Short answer: the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It ranks #4 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $699.95; the RME Fireface UFX III ranks #9, rated 3.7/5, and costs $3,199, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the MOTU UltraLite-mk5 does well: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Why pick the RME Fireface UFX III: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: RME doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the MOTU UltraLite-mk5. It is rated higher than the RME Fireface UFX III and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | RME Fireface UFX III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.95 | $3,199.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #9 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) | 17.3” x 1.7” x 8.3” (440 x 44 x 210 mm) (without rack ears) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| DAC Chip | ESS | - |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (TotalMix FX DSP) |
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 MOTU 624
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
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