Short answer: the MOTU M2. Both are rated 3.8/5 (#6 and #4 of 17 audio interfaces), and the MOTU M2 costs $199.95 against $699.95 for the MOTU UltraLite-mk5, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
The case for the MOTU M2: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate.
The case for the MOTU UltraLite-mk5: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the MOTU M2. Both are rated the same, and it costs $500 less than the MOTU UltraLite-mk5.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU M2 | MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $699.95 |
| Ranked | #6 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C | - |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra | ESS |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | - | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How MOTU UltraLite-mk5 compares with other leading options:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M6 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M4 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs MOTU 624
- MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs RME Fireface UFX III
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
MOTU M2: $199.95 Amazon $199.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. It has two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or instrument, balanced TRS monitor outputs with mirrored RCA outputs, MIDI in, level meters and a hardware volume knob, all powered over USB-C.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate. The Topping E2x2 rates higher for less.
Full MOTU M2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- 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