HRT MicrostreamerWhat HiFi? 2013Award

The HRT microStreamer is a compact, portable, USB-powered external sound card and headphone amplifier designed to dramatically improve the audio quality of your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Awarded What HiFi? 2013, it delivers jitter-free, high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/96kHz without the need for additional drivers.

Key Features

• Ultra high-performance external sound card with USB connectivity and power
• High-quality headphone amplifier with analog volume control
• Fixed-level, low impedance 2.25V line output for home stereo or powered speakers
• Compact aluminium enclosure, precision-machined from solid billets
• Asynchronous USB operation eliminates timing errors (jitter)
• Plug and play with native Audio Class 1.0 drivers (PC, Mac & Linux)
• Supports sample rates of 32k, 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k & 96kHz
• Digitally controlled analog attenuator for pure, clean headphone volume control
• LED indicators display current sample rate and mute status
• Firmware upgrades via HRT UpStream utility
• Designed and manufactured in Southern California

Specifications

• Input Connector: USB powered and connected
• Output Connectors: 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo male plug (line level and headphone)
• Full Scale Output: 2.25 V RMS (line), 1.4 V (headphone)
• Output Impedance: 50 Ohm (line), 0.5 Ohm (headphone)
• Frequency Response (20 Hz–20 kHz): +0 dB / -0.4 dB
• Output Power: Up to 140 mW (headphone)
• Noise Floor (DC to 30 kHz): 18 µV RMS
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (DC to 30 kHz): 102 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 105 dB
• THD+N (1 kHz Full Scale): 0.002% (line), 0.008% (headphone)
• THD+N (1 kHz -20 dB): 0.0006% (line)
• Jitter Contribution (DC to 30 kHz): >130 dB below full scale
• Attenuator Range: Line fixed, 63 steps (headphone)
• Sample Rate: Up to 96 kHz
• Bit Depth: Up to 24 bit
• USB Transfer Protocol: Asynchronous
• Power Requirements (USB Bus): 150 mA
• Dimensions: 2.5" x 1.2" x 0.4"

What's in the Box

• HRT microStreamer
• USB cable
• User manual