M2Tech HiFace Modification

Posted by: JBGood on 13 May 2011

Greetings Naim folks.  At the advice of John Kenny, a true gentleman who does modification work on the M2Tech HiFace USB-SPDIF converter, I added an inexpensive 20db attenuator.   

 

I'm trying to get the best audio output possible from my Macbook Pro.  I'm currently evaluating a S/H stock HiFace BNC.   I was not impressed at all by the stock HiFace, but the simple attenuator mod makes a dramatic improvement.   I found myself just happily listening to music most of the afternoon, without focusing on the gear.  A good sign.

 

Just thought I would pass this on to my Naim friends who might currently be using a stock HiFace, or who want to raise the audio bar with their PC/MAC source.  Do a bit of googling for more details on the mod.

 

BTW, I have no connection to John nor his products.  

 

  

Posted on: 14 May 2011 by sheffieldgraham
Originally Posted by JBGood:

Greetings Naim folks.  At the advice of John Kenny, a true gentleman who does modification work on the M2Tech HiFace USB-SPDIF converter, I added an inexpensive 20db attenuator.   

 

I'm trying to get the best audio output possible from my Macbook Pro.  I'm currently evaluating a S/H stock HiFace BNC.   I was not impressed at all by the stock HiFace, but the simple attenuator mod makes a dramatic improvement.   I found myself just happily listening to music most of the afternoon, without focusing on the gear.  A good sign.

 

Just thought I would pass this on to my Naim friends who might currently be using a stock HiFace, or who want to raise the audio bar with their PC/MAC source.  Do a bit of googling for more details on the mod.

 

BTW, I have no connection to John nor his products.  

 

  

Have Googled , but there are many posts on John Kenny. Can you be a little more precise about this particular mod. i.e. the title

Posted on: 14 May 2011 by JBGood

@sheffieldgraham,

Hope this link helps:

 

http://sites.google.com/site/h.../home/rf-attenuators

 

JB

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by sheffieldgraham

Thanks JB,

 

Was it model HAT-20-75(+) from Mini- Circuits?

 

Did you try any other attenuation values.

Wondered why you chose 20db value.

 

P.S.

I've trawled through 17 pages of another Forum on this subject with many contributions from J. Kenny. It seems the higher the attenuation before signal cut off the better the SQ. JB, what cable /DAC are you using? This may impact on the attenuation value, no?

 

Regards,

                  Graham

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by Gale 401

JB,

How/where did you fit it to the HF?

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by sheffieldgraham
Originally Posted by Gale 401:

JB,

How/where did you fit it to the HF?

It looks like an in-line BNC male/female adaptor.

Hope JB can confirm.

 Hope the image doesn't contravene the rules. Apologies if it does.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by Guido Fawkes

Have you all tried the MF VLink - I think it circumvents these problems. Not saying you'll like it as much as I do, but it is plug and go - no drivers required and no soldering iron needed. 

 

That said, the JK devices look good, but if they use the original hiFace then do they re-clock the signal? Genuine question, I don't know the answer. 

 

[Edit: just looked it up and it does, no idea why I prefer the MF device as both do the same thing].

 

All the best, Guy

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by JBGood

Afternoon gents,

@ Gale:  the attenuator fits right on to the BNC end of the HiFace (i..e I have the BNC version).

 

@ Graham:  I am using a Bryston BDA-1 DAC.  Works really nicely with my XS/FC2x!  Yes, you are looking at the same piece I am using.  I too read through some of the forums regarding different combinations of attentuators.   It is my understanding that better SQ results from the greatest signal attenuation you can achieve shy of not getting a signal lock on your DAC.  

 

I choose the 20dB at the suggestion of John Kenny.  I have had no problems getting a signal lock on my DAC.

 

I am still experimenting with different digital cables.

 

JB

Posted on: 15 May 2011 by JBGood

Evening all,

While the attenuator modification did improve the audio from my MBP in my Bryston/Naim system, I am not satisfied enough to keep the stock hiFace.  Will be passing it on, and exploring other options- including Naim solutions.

 

The optical out of my MBP is pleasing enough until I find another solution.

 

JB