CEntrance Updates HiFi-M8 Adding Four Outputs and Bluetooth

Chicago, IL | December 2020 — CEntrance has just announced the launch of the updated HiFi-M8, a portable headphone amplifier and D/A converter for audio enthusiasts on the move. The new version of the acclaimed portable device adds Bluetooth support, four headphone outputs, LED VU meters, USB-C, and many other features. The updated device fills an important gap for audiophiles, who like to listen to music with a variety of headphones. HiFi-M8 V2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, offering audiophiles a choice of balanced or unbalanced outputs, but takes the expansion a step further. The new product has two balanced and two unbalanced outputs for extra flexibility while jumping between sensitive and hard-to-drive headphone models. 

“Our customers like to compare the sound of different headphones,” said Michael Goodman, CEntrance CEO. “They need a reference device, compatible with their entire headphone collection and offering great sound quality on the move. The new HiFi-M8 is that reference. Paired with a Digital Audio Player or a Smartphone, it is designed to deliver plenty of power and pristine sound quality no matter where you are and which headphones you use.”

Because HiFi-M8 V2 offers simultaneous use of the four outputs at once, it’s easy to compare headphones at a retail store or at home, or to listen to music or watch a movie with a friend, even on an airplane. The device features a digital volume control, offering perfect channel matching all the way down to minimum loudness. HiFi-M8 V2 works with smartphones and tablets running Android and Apple iOS, as well as MacOS and Windows-based computers. It supports all standard sampling rates including 24-bit/44.1kHz up to 32-bit/384kHz, and DSD. An ASIO driver is available for Windows 10. 

The original HiFi-M8, released in 2013, garnered critical acclaim from CNET, HiFi+, Part Time Audiophile, and many other respected publications. Inner Fidelity placed it on its ‘Wall of Fame’ for portable headphone amplifiers. The new model adds balanced Bluetooth connectivity for wireless use, STAMINA mode for longer battery life, and calibrated VU meters for visually comparing differently mastered music. CEntrance engineers worked very hard to offer “pitch-black noise floor” for users of Balanced Armature In-Ear-Monitors (IEM). Some people like to fall asleep while listening to music but nothing is more distracting than background hiss. HiFi-M8 V2 was designed to eliminate audible hiss by using low-noise D/A converters and amplifiers. All of this, combined with the ability to deliver high power for overhead headphones, makes it a flexible, unique portable tool.

HiFi-M8 V2 features eight amplifiers in total, four on the “cool side” designed for IEM use, and four more on the “hot side”, designed to deliver higher power to hard-to-drive headphones. On the cool side it features a 2.5mm balanced output and a 3.5mm unbalanced output. On the hot side, it features a 4-pin XLR balanced output and a ?-inch unbalanced output. Customers using IEMs can engage the STAMINA switch, to disable the “hot side” amps and extend useful battery life to 11 hours. The internal battery can be charged from a USB socket in about four hours.

To help survive the rigors of daily use, the chassis is made of lightweight aluminum. Operation is easy and intuitive, and the recessed controls are kept safe while the product bounces around in a backpack. HiFi-M8 V2 is ideal for active audiophiles who don’t want to compromise sound quality nor flexibility while moving about during their day.

HiFi-M8 V2 is shipping now and retails for $749.99 USD.