[groovybassist]

Well, the HRT Streamer II+ arrived today.  Since I'm just getting started in computer audio, I loaded some CDs on a laptop, and am streaming them from iTunes (Apple Lossless) at 16/44.1 over a 3-meter generic USB cable.  Results?  I'm blown away!  This inexpensive device sounds great right out of the box.  I have a Naim CD5X/Flatcap2X front-end that I'll be comparing it to, but in a cursory listen, the differences (if any) are minute, and the Streamer perhaps even holds an advantage in the upper treble.  I'm dumbfounded.  More to come...

[cody69]

Glad you're enjoying the unit... I have had a HRT Streamer II for about 6 months now connected up to mac mini, and like you, continue to be amazed how good it sounds. The quality and convenience just can't be beat.

I keep asking myself why it took so long to convert away from my CD player. 

[groovybassist]

I'll eventually be hooking this up to my iMac.

Do you run the Mac Mini headless or ???

I'm with you - I had a 100 reasons why I wasn't doing comp0uter audio, all of which have been blown away in a few hours!!!  Amazing.

-Mike

[groovybassist]

I'm sitting here listening to Pandora and it sounds great!  So glad I finally woke up and joined the 21st century. 

[cody69]

I have my mini connected up to my flat screen since I also use it for surfing and other tasks. But I use the remote app on my Ipod Touch when I'm just listening to music -- works great.

[groovybassist]

Cool cody - thanks!

[nunhgrader]

I'm getting one for sure.

I already stream to my Denon and my Auric / Dynaco ST-70 - need to take the other room's system to the next level!

[Zerogravity]

I can't agree more and for the price, it's more then worth it! I just connected my basic HRT 2 yesterday, using my PC as the source and it is much better then the Internal Intel HD audio. It was very simple to install and I found that I didn't need a subwoofer anymore. The Low end comming from my main speakers are much  louder, cleaner, more detailed and just overall much better then using a subwoofer with my on board computer audio! My subwoofer is not of low quality either. My overall impressions are, The low end is night and day better, better seperation, much better detail all around without being the least bit grainy and vocals are more pronounced, with more detail. I can hear the breathing and lipsmacking of vocal renditions that were absent on my basic computer audio. Overall the music sounds as if it is louder, like a high quality more powerfull amplifier were put to use, although the dbs are the same. I can't say it would be worth it to spend a lot more for something that might edge it and only be noticeable with immediate A/B switching! This does more then enough to fulfill my needs and the cost being very affordable makes it that much better! Thanks for all your help Kevin at HRT, it is a fine product that brings quality audio for the masses!

[groovybassist]

Zerogravity:  Glad you're enjoying your HRT2.  Since I've hooked up my II+, I haven't put a CD in the player, except to do the initial A/B comparison.  I'm running a Naim CD5X/Flatcap2X front-end, and I can't put my finger on any differences.  They may be there, but if they are, they're so subtle only the most experienced listener could hear them.  I can easily hear differences in cables, but I'll be darned if I can hear a difference between the Naim and II+.  This is amazing to me considering the Naim front-end is over 11 times the cost of the II+!

[Zerogravity]

Groovybassist: Like everyone else, I have read many positive reviews by respected people whom looked at this little thing with amazement. The + is a step up to my basic model and my equipment much less effluent, but there is and improvement compared to and inboard soundcard. The thing that struck me most was how pronounced and clear the music is. As I was able to play more with it, I did notice it was louder? I turned the the volume to equal that of the in board card and found the differences more subtle, but noticeable.

[roscoeiii]

And for those of you with a Fully balanced system, I. Highly recommend checking out the pro. What clarity. A fantasitc dac for the money. Highly praised at 6moons even though the pre used was not a fully balanced design.

[groovybassist]

I thought about the Pro as I have a fully balanced integrated (Wyred4Sound STI-500), but decided the cost equation gets a bit less favorable with the Pro.  You've got the added cost of the unit itself, then the mini-XLR adapter plugs - these things bring it closer to the cost of other DACs and I wanted something inexpensive, with little fuss.  The II+ fit the bill perfectly - I couldn't be happier with it.