You're welcome.
Johan909 wrote:Thanks for your reply.
So in conclusion:
MF2:
- You can expand via ADAT to get extra analog in (for example ADI-8)
- Has about the same quality AD/DA converters like UFX/UCX (unless you have golden ears).
- Cheapest overall solutions
Correct. Remember that you only have 1 ADAT in, so you cannot use 96 KHz SMUX (once more, only needed for the golden ears
Can't say anything about prices right now. But the breakoutbox + PCIe or XpressCard should be near 750 € (at least in Europe)... That's almost the same as a FF400.
About quality ... New converters of course are better. Not only in the sense of a slightly better SNR and "less" THD, but there are a few subtle things that can be important for you. One, for example, is latency. New DACs and ADCs usually are a little bit faster than the old ones. Also, of course, hi-gain pre-amps on the UFX/UCX are just gorgeous, and are going to have lower noise figures and better than the older ones on the FF400/FF800, and this is really noticiable, specially at high gains.
[q]UCX:
- Cheapest USB solutions for 8 analog input (or 16 analog input using ADI-8)
[/q]
Not sure cheapest. I think a UC is a little bit cheaper, isn't it? As with the MFII, no SMUX (only 1 ADAT)
[q]
UFX:
- Cheapest USB solutions if 12 analog inputs is enough. The price per input seems to be cheaper than a UCX with a ADI-8.[/q]
The UFX is such a beast that referring only to its 12 analog inputs is almost a crime
[q]That the unit can work standalone is for me not very important. About PCIe, i thought that this is still the most stable connection nowadays. I realize that it might be a problem over 5 years. But firewire is already abandoned on some of the newer motherboards. From what I read regarding the UFX is that USB is less stable and has more problems than the firewire connection.[/q]
If you've taken a look at the forum, then I cannot add more. Yes, PCIe is yet the more stable solution. But you cannot use your unit live unless you invest on the XpressCard.
[q]If this is the case the MF2 looks like the best option. However, on the Internet I read from a lot of people, who updated from the FF800 to the UFX, claiming that the sound quality noticeable improved.[/q]
Sorry, but I don't believe it. The converters are better for sure, on paper and while using our marvellous Teks or Agilent oscilloscopes and measurement tools, but ... not when using your ears. The fact that some people actually hear a difference is a problem with our brain . http://youtu.be/BYTlN6wjcvQ
Of course, if you intend to use your unit not for musical purposes but as a data adquisition system, you could tell the difference .