Short answer: the Lynx Hilo 2 USB. It ranks #3 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance (rated 4.0/5) at $3,599 and is still sold new; the MOTU 624 ranks #8 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Lynx Hilo 2 USB: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, and the reviewer counted its results among the best yet seen in an audio interface. The catch: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown.
The case for the MOTU 624: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It is discontinued and no longer sold new.
Buy the Lynx Hilo 2 USB. It is rated higher, and the MOTU 624 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Lynx Hilo 2 USB | MOTU 624 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.00 | $795 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #8 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR balanced line, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial and optical (ADAT switchable) | 2 XLR mic, 2 front-panel Hi-Z guitar, 8 ADAT optical |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 x 6.35 mm monitor, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT | dedicated main outs, 8 ADAT optical |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) | - |
| DAC Chip | - | ESS Sabre32 |
| Dimensions | - | 8.6” x 1.7” x 7” (218 x 44 x 178 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M6
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M4
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- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs RME Babyface Pro FS
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Lynx Hilo 2 USB: $3,599.00 B&H Photo Video $3,599.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, and the reviewer counted its results among the best yet seen in an audio interface. Connectivity is extensive, with balanced XLR line inputs and outputs, 6.35 mm monitor outputs, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF and switchable ADAT.
Cons: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown. Audio Science Review found it still trails good consumer DACs on noise and considered its interface and driver support due for an update. It costs far more than the Topping M62, which rates higher.
Full Lynx Hilo 2 USB review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR balanced line, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial and optical (ADAT switchable) |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 x 6.35 mm monitor, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MOTU 624: $795 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. Alongside two XLR mic inputs and two front panel guitar inputs it has eight channels of ADAT optical in and out for expanding the setup, and the reviewer found its browser based control software rich and flexible.
Cons: It is discontinued and no longer sold new. Audio Science Review found its ADC a weak link next to other interfaces it had tested and its DAC short of the best consumer DACs, and MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure. The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 measures similarly and is still sold.
Full MOTU 624 review and specifications →
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.6” x 1.7” x 7” (218 x 44 x 178 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR mic, 2 front-panel Hi-Z guitar, 8 ADAT optical |
| Outputs | dedicated main outs, 8 ADAT optical |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons