M2TECH hiFace Dac - Manual (Page 30)

hiFace DAC
384
k H z /32bit digital-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER
REVISION 1.1 – MAY 2013
Copyright © 2013, M2Tech Srl
30
M2Tech
www.m2tech.biz
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 hiFace DAC hiFace DAC 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 purposely