M2TECH HiFace DAC User Manual - page 31
hiFace DAC
384
k
H
z
/32bit digital-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER
REVISION 1.1 – MAY 2013
Copyright © 2013, M2Tech Srl
31
M2Tec
h
10. Interface Special Features
10.1. Precision oscillators
hiFace DAC
uses two high precision, low phase noise oscillators as time base for data
transfer to the DAC. This way, jitter is kept at a minimum, while output transfer is virtually
isolated by the USB interface timing low stability.
10.2. Asynchronous transfer mode
hiFace DAC
uses an asynchronous transfer mode to get data from the computer. This
way, the actual transfer timing is mastered by the hiFace DAC, thus avoiding all time
uncertainties and thus the jitter caused by the computer USB interface.
10.3. 384/32 operation
hiFace DAC
is a true 32-bit DAC. This means that 16-,20- and 24-bit files are reproduced
with highest fidelity. The extra bits available are used to save the maximum resolution of
the original audio data even when setting volume in software mode by the player. To have
a better glance of this important feature, the 8 extra bits available when listening to a 24-bit
file allow for 96dB attenuation before resolution truncation starts generating harmonic
distortion.
384kHz capability allows for listening to DXD files (352.8kHz sampling rate) at the native
sampling rate, without any harmful sample rate conversion.
10.4. Driving headphones
hiFace DAC
has been conceived as a line out DAC, to drive amplifiers’ line input at
highest sound quality possible. No headphones amplifier has been placed in the signal
path, to avoid signal detriment due to the power stage made to operate at low voltages.
This allows for a sound quality that’s unmatched by competitors. On the other hand, the
hiFace DAC
line output is capable of driving most medium- and high-impedance
headphones. Of course, sound quality is heavily dependant on headphones’ impedance
curve (reactance) and sensitivity.
10.4. Powering the hiFace DAC with an external power supply
hiFace DAC
is powered by the USB bus, so it needs no external power supply. Its
internal regulators ensure correct operation of the various sub-circuits, particularly the
internal high precision oscillators. Anyway, user may want to power the hiFace DAC with
a power supply giving clean current to the device. This can be done using adapting cables