Short answer: the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It ranks #4 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance (rated 3.8/5) at $699.95 and is still sold new; the MOTU 624 ranks #8 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
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.
Why pick the MOTU 624: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. Watch for: It is discontinued and no longer sold new.
Buy the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It is rated higher; the MOTU 624 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | MOTU 624 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.95 | $795 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #8 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) | 8.6” x 1.7” x 7” (218 x 44 x 178 mm) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) |
| DAC Chip | ESS | ESS Sabre32 |
| Inputs | - | 2 XLR mic, 2 front-panel Hi-Z guitar, 8 ADAT optical |
| Outputs | - | dedicated main outs, 8 ADAT optical |
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 M2 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M4 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- 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 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
MOTU 624: $795 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD from its outputs, clean enough for nearly all listening. Alongside two XLR mic inputs and two front panel guitar inputs it has eight channels of ADAT optical in and out for expanding the setup, and the reviewer found its browser based control software rich and flexible.
Cons: It is discontinued and no longer sold new. Audio Science Review found its ADC a weak link next to other interfaces it had tested and its DAC short of the best consumer DACs, and MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure. The MOTU UltraLite-mk5 measures similarly and is still sold.
Full MOTU 624 review and specifications →
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.6” x 1.7” x 7” (218 x 44 x 178 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR mic, 2 front-panel Hi-Z guitar, 8 ADAT optical |
| Outputs | dedicated main outs, 8 ADAT optical |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons