Upgrade HRT Music Streamer II with Arcam irdac?

[KingBee]

At the moment I'm using a HRT Music Streamer II to listen to my digital files. I'm thinking about upgrading to an Arcam irdac.

I know it's going to be an upgrade if you look at the multiple connections. But will there be a noticable difference in sound quality?

 

[Overdose]

At the moment I'm using a HRT Music Streamer II to listen to my digital files. I'm thinking about upgrading to an Arcam irdac.

I know it's going to be an upgrade if you look at the multiple connections. But will there be a noticable difference in sound quality?

I very much doubt it.

 

[ID.]

At the moment I'm using a HRT Music Streamer II to listen to my digital files. I'm thinking about upgrading to an Arcam irdac.

I know it's going to be an upgrade if you look at the multiple connections. But will there be a noticable difference in sound quality?

I very much doubt it.

But then again, Overdose is firmly in the camp that believes that any competently designed DAC should pretty much sound the same as they should all give an almost flat frequency response (i.e. be transparent). Never heard either DAC so I couldn't comment, and even if I had who's to say the differences aren't due to expecation bias (i.e. I know which DAC is more expensive so my brain subconsciously makes me think that one sounds better) or higher output volume.

Personal instincts say the Arcam should sound better, but then again I'm something of an Arcam fanboy and I still find myself springing for the slightly pricier product "just in case" 🙂

Helpful, huh?

 

[chebby]

I've checked on Google images and can see the HRT is very small.

So it won't be a problem taking it to the hi-fi shop to compare with the irDac.

Maybe you could get the staff to demo both without you knowing which one is being used.

If you can't tell the difference (and you don't neet the extra inputs) that'll be excellent. It'll save you £400 to spend on something else.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Yes you will!A external DAC like Arcam, Rega and others, must be looked at like a CD player! And all CD players don't sound like the same!if all DACs sound the same my ipod shuffle, or my samsung mobile phone or my AV should sound the same, but they don't!but do a Chebby say and get to your own conclusions.