*Thanks for stopping by! Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed the shorter video length and how you feel about it* PS Audio AirLens: www.psaudio.com/products/airlens Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 What is the PS Audio AirLens? 3:57 PS Audio AirLens Sound Review 6:31 PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC! 8:12 Using Roon with AirLens (Tidal Connect VS Roon)
@DavidslvPT7 ай бұрын
2:07 My assumption to the lack of USB connection is because the USB is very noisy in comparison with the other options and Paul McGowan has mentioned this in a few of his videos.
@abxaudiophiles4 күн бұрын
GREAT run down Jay!! - I just grabbed one of these for $999 utilizing the refurbished pricing and $500 trade in!! I run the DirectStream DAC so based on your review this will be a slam dunk!! AWESOME and Thank You for the killer review and rundown. Cheers buddy
@joeriemortelmans7 ай бұрын
For me one of the most important parts of the streamer is the software that you use to connect to the streamer ( if you don't have Roon ), if that app looks and feels like WinAmp 2000 and many of them do, then I don't care how good it sounds. The software I such an integral part of the user experience that I feel it should be a part of every streamer review, if you have to use an expensive service like Roon to make the device usable then the device is not well rounded. Designing software is hard and expensive but I see too many expensive and well made streamers be held back by their poor software. The software is part of the streamer !
@michaelwright16027 ай бұрын
BINGO! The reason I stick with the, wait for it, the WiiM Pro, it is the software. I use the PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC in my system, and have had other streamers through here. I still have the Mercury V2 that I have on a network running RoPieeeXL but now, never even turn it on. I looked at the EverSolo but cancelled the order as it was 30+ days out at that time. I have also considered other more expensive streamers, but again, it always boils down to the software. The software is always the deal breaker with these expensive streamers. They put all of their monies into the hardware and totally pass on the software. WiiM did it right, and they are being rewarded.
@mikecees22307 ай бұрын
For me one major criteria for a streamer is that it needs to be able to run LMS .
@barneyrubble93097 ай бұрын
Absolutely agree with this. If the interface is poor you will find an excuse not to use it. For me the sofware IS the streamer.
@titntin51787 ай бұрын
If it doesnt run roon its not even something worth considering. Software IS important, which is why anyone into this hobby should have roon - nothing is even close.
@rosswarren4367 ай бұрын
@@titntin5178if you enjoy Roon then more power to you. I had it and got rid of it. The native Tidal Connect app gives me all I need. Maybe if I were retired, I'd get more use out of reading all the extra artist information and such but right now, I just want to find and hear the music I want.
@marlonhouston66857 ай бұрын
Thank u. Somebody finally did a review on the Airlens. ❤
@Dennis_5107 ай бұрын
I'm trialing a Stellar Gold DAC and like you am really floored by it. I think it's a keeper. Running i2s from a PS Audio transport, eager to trial the Air Lens to see if it can come close to that combo. Never found a streamer that could match the CD transport-i2s combo.
@jerrysnead28426 ай бұрын
Ditto
@ivanparravano85542 ай бұрын
Which is the iS2 cable do you use? Thank You.
@psyphonyxaudio7 ай бұрын
Creeping up towards that 100k mark !! Congrats! I got to hear this unit at the Audiofest 2023.. really nice stuff.
@Hoopenfaust7 ай бұрын
I was part of the design team that created the look of the Airlens. Great review.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Great look!
@meesmo47 ай бұрын
The blue logo seriously ruined the look and made it look like a cheap 90s product. And why does every PS Audio product seem to have its own different aesthetics and design language? It's not cohesive at all. Just look at how out of place the streamer looks on top of the Stellar gold DAC, and it's not just the colour difference I'm talking about.
@ktakeshi176 ай бұрын
@@meesmo4 agreed, that logo look so out of place.
@storkfletcher8215 ай бұрын
@@meesmo4 I don't think the logo stands out that much with those neutral colors. It's nothing like McIntosh that combines a logo that looks like a cheap Halloween decoration with a completely incompatible shade of shining blue on the meters.
@omaramark4 ай бұрын
You nailed the look! 👍
@connorduke46197 ай бұрын
Great review. I sense an industry with streamers / transports and dacs similar to what happened with pre and power amps... a return to integrated units! Teac is leading the way in this regard with their apparently excellent Teac VRDS-701 CD player featuring custom transport and custom Dac chips.
@audiorick8417 ай бұрын
Great review Jay, thank you. Not too many on the AirLens. I got the AirLens and concur with your opinions except I did not get a “thin” sound from it, probably the gear I use. If this may help some users: Using ROON I compared it to my other streamers. It wiped the floor with my Node2i and Wiim Pro that sounded bloated and veiled in comparison, it surpassed my Pi2AES in terms of body and depth, it did not rival my Grimm MU1 in terms of airiness and details but ironically has a bit more body the the MU1 rather than thin. Overall it fits very well in it’s price range. This was using the following DAC’s: HoloMay KTE, PS Audio Direct Stream, Burson Composer and my little Denafrips Ares II. I totally agree that it matches well with PS audio DAC (in my case the DirectStream). It is a much warmer combo; I would not want it any warmer than that but its great, super soundstage and black background. *One thing I really do not like about using it with ROON: PS Audio Please, Please ,PLEASE Give us a Firmware update that when controlling the volume through the streamer that it is done natively and the attenuation does not result in 80% of the volume control happening in the last 10-20% of the volume slider. Please make it native and linear like most other streamers figured how to do. That is my only negative. Great streamer otherwise.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@AV84USA2 ай бұрын
$2,000 for an AppleTV, minus features? Don’t forget the add-on $1,500 transparent time-correcting, extra-oily power cable, as well as the appropriate data cables.
@Johnnytrades1017 ай бұрын
Great review! I have owned PS Audio, M700 monos. Very good amplifiers. The PS pairing that you have makes total sense. Works together with great synergy. I seriously looked at PS Audio for a major change with my system. Ultimately I chose Nuprime. Their Stream9 (I2s) the new Evolution DAC2, and the Evolution STA Amplifier. What you achieved with the PS, is exactly what I have with the Nuprime product. It is incredible through my Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII's. Maybe a look at Nuprime is worth it. There Is a Distributor near you!!
@davidfairchild16407 ай бұрын
Love my Nuprime ST-10M amps.
@DBTAudio7 ай бұрын
Jay, the review was great, but the highlight for me is that closing track that you play at the end of the video. That is a mean tune! Who is the artist and title of the track?
@beaucauchemar7 ай бұрын
Any plans to get in the Denafrips Arce streamer? Now that a few firmware releases have ironed out some bugs, the sound quality feedback so far has been quite positive.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I’ll have a look! Thanks
@milkman1000017 ай бұрын
thanks jay for reviewing ps audios products.i have a full bhk system ,but not the airlens. i have the eversolo a6 ,and ive been thinking whether to purchase it. is it worth swapping?
@labontej7 ай бұрын
Hope to see a review on the stellar gold DAC. Been weighing this vs. direct stream mk. 1 and other options. The shorter length was great btw, enough detail in a timely fashion
@bayard13327 ай бұрын
A USB output would reintroduce noise that you just spent 2k$ to get rid of. Optical does not support the file format needed. The available outputs are entirely based on technological considerations.
@tubefreeeasy3 ай бұрын
One of the tricks I like about PS Audio is that they install an upgraded ceramic fuse in all their components.
@torarnekvaly77537 ай бұрын
I am curious how it worked with Denafrips DACs? If it makes them also thin/bright?
@omaramark4 ай бұрын
I have the same question. I am thinking my Denafrips Pontus II has a wonderful warm sound and might be a good match in a somewhat similar way to the match with the PS Audio DAC. I particularly like the idea of ridding my system of USB.
@xstensl88233 ай бұрын
me too. i have Pontus and i am considering the new Auralic S1 streamer at the same price point.
@jasonpmcqueen7 ай бұрын
The limit to I2S counts me out. I have a Classe Delta pre and if I'm adding a streamer, I dont want to be compromising by having to use a sub par coax knowing that the I2S I cant use offers a better sound.
@MrBonger887 ай бұрын
Same for me. I guess I could by a DD converter but I couldn’t be bothered unless this streamer was the next best thing since sliced bread
@einarbk8857 ай бұрын
there is nothing subpar about coax or toslink, its an audiophile myth to sell higher priced snakeoil to people.
@lepython13 ай бұрын
I’ve tried the PS Audio airlens and the Wattson audio Emerson digital and I decided to go with the Wattson Audio Emerson digital with a SBooster power supply. It’s just amazing how it sounds.
@snomofilms7 ай бұрын
Good stuff Jay. Still waiting patiently for your full N20 review you promised me ❤😊
@kevingest54526 ай бұрын
Sooo this does the same thing as the win right?
@soumyajitdeb39437 ай бұрын
While I2S is a great choice, why did they choose coaxial with an RCA connector? They should have given a BNC or AES/EBU at least.
@JingoLoBa577 ай бұрын
Mmmm. I’m not a Roon user and don’t ever plan to do so. Sadly then, the AirLens is off the list. Thanks for your review here.
@johnh5395 ай бұрын
I am thinking of getting the Moon mind 2 streamer I would love to see a review/comparison to the Air lens. good work as always Jay. thanks
@erikjanssen64757 ай бұрын
How can a streamer which only sends a digital signal which it gets from the actual streaming service to a dac cause any different sound stage or offer more quality than a simple node for that matter? The 0's and 1's can not be that different from eachother.., right??
@altinberisha70466 ай бұрын
It sounds like a huge scam out of 2k for me, crazy thinking for sure
@Trebor20242 ай бұрын
dCS, a UK manufacturer, make some wonderful streamers. I have the entry model, the dCS Network Bridge. It’s no longer available but it sounds superb!
@rosswarren4367 ай бұрын
Looking forward to your "accidental" review of the PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC. At $4000, is it really a significant step up from say a Denafrips Pontus II -12th anniversary DAC? How much do you gain with it in your listening experience? Thanks.
@xstensl88233 ай бұрын
very happy with my Pontus 2 12th and the Bluesound 2i why would i need more?
@RandySmith-iz1ml7 ай бұрын
Very helpful thanks Jay!
@Expedition187 ай бұрын
Hi Jay love the videos. Would you mind listing links to your existing equipment. Thanks take care. 👍
@scottwaldman79417 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. I am/was seriously interested in the airlens for my system and have concerns after seeing your video. I have a Hegel H190 and wondered if it would be a good match for the airlens. If you don't think so, could you recommend a streamer to match with the HEGEL?
@ptg017 ай бұрын
I wonder why native integration with Amazon Music HD is so hard to come by with streamers
@andygilbert18777 ай бұрын
From what I hear…Amazon. 🙁 (Same with Apple)
@bobb.99177 ай бұрын
Agreed…iI think that Amazon makes it difficult. Don't know why? 🤷🏻♂️ I have a Marantz SACD30n with Heos (primitive) that allows me to access it as a secondary streaming source from Qobuz,which I access with a proprietary streamer.
@Feliciano12v7 ай бұрын
It's Amazon's fault, no API for third-party manufactures to work with.
@andreiskaldin75857 ай бұрын
Integration with Amazon is possible. WiiM streamers support bit-perfect playback using Amazon own apps. Not sure why PS Audio was not able to do the same.
@steven28096 ай бұрын
@@andreiskaldin7585Agreed. Auralic managed to include Amazon on their Lightning DS app....🙄
Amazing the lengths people go to to get a tiny bit better sound. For 2k, you could buy every single album for every artist you ever liked in FLAC format, and NOT stream anything and own the music, instead of relying on a streaming service which may or may not be around forever. I’d rather spend that money on amazing speakers, headphone, etc. that is how you can REALLY tell a big difference in sound, up to a certain point until the law of diminishing returns kick in.
@DigitalPhilosophers7 ай бұрын
Thank you for this great review. Can I use a standard HDMI cable to connect via i2s ?
@stephensams7097 ай бұрын
Yes!
@ewhite53817 ай бұрын
Plus the AirLense comes with a decent HDMI cable
@ivanparravano85542 ай бұрын
Which iS2 cable do you recommend? Thank you.
@JDavidG.7007 ай бұрын
How about your thoughts on the new DirectStream DAC Mk2?
@thornwithin61957 ай бұрын
Wow great review Jay! I have been a fan of PS Audio for a while and grabbed a Stellar S300 in December. I'm curious what other owners us with their PS Audio gear? I'm using a SMSL VMV Dac with a Parasound preamp. The Stellar gold series is very interesting but also all mula too. Can't wait for a review of it
@stephenschmitt86303 ай бұрын
I am a PS Audio owner, Stellar Gain Cell DAC and 2 M700 monoblocks. I just auditioned the Starkrimson Ultra against my gear. Very very good for the price but does not quite meet the power, fullness and depth of soundstage as my PS Audio gear. I have tried AB testing against Prima Luna and Schitt gear , all sound great but just Doesn’t come close. Not just because I own it, I could afford other gear but it just sounds great in my setup.
@JonathanMoore3fecta7 ай бұрын
I wonder how this sounds in comparison to the Auralic Aries G1.1...
@user-od9iz9cv1w7 ай бұрын
I think it is worth noting that there may be DACs where there will be little change. If the DAC has reclocking and isolation built in, it will sound the same with or without the Air Lens if your DAC has no way to bypass its on board airlens function. Think denafrips terminator for example.
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
My terminator 2 sounds very different/improved with the the airlens vs node and dmp-a6. Can easily hear differences between them with the denafrips. Which did you try that didn't make a difference?
@OmgkIutch6 ай бұрын
Have you heard the Aurender N100 or N150? If so how does the airlens compare to them? I currently have a PS Directstream dac and am leaning towards the Airlens for my streamer, but Aurender products have my attention as well.
@clothyardshafts14 күн бұрын
I was an Aurender user N100H. My problem was that as soon as I had the use of Roon through a friend’s setup, there was no going back. Surrender does not run Roon. So, I've sidelined the N100H and now use a dCs bridge for streaming. Although dCs has ceased production of the Bridge it still available on the used market. To be entirely frank with you, I wont be swapping the dCs Bride for any alternative streamer. On every measure, the Zbridge excells. I don't for one moment miss the Aurender.
@ewhite53817 ай бұрын
This industry says the same thing over and over again, SYNERGY. I just bought the DSD mk2 with the AirLense. Detail, emotion, texture, sonic sparkle, bass authority and information. Just amazing! Not to mention Native DSD support via I2S. (FYI for the haters, there was a couple of issues with early DSD firmware, now solved)
@SteadyRolling3 ай бұрын
Do you think that this unit will yield an internet radio stream as good as one could be? Also, how well does the interface app access internet radio through such services as TuneIn?
@adotopp18656 ай бұрын
Thanks for your personal opinions
@safferstefan7 ай бұрын
How does it compare to the hifi rose 130 ?
@gino32865 ай бұрын
Hi thanks for the very interesting review I wonder why AES/EBU for digital output is not very popular in hifi like in pro audio Strange To implement it i read costs almost nothing
@bechhoefereric12917 ай бұрын
I own both ps audio and its a killing sounding system. I use the ps streamer with audirvana using dlna. Both unit deliver tremendious sound the only drawback so far is that I got static electricity issues with the I2S interface which lead to fuse issues.
@tedrubinstein20037 ай бұрын
Hi Jay, yes, I did really enjoy this brief concise well done review. Here’s a stupid question for you, for some of us, with a top-of-the-line receiver from a major manufacturer how much Audible difference would we be able to hear using a separate streamer like this and or DAC, even with some fairly revealing speakers. Thank you Sir!
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
No such thing as a stupid question. I personally hear differences in streamers quite drastically and sometimes not as much. It depends on both the gear in question and the rest of the system And no, not always with revealing speakers
@tedrubinstein20037 ай бұрын
Makes sense
@garyalexander56864 ай бұрын
$2000. For a streamer. I haven't heard this product but it does seem a lot of money for a function that can be accomplished for a lot less money using a Raspberry Pi4 or 5. If it does a better job in reducing electrical interference that's certainly a point in its favor. For me the difference in performance between this and a Raspberry Pi would have to be huge to justify that difference in cost.
@Gedalneil7 ай бұрын
I have a full psaudio stack and not sure where this fits. My ps Audio DAC is adequate. Thanks for the review.
@darkstang966 ай бұрын
What do you feed your PS audio DAC with? If it’s a computer with USB changing it to the air lens will be a huge upgrade. I replaced a Mac mini and was blown away!
@jeffkalina77277 ай бұрын
Does it stream, rip and store?
@66westbound7 ай бұрын
This was a great review Jay. I have been running a BluSound Vault streamer into my PS Audio Gaincel Dac via Coaxial input. I have been thinking about replacing it with the AirLens, since the PSA GainCell that has an I2S input. I like the Blusound app, it makes it easy to go from one music service to another which includes SirusXM. SiriusXM does not have the best sound, but I do like the variety of music choices that they offer. I don't think that Roon supports SXM, & I don't know if there is a way to get this service into the AirLens, do you have any thoughts about this? Thanks.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Unfortunately I am not a SXM user… sorry I can’t be of much help on this
@66westbound7 ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi Well thanks Jay, I'll just contact PSA maybe they can tell me.
@RichardDurishin7 ай бұрын
@@66westboundI might contact Roon, since it seems the Airlens just shows up like an endpoint and has no user interface.
@Romad19814 ай бұрын
Has anyone used the Sonos Connect modded by Wyred 4 Sound and compared to the AirLens? I am thinking of trying the Airlens but the Sonos still sounds pretty good and has good Sonos app. Thanks for your replies.
@mikeeygauthier29597 ай бұрын
Love those IsoAccoustics!!
@mikeeygauthier29596 ай бұрын
Jay, they are a godsend! Since installing those under my Focal solo 6s, I’ve never been so satisfied. I’ve gone through a myriad of things like titanium cones, rubber balls, squash balls, and what not, but these are so satisfying.
@mikeeygauthier29596 ай бұрын
Jay, since putting these under my Focal solo 6s, I’ve never been so satisfied; they were truly a godsend. I’ve tried everything from titanium cones, squash balls, rubber balls, and what not but these are farfar superior!
@MrBonger887 ай бұрын
It’s crazy how technology evolves. I2S, an almost 40 year old interface used for sending serial digital audio between chips on a pcb , is now one of the best , if not the best, digital interconnects. Too bad we’ve been stuck with usb for hi resolution audio for so long
@r423sdex7 ай бұрын
Where is the data to prove its better than usb. The sites I visit says it makes absolutely no difference when doing actual measurements.
@altinberisha70466 ай бұрын
@@r423sdexgibberish audiophile talk
@Kami847 ай бұрын
Hey Jay. I just bought the KEF R3 meta. I have the cambridge audio cxa 61 right now. The treble is too pronounced for my liking. I'm looking to get another integrated amplifier at $3,000 or less. I was looking at the audiolab 9000a vs the hegel h120 vs technics su-g700. Which do you think would be best? I'm looking for a mostly neutral presentation. I'm sensitive to high frequencies and fatigue but also like a good amount of transparency. I have a rel T9x.
@leodesforges1616 ай бұрын
How close to on-axis do you have the KEFs? How much absorption do you have in the room? Making sure they are toed out at least 10 degrees from on-axis and adding absorption panels at first and second reflection points will do more than any new integrated. There is always the EQ as well. If none of those work, I'd get new speakers before i wasted 3k on an amp trying to tame a bright room/speakers.
@matthoyle23446 ай бұрын
Try and run Tara labs burn in track, it really helps take and improve a system. Leave it on repeat for several days if possible while at work etc.
@michaelwright16027 ай бұрын
Jay, what is the user interface like on the AirLens? Is there a phone/tablet app? Or is it more or less a Roon Endpoint device, and use the music service apps that you already have or a server?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
The latter is correct
@michaelwright16027 ай бұрын
@@JayiyagiThank you sir. Keep up the good work.
@chrisd14057 ай бұрын
Jay, what are the open baffle speakers shown at 2:37? They look like Lii W15 woofers (bottom) and Lii 15” full range drivers (maybe F15s) on top.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
They are MACO speakers
@chrisd14057 ай бұрын
I got it…. Madly Maco
@user-hb3go2cc9m7 ай бұрын
Hello@@Jayiyagi Guessing you will soon be posting a review of the MACO Speakers? Excellent.
@davidbee81787 ай бұрын
Hey Jay . . . can't help but notice the Macaria speakers in you room - have you or will you review them for your fans ?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
yes :)
@davidbee81787 ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi Cool ! Looking forward to your words on those guys :-) Cheers!
@goodsound47567 ай бұрын
How can a digital transport only have a sonic signature? An Amp: yes A DAC: yes Speakers: of course But a transport…?
@NosEL347 ай бұрын
I used to think that too. Some differences are so grand you can't just chalk it up to bias or headgames though. I'd say explore a few different ones.. especially when you get over that $2k mark. If you are a hard believer that there should be no difference it will leave you questioning somethings. Just my experience anyway.
@michaelwright16027 ай бұрын
That "signature" in my experience is simply electrical noise over the network and through the power supply. Clean up that noise, and everything opens up.
@DigitalPhilosophers7 ай бұрын
Less than the devices you mentioned but yes they do. There are noticeable differences in sound.
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
Why wouldn't it?
@TriAmpHiFi7 ай бұрын
I suppose any digital signal, once it enters a black box full of circuits, could be EQ'd/voiced subjectively. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
@johnkim36745 ай бұрын
I’m curious how this compares to the Innuos streamers
@vitortavares57596 ай бұрын
For listening the airlent as is best, I need to have a PS Audio DAC a and Roon subscription? No way!
@cremersalex7 ай бұрын
Jay, placing review items on IsoAcoustics feet always looks sloppy and therefore not really a good way to show them off.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I thought it looked nice. Why do you find em sloppy?
@darkstang966 ай бұрын
Disagree
@deanle6045 ай бұрын
Have you tried wimm pro
@bjornjagerlund37937 ай бұрын
Is this I2S connection a standard connection? As I understand it, it is not. They are using a HDMI connection and it will only work with DACs from PSAudio. Correct me if I’m wrong.
@chrisd14057 ай бұрын
Electrically, I2S is standard. But because it was designed as an internal transport of digital signal from a cd transport to DAC, there is no standard connector for I2S. Typically, manufacturers use HDMI or Ethernet connectors. As there is no connector standards, different manufacturers use these connectors differently (commonly referred to as pin-out of the connector).
@michaelwright16027 ай бұрын
It is hit and miss, some units work with the PS Audio DACs, some don't. I have the PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC and have had a few streamers through here. My Mercury V2 works with the PS Audio i2s, but the other I had, I cannot remember for the life of me which streamer that was, but it did not work with the PS Audio. I now run a WiiM Pro via digital coax out to the PS Audio DAC and see no reason to upgrade.
@dilbyjones7 ай бұрын
Nice ! Don’t forget the DAC!
@barutibny7 ай бұрын
Are dip switches common in high end systems? For $2,000 there should at least be a knob if a remote is not considered quality.
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
$2000 isn't high end
@Zoomerland6 ай бұрын
No usb on the airlens. PS Audio must have made the decision they don't want the dac/usb tuned market and assume I2S will be a success. I have I2s running on my Denafrips dac and Eversolo DMP8, sounds great. I considered the airlens, but no usb for my Yggy. I2S needs to become a standard and plug and play. It was a hassel to get I2S to talk to my dacs.
@dortiz15 ай бұрын
can the I2s go into the HDMI of my Anthem AVM 90?
@ericelmore8877 ай бұрын
How does dmp a6 master or a8 streamer only compare to aurender
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I find eversolo easier to use but aurender still sounds better
@zackw49417 ай бұрын
I don't know about all this.. I'm using a Wiim Pro into an Audio-gd R7-HE DAC, into Parasound JC2 and JC5, into upgraded Tekton Moabs. Even shipping deals and buying used electronics, I have $20k into my system. Upgrading the streamer is a very hard sell for me. The difference between digital components is jitter and noise. That's it. A good DAC should reject both. Tidal connect is already bit perfect.. WTF is Roon able to do to improve the same service on the same hardware? I respect Jay and his opinions, but I need more information to backup these claims.
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
A dac should, but most don't. You're missing out using the wiim
@zackw49415 ай бұрын
@@Pete.across.the.street I'm not using a cheap DAC though. The R7-HE is probably one of the better DACs on the planet. And yes, it internally re-clocks the signal to reject jitter.
@kevingest54525 ай бұрын
Digital outputs... It couldn't have a "house" sound. There isn't any analog circuit where there would be a variance in frequency response to add any coloration.
@tkl01117 ай бұрын
This review is too superficial, not enough comparison, lots of "more" better but no context. The only hint is the blackness compares to the N20. My only take away is this is a thin sounding unit with everything else besides PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I am trying to make my videos shorter (under 15 min) and to the point this year. It is a learning curve for me but as I've always demonstrated, I will improve. Thanks for your feedback on the "not enough comparison." I will make sure to add more comparisons in a timely manner next time
@ivanm18006 ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi Hi I wonder if you tried I2S with other dacs than the PS audio one? What was the results ? Still Thin sounding ? The thin sound is about the output or regardless of coax ? Thank you in advance for your answer.
@wiscobuckeye7 ай бұрын
How does it compare to the blue sound node? It’s 4x the price, no?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I find it a step up from the bluesound node for sure.
@user-cp5yx6om1h5 ай бұрын
which i2s cable did you use? Thanks
@Jayiyagi5 ай бұрын
I used the ps audio cable that came with the unit
@charleskatz26067 ай бұрын
High end less is more BS by limiting output with no USB It's not a no treble,bass or balance which you could argue for BTW what speakers are those?
@dajikbatarang17 ай бұрын
Without taking software into consideration how does it compare to the ifi zen
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
I find the ps audio airlens to be much more nuanced, detailed and spotlit. Ifi is warmer and richer sounding (almost like the ps audio’s original house sound)
@ronaldwanders7 ай бұрын
Hi Jay, I was about to buy the Airlens to hook it up to my Tambaqui. But thanks to your video I changed my mind and will not buy it. Thank you for saving me the 2 grand...
@erics.41137 ай бұрын
Wait DIP switches? Is that for i2s pin out or something else?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
To set sampling rates and so on. Nothing to do with i^2s
@erics.41137 ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi I'll check the docs. I thought you showed a pic that had DSD, 48khz, etc (e.g. sampling rates) but I would think that is established by the source you stream from and not a setting on the streamer.
@wwoolworth7 ай бұрын
What are they thinking not adding usb out?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
PS audio seems to be against USB and pushing forward towards i^2s. Not saying its a right or wrong move but I personally would have liked to have seen usb as an option if they were going to add coax
@barneyrubble93097 ай бұрын
The industry needs to standardise I2S now its becoming more popular.
@ronaldgronefeld7 ай бұрын
Jay, I like your page, but this is clearly about your grade, yes the galvanic saparation but what you hear is a better clock than in the dac, i2s is really about the clocks
@buckethead847 ай бұрын
Isn't i2s tricky in terms of matching it up with dacs?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Sometimes it can be
@chrisd14057 ай бұрын
Only because of pin-out.
@danijel-c7 ай бұрын
Darkness and spotlight. Reminds me of another (one specific) yt review.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Hegel? 👀
@Zoomerland6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. Now I know not to buy the Airlens as I have Denafrips dacs. I don't want a thin streamer for $2000.
@r423sdex7 ай бұрын
Black background !
@epi20457 ай бұрын
I2S I can’t trust. While technically it’s the most direct connection with timing within the signal, I2S isn’t a homogeneous standard. I went through this and found that just because two devices have I2S via HDMI doesn’t mean they work together.
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
Yes it’s not as widely accepted yet so it’s a bit of a headache to make sure of compatibility
@audiorick8417 ай бұрын
Most good DAC's will give you a pinout configuration option that will fit the streamer you are using. I never had a problem. My former Denafrips Venus and current Holo May have pinout options that fit almost anything used out there. Something to keep an eye on before buying but certainly not a hurtle for someone willing to spend 5 minutes looking up before purchasing IMO.
@ADREISTER7 ай бұрын
I also don't trust the physical integrity /robust durability, of the HDMI connection.
@rosswarren4367 ай бұрын
Indeed, the audio industry or some 'standards committee' needs to get their act together and decree a standard. Users shouldn't be troubled (or take chances) on fooling around with changing the pin outs on connections. For what these devices cost, they should be "plug and play".
@bencausey7 ай бұрын
Thanks for letting me know it’s thin-sounding. Not for me. I bet Paul is angry with the review. 😀
@darkstang966 ай бұрын
It definitely doesn’t sound thin on my DAC. Connected i2S to my Ferrum Wandla it is full and dynamic.
@kennethdias99887 ай бұрын
Air lens? Is that an ode to the Carver time lens CD player?
@darkstang966 ай бұрын
Not sure about that, but PS audio used to make a product called a digital lens. This air lens uses some of the technology from that with the “air” galvanic isolation, so I think the direct naming influence came from that.
@jeffreywhite4 ай бұрын
I have a HiFi Rose RS150. I also have the Airlens. The Airlens kills it is sound quality.
@DJ_BROBOT7 ай бұрын
Im looking at this for $2k and they dont have more ports on the back is a FAIL. I have more options on units for less
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
Those options aren't great for sound quality, so they left them off
@1320pass6 ай бұрын
Why streaming for 2ch hifi?
@thomastse62287 ай бұрын
DIP switches in a 2000 dollars product! 😂
@net_news7 ай бұрын
well I've seen dip switches in 20k+ phono preamps.
@peterruler487 ай бұрын
Why is it on isolation feet 😂
@parker45517 ай бұрын
Where is the screen?
@Jayiyagi7 ай бұрын
No screen on this one
@jaakanshorter7 ай бұрын
I wonder how close other streamers would be to this if they didn't do all that extra stuff to get their "house sounds"
@chrisd14057 ай бұрын
What is an example?
@TriAmpHiFi7 ай бұрын
@@chrisd1405 . Care to take odds if there will be a reply backing up the claim? Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
@AndreasC812 ай бұрын
I can’t imagine why anyone would want to buy a serious streamer just to use it with toslink or anything like that. I don’t see the point. In that case, you could save your money and buy a streamer for half the price or less. If would would want to have the best sound possible, you really have to have the best of everything throughout the whole chain. Otherwise there is simply no point.
@golpata7 ай бұрын
Why isoacoustic isolation feet? Does this streamer have any moving part?
@BlackCatPianist7 ай бұрын
The Galvanic isolation is a gimmick. It's just using some 50c opto couplers. Any properly designed DAC already have such circuit in place. It's a pure money grab.
@Pete.across.the.street7 ай бұрын
Not a gimmick if it works. Garbage in, garbage out.
@darkstang966 ай бұрын
The name may be just marketing, but I can tell you this streamer is much more than a money grab. I got a huge upgrade in sound quality swapping out a computer hooked up USB to this airlens hooked up i2S
@sasagpopovic6 ай бұрын
Only too good to be true? I’m interested only in the ENDGAME stuff! 😂