M2Tech HiFace - using it? Like it?

Oh... I forgot to mention Amarra Mini in my system configuration; also highly recommended!

Just "Google" HiFace modifications for more information.

I bought the HiFace (BNC version) so I could use USB from my Mac Mini to SPDIF on my Cambridge Audio 840C. It replaced a glass toslink cable. The difference was remarkable: tighter more defined bass, much more defined soundstage, vocals sound real... let me put it this way... I had my new HiFace for 2 days and decided to order a modified version from John Kenny in Ireland. Can't wait for it to arrive. I'll probably sell my original HiFace on the Gon after it arrives.

The HiFace is the biggest bang-for-the-buck piece of equipment I've experienced.

System includes: Vandersteen 2Ce sigs, Arcam AVR350, Acoustic Zen cables, PS Audio PPP.

Still haven't received the modded HiFace, but it should be here by Friday. It's a fairly modest mod... just includes replacing the 3.3V power supply coming from the USB source with a 3.3V battery supply.

John Kenny, from Dublin, is doing the work and there are a handful of glowing reviews on the results.

Incidentally, I think I paid $265 for Amarra (without the dongle) and consider it money well spent. It makes everything sound more dynamic, or present. It also lends more seperation (width and depth) to vocals and instruments.

At least that's been my experience on my system.

All I can say is... if you like what the hiFace did for your system, you will love what jkeny's mod adds to the performance. I was spellbound by the improvement; as was the wife. The mod takes the hiFaces clarity and smoothes it out --- digititis is removed. Incredible detail. Very analog sounding.

I'm not a reviewer, but suffice to say that my system never has sounded better.

Unfortunately, it only lasted 4 to 5 hours. The first time I attempted to charge the 3.3V batteries, the 6 amp charger (jkeny's recommended unit) fried the power switch. Game over. He has since removed his recommendation.

The unit is on its way back to Ireland. In spite of my disappointment, John Kenny answered every email within a very short time and patiently helped me troubleshoot the issue at hand.

To be contiuned...

Puerto -

I ordered the boxed version on John's mod, and also ordered the modded USB cable. I wasn't overly anxious to employ the USB cable because I was so floored by the battery mod. And I never got the chance because the box died shortly after I received it! It's on its way back to Ireland.

To be honest, if I had known how much improvement the basic mod provided, I would have skipped the cable entirely.

Honestly, I haven't a clue. I just ignorantly assumed that I could find a 5V supply! It wasn't that easy.

I "googled" 5V rechargable battery and found in nice, clean, compact, rechargable, w/charger unit for $90, but couldn't swallow the price. I'm glad I waited, since my hiFace mod died the first time I tried to charge it.

Glad I kept my stock hiFace BNC while I sort this out with jkeny!

Here's the follow-up I got from John Kenny after he received my faulty hiFace mod:

“I just this morning received your Hiface & immediately opened it up to test it. Rather than it being a burnt out switch, I found a bad solder joint on the switch to one of the batteries. This prevented this battery from being re-charged. So the battery (that goes under the Hiface) now measures 2.7V The battery is the one that is connected to the LED & this explains how it dimmed after 10 mins (something I couldn't explain at the time) - the depleted battery will recover a small amount of its charge when left to sit & when reconnected this charge is enough to light the low current LED but at too low a voltage for the Hiface. I have put a new test procedure in place to prevent this problem in the future. Sorry you had to be the one that uncovered this & that you were an international postage away."

John's a completely trustworthy guy and the SQ of his hiFace mod is superb.