Short answer: the Lynx Hilo 2 USB. It ranks #3 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 4.0/5, at $3,599. The RME Fireface UFX III ranks #9, rated 3.7/5, at $3,199, $400 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
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.
The case for the RME Fireface UFX III: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Lynx Hilo 2 USB. It is rated higher, and the $400 you would save on the RME Fireface UFX III does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Lynx Hilo 2 USB | RME Fireface UFX III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,599.00 | $3,199.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #9 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 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 | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line outs) | - |
| Dimensions | - | 17.3” x 1.7” x 8.3” (440 x 44 x 210 mm) (without rack ears) |
| Weight | - | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (TotalMix FX DSP) |
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 M6
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU M4
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU 624
- 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
RME Fireface UFX III: $3,199.00 Amazon $3,199.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It has two 6.35 mm headphone outputs and TotalMix FX DSP with built in EQ, in a full rack width chassis.
Cons: RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. It is large and heavy at 2.8 kg, and for playback it rates below the MOTU M6, which measures slightly cleaner for a small fraction of the cost.
Full RME Fireface UFX III review and specifications →
| Device Type | Audio interface |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.3” x 1.7” x 8.3” (440 x 44 x 210 mm) (without rack ears) |
| Equalizer | Yes (TotalMix FX DSP) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons