Short answer: the MOTU M2. It ranks #6 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $199.95. The Tascam Series 102i ranks #12, rated 2.9/5, at $149, $50.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The MOTU M2 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 111 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 judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate.
What the Tascam Series 102i does well: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance.
Buy the MOTU M2. It is rated higher, and saving $50.95 with the Tascam Series 102i does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU M2 | Tascam Series 102i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #12 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | - | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How MOTU M2 compares with other leading options:
- Topping M62 vs MOTU M2
- Topping E2x2 vs MOTU M2
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU M6
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU M4
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
Tascam Series 102i: $149.00 Amazon $149.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. It offers two combo mic and instrument inputs, optical input, MIDI in and out, balanced TRS monitor outputs, two headphone jacks and a built in DSP mixer with EQ, compressor and reverb. It measured cleaner than the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance. The same review found the ADC weak and did not recommend it. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher with far more headphone power.
Full Tascam Series 102i review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| SINAD | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons