IROC DAC or PS Audio Ultra DAC / Digital lens

I have owned the iRoc for about a year. I used to own a Wavelenghth Brick and Cosecant (non-async version) as well as the Bel Canto DAC 3 and the iRoc blows them all away. I recently upgraded my iRoc to the new MusicStream and have logged about 20 hours of listening.

As is the case with most audio gear, the MusicStream probably isn't twice as good as the iRoc. I'm hearing instruments and vocals that I haven't heard before in recordings that I've listened to hundreds of times. I'm attributing most of this to an improved soundstage. This is saying a lot as the iRoc has an impressive soundstage. The MusicStream and iRoc share similar sonic characteristics which is a good thing as the Ultra Fi USB DACs are much more dynamic than other USB DACs that I've owned or heard that tend to be flat and lifeless.

In summary, if you can afford the MusicStream, then IMHO this is the current king of the USB DACs. If you're on a tighter budget, then I'm confident that the iRoc will not disappoint.

My $.02; go cheap and/or used for right now and wait for the consensus to develop around some of the newer products and technologies.

PS Audio's new Ultra DAC has the potential to be a game changer with it's ability to handle any and all resolutions and it's use of I2S interface. If I remember correctly, they said it would be around $2,000 at the RMAF. I listened to the MusicStream at the show too, but the room was so overwhelming I couldn't give a good evaluation of it (trying to show off the Dodd amps and LS9 monster speakers, they had the volume way too loud).

My favorite USB DAC of the show by far was the asynchronous Cosecant by Wavelength. It sounded practically jitter free and I just melted into the chair listening to it. I could have stayed for hours. The price tag is about the same as teh MusicStream (~~$3,500 U.S.).

For the record, I currently have a PS Audio DAC 3 with the Cullen Circuts Level 3 mod. A nice unit and great 'bang for the buck' ($1,000 plus $600 mod), but not on par with the three above.

I picked up a used iRoc last week. I take back every bad thing I've said about USB audio. Holy crap, this thing is great!

iRoc vs. Musicstream: I've had the opportunity to listen extensively to both. The iRoc is a special DAC. If you need a modestly priced DAC, get an iRoc and call it "Done!". It doesn't merely do very good digital, it does exceptional music.

If you need something that rivals or exceeds the virtues of a top flight analog front end, get a Musicstream. It's absolutely superb and not a small step up from the iRoc!

Shazam, wished you could have heard the Musicstream in the context of our room/system at RMAF. Sonically, we weren't trying to spotlight any particular piece of gear but rather present a musical system where you could appreciate the virtues of a given piece of gear in regards to its contribution in a system. In that context, I believe the Musicstream shined and, while I wouldn't say we had the "Best" room at the show (I don't think anyone had a "best" by what I heard...), we did have one of the more enjoyable rooms evidenced by quite a few folks who came back more than twice for an extended listen. This was no small thanks to Ultra Fi's electronics contribution.

Short of it: Depending on what you're willing to spend, you'll do very very well with either.

Disclaimer: I have no business interest in Ultra Fi. Mr. Moore and I have simply become fans admirable of each other's work.

Cheers!

Robert
RSAD

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Drubin... yeah, baby, the iRoc is just incredible! I agree entirely...

btw, RSA's Poeima cables are also excellent stuff... my iRocs were transformed with them.

:) listening,

Ed

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