides in attaining this goal through its reproduction of the recorded even by decoding the digital signal and somehow presenting it with the emotional impact that the artist or artists intended. In addition, the Vaughan's frequencies in the mids and treble match the prowess of its bass with presenting the sound with an extraordinary level of transparency and realism. And remember, I am speaking not only of higher than standard Red Book resolution here, but every recording that was mastered correctly in the first place, and amazingly, even some that were not. One of my favorite rock recordings from the early seventies is T. Rex's Tanxalbum. I feel strange speaking of a digital converter's midrange being so uncolored, but the M2Tech Vaughan's midrange is super-transparent, and vocals were the beneficiaries. On the tune that on the LP version starts off side 2, "Mad Donna", it starts by a young female who exclaims in French, loosely translated, "Women are crazy for T. Rex!". I've heard this track and her introduction countless times before, but this time when her voice entered I nearly spilled my beverage as it startled me from my listening seat. Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but for that split-second as my brain interpreted this digital signal as the real thing, all bets were off. the Vaughan's frequencies in the mids and treble match the prowess of its bass with presenting the sound with an extraordinary level of transparency and realism. And remember, I am speaking not only of higher than standard Red Book resolution here, but every recording that was mastered correctly in the first place, and amazingly, even some that were not. One of my favorite rock recordings from the early seventies is T. Rex's Tanxalbum. I feel strange speaking of a digital converter's midrange being so uncolored, but the M2Tech Vaughan's midrange is super-transparent, and vocals were the beneficiaries. On the tune that on the LP version starts off side 2, "Mad Donna", it starts by a young female who exclaims in French, loosely translated, "Women are crazy for T. Rex!". I've heard this track and her introduction countless times before, but this time when her voice entered I nearly spilled my beverage as it startled me from my listening seat. Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but for that split-second as my brain interpreted this digital signal as the real thing, all bets were off. "I'll spend a brief time mentioning my experience using the M2Tech Vaughan as a digital preamp, forgoing my reference tube preamplifier and connecting the Vaughan directly to the power amplifier via its balanced outputs. First of all, holding off describing its sound for a moment, using the Vaughan's front panel volume control was a pleasure. So much so that I hid the remote behind the unit, thus forcing me to walk from my listening position to operate its volume control. When laying out this kind of money on an audio component it is nice to be rewarded with a tactile pleasure such as this. Call me an equipment geek if you must, but every time I use this volume control I feel as though I have arrived in high-end nirvana. Sweet! I suppose, though, one might be more interested in how the Vaughan sounds when used as a preamplifier. In a word: Very nice. Ok, that's two words. I still preferred using my tube preamplifier above all, as the midrange of my electrostatic panels are unforgivably revealing. Suspension of disbelief, such as during the cute (I assume) female's introduction to the T. Rex song didn't happen nearly as often. The sound of the Vaughan when used as a preamp sounds great, but like great digital. Please, I'm not intending to be overly critical, because when I use the Vaughan in this manor with my second system along with tube power amps and smaller dynamic speakers with a midrange (and treble) that is much less analytical I preferred, by quite a large margin, the sound when using the Vaughan as a preamp over any stand-alone analog preamplifier I used in its place. Plus, I was able to use the Vaughan's marvelous volume control. Recommended Cables USB WireWorld Platinum Starting at $459. for 0.3M Digital Cables Oyaide Great Value at $235 for 1.2M! WireWorld starting at $79 for 1.0M WyWires Next Level up from Oyaide! |
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M2Tech has released their super DAC - The VAUGHAN. This new
product includes their very best sounding DAC to date using four
(4) Burr Brown 32 bit DACs per channel, new clocking circuits
with higher accuracy, new jitter reduction systems and the best
possible power supply available, batteries for that pure DC
power! Included in the VAUGHAN is a volume control so it can act
as a preamp and drive amplifiers directly as well as a headphone
amplifier for those with sleeping households. There are 12 digital inputs ranging from ST and Toslink optical, AES/EBU, I2S, coaxial RCA and BNC and USB 2.0. The USB input, when the proprietary drivers are used in your server or computer, can stream high resolution files up to 384 kHz at 32 bit word lengths. The Vaughan is equipped with a word clock input so you can clock it from an external clock like the ESOTERIC G-0Rb or G-03X. There are balanced as well as unbalanced analog outputs plus a 1/4" stereo headphone output. The VAUGHAN is powered by a built-in Lithium Polymer (Li Po) battery power supply that can drive the DAC for 4 hours without needing a charge. Like the PALMER power station, the battery supply comes with it's own internal, low noise charging system that can charge while the unit is in operation or while it is turned off. Finally, there is a preamp section with volume control and a remote control. The VAUGHAN is a substantial piece measuring 17 3/4" X 17 3/4" X 3 1/2" and weighing 22 pounds. The LED display is selectable to show input, sample rate, volume in steps or db's. |
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DETAILS Highest quality digital-to-analog converter up to 384kHz/32bit from your PC or MAC, and from USB, I2S S/PDIF and AES/EBU. Ultra low jitter oscillators and proprietary drivers. Time shift driving of multiple DAC IC's for improved sound quality. Fully automated battery power supply. Remote control. FEATURES 1) ULTRA LOW JITTER, LOW PHASE NOISE, HIGH STABILITY OSCILLATORS The Vaughan uses two custom oscillators with ultra-low phase noise (comparable to that of very expensive OCXO's) and very high precision. They are powered with ultra-low noise regulators to avoid phase noise increase. 2) PROPRIETARY DRIVERS The standard audio drivers available on the market (e.g. Microsoft Windows operating system) dictated constraints can be overcome thanks to our proprietary drivers: they allow for transferring audio data, maintaining the original file quality without any loss of resolution quality; also, sampling frequency constraints are overcome, while Microsoft and ASIO drivers oblige to operate at no more than 96kHz. When Vaughan is used together with a player application such as FooBar (available for free on Internet), you can listen to your digital music at 384kHz/32bits maximum frequency/resolution, avoiding undesired PC or MAC audio mixer data processing during the data transfer from hard disk to interface. Presently, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 drivers are available, as well as Mac drivers for 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7. 3) BATTERY POWER SUPPLY The Vaughan features a sophisticated low noise power supply based on a high capacity, high surge current LiPo battery. A dedicated battery charger is managed by the system controller for a totally automatic charge management. 4) TIME SHIFT DRIVE Four DAC IC's per channel used in mono mode are driven in a time shifting fashion to allow for an implicit low pass anti-alias filtering at analog buffer's inputs which uses no capacitors or other passive components. |
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SPECIFICATIONS |
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Connections Digital input 1 x USB B type female, 1 x I2S RJ45, 2 x S/PDIF RCA female, 2 x S/PDIF 75 Ohms BNC female, 2 x AES/EBU XLR female, 2 x optical Toslink, 2 x optical ST, 1 x external clock 75 Ohms BNC Analog output 2 x RCA female, 2 x XLR male, 1 x 6.35mm stereo jack (headphones) I/O Standard Input USB 2.0 Format, S/PDIF Stereo Digital Audio Format Sampling Frequency 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz Resolution 16 up to 32 bit Output level 2.7Vrms (RCA), 5.4Vrms (XLR), 6.5Vrms (headphones) Output impedance 600 Ohms (XLR), 0,5 Ohm (RCA), 10 Ohms (headphones) THD + noise -114dB (@ 1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted) SNR 128dB (@ 1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted) Dimensions 17.72" (d) x 17.72" (w) x 3.54" (h) Power Supply 90 to 265 VAC, 50-60 Hz Battery duration 4 hours Battery charge duration 4 hours Charge cycles up to 3000 Temperature from 0°C to 60°C Weight 10kg approx. |
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| M2Tech Palmer Power Station - works with Young DAC $1249. | |||||||||||||||
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Review in German Translated to English
below
HIFI Statement Click on Pictures for full size Image. |
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DETAILS High capacity, high surge current Li-Po battery, dedicated fast charge battery charger optimized for battery duration, very low noise 15V post-regulator, auxiliary pre-regulator to ensure continuous operation during battery charge, universal voltage input. FEATURES Palmer Power Station is a high performance power supply for Young and other 15V-operated equipment. With 1A peak current delivery, Palmer allows for great flexibility. The supply is based on a high quality, high capacity, high surge current Li-Po battery, capable of more than 4 hours operation @ 1A load. The battery is charged via a dedicated battery charger which is optimized to give fast charge while providing the longest battery life. A very low noise, low dropout post-regulator further reduces the already low battery noise and sets the output voltage to 15V. To ensure continuous operation while the battery is charging, a pre-regulator feeds the post regulator during charge. Output can be disabled when not necessary to avoid depleting the battery uselessly, while charge can be disabled when desired, to obtain the best performance during the listening session. An universal AC input and two outputs allow for great flexibility. Palmer Power Station may be used to supply any 15V equipment with less than 1A current draw. 500 charge cycles min. and 4400mAh capacity allow for around 9000 hours battery operation when supplying a Young 384/32 DAC, that is more than 12 years operation when listening to the Young 2 hours every day before the battery needs replacement. |
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SPECIFICATIONS Size: 200(w) x 50(h) x200(d) mm Weight: 2kg (approx.) Output voltage: 15VDC Output current: 1A peak Output noise: <15uV (20kHz bandwidth) equal to 100nV/sqrt(Hz) Charge time: 3.5 hours +/-0.5 hour Capacity: 4.4Ah Input voltage: 90-264VAC, 50-60Hz, 100-370VDC Input current: 2A (full load and battery charging, 115VAC), 1A (full load and battery charging, 230VAC) |
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M2Tech
EVO Clock - $524. |
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Recommended Digital Cables: Oyaide WireWorld $79 - $1500 WyWires $249 - $849 |
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Review: 6Moons May 2012 by Wojciech Pacula "The addition of the external clock led to a depth of sound I appreciated very much. It became an even more mature sound. This was a very sophisticated change and one that can elude those who are not yet familiar with high-end audio. It’s not that they won’t hear it. I think the changes are very clear. It’s because at some basic level of familiarity with high-end such changes are not particularly highly valued "This review is primarily focused on the hiFace EVO DDC which converts USB computer signal into any of the five types of signals ‘understandable’ to a classic D/A converter: RCA, BNC, TosLink, I²S, AES/EBU ST. Its operation can be further improved by applying the EVO Supply, an external battery PSU and, through the BNC input, adding the EVO Clock, an external precision master clock. I also tested those two devices". "I mainly compared the Italian converter against the—in my opinion very successful—asynchronous 24/192 input of the Wyred4Sound DAC2 [that is based on an OEM hiFace board from the EVO's designer - Ed] On its own the hiFace EVO converter sounded better than the DAC2’s USB input. Its tone was deeper, fuller, had far more energy and also was more tangible and complete. Without thinking twice I can say that the hiFace EVO is the best USB-S/PDIF converter I’ve had through my system The Wyred4Sound DAC handles it very well. It has very powerful and deep bass and can show this effect on its own. However the M2Tech converter in 'full gear,' i.e. with the external power supply and external clock, sounded far better than the matching CD played over my very expensive Ancient Audio CD player with its Philips CD Pro-2LF transport. This was a real eye opener because the true meaning of this song is based precisely on the titular very intimate question. The W4S USB input, although really good, seemed quieter even with proper level matching. It was less involving. Everything was there but it did not evoke in me the kind of emotions the Italian converter did. For several years the Italian company M2Tech has been offering their own solutions dedicated to both USB-S/PDIF conversion (the popular hiFace) and its decoding into the analog domain. This time we have a look at their hiFace EVO D/D converter and certain add-ons that improve its sound. Sound. A selection of recordings used during listening sessions: Audiofeels, Sounds of Silence, Audiofeels, Uncovered, Penguin Records, 5865033, CD rip, WAV; David Sylvian, World Citizen (I Won't Be Disappointed) + Angels, David Sylvian, Sleepwalkers, P-Vine Records, PVCP-8790, WAV, CD rip; Kankawa, Dear Myself, Kankawa, Organist, T-TOC Records, UMVD-0001-0004, Ultimate Master Vinyl, 24/192 WAV; Keith Jarrett, January 24 1975. Part I, Keith Jarrett, Köln Concert, WAV 24/96, HDTracks; Nosowska, Kto, Nosowska, 8, Supersam Music, SM 01, WAV, CD rip: Pieter Nooten & Michael Brook, Searching, Pieter Nooten & Michael Brook, Sleeps With The Fishes, 4AD, GAD 710 CD, WAV, CD rip; Sonny Rollins Tenor Madness, Sonny Rollins, Tenor Madness, WAV 24/96, HDTracks; Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto, Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars), Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto, Getz/Gilberto, WAV 24/96, HDTracks; The Alan Parsons Project, Sirius + Eye In The Sky, The Alan Parsons Project, Eye In The Sky, WAV 24/192, DVD-A rip. |
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DETAILS Word clock and master clock generation; lowest phase-noise, high precision, custom made temperature-compensated oscillators; dedicated matched line master clock output for hiFace Evo; matched line option for word clock output; word clock frequency up to 384kHz, plus 5.6448/6.144MHz and 11.2896/12.288MHz “super clock”; ultra-low noise regulators. FEATURES Evo Clock is a cost-effective, high-performance clock generator based on extremely low phase noise, high precision TCXO’s, custom made for M2Tech. Two outputs are available: one master clock dedicated to hiFace Evo, capable of 22.5792MHz or 24.576MHz (depending on settings) and delivering 3.3Vpp on 75 Ohms matched line, and a general purpose word clock output with selectable output frequency up to 384kHz, with the option for “super clocks” 128x and 256x. The latter has a line matching option and can deliver 3.3Vpp on both high impedance and 75 Ohms loads. Ultra-low noise regulators allow for a very clean supply for both oscillators and the conditioning logic, leading to fully exploiting the oscillators performance. EVO Converter to EVO Clock MCLK output. Master clock output dedicated to the HIFACE Evo. This output delivers 22.5792MHz or 24.576MHz, with 3.3Vpp on 75 Ohms load. This output may also be used with other equipment, but users must be aware that connecting to a high impedance load may lead to voltages outside the allowed range for logic circuits. A 75 Ohms cable should be used for best performance. |
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