[Mynaim]

Quote:

 
We know the new, and more expensive, V-link 192 uses the XMOS RISC processor, but I'm not clear if it has any from of  galvantic isolation, the original V-Link had neither.  

We also know the Stello U3 is based around the XMOS RISC processor and has galvantic isolation, but what is the HIface Two design based on?  Their web page(s) don't give much way. 
 
Perhaps Linux users can get some more info about the device with the terminal commands:
 
lsusb -v
 
and
 
cat /proc/asound/xxxx/stream0             (where xxxx must be replaced by the Hiface device name, whatever that might be)
 
 
 
 

cat/proc/asound/card1/stream0 :
 
M2Tech M2Tech USB Audio 2.0 at usb-0000:00:1a.7-3, high speed : USB Audio

Playback:
  Status: Running
    Interface = 1
    Altset = 1
    URBs = 8 [ 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ]
    Packet Size = 1024
    Momentary freq = 44100 Hz (0x5.8330)
    Feedback Format = 16.16
  Interface 1
    Altset 1
    Format: S32_LE
    Channels: 2
    Endpoint: 1 OUT (ASYNC)
    Rates: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, 176400, 192000
    Data packet interval: 125 us
 

 

[Mynaim]

lsusb -v on the card you want :
 
Bus 001 Device 006: ID 249c:930b  
Device Descriptor:
  bLength                18
  bDescriptorType         1
  bcdUSB               2.00
  bDeviceClass          239 Miscellaneous Device
  bDeviceSubClass         2 ?
  bDeviceProtocol         1 Interface Association
  bMaxPacketSize0        64
  idVendor           0x249c
  idProduct          0x930b
  bcdDevice            2.10
  iManufacturer           1 M2Tech
  iProduct                2 M2Tech USB Audio 2.0
  iSerial                 3 0000
  bNumConfigurations      2
  Configuration Descriptor:
    bLength                 9
    bDescriptorType         2
    wTotalLength          185
    bNumInterfaces          3
    bConfigurationValue     1
    iConfiguration          0
    bmAttributes         0x80
      (Bus Powered)
    MaxPower              500mA
    Interface Association:
      bLength                 8
      bDescriptorType        11
      bFirstInterface         0
      bInterfaceCount         2
      bFunctionClass          1 Audio
      bFunctionSubClass       0
      bFunctionProtocol      32
      iFunction               0
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        0
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           1
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      1 Control Device
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              2 M2Tech USB Audio 2.0
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 9
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      1 (HEADER)
        bcdADC               2.00
        bCategory               8
        wTotalLength           72
        bmControl            0x00
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 8
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype     10 (CLOCK_SOURCE)
        bClockID               41
        bmAttributes         0x03 Internal programmable Clock
        bmControls           0x07
          Clock Frequency Control (read/write)
          Clock Validity Control (read-only)
        bAssocTerminal          0
        iClockSource            9 M2Tech Internal Clock
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 8
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype     11 (CLOCK_SELECTOR)
        bUnitID                40
        bNrInPins               1
        baCSourceID( 0)        41
        bmControls           0x03
          Clock Selector Control (read/write)
        iClockSelector          8 M2Tech Clock Selector
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                17
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      2 (INPUT_TERMINAL)
        bTerminalID             2
        wTerminalType      0x0101 USB Streaming
        bAssocTerminal          0
        bCSourceID             40
        bNrChannels             2
        bmChannelConfig   0x00000000
        bmControls    0x0000
        iChannelNames          15 Analogue 1
        iTerminal               6 M2Tech Audio 2.0 Output
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                18
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      6 (FEATURE_UNIT)
        bUnitID                10
        bSourceID               2
        bmaControls( 0)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        bmaControls( 1)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        bmaControls( 2)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        iFeature                0
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                12
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      3 (OUTPUT_TERMINAL)
        bTerminalID            20
        wTerminalType      0x0301 Speaker
        bAssocTerminal          0
        bSourceID              10
        bCSourceID             40
        bmControls         0x0000
        iTerminal               0
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x84  EP 4 IN
        bmAttributes            3
          Transfer Type            Interrupt
          Synch Type               None
          Usage Type               Data
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0006  1x 6 bytes
        bInterval               8
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        1
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           0
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      2 Streaming
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              4 M2Tech USB 2.0 Audio Out
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        1
      bAlternateSetting       1
      bNumEndpoints           2
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      2 Streaming
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              4 M2Tech USB 2.0 Audio Out
      AudioStreaming Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                16
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      1 (AS_GENERAL)
        bTerminalLink           2
        bmControls           0x00
        bFormatType             1
        bmFormats               1
          PCM
        bNrChannels             2
        bmChannelConfig   0x00000000
        iChannelNames          15 Analogue 1
      AudioStreaming Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 6
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      2 (FORMAT_TYPE)
        bFormatType             1 (FORMAT_TYPE_I)
        bSubslotSize            4
        bBitResolution         24
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x01  EP 1 OUT
        bmAttributes            5
          Transfer Type            Isochronous
          Synch Type               Asynchronous
          Usage Type               Data
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0400  1x 1024 bytes
        bInterval               1
        AudioControl Endpoint Descriptor:
          bLength                 8
          bDescriptorType        37
          bDescriptorSubtype      1 (EP_GENERAL)
          bmAttributes         0x00
          bmControls           0x00
          bLockDelayUnits         2 Decoded PCM samples
          wLockDelay              8
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x81  EP 1 IN
        bmAttributes           17
          Transfer Type            Isochronous
          Synch Type               None
          Usage Type               Feedback
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0004  1x 4 bytes
        bInterval               4
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        2
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           0
      bInterfaceClass       254 Application Specific Interface
      bInterfaceSubClass      1 Device Firmware Update
      bInterfaceProtocol      1
      iInterface             12 M2Tech DFU
      Device Firmware Upgrade Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                             9
        bDescriptorType                    33
        bmAttributes                        7
          Will Not Detach
          Manifestation Tolerant
          Upload Supported
          Download Supported
        wDetachTimeout                    250 milliseconds
        wTransferSize                      64 bytes
        bcdDFUVersion                   1.10
  Configuration Descriptor:
    bLength                 9
    bDescriptorType         2
    wTotalLength          185
    bNumInterfaces          3
    bConfigurationValue     1
    iConfiguration          0
    bmAttributes         0x80
      (Bus Powered)
    MaxPower              500mA
    Interface Association:
      bLength                 8
      bDescriptorType        11
      bFirstInterface         0
      bInterfaceCount         2
      bFunctionClass          1 Audio
      bFunctionSubClass       0
      bFunctionProtocol      32
      iFunction               0
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        0
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           1
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      1 Control Device
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              2 M2Tech USB Audio 2.0
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 9
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      1 (HEADER)
        bcdADC               2.00
        bCategory               8
        wTotalLength           72
        bmControl            0x00
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 8
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype     10 (CLOCK_SOURCE)
        bClockID               41
        bmAttributes         0x03 Internal programmable Clock
        bmControls           0x07
          Clock Frequency Control (read/write)
          Clock Validity Control (read-only)
        bAssocTerminal          0
        iClockSource            9 M2Tech Internal Clock
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 8
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype     11 (CLOCK_SELECTOR)
        bUnitID                40
        bNrInPins               1
        baCSourceID( 0)        41
        bmControls           0x03
          Clock Selector Control (read/write)
        iClockSelector          8 M2Tech Clock Selector
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                17
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      2 (INPUT_TERMINAL)
        bTerminalID             2
        wTerminalType      0x0101 USB Streaming
        bAssocTerminal          0
        bCSourceID             40
        bNrChannels             2
        bmChannelConfig   0x00000000
        bmControls    0x0000
        iChannelNames          15 Analogue 1
        iTerminal               6 M2Tech Audio 2.0 Output
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                18
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      6 (FEATURE_UNIT)
        bUnitID                10
        bSourceID               2
        bmaControls( 0)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        bmaControls( 1)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        bmaControls( 2)      0x0000000f
          Mute Control (read/write)
          Volume Control (read/write)
        iFeature                0
      AudioControl Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                12
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      3 (OUTPUT_TERMINAL)
        bTerminalID            20
        wTerminalType      0x0301 Speaker
        bAssocTerminal          0
        bSourceID              10
        bCSourceID             40
        bmControls         0x0000
        iTerminal               0
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x84  EP 4 IN
        bmAttributes            3
          Transfer Type            Interrupt
          Synch Type               None
          Usage Type               Data
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0006  1x 6 bytes
        bInterval               8
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        1
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           0
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      2 Streaming
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              4 M2Tech USB 2.0 Audio Out
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        1
      bAlternateSetting       1
      bNumEndpoints           2
      bInterfaceClass         1 Audio
      bInterfaceSubClass      2 Streaming
      bInterfaceProtocol     32
      iInterface              4 M2Tech USB 2.0 Audio Out
      AudioStreaming Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                16
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      1 (AS_GENERAL)
        bTerminalLink           2
        bmControls           0x00
        bFormatType             1
        bmFormats               1
          PCM
        bNrChannels             2
        bmChannelConfig   0x00000000
        iChannelNames          15 Analogue 1
      AudioStreaming Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                 6
        bDescriptorType        36
        bDescriptorSubtype      2 (FORMAT_TYPE)
        bFormatType             1 (FORMAT_TYPE_I)
        bSubslotSize            4
        bBitResolution         24
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x01  EP 1 OUT
        bmAttributes            5
          Transfer Type            Isochronous
          Synch Type               Asynchronous
          Usage Type               Data
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0400  1x 1024 bytes
        bInterval               1
        AudioControl Endpoint Descriptor:
          bLength                 8
          bDescriptorType        37
          bDescriptorSubtype      1 (EP_GENERAL)
          bmAttributes         0x00
          bmControls           0x00
          bLockDelayUnits         2 Decoded PCM samples
          wLockDelay              8
      Endpoint Descriptor:
        bLength                 7
        bDescriptorType         5
        bEndpointAddress     0x81  EP 1 IN
        bmAttributes           17
          Transfer Type            Isochronous
          Synch Type               None
          Usage Type               Feedback
        wMaxPacketSize     0x0004  1x 4 bytes
        bInterval               4
    Interface Descriptor:
      bLength                 9
      bDescriptorType         4
      bInterfaceNumber        2
      bAlternateSetting       0
      bNumEndpoints           0
      bInterfaceClass       254 Application Specific Interface
      bInterfaceSubClass      1 Device Firmware Update
      bInterfaceProtocol      1
      iInterface             12 M2Tech DFU
      Device Firmware Upgrade Interface Descriptor:
        bLength                             9
        bDescriptorType                    33
        bmAttributes                        7
          Will Not Detach
          Manifestation Tolerant
          Upload Supported
          Download Supported
        wDetachTimeout                    250 milliseconds
        wTransferSize                      64 bytes
        bcdDFUVersion                   1.10
Device Qualifier (for other device speed):
  bLength                10
  bDescriptorType         6
  bcdUSB               2.00
  bDeviceClass            0 (Defined at Interface level)
  bDeviceSubClass         0
  bDeviceProtocol         0
  bMaxPacketSize0        64
  bNumConfigurations      1
Device Status:     0x0000
  (Bus Powered)

 

[cladisch]

what is the HIface Two design based on?  Their web page(s) don't give much way.
 
Perhaps Linux users can get some more info about the device with the terminal commands:

The USB descriptors don't tell much.
 
The Windows driver, however, is from Thesycon, which means that the chip is not from C-Media or Archwave, who have their own drivers.
 
I don't know of any USB Audio Class 2.0 chips except those from these companies and XMOS.

 

[BrightSpark]

Mynaim,
 
Many thanks for posting that Linux output,  cf   cat/proc/asound/card1/stream0 with the V-Link:
 
cat /proc/asound/VLink/stream0
Musical Fidelity Musical Fidelity V-Link at usb-0000:00:02.0-1, full speed : USB Audio
 
Playback:
 Status: Running
   Interface = 1
   Altset = 1
   URBs = 3 [ 8 8 8 ]
   Packet Size = 582
   Momentary freq = 44100 Hz (0x2c.1998)
 Interface 1
   Altset 1
   Format: S24_3LE
   Channels: 2
   Endpoint: 1 OUT (ASYNC)
   Rates: 32000, 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000
 
and 
 
M2Tech M2Tech USB Audio 2.0 at usb-0000:00:1a.7-3, high speed : USB Audio

Playback:
  Status: Running
    Interface = 1
    Altset = 1
    URBs = 8 [ 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ]
    Packet Size = 1024
    Momentary freq = 44100 Hz (0x5.8330)
    Feedback Format = 16.16
  Interface 1
    Altset 1
    Format: S32_LE
    Channels: 2
    Endpoint: 1 OUT (ASYNC)
    Rates: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, 176400, 192000
    Data packet interval: 125 us
 
 
Quite different.  As the native format appears to be S32_LE, I assume the device will be addressed as "plughw:x,y" and not "hw:x,y" in ALSA for redbook and 24/96 hirez audio files.   No clue from USB data as to whether this is using an XMOS chip, but cladish's info points that way. 
 
 
 
 

 

[Mynaim]

Hi Both, 
 
A friend of mine just confirmed (from a reliable source) it is a XMOS chip

 

[Audioexcels]

Quote:

Hi Both, 
 
A friend of mine just confirmed (from a reliable source) it is a XMOS chip

What difference would it make what chip is inside it?  Just curious if it's something that's helpful for Linux users or?

Thanks!

 

[Sonic77]

Ok just received my MTech Hi Face 2. Initial impressions, are fantastic, lots of detail, lots of low end, all around great, my son and I were floored. My DAC is a Yulong D18, I use J River, with Magnepan 1.6 speakers, my amps are XPA-1's. For kicks I am running it thru my tube preamp Grant Fidelity P-307. Voices are right in front of you with all the raspy details, finger snaps and hand claps seem to be 3D like. I am very happy with this product. I have the original V-Link and musiland monitor 3 that I use as a usb to a spdif converter.

 

[Ektalog]

Sonic, I have modded MMGs and a Musiland 02.
 
The Musiland 02 is about to be further modded (a hobby thing). I use its USB>analog outs> to line-level bi-amp xover. Though not the last word in smoothness, even in stock fashion it is one spacious 3D imaging devil...then again, Maggies do this well if given just half a chance. Still, the Musiland 02 holds layering on the soundstage with strength that belies its price. This is using cPlay at 192khz, mostly upsampling on Red Book or at native hi rez files stuff.
 
I am currently looking into this new M2Tech as well as the Musiland 03. Your comparison will be much appreciated.

 

[Mynaim]

Quote:

What difference would it make what chip is inside it?  Just curious if it's something that's helpful for Linux users or?

Thanks!

XMOS chip will guarantee that you are fully USB 2.0 Audio compliant, hence for Linux users is a no brainer
 

 

[Audioexcels]

Quote:

XMOS chip will guarantee that you are fully USB 2.0 Audio compliant, hence for Linux users is a no brainer
 

Gotcha.  Didn't that Alix concept use an XMOS concept too?  I know that was and maybe is still a pretty hot thing going for the Linux users?  Good thing you have a simple plug n' play like this now!

 

[Mynaim]

Quote:

Gotcha.  Didn't that Alix concept use an XMOS concept too?  I know that was and maybe is still a pretty hot thing going for the Linux users?  Good thing you have a simple plug n' play like this now!

 
AFAIK Alix are only fanless/lower consumption computers with no screen/keyboard. Then you need to handle the USB signal

 

[Audioexcels]

Quote:

 
AFAIK Alix are only fanless/lower consumption computers with no screen/keyboard. Then you need to handle the USB signal

Gotcha.  Thanks for the info.  I got my Hiface 2 today.  Sounds very good and is "different" than the original Hiface.  Wouldn't say it is leaps ahead of the original, but does sound better to me.  I'm beginning to think more and more that it's all the pre-dac vs. whatever transport I use.  I honestly can barely hear any differences having used many sources with this pre-dac.  I used to be able to hear quite dramatic differences between standalone cd players, but transports, no...very subtle, like rolling an output tube on an amp or something...

 

[kingoftown1]

Quote:

Ok just received my MTech Hi Face 2. Initial impressions, are fantastic, lots of detail, lots of low end, all around great, my son and I were floored. My DAC is a Yulong D18, I use J River, with Magnepan 1.6 speakers, my amps are XPA-1's. For kicks I am running it thru my tube preamp Grant Fidelity P-307. Voices are right in front of you with all the raspy details, finger snaps and hand claps seem to be 3D like. I am very happy with this product. I have the original V-Link and musiland monitor 3 that I use as a usb to a spdif converter.

Could you elaborate more on how it compares to the original V-Link?  I'm using it with my D18 and am wondering what kinds of improvements I'd see with an upgrade
 
 

 

[aural bliss]

what is the market price in US dollars for this? it seems to be $199

 

[Mynaim]

Hi there,
 
A french blogger put some nice pictures on the web where you can clearly see the XMOS chip
 
http://musiq-audiophile.blogspot.fr/2012/04/m2tech-hiface-rev-20.html