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(More customer reviews)It goes against my better nature to gush about a piece of computer audio gear. But I cannot believe the transformation from putting this USB DAC into my "system."
It's barely a system at all. I do my home listening on a costly 2-channel audio system in a dedicated listening room lined with 4000 records. I use the computer for editing live field recordings I've made, and I have an MP3 library burned from cds for listening on portable devices or for low level background music at work.
I am now using the Music Stream II+ running directly into a pair of Mackie824 powered monitors. I cannot believe how much I can hear now. I am hearing at least another octave of clean dynamic well defined bass that I thought these speakers simply couldn't reproduce, much more distinct low level detail, and also meaningful increase in dynamics and instrument body.
Mind you, I'm not comparing the HRT to a junk built-in sound card. I've previously used M-Audio and Edirol devices priced in the same ballpark of the HRT and capable of 24/96 over firewire. (I was satisfied with them, but it's getting tough to run firewire on modestly priced PC laptops.) The HRT sound quality blows them away, although it lacks the functionality of multi-channel recording devices.
Speaking of blowing away, my main issue so far is that the output is very high (the "Pro" is even higher). With Windows wave sound slider at the minimum "on" level, there is way too much volume unless I'm using a program with its own software volume attenuation (e.g., iTunes). Software that only gives full output software like Wavelab, as well as the computer operating system sounds, are very loud so I'll have to figure something out there. I'm also hearing a pronounced warmish coloration in the midrange, although I'm not ready at this point to attribute that to the HRT rather than interactions with the desk and back wall.
Other than that, I do for the first time feel like I want to spend an evening listening to my computer for pleasure. The bass obligato on Ricky Lee Jones' Naked Songs was as good as I've heard it anywhere. Listening to the Pristine Classical remastering of Slatkin/Aller's 1956 recording Dohnanyi's Variations on a Nursery Theme, available in 24 bit flac, I was for the first time engaged by this piece that I always considered shallow and showy. I think it may have to do with better reproduction of dynamics. I now have some Teldec opera choruses playing now and they sound large and glorious.
There's also a "quality of life" benefit: my work environment is neater. Because there are no controls on the HRT, I taped it beneath the back of my desk out of sight. Running on bus power, there's one less power cable competing for an outlet, and likewise, because of the location of the HRT, the speaker cables are no longer in view. All I see is one usb cable running from the computer to the back of the desk.
I can't tell you how this unit compares with the Nuforce, the HRT II (not plus), etc. because I haven't tried them. I can tell you that the II+ produces balanced, detailed and noise-free sound, and is the single biggest upgrade I've made in years, maybe ever.
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The Streamer + raises the performance bar even further; for those whom have the systems that can reveal the differences, the Streamer II+ is the one to choose.The Music Streamer II+ is an ultra high performance audio interface that allows a computer and home entertainment system to become perfect partners. With is unique topology, the Music Streamer II+ provides a completely isolated path between the computer and audio system. No more audio contamination by the computer; your music will always sound its best. There are no external power supplies to worry about because the Music Streamer II+ derives its power from the USB buss while completely regenerating power for all its internal circuitry using a sophisticated set of proprietary circuits.Operation is simple, just plug the Music Streamer II+ into any USB port on your computer and the Music Streamer II+ will install itself and be ready in a matter of moments. Connect the other end of the Music Streamer II+ into any analog input and you are ready to stream high quality computer based music. The Music Streamer II+ provides full support for applications such as iTunesTM and Windows Media PlayerTM direct to your home entertainment system, with a level of quality never before possible. You can also use the Music Streamer II+ to listen to internet radio or other music subscription services such as RhapsodyTM, NapsterTM, PandoraTM, SpotifyTM and many more in high quality through your Home Entertainment System, Television or Stereo system.
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