“Extraordinary sounding, versatile yet affordable streaming audio products”
“Easily and affordably bring audio from your computer or music server into your high end audio playback system”
M2Tech is an Italian based company that has developed leading edge super-high quality products for getting audio from many sources into your high end audio system easily, reliably and with extraordinary audio quality.
This line of products connects to your USB output of your computer or MAC and convert this USB data stream into S/PDIF, AES, I2S, Optical or other protocols recognized by your main audio system.
Imagine streaming files from your iTunes library, FooBar, Media Monkey, Winamp or other playback programs in you computer and listening in audiophile quality audio through your main audio or home theater setup. You can even connect your Game Station to the home theater system and greatly enhance the gaming experience as well.
M2Tech offers two main format converting products.
- HiFace = A memory stick sized adapter with a USB connector on one end that plugs into any USB port on any device. The output end is either a BNC style or an RCA style connector into which you run a cable into the coaxial digital input of your audio system preamp or amp.
- HiFace EVO = The big brother to the HiFace that adds improved conversion circuits and a variety of digital outputs for even more versatility. The EVO will convert the cabled USB input into I2S, Optical, S/PDIF coaxial or BNC, or ST allowing connection to a multitude of products. The EVO also has a “word clock” input so you connect to a master clock generator like the EVO DAC for greatly reduce jitter.An optional battery power supply is available for purists who want the absolute quietest power supply available (See OPTIONAL PRODUCTS)
M2Tech has a line of two different digital to analog converters.
YOUNG = 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 developed 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 encompasses 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 Burr-Brown 32 bit -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 custom 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 non-invasive placement in every living space.
EVO DAC = Evo DAC is a cost-effective 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 op amp on the output buffer exalt the performance of the conversion IC. A modular system, based on an Evo DAC, hiFace Evo and an Evo Supply, eventually built during time, makes for a hi-end digital source at an affordable price!
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 POWER SUPPLY is a battery-based high performance power supply. It’s the perfect companion to the hiFace Evo and other 9V-operated M2Tech devices.
Evo Supply features a Li-Ion battery with 2200mAh capacity (minimum), an integrated battery charger and a low-noise regulator which is used to provide current to the load while the battery is being charged, thus ensuring continuous operation to the load. Charge time is about three hours, the best choice to ensure a long battery life.
Evo Supply delivers up to 1A (peak) on 9V (low-noise regulator) or on 9.5V to 11V (battery). Two outputs are available for more versatility. A switch allows for turning the load off when not used to save on battery charge. Another switch allows to select the operation mode: automatic charge or charge inhibit. Two leds indicate the presence of the wall adaptor and the charge in progress. In automatic charge mode the battery charger starts charging the battery every time the battery voltage drops below a low threshold. During the charge, the low-noise regulator feeds current to the load. At the end of the charge process, the output reverts to the battery. In charge inhibit mode, the battery is used down to the low threshold and then the load is disconnected to avoid excessive depletion. Charge is then started by switching to automatic charge mode. The battery is protected against overcharge, over-current and excessive depletion. A 15V/2A detachable wall adaptor provides current for battery charging and load powering when the battery is being charged. The user may disconnect the wall adaptor after battery is fully charged in order to reduce interferences to a minimum.
Evo Supply features heavy duty output connectors for reliable contacts Two cables terminated with 5.5/2.1mm plug (positive on tip) and a universal power wall adaptors are included in the package.
PALMER POWER STATION 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.