[labou]

So I've been looking for a DAC in the $180 price range and the HRT Music Streamer II looks like a good choice but there seems to be two different types that are sold as the same thing? The only difference I can find in them is the shape, but I'm reluctant to by one instead of the other until I'm sure there is not something I'm missing. Does anyone know about this? They have the same specs. I'm just confused because I see version 1 on most reviews, but version 2 on the website?
 
Version 1
http://www.cryo-parts.com/index.php/hrt/music-streamer-ii
 
Version 2
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HRTMSII

 

[esanthosh]

The second link is the latest, updated version with a different enclosure and sample rate display: http://www.headfonia.com/hrt-istreamer-released/

 

[labou]

Great, thanks for the help

 

[thuantran]

The newer version also seems to have a PCB that looks more like the PCB of MSII+ http://www.headfonia.com/the-hrt-music-streamer-ii-asynchronous-2496-for-149-95/ (this link has old version of the MSII and MSII+ PCB pics the new MSII PCB you can see in the OP post), and the spec is actually a little better than the old one, e.g. the old one is listed as 98db compared to the new one 99db SNR http://www.highresolutiontechnologies.com/pdf/HRT-Music-Streamer-II.pdf

 

[estreeter]

Having only recently purchased the base model MSII, I shall look into this tomorrow - have to catch a bus. Would be slightly annoyed if there has been a mid-model upgrade, but the main thing is that I enjoy what comes out of the DAC that I have.
 

 

[thuantran]

It's only one db, like you can hear it. Still if it's indeed a technical improvement those haven't bought one should opt for the new version.

 

[labou]

I emailed the guys at hrt and I was told that its only a "look" change between the new one and the old one.

 

[thuantran]

I see, so the PCB changed is included in what he meant by "look".

 

[brendon]

Well I like the older one so much I wouldn't have felt too bad even if they made some minor changes to the performance.