Short answer: the Lynx Hilo 2 USB on measured measured performance, the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 on price. The Lynx Hilo 2 USB ranks #3 of 17 audio interfaces, rated 4.0/5, at $3,599. The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 ranks #4, rated 3.8/5, at $699.95, $2,899.05 cheaper.
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 tradeoff: Lynx doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its suitability for harder to drive headphones is unknown.
Why pick the MOTU UltraLite-mk5: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Lynx Hilo 2 USB if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 if the price matters more than measured performance.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Lynx Hilo 2 USB | MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.00 | $699.95 |
| Ranked | #3 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| 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 | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) | - |
| Dimensions | - | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
| DAC Chip | - | ESS |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Lynx Hilo 2 USB compares with other leading options:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M6
- 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.
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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 UltraLite-mk5: $699.95 Amazon $699.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. A firmware update fixed the high distortion Audio Science Review first found at 192 kHz sampling, after which the reviewer recommended it. It has a 6.35 mm headphone output in a box 220 mm wide.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. Audio Science Review also measured intermodulation distortion rising at mid levels, a flaw desktop DACs have largely solved. The MOTU M6 rates the same and measures nearly as clean for less.
Full MOTU UltraLite-mk5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ESS |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons