*This review comes from my Portable Amp / Dac Shootout.
Posted as a reference for users. For the full review, see:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/798562/portable-amp-dac-shootout-ifi-micro-idsd-vs-resonessence-concero-hp-vs-chord-mojo-vs-ifi-idac2-vs-hrt-microstreamer
Posted as a reference for users. For the full review, see:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/798562/portable-amp-dac-shootout-ifi-micro-idsd-vs-resonessence-concero-hp-vs-chord-mojo-vs-ifi-idac2-vs-hrt-microstreamer
Manufacturer: HRT
Model: microStreamer
Price: $169 at amazon.com
Volume Control: Digitally-activated analog attenuator, no volume control on unit itself.
Power Connector: USB, mini B
Battery Life: Plug-in-USB operation only.
Inputs: 1x USB Mini B
Outputs: 1x line-level 3.5mm stereo output
1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Specifications:
From (http://www.hirestech.com/product/?pid=107#prods)
-Plug and play using standard audio class 1.0 Drivers.
-Supports 32k, 44k1, 48k, 88k2 & 96K sample rates.
Build and Finish: Tiny two-piece aluminum housing. Precision-machined and finished off with an anodized silver exterior. Should last forever.
Accessories: The Microstreamer is shipped with a tiny pop-out cardboard box. Inside is the unit itself, a black carrying pouch, and a generic white Mini USB to USB cable. Short and sweet.
Technology and Design: While ahead of its time upon release, the Microstreamer offers fairly standard features in today’s market. Asynch USB transfer mode, 24 bit/96k playback, line-level out, LED sample rate indicators, all come standard on the Microstreamer.
Sound / Comparisons:
The Microstreamer was one of my original forays into the portable amp/dac market.
It goes to show that I’ve enjoyed owning them--I’ve had them since 2013.
They represented one of the best values in terms of performance relative to size.
How do they stack up to the newer products?
When you utilize the Microstreamer for the first time, you’re in for a surprise.
It offers a surprisingly full-bodied response with above-average imaging and instrumental placement. While it lacks definition and details compared to the more pricier models, the Microstreamer makes up for it with its energy and engaging sound. While I wouldn’t call the Microstreamer superbly musical, it does the job for both analytical and casual listening.
Vocals are sweetly layered and textured, especially female vocals. Bass definition and micro-details can be easily heard on a headphone like the Ethers, which has excellent bass dynamics and extension.
Treble response is something lower-tier amp/dacs fail at.
The original AQ Dragonfly and Schiit Fulla both suffer from somewhat strident and sibilant treble.
The Microstreamer improves on these units, but it doesn’t stay completely clean when it comes to certain recordings. This gives certain songs an odd tonality that is a tad harsh to my ears.
Other than the minor treble issue and slight mid-range bleed, the Microstreamer is an outstanding purchase.
It offers so much for the price, is solidly built, and is tiny enough to fit anywhere.
I can definitely see why they’ve received so much positive reviews over the years.
If you want to take a step up from the Microstreamer, I highly recommend the Resonessence Herus. It’s not much bigger physically, but offers an even more enjoyable and robust sound.
The iDAC2 is also a solid choice. It provides a slight step up from the Microstreamer in terms of driveability with full-size cans and a larger step up for ultimate transparency and playback options..
Overall Score: 7.8
-Bass: 8
-Mids: 9
-Treble: 7
-Transparency: 8
-Dynamics/Transients: 8
-Resolution/Details: 7
-Soundstage/Presentation: 8