*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: ruclips.net/p/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)
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.
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
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.
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 !
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
@@A-gks 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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)
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
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!!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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??
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
$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.
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.
@@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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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?
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
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)
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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
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.
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
@@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.
Bummer, my recently acquired Chord Qutest has no i2s connection and if the coax is a step down then there is no point. Cross the Airlens of my short list. Sigh*
![[SPEAKER] PLATIMON VC TWO](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ThMdDe-vOOE/mqdefault.jpg)
![[SPEAKER] PLATIMON VC TWO](/img/tr.png)
*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: ruclips.net/p/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)
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.
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
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.
Ditto
Which is the iS2 cable do you use? Thank You.
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 !
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.
For me one major criteria for a streamer is that it needs to be able to run LMS .
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.
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.
@@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.
I was part of the design team that created the look of the Airlens. Great review.
Great look!
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.
@@A-gks agreed, that logo look so out of place.
@@A-gks 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.
You nailed the look! 👍
Thank u. Somebody finally did a review on the Airlens. ❤
Creeping up towards that 100k mark !! Congrats!
I got to hear this unit at the Audiofest 2023.. really nice stuff.
Thanks 🙏 for this thorough review! Do you think it will combine well with my Holo May Cyan 2 DAC with Synergistic Pink fuse?
I am curious how it worked with Denafrips DACs? If it makes them also thin/bright?
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.
me too. i have Pontus and i am considering the new Auralic S1 streamer at the same price point.
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.
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.
I’ll have a look! Thanks
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.
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
there is nothing subpar about coax or toslink, its an audiophile myth to sell higher priced snakeoil to people.
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.
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?
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)
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
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!!
Love my Nuprime ST-10M amps.
Sooo this does the same thing as the win right?
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.
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?
How does it compare to the hifi rose 130 ?
I wonder why native integration with Amazon Music HD is so hard to come by with streamers
From what I hear…Amazon. 🙁 (Same with Apple)
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.
It's Amazon's fault, no API for third-party manufactures to work with.
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.
@@andreiskaldin7585Agreed. Auralic managed to include Amazon on their Lightning DS app....🙄
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.
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?
One of the tricks I like about PS Audio is that they install an upgraded ceramic fuse in all their components.
I wonder how this sounds in comparison to the Auralic Aries G1.1...
How about your thoughts on the new DirectStream DAC Mk2?
For 2 grand, I want a touch screen, knobs and more connections.
take a look at eversolo
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??
It sounds like a huge scam out of 2k for me, crazy thinking for sure
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
Thank you for this great review. Can I use a standard HDMI cable to connect via i2s ?
Yes!
Plus the AirLense comes with a decent HDMI cable
Love those IsoAccoustics!!
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.
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!
I’m curious how this compares to the Innuos streamers
I have a full psaudio stack and not sure where this fits. My ps Audio DAC is adequate. Thanks for the review.
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!
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.
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.
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.
very happy with my Pontus 2 12th and the Bluesound 2i why would i need more?
How does dmp a6 master or a8 streamer only compare to aurender
I find eversolo easier to use but aurender still sounds better
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.
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.
Have you tried wimm pro
Thanks for your personal opinions
Is the housing metal or plastic?
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.
They are MACO speakers
I got it…. Madly Maco
Hello@@Jayiyagi Guessing you will soon be posting a review of the MACO Speakers? Excellent.
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!
Does it stream, rip and store?
Which iS2 cable do you recommend?
Thank you.
Good stuff Jay. Still waiting patiently for your full N20 review you promised me ❤😊
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.
Very helpful thanks Jay!
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?
Hey Jay . . . can't help but notice the Macaria speakers in you room - have you or will you review them for your fans ?
yes :)
@@Jayiyagi Cool ! Looking forward to your words on those guys :-) Cheers!
What are they thinking not adding usb out?
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
PS Audio Airlens
or Hifi Rose RS150?
I own an Eversolo
DMP-A6 Master Edition.
$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.
can the I2s go into the HDMI of my Anthem AVM 90?
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.
Thanks for sharing!
which i2s cable did you use? Thanks
I used the ps audio cable that came with the unit
Wait DIP switches? Is that for i2s pin out or something else?
To set sampling rates and so on. Nothing to do with i^2s
@@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.
Isn't i2s tricky in terms of matching it up with dacs?
Sometimes it can be
Only because of pin-out.
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?
The latter is correct
@@JayiyagiThank you sir. Keep up the good work.
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.
Nice ! Don’t forget the DAC!
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
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.
Hi Jay love the videos. Would you mind listing links to your existing equipment. Thanks take care. 👍
How does it compare to the blue sound node? It’s 4x the price, no?
I find it a step up from the bluesound node for sure.
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?
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
Without taking software into consideration how does it compare to the ifi zen
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)
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately I am not a SXM user… sorry I can’t be of much help on this
@@Jayiyagi Well thanks Jay, I'll just contact PSA maybe they can tell me.
@@66westboundI might contact Roon, since it seems the Airlens just shows up like an endpoint and has no user interface.
$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.
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!
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
Makes sense
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
Where is the data to prove its better than usb. The sites I visit says it makes absolutely no difference when doing actual measurements.
@@r423fplipgibberish audiophile talk
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.
$2000 isn't high end
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.
BS Node N130: BluOS interface 😊
W4S 10th DAC2V2SE Es9038 😊
Jay, placing review items on IsoAcoustics feet always looks sloppy and therefore not really a good way to show them off.
I thought it looked nice. Why do you find em sloppy?
Disagree
Air lens? Is that an ode to the Carver time lens CD player?
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.
Where is the screen?
No screen on this one
For listening the airlent as is best, I need to have a PS Audio DAC a and Roon subscription?
No way!
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.
A dac should, but most don't. You're missing out using the wiim
@@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.
How can a digital transport only have a sonic signature?
An Amp: yes
A DAC: yes
Speakers: of course
But a transport…?
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.
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.
Less than the devices you mentioned but yes they do. There are noticeable differences in sound.
Why wouldn't it?
I suppose any digital signal, once it enters a black box full of circuits, could be EQ'd/voiced subjectively.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
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...
Darkness and spotlight. Reminds me of another (one specific) yt review.
Hegel? 👀
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.
I wonder how close other streamers would be to this if they didn't do all that extra stuff to get their "house sounds"
What is an example?
@@chrisd1405
. Care to take odds if there will be a reply backing up the claim?
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
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.
Why streaming for 2ch hifi?
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.
Yes it’s not as widely accepted yet so it’s a bit of a headache to make sure of compatibility
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.
I also don't trust the physical integrity /robust durability, of the HDMI connection.
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".
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
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.
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
@@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.
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
Those options aren't great for sound quality, so they left them off
The industry needs to standardise I2S now its becoming more popular.
Black background !
Why is it on isolation feet 😂
To assist the oscillator
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.
Why isoacoustic isolation feet? Does this streamer have any moving part?
DIP switches in a 2000 dollars product! 😂
well I've seen dip switches in 20k+ phono preamps.
Bummer, my recently acquired Chord Qutest has no i2s connection and if the coax is a step down then there is no point. Cross the Airlens of my short list. Sigh*
Thanks for letting me know it’s thin-sounding. Not for me.
I bet Paul is angry with the review. 😀
It definitely doesn’t sound thin on my DAC. Connected i2S to my Ferrum Wandla it is full and dynamic.
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?