Halide Design Bridge - Async USB converter

Very interesting device. I already mentioned it in HiFace thread. Computer Audiophile reviewer says it outperforms HiFace so it'd be interesting to audition this. Too bad that the cable length is only 6ft. Use of extension cable doesn't sound good.

Given a choice I would certainly go for the Bridge due to its elegant design. The Hiface seems to be less ideal as far as ergonomics goes for laptop users.

Besides, I can't help but to respect designers who actually bothered to explain their principles and working design behind their product.

that looks interesting, we definitely need more async usb dacs or async usb to spdif converters in the market.

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT 

 

Besides, I can't help but to respect designers who actually bothered to explain their principles and working design behind their product.

It seems that you're suggesting that the designers of HiFace wouldn't. Maybe you've missed the white paper:

http://www.m2tech.biz/public/pdf/White%20Paper%20on%20hiFace.pdf

I'm actually saving money for it.

I've been close to buy the Hiface, but the I've seen the article on ComputerAudiophile. And I don't think is so costly, as you don't have to buy any expensive digital cable.

Hopefully we'll see more reviews and comparison soon.

The price is very steep.

Today I sent a few email to their customer service, they will start shipping the Bridge next week. I've placed an order for the RCA version, hopefully I'll find a used Hiface to compare against.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patu 

It seems that you're suggesting that the designers of HiFace wouldn't. Maybe you've missed the white paper:

 

http://www.m2tech.biz/public/pdf/White%20Paper%20on%20hiFace.pdf

Actually, I intended it to another manufacturer but thanks for the white paper. It's an interesting read.

Still, that dongle form factor and the need for 3rd party drivers are deal breakers for me personally.

I've placed my order too. Waiting for the shipping start on the next week.

I tried their devilsound dac demo unit. That sounded quite nice for the simple look. I hope Bridge would be the same. 

Going by the specs and design info they present on their website there is no way I can see this competing with the Jenky Hiface.   You really can't "clean up" a USB +5V computer power to be anywhere near the specs of Jnenky's battery powered clocks. Also their "galvanic isolation" is just on the output not the input,  which most all computer transports have now days anyhow. Where is the separate RBCD clock?   I'm not saying this is a bad product just probably better to wait.  It looks like what you are paying for is Wavelngth's licensings fee  (probably costs Halide much more than the hardware.)  Of course this could only be validated by comparing the two products directly,  just saying be careful with your money on  USB transports,  there will be better and less expensive options in the next year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by regal 

Going by the specs and design info they present on their website there is no way I can see this competing with the Jenky Hiface.   You really can't "clean up" a USB +5V computer power to be anywhere near the specs of Jnenky's battery powered clocks. Also their "galvanic isolation" is just on the output not the input,  which most all computer transports have now days anyhow. Where is the separate RBCD clock?   I'm not saying this is a bad product just probably better to wait.  It looks like what you are paying for is Wavelngth's licensings fee  (probably costs Halide much more than the hardware.)  Of course this could only be validated by comparing the two products directly,  just saying be careful with your money on  USB transports,  there will be better and less expensive options in the next year.

You made some good point there.

My purchase is mainly based on the review by ComputerAudiophile, where Chris says he prefers the Bridge to the HiFace. Maybe the modified Hiface will sound better... who knows :-) The 60 days warranty is a nice policy though. 

One of the strongest point is also the lacks of drivers, so it should work with Linux as well, while there's no driver for the Hiface at the moment.
 

The protocol is intriging.  No driver is a huge plus and the protocol come from some experts so you never know it could be a surprise.   We are really in interesting times for computer transports.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by realmassy 

You made some good point there.

My purchase is mainly based on the review by ComputerAudiophile, where Chris says he prefers the Bridge to the HiFace. Maybe the modified Hiface will sound better... who knows :-) The 60 days warranty is a nice policy though. 

One of the strongest point is also the lacks of drivers, so it should work with Linux as well, while there's no driver for the Hiface at the moment.
 

My Bridge has been shipped out today, so it should be with me at the end of next week. I'll obviously keep you posted, but unfortunately I can compare it only against the optical output of my Acer Revo.