Wanted - USB DAC

[Darren Cotter]

Hi All

I'm after a usb dac to listen to headphones on my laptop. I'm looking for something like a Audioquest Dragonfly, HRT Headstreamer or Microstreamer, Dacmagic XS or a Meridian Explorer.

Let me know if you have anything that you may thing is suitable.

Many thanks in advance.

Regards

Darren

[DiveDeepDog]

HRT Streamer 2, currently on loan with a friend, but due back soon.

£110?

[Darren Cotter]

Doesn't have a headphone socket.

[RichB]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

[Darren Cotter]

Thanks for the heads up. Any comparisons with the dacs I've mentioned?

[ninedecks]

This does everything and more:
http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-usb-audio-interface--90034

[RichB]

Thanks for the heads up. Any comparisons with the dacs I've mentioned?

Nope, unfortunately I've not heard any of those to compare with. However mine is the most 'natural' and easy listen that I've come across. That sabre chip is quite special I think and doesn't add anything which for me is sort of what a DAC should do.

[Darren Cotter]

Tried to order (HIFIMEDIY SABRE U2) from their site. Doesn't have the option to send to Jersey, Channel Islands, just to the UK mainland. Pathetic.

[kininigin]

I have Beresford Caiman going for £65.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?30883-Interest-check_FS-or-swap-Croft-Micro-25-Basic-(phono-version)

[jasonC]

this company sells good gear.
this model seems to fit your bill.
http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/bitzie-usb-dac-external-soundcard.htm

[mr sneff]

This fits the bill, very happy with mine http://www.amazon.co.uk/Audioengine-Premium-Bit-Interface-Connector/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397303936&sr=8-1&keywords=audioengine+d1

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Kingpin

I'm interested. I either need a standard p/s for it, or one of Mark Grant's or similar that I can put on my Gatorized Caiman, and use my p/s on your's.

Regards,

Darren

[Darren Cotter]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

Said they would fix the site straight away. Still nothing. If this is what they are like, I don't think I'll bother with their product!

[kininigin]

Hi Kingpin

I'm interested. I either need a standard p/s for it, or one of Mark Grant's or similar that I can put on my Gatorized Caiman, and use my p/s on your's.

Regards,

Darren

When i bought the Bushmaster,i bought it with out a psu! So i don't have a spare! Send me a pm if you still want it.

[RichB]

Said they would fix the site straight away. Still nothing. If this is what they are like, I don't think I'll bother with their product!

I'm among many happy users here so they're definitely worth a look. Mine was delivered quickly and well packaged and they are a reputable seller, think they also sell them on eBay. That does seem odd though that they didn't have the channel islands as a delivery option.

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Rich

They have now put an option for Jersey, but don't want to send from the UK using Royal Mail, they want me to order it from Hong Kong. Seems like they are trying to piss me off!

Just wish someone would have done the comparison with some of the dacs I mentioned in my initial request before I order one, as I can't believe it's as good as the likes of the HRT or Dragonfly.

Also, does it work with Windows 8.1?

Regards

Darren

[Darren Cotter]

This fits the bill, very happy with mine http://www.amazon.co.uk/Audioengine-Premium-Bit-Interface-Connector/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397303936&sr=8-1&keywords=audioengine+d1

Looks good. Unfortunately, non of their dealers take the VAT off for Jersey. One wanted £35 for the P&P from the UK! lol.

[Darren Cotter]

I have Beresford Caiman going for £65.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?30883-Interest-check_FS-or-swap-Croft-Micro-25-Basic-(phono-version)

Hi

Have sent you a PM regarding you Caiman.

Regards

Darren

[RichB]

Hi Rich

They have now put an option for Jersey, but don't want to send from the UK using Royal Mail, they want me to order it from Hong Kong. Seems like they are trying to piss me off!

Just wish someone would have done the comparison with some of the dacs I mentioned in my initial request before I order one, as I can't believe it's as good as the likes of the HRT or Dragonfly.

Also, does it work with Windows 8.1?

Regards

Darren
Yes, mine works fine with both windows 8 and vista on my desktop . Haven't upgraded to 8.1 yet.

[paulc]

I'm not selling, but I just picked up a Meridian Explorer USB DAC and am really impressed with it. Check out the reviews v Dragonfly etc and a few folks thinking it's good enough as a main DAC.

Paul.

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Paul

Thanks. Thought it would be good, having had a full Meridian 200 system back in the day.

Regards

Darren

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Rich

Managed to purchase one from an eBay shop in the end. Looking forward to it arriving from Japan! Thanks for all your help. Have you tried their USB isolator?

Regards

Darren

[Darren Cotter]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

Hi Rich

Managed to purchase one from an eBay shop in the end. Looking forward to it arriving from Japan! Thanks for all your help. Have you tried their USB isolator?

Regards

Darren

[Gazjam]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

This is ideal for the wee bedroom system I'm setting up.
Just need something to get the usb output from my server to the TAmp.

Good shout Rich, thanks.

[RichB]

Hi Rich

Managed to purchase one from an eBay shop in the end. Looking forward to it arriving from Japan! Thanks for all your help. Have you tried their USB isolator?

Regards

Darren

Hi Darren, there was a bit of a discussion on here a few weeks ago about USB isolation and I will say that unless you can actually hear any PC noise then you probably don't need one. Others may well disagree, they serve a purpose but if you have no need then don't spend the money. I eventually got to the bottom of my computer noise issues which were ultimately resolved by using a better laptop PSU (Kensington rather than the cheap Chinese spare) on one system and changing to a better mains block on the desktop system. Noise gone. Should also add as Gaz advised this, I changed plug sockets last year when we redecorated and installed Crabtree unswitched. The problem on the desktop system may have been down to a bad earth on of those.

Best just see how you get on and if you think you have a PC noise issus then there are all kinds of routes to investigate before you plump for an isolator.


This is ideal for the wee bedroom system I'm setting up.
Just need something to get the usb output from my server to the TAmp.

Good shout Rich, thanks.

Gaz, I love this DAC and now have one of these http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=62_73&product_id=87 with the external PSU in the my desktop system feeding a Mini T amp. As I've said before it sounds so effortless and natural I cant believe what it cost, with the outboard PSU its seriously good kit for pocket money I reckon. Not too shabby as a headphone phone amp either.

[struth]

I sometimes get noise from one of my PC,s . it goes into a valve amp, and I never had a problem on ss.
It is the psu of the PC. I put the battery back in and it goes away. Was always going to get a better psu for it so might look into the Kensington one you mention.

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Rich

Thanks again for your advice. I thought it was more of an upgrade sort of thing, rather than preventing an issue.

Regards

Darren

[istari_knight]

Using the acsync sabre u2 model myself http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

Really, really good for the money... Mine replaced a Bushmaster mk1, don't need the isolator either but I'm using a mac mini so YMMV depending on what you're plugging it into.

[struth]

Hi Darren, there was a bit of a discussion on here a few weeks ago about USB isolation and I will say that unless you can actually hear any PC noise then you probably don't need one. Others may well disagree, they serve a purpose but if you have no need then don't spend the money. I eventually got to the bottom of my computer noise issues which were ultimately resolved by using a better laptop PSU (Kensington rather than the cheap Chinese spare) on one system and changing to a better mains block on the desktop system. Noise gone. Should also add as Gaz advised this, I changed plug sockets last year when we redecorated and installed Crabtree unswitched. The problem on the desktop system may have been down to a bad earth on of those.

Best just see how you get on and if you think you have a PC noise issus then there are all kinds of routes to investigate before you plump for an isolator.



Gaz, I love this DAC and now have one of these http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=62_73&product_id=87 with the external PSU in the my desktop system feeding a Mini T amp. As I've said before it sounds so effortless and natural I cant believe what it cost, with the outboard PSU its seriously good kit for pocket money I reckon. Not too shabby as a headphone phone amp either.

I have followed your lead and ordered a Kensington psu off ebay...got it at a good price too as it was a return I think...so 25 quid delivered next day...hoping it does the trick.

[RichB]

I have followed your lead and ordered a Kensington psu off ebay...got it at a good price too as it was a return I think...so 25 quid delivered next day...hoping it does the trick.

If its a one which takes a fig8 plug rather than a cloverleaf style then it probably will. Keep me posted.

[struth]

If its a one which takes a fig8 plug rather than a cloverleaf style then it probably will. Keep me posted.

Well, it has just arrived and it was a fig 8 ... works well as a psu(does not seem to charge) no noise so I am sorted...thanks again for the tip.

[Techno Commander]

I've just bought a Dragonfly. Been listening to it for 2 days now and its going back. I really dont like it and am not impressed with how it sounds. I find it to be very shrill and shouty at the top end. Its actually bordering on harsh and unrefined. I have tried it on 2 different PC's and with 3 different sets of headphones.

I actually think my Audio Technica WS55s played through the KA6 sound better than my ATH-ES700s do through the Dragonfly.

[Darren Cotter]

HRT Streamer 2, currently on loan with a friend, but due back soon.

£110?

Hi

Could you post some pictures of the HRT please. I didn't realise you can get phono to headphone leads.

Regards

Darren

[struth]

An Aqvox external psu for one of these is a big upgrade if you get one....it improved my streamer2 no end.

[DiveDeepDog]

url=https://flic.kr/p/nzjduQ]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14160490552_33389561f2_z.jpg[/url]DSC_3646 (https://flic.kr/p/nzjduQ) by levs the diver (https://www.flickr.com/people/49381909@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/13976609458_6a9f6c09e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ni4M49)DSC_3647 (https://flic.kr/p/ni4M49) by levs the diver (https://www.flickr.com/people/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

Not sure it'd run headphones, it gets power from computers USB. Sounds good though, but I've just bought a Jkenny.

[Darren Cotter]

I've tried to google Music Streamer+, but I can only find the mark II and III versions. How old is it?

[DiveDeepDog]

The review is late 2009

http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/hrt_music_streamer_usb_da_converter/

I bought it 2nd hand.

[Darren Cotter]

The review is late 2009

http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/hrt_music_streamer_usb_da_converter/

I bought it 2nd hand.

Originally you said "HRT Streamer 2, currently on loan with a friend, but due back soon." It's not a 2, it's the previous model. I'm glad I asked for pictures, or I may have ended up buying the wrong model.

[DiveDeepDog]

I'll have to put the price up, the 2 was $299, the plus $399 ;-)

[Darren Cotter]

I'll have to put the price up, the 2 was $299, the plus $399 ;-)

The 2+ might have been $399, but the previous model you are selling was $299. It was stated in the review you listed above!

[struth]

Think the streamer 2 is currently £160 new.the 2+ is nearly £300. I believe there is a streamer 3 out but not seen one yet. Second hand streamer 2's usually fetch £ 80\100.

[Darren Cotter]

Yours is a Streamer 1 though.

[struth]

who me? no, mine is a streamer 2...was just giving u the current prices....thought it might help.

[Darren Cotter]

who me? no, mine is a streamer 2...was just giving u the current prices....thought it might help.

I'm confused. The review you sent me was for the original, not the Streamer 2, and it doesn't say Streamer II in your pictures, like the ones I have seen on Amazon. Just says Streamer+. Anyway, not interested any more.

[struth]

Eh. I did not send u anything. You're confusing me with someone else :Darren.

[Darren Cotter]

Sorry, I was. Doh!

[Darren Cotter]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

Hi All

Arrived today, will try it out tonight. I noticed this in the product description:

ASIO driver:
Savitech has released an ASIO driver for the SA9023 usb chip. ASIO drivers can provide lower latency, and is to optional to use.
Asio drivers is only recommended for advanced users, and is not required for normal audio playback.
It can be downloaded here.

I know nothing about ASIO drivers. Would someone tell me if I should install it? I have Windows 8.1 on my laptop.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Darren

[Darren Cotter]

Help. The volume is only about two thirds of that through the headphone socket. I have Sennheiser HD485's.

[struth]

Hi All

Arrived today, will try it out tonight. I noticed this in the product description:

ASIO driver:
Savitech has released an ASIO driver for the SA9023 usb chip. ASIO drivers can provide lower latency, and is to optional to use.
Asio drivers is only recommended for advanced users, and is not required for normal audio playback.
It can be downloaded here.

I know nothing about ASIO drivers. Would someone tell me if I should install it? I have Windows 8.1 on my laptop.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Darren

it should be a big improvement..asio and wasapi are big improvements and if one is available you should at least try it ...think youll like it.

[Darren Cotter]

Have installed the ASIO driver from their site, and set the output to ABRE U2 DAC in foobar. Just need more volume!

[struth]

in foobar, you will need to check that it is using the asio...you may have to select it from the list..if it is not on the list then youve not installed it in the right place...it is a while since Ive done it so cannot give you a step through. it might be easier to try jriver...youll get a 30 free trial.also check that you have the pc audio output to full...

[Darren Cotter]

Tried Jriver, no different. The volume is about half of that of the laptop's headphone socket. Waste of money! Should have gone for a quality unit like the Meridian, HRT or one of the many others that are between £100 and £150.

[struth]

must be the impedence of the phones I guess, the unit with only usb bus 5v might not be able to run heavy loads...maybe a battery phones amp added on might boost in more....a m2tech highface dac (orange) would do you nicely.

[Darren Cotter]

must be the impedence of the phones I guess, the unit with only usb bus 5v might not be able to run heavy loads...maybe a battery phones amp added on might boost in more....a m2tech highface dac (orange) would do you nicely.

I just wanted USB DAC that I could use on it's own when I had the laptop on my lap. Otherwise I would have used my Gatorised Caiman. So adding any more boxes wouldn't be practical, and I'm not about to spend more money on an alternative USB DAC to find I have the same problem. I live in Jersey, and there are no specialist dealers here, so a demo with my headphones won't happen. Very disappointed. This unit was recommended by an AOS member at the start of this thread, and no mention was made of having to have easy to drive headphones. It's been a waste of money.

Update:

My Sennheiser HD485's are 32ohm. I understand that this makes them easy to drive. So if I can't get acceptable volume output from the HIFIMEDIY SABRE U2 DAC with easy to drive headphones, surely it's not fit for purpose?

[Darren Cotter]

You might find one of these pretty hard to beat for the money, I'm fairly smitten with mine http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=123

Just to let everyone know, in case they might think about buying this item, you need an additional amplifier to boost its output, as it is only a dac, and not a dac/amp. I wanted something like a HRT, Dacmagic, Dragonfly or Meriadian Explorer. These are one box solutions, as they contain an amplifier as well as a dac. I would me using it on my laptop, on my lap, so having to use a powered amp as well as a dac wouldn't be practical. Might as well have used my Berseford Caiman in that case.

So this is just a word of caution to do your homework before you take someone's advice and recommends a product that is not suitable, bearing in mind my initial post.

[RichB]

Just to let everyone know, in case they might think about buying this item, you need an additional amplifier to boost its output, as it is only a dac, and not a dac/amp. I wanted something like a HRT, Dacmagic, Dragonfly or Meriadian Explorer. These are one box solutions, as they contain an amplifier as well as a dac. I would me using it on my laptop, on my lap, so having to use a powered amp as well as a dac wouldn't be practical. Might as well have used my Berseford Caiman in that case.

So this is just a word of caution to do your homework before you take someone's advice and recommends a product that is not suitable, bearing in mind my initial post.

That's a pity, sorry to hear it didn't work out for you.

Not sure what else you want me to say Darren, guess its the nature of the hobby. Sometimes we try stuff and it doesnt work out, then we sell it and move on.

[struth]

very true Rick...at least they are easily sold again.:)

[Darren Cotter]

I was after a dac/amp, like the models I listed in my first post. The one you recommended was just a dac. Never going to work from what other people have said on another forum.