323-952-4630 Showroom, 818 642-2171 Cell
 
Music Streamer II
 
 
 
 
Reviews:


    The Music Streamer II is a 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, DVR SAT/Cable Box or Stereo system.
Specifications
Electrical
Full Scale output                            2.25 Volts RMS
Frequency Response  (20 Hz / 20 kHz) 0 dB / -.5 dB
Noise Floor (DC to 30 kHz) 26 uV RMS
Noise Floor (A-weighted)    10 uV RMS
S/N Ratio (DC to 30 kHz) 98dB
THD+N (1 kHz FS 44.1 k S/s) 0.010%
USB to Audio output isolation  > 20M Ohm  
Interface
Data Rate up to 96 kS/s
Bit Depth up to 24 bit
Transfer Protocol 

asynchronous

USB type 1.1 or Above
Power Requirements (USB buss)   210 mA
Dimensions (L x W x H)  4.1" x 2.1" x 1.2"
Warranty 12 months
Please call for Pricing and availability  
 

 
Music Streamer II+
 
 
 
                       
 
 
     The Streamer II+ 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.
 
    Improved version of the original HRT Music Streamer II+, now featuring full 24/96 Hi-Res capability and asynchronous data transfer protocol. Fully compatible with USB 1.1 and above for full bandwidth performance! The Music Streamer II+ is a high performance music interface that allows a computer and a home entertainment system to become perfect partners. With its unique topology, the Music Streamer 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 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 into any USB port on your computer and the Music Streamer will install itself and be ready for use in a matter of moments. Connect the other end of the Music Streamer into any analog input and you are ready to stream high quality computer based music.

The Music Streamer provides full support for applications such as iTunes™, Windows Media Player™  Direct to your home entertainment system, with a level of quality never before possible. You can also use the Music Streamer to listen to internet radio or other music subscription services such as Rhapsody™ or Napster™ in high quality through your Home Entertainment System, Television or Stereo system. High Resolution Technologies Music Streamer, the product for tomorrow, is available today.

Minimum System requirements Windows XP service Pack 3, MAC OsX 10.3 or newer. Not all MAC Mini's have enough output voltage to power the Streamer in some cases you'll need a powered USB Hub.
Reviews:
 
June 16th, 2010 -- by Alan Sircom
Source: HiFi+    http://www.avguide.com/review/hrt-streamer-ii-and-streamer-ii-hi-fi-72
Where the Streamer II+ is clearly the better sounding product without commanding a huge jump in price tag, the Streamer II is perhaps the more significant of the two. If you are already into good sound, the chances are you would immediately pick the Streamer II+ because of its performance. If you want to know what all the fuss is about, the Streamer II will turn any computer into a credible music player, and turn any listener into a fledgling hi-fi buff. And if you already have a USB digital converter, even the cheapest Streamer II might be better.

Does asynchronous USB make a difference? Definitely. It gives computer audio a sense of rootedness, solidity of instrument images within a soundstage and a sense of temporal rightness that it can sometimes lack.  It’s one of the reasons why the likes of the Benchmark and Naim are so successful – they also control the relatively wayward USB datastream (although using very different approaches). If your USB converter doesn’t sport asynchronous connection or one of these other methodologies (sample-rate conversion or a look-up table of clock frequencies, for example),
in many fundamental terms, the Streamer II might well have just made it obsolete.

This is a significant jump in technology. Asynchronous USB is yet another link in the chain to good sound from computer audio,  but it’s a profoundly important one. The new Streamers give music that sense of cohesiveness and directness that CD suddenly developed in the 1990s, when the format suddenly got very good, very quickly. It’s an immediate thing, you’ll either notice the snap into focus, or it will simply pass unnoticed, much like there are those who are profoundly affected by a component’s ability to keep time, dynamic range, or specific instrument timbre, and those who aren’t. And count me among those sensitive to that focus.  The received wisdom in USB conversion is that a self-powered DAC trumps one powered by the USB itself. The Streamer II challenges that head on.

Last year’s Streamers were somewhat lacking in high-frequency extension (especially the basic model) and made a slightly mixed together plum-pudding of an image. That’s all gone with the new models. The sound is much closer to the output of a good CD player; precise, accurate and tonally correct. The HRT soundstage is not  an expansive one; sounds sit between the speakers rather than spread wide and deep. It’s sort of string quartet sized, instead of expansive orchestral sized – both models  can more than handle orchestral music well, whether that be the precision of Haydn or the romantic swells of Tchaikovsky, with the proviso of presenting a tightly ordered ball of sound fixed between the speakers.
 
 
 
 
My Customer 's unsolicited Review   more to follow...
Pandy B, (2/2010)

"The initial sound is very close to my cd player... but seems overall that everything is more dynamic & clear. Bass is cleaner. I have a huge soundstage anyway and the lossless files seemed more dimensional (depth). Not sure I'd say bigger because with everything more distinct the soundstage appeared wider initially. 

There seems to be an effortlessness so music seems to just flow and there's a smoothness with the flow which I equate to less jitter & vibration. Doesn't affect the sound quality just allows music to come through. Resolution and tonal structures are phenomenal!! Not better than my cd--just more nuance and Distinctness.
And initially I agree with what I've read...seems to sound similar to analogue. My sound started to change (break-in) after about an hour--more edgy and digital. 

I'm
VERY IMPRESSED and can see why folks are putting everything in lossless or wav or other formats. With burn-in and a very good USB cable, I'm sure my cd player will be surpassed further. My existing system is damn good so the streamer will only make it better!
Kaplan Design Mentioned in Forum on Computer Audiophile!
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Linux-Plug-Computers-Music-Servers
The Streamer II+ has had great reviews in Computer Audiophile. http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/HRT-Streamer-II-asynch-update
Submitted by bsn on Wed, 03/24/2010 - 22:32. Joined: 04/25/2009 .:. Offline .:. Comments: 21
I don't know much about the

I don't know much about the inner workings, but I just got a Music Streamer II+ yesterday from Kaplan Design and I'm very impressed with this little DAC! I like it much better than the V-DAC, or the original Music Streamer. Its presentation is very detailed and musical, without being fatiguing or analytical.
Submitted by Richard Dale on Thu, 04/01/2010 - 00:43. Joined: 03/29/2010 .:. Offline .:. Comments: 21
HRT Music Streamer II+/Cardas Clear USB cable

My HRT has arrived and I've been trying it out and it is probably still breaking in. First impressions are that it has a sweet, clear finely resolved sound with a wide stereo image. Not at much depth as I would like at the moment, and the bass lacks a bit of definition. It is completely unfatiguing to listen to.

Compared with my CD player or vinyl front end it doesn't have the same 'in the room presence'. When someone hits a cymbal your don't quite hear the metallic part of the sound, or you don't get the same bite and attack in the sound of an acoustic guitar. But I don't know if I'm listening to the sound of the HRT DAC or the sound of my MacBook and iTunes yet. I'm ripping with Max to 16 bit/44 KHz AIFF, and then importing to iTunes.

Anyhow I'm really pleased with my new DAC and cable combination - for the price I can't see how you can go wrong. It is perfect for trying out computer audio and getting your feet wet.

(MacBook/HRT Music Streamer II+; Marantz CD7; Gyrodek/SME V/Dynavector 10x5/Pure Sound P10) > Glow Amp One > modified Tandy Genexxa LX5
This may not be reprinted in whole or part without my express written permission.
Specifications
Electrical
Full Scale output                            2.25 Volts RMS
Frequency Response  (20 Hz / 20 kHz) 0 dB / -.5 dB
Noise Floor (DC to 30 kHz) 26 uV RMS
Noise Floor (A-weighted)    10 uV RMS
S/N Ratio (DC to 30 kHz) 101dB
THD+N (1 kHz FS 44.1 k S/s) 0.008%
USB to Audio output isolation  > 20M Ohm  
Interface
Data Rate up to 96 kS/s
Bit Depth up to 24 bit
Transfer Protocol 

asynchronous

USB type 1.1 or Above
Power Requirements (USB buss)   350 mA
Dimensions (L x W x H)  5.1" x 2.1" x 1.2"
Warranty 12 months
Please call for Pricing and availability  
 

 
Music Streamer Pro
   
 
 
 
 
Tiny Q. Adapters are included with Streamer Pro
Reviews:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hrt2/pro.html - by Srajan Ebaen
Click on the link above for the full review!
"The 24/96 MS Pro is currently the statement Streamer from High Resolution Technologies. A 24/192-enabled HD model will bow once "final development work is completed to make it work well with both Mac and PC. Some software 'tricks' are required that are being fine-tuned now. This model will also have an IEC as its power requirements exceed what is available from the USB buss." Scot Markwell added that "as for the Pro, there will likely always be a bit of controversy as to how its power is derived but the Pro works comfortably in most installations. For folks who run a lot of peripherals, we recommend an independently powered USB hub." Electrical specifications include a 200Ω output impedance, an A-weighted noise floor of 8μV RMS with a S/N ratio of 115dB and a digital input to analog output isolation of >20M"

Here the Pro's async superiority—or more sophisticated converter implementation—asserted itself noticeably. The NuForce DAC was harder, drier and sharper. Newbie listeners on their first more serious hifi foray would initially mistake that type of glossier presentation for greater resolution and vigor. Even a little experience however should quickly determine that the HRT played it more natural. Its lack of etch didn't mean lack of edge. It simply meant more realistic transients. Its reduced brightness didn't mean less treble. It simply meant better timing. This nearly invariably sweetens the top end and renders rhythm more relaxed but also endowed with a looser better swing. Swing rather than military bearing was in fact on the menu, this compliments of Eddie Daniels and Gary Burton revisiting Benny Goodman standards on GRP's Benny Rides Again.

Particularly in the clarinet's register above C3 and on blatty staccato did the Streamer's greater elegance pay very obvious dividends. But ride and crash cymbals too weren't as Electric Avenue splashy as over the NuForce. A very good analogy is the so-called Theater setting on our Sony Bravia television. It's simply a factory-calibrated lock on specific brightness, contrast and saturation values to mimic film in a good movie theater. One could achieve the same results by manually manipulating the various menus to well below their max values. Getting there in one remote click is simply far more convenient - and likely nets more masterful results too.

Just so, the HRT Streamer Pro was that Theater setting for the HDP. Going direct into the NuForce pumped up the contrast and sharpness controls. Parallel experiences with Anthony Gallo's highly time-tweaked Strada monitors and warmer if no less precise Reference 3.5 floorstanders have me think that key to the HRT's clear lead over the HDP converter was its superior time-domain accuracy. That's of course the core argument for asynchronous USB in the first place. Until one actually hears it however, such arguments are mere techno posturing. Because our industry regularly attempts to win customers with go-faster claims from snazzy specs, I tend to view such specs and associated claims as often quite irrelevant. I can't even be sure that lower jitter here was the lynch pin. It simply sounded like it based on how I expect superior timing to manifest.
 
Alongside the Streamer II and Streamer II+, HRT went up-market recently with its Streamer Pro DAC. Intended for semi-pro use, the bright blue DAC pushes the specs to the limit of USB powered products. It also uses mini-XLR connectors, more commonly seen in the pro-world. There are a number of regular-grade adaptors available, and the likes of Cardas have stepped in to make audiophile adaptors that let the Streamer Pro DAC talk to regular phono and XLR cables.

Unlike the standard products, the Streamer Pro makes a lot of demands on the USB it is connected to. Unfortunately, it seems all USB ports are not equal in the eyes of this DAC, and an underpowered USB output will hobble the Pro’s performance. Simply running it from the USB port on the side of my 1996-vintage black MacBook made a sound that really wasn’t up to scratch, and the base Streamer II confidently outperformed it on all levels; it was more focused, more detailed, less grainy… the works.
 
     The Music Streamer Pro is a high performance music interface (USB connected DAC) that allows a computer and a professional audio system to become perfect partners. With its unique topology the Music Streamer Pro provides a completely isolated path between the computer and the audio system. No more contamination of the analog signal by the computer environment; no matter the situation, the results will always be their best. There are no external power supplies to worry about because the Music Streamer Pro derives its power from the USB buss while completely regenerating power for all its internal needs using a sophisticated set of proprietary circuits.

Operation is simple: just plug the Music Streamer Pro into any USB port on the host computer and the Music Streamer Pro will install itself and be ready for use in a matter of moments. Connect the other end into a balanced analog input and you are ready to transfer extremely high quality computer based audio. 24/96 Hi-Res capability and asynchronous data transfer protocol. Full support for both adaptive and asynchronous transfer modes assures that jitter performance exceeds that of conventionally connected (bi-phase) converters inherently have more Jitter! these are AES/EBU and S/PDIF in Coax and Optical formats.


The Music Streamer Pro provides full support for any application via the native audio path on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

The Music Streamer Pro is the perfect USB connected digital to analog converter offering portability, noise isolation and ultra high performance in a single mission product. If you produce, mix, master or listen to music in a professional environment, then the Music Streamer Pro is an essential component in your digital workplace.

Minimum System requirements Windows XP service Pack 3, MAC OsX 10.3 or newer. Not all MAC Mini's have enough output voltage to power the Streamer in some cases you'll need a powered USB Hub.
Cardas Audio now makes TinyQ to XLR and TinyQ to RCA Adapters! 



Preamps/Integrated Amps with Single Ended (RCA) Inputs.
(Output voltage drops from 4.5 to 2.25 volts)
Specifications
Electrical
Full Scale output                            4.5 Volts RMS (TiniQ XLR)
Output Impedance 200 + 200 Ohms (balanced)
Frequency Response  (20 Hz / 20 kHz) * 0dB/-.6dB
Noise Floor (DC to 30 kHz) 9 uV RMS
Noise Floor (A-weighted)    8 uV RMS
S/N Ratio (DC to 30 kHz) 101dB
THD+N (1 kHz FS 44.1 k S/s) 0.004%  
USB to Audio output isolation  > 20M Ohm    
Interface    
Data Rate up to 96 kS/s
Bit Depth up to 24 bit
Transfer Protocol 

asynchronous

USB type 1.1 or Above
Power Requirements (USB buss)   350 mA
Dimensions (L x W x H)  5.6" x 2.1" x 1.2"
Warranty 12 months
 
* - 3 dB @ .48 FS for any sample rate up to 96k
 
Tiny Q Adapters are not included!
 

 
Furutech (GT2 Type A/B) USB Cables  Reviewed from Positive Feedback!
Reviews: Positive Feedback USB Mini Survey by Victor Chavira

"The following mini-survey is part of an ongoing series of articles documenting my transition from a CD and LP based listener to computer based listener. Computer based audio has been a part of my listening experience for years but mostly as casual background music. Within the past eighteen months however, my appreciation for computer based audio has increased greatly due to recent experiences with outboard digital to analog converters. In the ensuing months I reviewed a variety of USB DAC devices. As a result, I sold my eight year old Magnum Dynalab 208 Discrete Receiver and upgraded to Magnum's new MD 209 with integrated USB DAC. The focus of this article is USB cables. I do not claim to possess intimate knowledge of the scientific laws or data to support my observations; however I can relay my observations on the effects of three different USB cables in my system. Hopefully, some of you with similar situations may find my results interesting.

"My method for evaluating the cables was uncomplicated. Over the span of several quiet mornings with no one in the house but me, I listened to an iTunes playlist of music that I felt might reveal differences in sound among the three cables. Then I crawled around on the carpet to reach behind the Mac Mini and Magnum to disconnect or insert cables and quickly return to the listening chair to repeat the playlist. On many an occasion, by lunch time my knees were chaffed, but I had a solid impressions of the sounds of the cables. In general, the most significant difference among the three cables was their ability to convey depth of perception. Not surprisingly, this ability, and thus musical realism, was directly related to their cost.

The first cable I listened to was a generic beige colored USB printer cable. "Enterprising Young Men" from the 2009 Star Trek movie is dramatic piece of orchestral music with dynamic percussive elements and blaring brass. The generic cable sounded acceptable but lacked specific details about the size and shape of the orchestra. The overall perspective was "back of hall" where sounds tend to blend into an amorphous whole. The leading and trailing edges of sounds were also somewhat muted. To put it briefly, listening to music with the generic USB cable was like listening to an average CD player that sounded satisfying, though ultimately uninvolving.

Next I replaced the generic cable with Furutech's GT2 USB cable which is manufactured with higher grade materials and shielding. The change resulted in a more refined musical perspective. The orchestra could now be distinguished by its different sections with significantly more clarity and focus. The vast dimensions of the recording hall also began to emerge. The perception of depth and layering of instruments from front to back was also greatly enhanced in comparison to the generic printer cable. On this basis alone, Furutech's GT2 USB cable garners a high recommendation for its value and performance".

Then I switched to the
Locus Design's Axis cable. This cable is virtually handmade with select materials and individually shielded strands. The Axis opened up spaces within the recording even more. The lifelike orchestral image and depth of perception produced by the Axis was quite very impressive. I could perceive sound reverberating into the far corners of the hall. Musical details were now laid out in clear daylight. French horns were now unquestionably muted. The complimentary musical lines played by violins and violas were precisely rendered and engaging. An assortment of rattles and shakers are used to great effect to drive the rhythm along and swell to a dramatic peak punctuated by sharply struck tympani drums.

 Next, I played to a favorite vocal selection to listen for any tonal anomalies or color shifts. "Love and Happiness" by Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler from their CD All the Road Running is a very beautiful song. I often return to this track because it combines the unembellished elements of Emmylou's plaintive voice and strummed acoustic guitar to great emotional effect. The generic printer cable made tonal colors sound slightly faded and imprecise like a massed produced poster of fine art. The Furutech cable afforded me higher contrasts and sharper images of the performer's voices and instruments. The dimensions of the recording space were much better defined. The Axis, however, rendered musical details and the illusion of space with absolute clarity. The song begins with gently strummed acoustic guitars, one with capo around the middle of the neck. Then Emmylou sings a verse followed by Mark's distinctive basso speak-sing style. The drummer keeps time on a wooden block for a few measures like the tick-tock of an old grandfather clock before laying the stick sideways on the snare for a more metallic beat. The Locus Design cable's accurate portrayal of these micro musical events greatly enhanced my appreciation of this and many other recordings.

Poncho Sanchez' latest recording is Psychedelic Blues on Concord. I highly recommend downloading the song "Willie Bobo Medley". It's a three part medley of some of Willie's most popular tunes updated with Poncho's band in full funk mode and a tip of the hat to the late Willie Bobo. The recording as played through the generic printer cable was enjoyable but images were flattened and space relations were ill defined. The Furutech cable exposed more musical details and well defined images on a consistent soundstage. The Axis cable dialed in resolution, space, and depth of perception to maximum degree. Conga and cowbell were vividly portrayed with natural timbres and overtones and decays. Trombone, sax, and trumpet retained their unique sonic signatures and location on deep soundstage. Bass rolled along with firm authority.

Prior to my exposure to USB cables from Furutech and Locus Design, I was unaware USB could have such a significant impact on the sound of music given that all they do is transfer ones and zeros to the DAC. However, I now realize that selecting a high quality USB cable for digital transfer is just as important as choosing an interconnect for analogue signals. If you are currently using a generic printer cable between your computer and a USB DAC device, I urge you to upgrade to a higher quality cable such as Furutech's excellent GT2. The interval of performance between the generic cable and the GT2 was considerable. Music sounded more alive and open. For listeners seeking the highest degree of performance and the means to acquire it, the Locus Design Axis is highly recommended. On a final note, wireless data transfer may soon make USB cables irrelevant. In the meantime, however, seek out as high quality USB cable as your budget will allow."
     
The GT2 is a beautifully engineered and built USB 2.0 cable for enthusiasts with growing music collections on their computer hard drives looking for high performance sound.

Hard Disk Management:
more and more people have amassed large collections of music on their computer hard disks, and there are an increasing number of USB-input DACs to serve them. If properly setup and implemented computer-based systems are capable of smooth and detailed sound, especially with high resolution recordings. But as with any system component you need quality, well-engineered and built USB cables to get there.
      Furutech turned its Pure Transmission engineering talents toward creating the highest quality 2.0 USB cable possible. They begin with silver-plated a (Alpha) OCC conductors and a special-grade high-density polyethylene insulation/dielectric. As illustrated below the GT2 features three-layer shielding and specially engineered 24k gold-plated USB 2.0 connectors. As with the more highly specified GT3, the cable wrap includes damping and insulating materials keeping mechanical ringing from affecting the sound. A carefully engineered clamp improves grip and keeps both mechanical and electrical distortion at bay.

     The result is much as you will hear from our GT3 USB cable: Clear and open highs, elegant midrange textures, powerful but in-control bass, an enhanced sense of the sheer palpability of the music you’ll enjoy. The GT2 creates real musical experience from the data stored on your computer. Furutech builds each and every cable in their line the same way; optimized engineering solutions applied to advanced materials and processes, backed by utterly meticulous build quality.
 
Technical Data:
  • Main conductor: Silver-plated a (Alpha) OCC Conductors
  • Main Insulation: Special-grade high-density polyethylene
  • 3-layer shield construction for improved noise insulation
  • Connectors: Furutech-engineered 24k gold-plated USB series Connectors
  • The best damping and insulation materials for improved frequency extension and tonal balance
  • 0.6m (2ft) / 1.2m (4ft) / 1.8M (6ft) / 3.6m (12ft) / 5.0m (16.5ft)
  • 7.0m (23ft) and 10.0m (33ft) by request
 
 Pricing 1.2M $120.00 Back Order   Call 323-952-4630
.06M $100 In Stock! 1.8M $140.00, 3.6M $195.00 , 5.0M   $240.00, 7.0M $300.00 and 10.0M $400.00 Special Order.
(also Available in A-mini B Type same pricing as above!)  Please contact me for Availability.
 

Reviews
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copyright Jeffrey Kaplan Enterprises