Sonic Satori - HRT Levels the Field with the MicroStreamer

[cocolinho]

  Hi guys. I think I mentioned earlier in the thread that I was working on a big review of a number of USB DACs, microStreamer included: 
 
- Audioengine D3
- Cambridge Audio DACmagic XS
- HRT microStreamer
- CEntrance DACport
- AudioQuest DragonFly
- Meridian Explorer
- Arcam rPAC (not actually reviewed here, but I included it in my comparisons)
 
Anyway, review's out; hope you guys find it interesting: 
 
http://www.macworld.com/article/2089224/usb-dac-review-six-compact-components-for-upgrading-your-computer-s-audio.html

Thanks!
I'm gonna read it asap!
If by chance you could add Alo Audio Island, it would be great!

 

[Peccz]

  Hi guys. I think I mentioned earlier in the thread that I was working on a big review of a number of USB DACs, microStreamer included: 
 
- Audioengine D3
- Cambridge Audio DACmagic XS
- HRT microStreamer
- CEntrance DACport
- AudioQuest DragonFly
- Meridian Explorer
- Arcam rPAC (not actually reviewed here, but I included it in my comparisons)
 
Anyway, review's out; hope you guys find it interesting: 
 
http://www.macworld.com/article/2089224/usb-dac-review-six-compact-components-for-upgrading-your-computer-s-audio.html

Great review, I'd really like to compare my microStreamer to the DragonFly!

 
After a month and a half of use, I feel that I can give share some impressions of the microStreamer at least. I've been using it with my AKG K550, and also with my PA2V2 amp connected to the line out from now and then. Being fairly new to HiFi and headphones, I haven’t got very many references, and coming from a pair of AKG K518, I might be a bit of a bass head. And bass punch is something I actually do miss in the K550/mS combo. The bass sure does go deep with great control, but it's not very punchy. In the mid and high frequency regions, I've not got very much to compare to, but to me the sound stage is very big. Every instrument is easily distinguishable. As I said, I have not very much to compare to, therefore I dare not make a verdict on the highs.
The combo do benefit from some crossfeed. With the vocals placed in the center, it’s easy to hear the sound being feed from two separate channels. Some crossfeed brings the vocals together.

 

Adding the PA2V2 to drive the headphones, to me, makes the sound more likeable. It adds the punch to the lower frequencies that I miss and makes it more “fun”, maybe adding some more body to the sound. There might be slightly more noise in the background, but nothing that I notice without really trying, it might simply be my imagination.

I don’t know if the perceived improvement is due to coloration, it feels like the PA2V2 has more control of the elements in the lower frequencies.

 

To conclude, I think the sound of the K550 and microStreamer might be slightly clinical and boring, while the PA2V2 ads some musicality and fun to the sound. This is absolutely the best sounding setup I’ve ever heard, headphones or a big stereo rig. In a good recording, nothing is hidden, everything is clearly distinguishable, punchy and simply awesome.

 

[citraian]

I liked the MS more than the Dragonfly overall. I guess it's a matter of taste

 

[mattwardfh]

Great review, thanks. Personnaly I haven'been able to listen to the Dragonfly for more the 10mn without feeling the urge to switch back to the microstreamer. Using Fostex th600, P7 and various iems such as S-EM6 and Sony H3

I forgot to mention above,that's the new 1.2 DragonFly, not the old 1.0—nit sure if we're making the same comparison. It bought the microStresmer did top the v1.0 DragonFly.

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[mattwardfh]

Thanks!
I'm gonna read it asap!
If by chance you could add Alo Audio Island, it would be great!

I would have liked to include it, but it wasn't available in time. Sorry. I wish I could just include everything.

 

[mattwardfh]

I liked the MS more than the Dragonfly overall. I guess it's a matter of taste

DragonFly 1.0 or 1.2? If it's 1.0 I agree with you, but I think the 1.2 beats the microStreamer.

 

[citraian]

DragonFly 1.0 or 1.2? If it's 1.0 I agree with you, but I think the 1.2 beats the microStreamer.

1.0
Didn't get to hear the 1.2 yet

 

[zenpunk]

I also still have to hear the V1.2 but I have already ordered a Geek Out. 

 

[phobos04]

Another happy MS owner here. It's my main headphone amp paired either with an iMac or iPad2(through camera connection kit) to drive a pair of HD25s or yamaha EPH-100s using either flac or spotify premium. I really like the combo with the HD25s mainly for rock and EDM (lively sound), but I've got a pair of sennheiser momentum over-ear on their way for more relaxed evening-listenings.
 
I'm curious about its performance as DAC-only to feed a standalone headphone amp throuhg its line-out, maybe I'll get some O2 or FIIO E12 (which I'll also pair with the Clip+) in the near future and try pairing them. What do you guys think about pairing it with an external Amp?
And what about pairing it with orthos (HE-400 for instance)? Any experience?

 

[ericr]

Loving the Microstreamer with the Asgard 2 to drive my SM64.

 

[jarrett]

I've only been using it for its line-out because it's supposedly better sounding than the MS II

 

[cocolinho]

I've only been using it for its line-out because it's supposedly better sounding than the MS II

+1

 

[CharlesC]

I'm very tempted to try the line out with the Vali.  If I were to get the Asgard II it would only be a matter of days before I convinced myself I need better headphones. This is very dangerous stuff.
 
I wonder - is the line out on the microStreamer is in the same ball park as the Modi?

 

[kayza]

  I'm very tempted to try the line out with the Vali.  If I were to get the Asgard II it would only be a matter of days before I convinced myself I need better headphones. This is very dangerous stuff.
 
I wonder - is the line out on the microStreamer is in the same ball park as the Modi?

I have Modi and MS. I haven't used the Modi yet tho.
Amps I have to test with are E12, E18, E7.
 
If i have time, i'll try to give you some feedback between modi and MS.

 

[phobos04]

 
Amps I have to test with are E12, E18, E7.

 
Have you ever tried to pair the uS line out with the E12? I was a bit curious about pairing them.