High End 2014 • Hot Product

The Italian company behind the popular HiFace USB driver has not only come up with a solution to the problem created for so many Mac-and-DAC users who upgraded to Mavericks (a compatible driver) but also built a new converter with which to tempt them. The M2Tech Mercury is a 32-bit/384kHz-capable DAC that sits in the middle of the company's range and has similar features to the Young DAC. It doubles up that device’s IC count to provide dual-mono operation, has a headphone output and an analog input. On the digital front it’s one of the first DACs we've come across to feature an I²S input that complies with PS Audio’s standard for this intriguing digital connection. Mercury has USB inputs front and rear, with the former being self-powered for portable devices. All this and a remote. It is expected to cost €2500 to €3000 when it gets to market in the fall.