Short answer: the Lynx Hilo 2 USB for better measured performance, the MOTU M6 for the lower price. The Lynx Hilo 2 USB ranks #3 of 17 audio interfaces, rated 4.0/5, at $3,599. The MOTU M6 ranks #5, rated 3.8/5, at $449.95, $3,149.05 cheaper.
What the Lynx Hilo 2 USB does well: 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. Watch for: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown.
Why pick the MOTU M6: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output poor into low impedance loads and its recording converter weaker than its DAC.
Buy the Lynx Hilo 2 USB if measured performance is the priority over the price, or the MOTU M6 if the price is the priority over measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Lynx Hilo 2 USB | MOTU M6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.00 | $449.95 |
| Ranked | #3 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #5 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) | 4 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, USB-C, MIDI in |
| Outputs | 2 XLR line, 2 x 6.35 mm monitor, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT | 4 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | - | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | - | 9.2” x 4.7” x 1.8” (234 x 120 x 46 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.1 lbs (975 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Lynx Hilo 2 USB compares with other leading options:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M4
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU 624
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs RME Fireface UFX III
- 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 M6: $449.95 Amazon $449.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. It offers four XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or instrument, two more balanced line inputs, four balanced TRS outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI in and out and a hardware volume knob.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review found the headphone output poor into low impedance loads and its recording converter weaker than its DAC. The Topping E2x2 rates higher for much less if you only need two inputs.
Full MOTU M6 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 4.7” x 1.8” (234 x 120 x 46 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 4 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, USB-C, MIDI in |
| Outputs | 4 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (975 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons