Love it! Perfect timing. I'm in the market for a streamer transport only with no DAC and it appears this will meet my needs. I was specifically looking for something with i2s and under $2,000 and this is a perfect match. Any idea when the release date will be? I would like to put a pre-order in!
Hey Paul, Can you tell me more about the airlens. Do you use a Raspberry Pi for the capture of the Qobuz, Tidel or Spotify signal? What do you mean with a galvanicly isolated from the rest from the noisy components? Is it a metal sheet or do you use another methode? Will hte Airlens become availible in the Netherlands? Thank you for explainig this, regards, Martin
My 'music data' chain is from 5G Internet through a phone line into my computer, and processed by the Amazon Music or Media Player controllers, and then to an old Motorola DC800 Bluetooth module, which then RCA's into my Parasound pre-amp's analog input . . . speakers are Dahlquist DQ-10's or a pair of AR28s's . . . both lovingly restored. I can choose between a Harmon/Kardon Citation amplifier (circa 1990's) or an Adcom GFA-1A . . . but neither have DAC's. I do have a 150wpc Harmon/Kardon receiver and matching CD player in my bedroom-reading room. Both have awesome internal DAC's, and if I had something like the AirLens I would probably daisy chain it through the HK DAC, or buy a stand-alone DAC.
So it's a network streamer that is also Roon compatible maybe even Roon Ready? A good thing to be sure. But use your own DAC limited to SPDIF or I2S but no USB?
@@marcelmolenaar5684 I am referring to the clock in the AirLens. The point would be for the I2S signal created by the AirLens to drive the DAC. If the DAC is reclocking the I2S signal generated by the AirLens, then there is no purpose in using the AirLens. All assuming I understand the AirLens from Paul's description. I could not find anything on it so I'm making some assumptions here.
@5:44 "This is as quiet as it could possibly be, from a noise standpoint". How does it compare, noise wise, and otherwise, to the Innuos Statement, which houses its power supply in a separate chassis?
Same principle but better because there is no physical connection to in this case the audio section of the Air lens. It's galvanically isolated so only it's power is passes through a magnetic field and not a physical connection. So all noise that's carried through a traditional physical connection never gets passed through.
So, after watching today's video I made a note to visit the website to see the AirLens and guess what Paul? It's still not listed on the website as of 5:30pm Central time. Any idea when it will show up????
from the video AirLens seems to me a usb soundcard replacement - an ethernet/WIFI external HIFI soundcard.... I'd like to see an amp from PS Audio that can act as two active 3way crossovers..and can do calibrations of the active crossovers and loudspeakers with one click. will that already become a car amp?
Most high-end streamers use usb with lower noise and latency than Ethernet / WiFi. I still remember article in PS Audio praising JCAT USB card being heaven sent by Paul himself.
A person has two ears and can determin where a noice comes from , from any direction. A very good set of loudspeakers in stereo can place every sound to any direction. ( surround with just two loudspeakers )
Currently using my Naim Uniti Atom as a preamp/dac/streamer as I move into the world of separates. I wonder if the AirLens will be right for me once I breakout into a standalone preamp and dac setup...
@Douglas Blake It depends on one’s definition of “problem” and, of course, one’s awareness of problems that may go unnoticed due to ignorance because, as is often said, ‘Digital is digital!’ Not hearing audible skips or pops doesn’t mean the source output and transfer are pristine. As usual, details matter.
@Douglas Blake Being unaware of something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Opinions gathered do not make facts. Such is the case with the various misconceptions with consumer audio.
@Douglas Blake Our abilities to discern relatively minute aural differences may differ... or you just don't care as much as me. But we are both lovers of music. The difference is, I'm making the effort to more carefully craft my audio system for the purpose of attaining the greatest transparency, purity, tonal accuracy, and detail possible. I'll admit, this endeavor takes time, effort, and money. Since I'm on a budget, I have a ways to go. Though, I have to say, I'm also enjoying my evening: experimenting with various facets of my system to make improvements in the overall sound. Everything in the chain makes a difference: earpads, cables, DAC, and amps. Unbeknownst to many in this hobby, it's not all about the headphones and speakers. Rather that think of my approach to audio as "looking for problems" - _since problems exist whether or not I look for them_ - I consider what I do as _making improvements._
Paul, Is there an intention to include DSP in the Air Lens, for room correction? This would definitely set a standard and put it on my shopping list 😉!
Agree 100%. Modern SOCs (system on chips) can easily run DSP code such as Audio Weaver to do high quality audio processing including room correction, loudness control, subwoofer cross-over and so on. Having a high quality DAC inside is quite trivial also allowing it two drive multiple power amps. I would love to see one with 8 DAC outputs for connection to 8 mono blocks powering individual speaker drivers for a setup allowing precision cross-over tuning.
The best thing about Roon is that it has a bunch of DSP functions most important to me is the parametric equalizer which must be used very carefully otherwise you’ll wind up in worse shape than you started. If you want to stand how do use a software equalizer like this for room correction then this is the way to go. I made one small shelf correction in the mid range through the top end and the sound of my entire system now is definitely better in every way but it took many hours of making mistakes to get to that point. I now understand how to use this parametric equalizer function properly but I don’t think I will have to make any additional changes.
@@stimpy1226 Agree, when using DSP EQ, you gotta know what you are doing or you can make things worse. The best systems need little EQ and will still benefit from it. But any hearing deficiency or loudness compensation are also concerns where EQ can do miracles.
Why is it that audio can go through the “air” but the noise can’t. Seems like if there is noise inherently introduced in the audio then both could go through
You mention a low jitter low noise clock, here in UK you can have your actual router's clock upgraded with an expensive clock, is this available in the US, is this overkill to do this to a standard home router?
I've never heard of someone upgrading the clock on their router in the US. Also I think he's probably taking about jitter at the DAC end, rather then the network level.
Reducing jitter/noise anywhere in the chain is beneficial. Upgrading power supplies or getting audiophile switches, or Ethernet re-clockers is also an option. Overkill is in the ear of the beholder. I like Hans Beekhuyzen for all things streaming.
@Douglas Blake I changed ISPs recently and got a small upgrade which I credit to their modem. Don't knock it till you try it. Also check out this explanation. czcams.com/video/grzoqEb2KMk/video.html
Hi PS audio. I’m interested in this product. I know you’re a bit biased, but would you say this Airlens replacing an ifi Zen stream fed by separate linear power supply into a Denafrips Iris D2D (outputting I2S) would be an audible and significant improvement in sound quality? I stream Tidal Direct for most everything and my DAC is a Denafrips Venus 2. Thanks. Josh
Hey Josh. Technically yhe AirLens is better and should sound better but, not having made the comparison myself I would be remiss in telling you it will be better. That'd be my guess but much is system dependent, how resolving your system is, etc. Good news is you can take it home for a month and see. If it doesn't, simply return it for a full refund. Let us know if you do.
So let me get this straight. At present I have a Roon Nucleus that is connected via an ethernet cable directly to your DSD DAC/Streamer Bridge II board and the Roon core communicates via WiFi to my iPad providing a wonderful GUI and the ability to have a whole New World of music at my fingertips. That would mean that the Airlens would be inserted in this streaming system between the proper output of my DAC/Streamer into my preamp’s input correct??
@@goodsound4756 that’s exactly why I asked my question. I spoke to someone at PSA that told me that I would have to remove the bridge card from my DAC/Streamer which I doubt I am going to do. As soon as a new product comes out, there is something better introduced within a year or two and I’m not gonna be jumping around like a jack rabbit anymore. I love the way my system sounds and I’m going to leave well enough alone. Possibly the only new component that I may try on a trial basis is a high-quality master clock. If that makes a difference, then fine and I won’t spend $20,000 on this clock either. Basically what I would have to do to make things a little easier is to sell my Nucleus and I am definitely not doing that.
It's a basic network bridge that can connect to a DAC. Lots on the market that can do the same. A good DAC will have a lot of the isolation on place already, so this is mainly just an expensive way to do what you can already do. Or ideally get a DAC with the streaming capabilities on board, then you're saving an extra component/set of connections.
@@LlewGyffes part of the digital audio component structure is the PS AUDIO DSD DAC/ Streamer with the Bridge II. So I’m just going to forget about the Airlens at least at present.
You mention Bob Carver, around 1984-5, I purchased a Carver pre-amp that used "sonic holography" a concept that I never did totally grasp. The manual was about 20-25 pages mostly explaining the sonic holography theory. I still have the pre amp and manual but haven't used it for several years.
@@gregorall9779 yes it’s those types of marketing names I was referring to. Fyi Paul did a video on sonic holography here on this channel. You can search for it.
Regarding I2S, what do you mean by "we developed the interface"? PS Audio obviously did not invent the I2S transfer protocol, but you were maybe the first to use an HDMI connector for the wiring?
I recall reading somewhere that PS Audio was a very early pioneer during the development of the i2s standard. They have definitely been one of the few out there to use it and publish material on it so that other manufacturers can utilize the same or tweak to their liking.
@@CaptainCrunch823 Yeah, Paul mentions in the recent video "Compatibility between DACs and Transports" that PS Audio certainly did not invent it. But they contributed to its popularity as well as publishing a spec, just as you said.
very confusing answer / I wonder how their Sales will do, also this is only compatible with Roon, that's it ? what about directly with Spotify, Tidal ?
Can someone explain to me galvanic isolation? I read a few pieces about bit I still don’t get how it works. If RF and EM make their way as noise in my signal, won’t that noise “jump“ to the other side of the galvanic isolator like the original signal does? How can the galvanic isolator filter signal from noise? Thank you 😊
Excellent question! Often wondered about that myself. I’m no expert but as I understand it, Indeed, anything inside the signal would still make it through the connection. But the grounds are not connected directly. Also, DC would not be transferred.
Galvanic isolation avoids noise created by ground loops between 2 electrically connected devices or different parts of a device. it does not get rid of noise embedded in the signal.
@Douglas Blake I know it's not that simple but a digital signal is still an analog voltage, but more to the point, a ground connection can transfer noise, whether intended for analog or digital. When there is no galvanic isolation, that is.
I believe they're working on a brand-new DAC. I've heard rumors of upwards of $20k or close to it. Someone mentioned the last update for the DirectSteam was the final update.
uhm usb is a copper wire, as is ethernet cabling. I don't see how it could make a difference since speeds are about the same depending on what standards of usb your using or what speed of ethernet your using. Wi-fi is not suited for transfering sound if you ask me. Anyways its the cable discussion i suppose all over again lol
Just leave the protective plastic film on it. Like all new PS Audio products have from the factory. Did you say include a person named Matt to cover their product? That's odd..........
I use Amazon Music Unlimited, Windows 10 PC, USB to Marantz DAC, and can detect absolutely no noise whatsoever, at any listening level, during track playback or in between. Help me to understand what I’m doing wrong so my system can be properly noisy. Then I can fix it by buying an Air Lens.
@@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez Different issue. Paul said USB connection is very noisy. The Air Lens clock is low jitter. I know what jitter sounds like. I know what noise sounds like too.
@@36karpatoruski My guess is that electric interferences -in an asynchronous configuration- might increase jitter even if the clock of the streamer is good. "Air lens" is just another arguable marketing term for another device with galvanic isolation.
The noise in this case is not necessarily directly audible but could be affecting the dac in ways that are. Goldensound has a video about DDCs that explain both galvanic isolation and reclocking and demonstrates the measurable differences it makes with an audio analyser
Here's is how I test to see if my usb based computer system is plagued by noise and jitter. I play a CD with the coaxial output going to my DAC. Then I play the same song ripped as a FLAC file through JRiver and then sent to my DAC via usb. They sound virtually the same. A certain amount of noise and jitter is in All digital systems. The question is does it reach the threshold of hearing? I can safely say that in my pretty resolving system it does not.
usb handles the highest bit rates i heard so far 32 bit and 792khz and that is only available using usb no other connection can handle what usb can unless it's on pro equipment
@@shangrilaladeda You say that, but there are many people who listen to DSD music. I'm guessing it's more than you think. Just look at all the current DACs. Can you find one that only supports PCM audio?
@@charlienyc1 there are many dacs that support dsd but they aren’t cheap so it’s a niche produce meant only for a few so it doesn’t matter. Until dsd equipment becomes more affordable it won’t be worth it for the masses only the rich and people who sell it
If you look at the explanatory notes under the video, you will see that the "AirLens" is "PS Audio's new and exciting upcoming product called the AirLens "... UPCOMING.
But... you can't send native DSD to your DAC through coaxial... can you? So OK, you got rid of the ugly USB path, how are you supposed to send your DSD file to the DAC?
You can stream 4K HDR Television, along with ultra high-quality audio, with nothing more than a $40 dongle (Roku, Amazon, etc.) and a $10 HDMI 2.1 cable. Why would two channels of audio require so much additional high-priced gear? Personally, I really enjoy excellent audio but I'm completely unconvinced that anything beyond the speakers and the amplifier makes a major difference.
AirLens.. sounds expensive..💰💰💰🤔 Apparently I have been listening to jitter for decades and didn’t realize it. 😳🙄 I looked through my settings on my Apple laptop for a jitter on/ off switch. I guess jitter is a default feature that comes with every Apple Computer.
Struggling to understand the purpose of this. My system has all my digital music stored on a NAS, connected via ethernet to my BlueSound Node, connected to my amp with an Audioquest coax for 24/192 hi-res streaming. BlueSound gives me an excellent interface without the astronomical and unnecessary Roon subscription, and my amp's DAC is brilliant. The AirLens seems an unnecessary step.
AirLens is a Node alternative. Maybe it sounds better than the Node, that's it's purpose. You don't need Roon with it, I'm sure PS Audio has a perfectly serviceable interface for their streamers.
Correct. I have a Bluesound Node that is hard to beat for audio quality. I expect the airLens will be way more expensive compared to the Bluesound Node.
@@jakbenardete7707 Except that there isn't - to my knowledge - a PS audio interface that negates the need for Roon, or that does what BlueSound's own app does. So the AirLens isn't a direct alternative - you'd have to have something that would catalogue your music PLUS the AirLens PLUS a DAC, rather than the Node, which does it all. As there's no DAC in the AirLens, and there IS in the Node, that also requires a separate DAC.
@@richardt3371 It’s called PS connect and it works the same way the BlueOS app. You’re right about the DAC but most higher end systems have better DACs than the one in the Node, not that the Node is bad but for $850 you can get a Denafrips Ares DAC that’s audibly much better than the DAC in the Node.
Qobuz+Roon?? Come on man. I don’t have time Roon. I just need something (~$1,500) that can respectfully take the place of my aging Bluesound Node, that don NOT have an internal DAC and can utilize Wi-Fi. I’m telling you, this industry knows exactly how to keep you over a barrel. 😒
Well you are now two for two paul. It still isn't on your website but at least you didn't say that it's doing very well this time. Probably the most shameful thing I came across in your videos is when you said that it's on your website and it's doing very well yet it wasn't even available for purchase LOL
Don't you thing that your new streamer is also COMPUTER (maybe not?) - so it's as bad as a COMPUTER... Just don't tell me please fairy tales here that it's optimized, because it's just a COMPUTER.
Great looking device, looking forward to it.
it just keeps coming 😎 thank you Paul
Niiiice. Congrats on the new product.
What a nice and timely message you received Paul 😂
Love it! Perfect timing. I'm in the market for a streamer transport only with no DAC and it appears this will meet my needs. I was specifically looking for something with i2s and under $2,000 and this is a perfect match. Any idea when the release date will be? I would like to put a pre-order in!
🤗THANKS PAUL, I AM WATCHING A DAY LATER , and my budget is MY CONTROLLER 😅
But that’s okay I’m HAPPY for those who need it 😁👍💚💚💚
Cool ! What streaming services will it support natively ? Tidal ? Qobuz? Amazon Music ? Apple Music ?
Well surely Roon 😆
Hey Paul, Can you tell me more about the airlens. Do you use a Raspberry Pi for the capture of the Qobuz, Tidel or Spotify signal? What do you mean with a galvanicly isolated from the rest from the noisy components? Is it a metal sheet or do you use another methode? Will hte Airlens become availible in the Netherlands?
Thank you for explainig this,
regards, Martin
Hi Paul, I assume that the AirLens you displayed on the video s a prototype. Any release date in site? Any specifications you can share?
My 'music data' chain is from 5G Internet through a phone line into my computer, and processed by the Amazon Music or Media Player controllers, and then to an old Motorola DC800 Bluetooth module, which then RCA's into my Parasound pre-amp's analog input . . . speakers are Dahlquist DQ-10's or a pair of AR28s's . . . both lovingly restored.
I can choose between a Harmon/Kardon Citation amplifier (circa 1990's) or an Adcom GFA-1A . . . but neither have DAC's.
I do have a 150wpc Harmon/Kardon receiver and matching CD player in my bedroom-reading room. Both have awesome internal DAC's, and if I had something like the AirLens I would probably daisy chain it through the HK DAC, or buy a stand-alone DAC.
So it's a network streamer that is also Roon compatible maybe even Roon Ready? A good thing to be sure. But use your own DAC limited to SPDIF or I2S but no USB?
Do you publish the phase noise plot of the clocks used? And does it have an option to use an alternate clock?
The DAC-clock you mean ?
( I didn't watch his video )
@@marcelmolenaar5684 I am referring to the clock in the AirLens. The point would be for the I2S signal created by the AirLens to drive the DAC. If the DAC is reclocking the I2S signal generated by the AirLens, then there is no purpose in using the AirLens.
All assuming I understand the AirLens from Paul's description. I could not find anything on it so I'm making some assumptions here.
Not on website yet!(10/5/22) ballpark pricing? How’s this different from Gaincell DAC?
So, what if the dac already has a galvanically isolated usb input? Like to holo may? Wouldn't it be redundant to get a streamer if that was the case?
Thanks Sir for the info
@5:44 "This is as quiet as it could possibly be, from a noise standpoint".
How does it compare, noise wise, and otherwise, to the Innuos Statement, which houses its power supply in a separate chassis?
Same principle but better because there is no physical connection to in this case the audio section of the Air lens. It's galvanically isolated so only it's power is passes through a magnetic field and not a physical connection. So all noise that's carried through a traditional physical connection never gets passed through.
Great! Now I want one. :)
When can I buy one in the UK? Need a digital transport with I2s ASAP! Nothing on the PS Audio website so please give some expectations.
So, after watching today's video I made a note to visit the website to see the AirLens and guess what Paul? It's still not listed on the website as of 5:30pm Central time. Any idea when it will show up????
I remember the PS Digital Lens.
does it have a inbuilt LPS or SPS?
JRiver can stream uncompresses from Linux Mac or Windows. I have a headless Mac with Jiver 29, the Mac contains all my music files.
I wish that this could host Roon Core, maybe it can in the future? : D
from the video AirLens seems to me a usb soundcard replacement - an ethernet/WIFI external HIFI soundcard....
I'd like to see an amp from PS Audio that can act as two active 3way crossovers..and can do calibrations of the active crossovers and loudspeakers with one click.
will that already become a car amp?
some dacs are designed around usb input is there a usb output?
If have to choose between the 3. CD LP or Cassette. which will it be, and why?
Most high-end streamers use usb with lower noise and latency than Ethernet / WiFi. I still remember article in PS Audio praising JCAT USB card being heaven sent by Paul himself.
One would hope that the outputs would be galvanically isolated anyway
A person has two ears and can determin where a noice comes from , from any direction.
A very good set of loudspeakers in stereo can place every sound to any direction. ( surround with just two loudspeakers )
With headphones yea, with loudspeakers it’s a little more complicated so the distance increases from your head and the room is involved etc.
Currently using my Naim Uniti Atom as a preamp/dac/streamer as I move into the world of separates. I wonder if the AirLens will be right for me once I breakout into a standalone preamp and dac setup...
@Douglas Blake It depends on one’s definition of “problem” and, of course, one’s awareness of problems that may go unnoticed due to ignorance because, as is often said, ‘Digital is digital!’ Not hearing audible skips or pops doesn’t mean the source output and transfer are pristine. As usual, details matter.
@Douglas Blake Being unaware of something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Opinions gathered do not make facts. Such is the case with the various misconceptions with consumer audio.
@Douglas Blake Our abilities to discern relatively minute aural differences may differ... or you just don't care as much as me. But we are both lovers of music. The difference is, I'm making the effort to more carefully craft my audio system for the purpose of attaining the greatest transparency, purity, tonal accuracy, and detail possible. I'll admit, this endeavor takes time, effort, and money. Since I'm on a budget, I have a ways to go.
Though, I have to say, I'm also enjoying my evening: experimenting with various facets of my system to make improvements in the overall sound. Everything in the chain makes a difference: earpads, cables, DAC, and amps. Unbeknownst to many in this hobby, it's not all about the headphones and speakers.
Rather that think of my approach to audio as "looking for problems" - _since problems exist whether or not I look for them_ - I consider what I do as _making improvements._
Not on the website yet. What’s the price?
I would be quite interested in this device im in canada so hoping its not crazy expensive as usa to canada is
Sounds like the Bricasti M5. What’s the price of the air lens?
Paul,
Is there an intention to include DSP in the Air Lens, for room correction? This would definitely set a standard and put it on my shopping list 😉!
Agree 100%. Modern SOCs (system on chips) can easily run DSP code such as Audio Weaver to do high quality audio processing including room correction, loudness control, subwoofer cross-over and so on. Having a high quality DAC inside is quite trivial also allowing it two drive multiple power amps. I would love to see one with 8 DAC outputs for connection to 8 mono blocks powering individual speaker drivers for a setup allowing precision cross-over tuning.
The best thing about Roon is that it has a bunch of DSP functions most important to me is the parametric equalizer which must be used very carefully otherwise you’ll wind up in worse shape than you started. If you want to stand how do use a software equalizer like this for room correction then this is the way to go. I made one small shelf correction in the mid range through the top end and the sound of my entire system now is definitely better in every way but it took many hours of making mistakes to get to that point. I now understand how to use this parametric equalizer function properly but I don’t think I will have to make any additional changes.
@@ThinkingBetter but quite rare as a standard set up…
@@stimpy1226 Agree, when using DSP EQ, you gotta know what you are doing or you can make things worse. The best systems need little EQ and will still benefit from it. But any hearing deficiency or loudness compensation are also concerns where EQ can do miracles.
@@ThinkingBetter You seem to know your stuff pretty well. Thanks for your reply.
i don’t see this on your website today
Why is it that audio can go through the “air” but the noise can’t. Seems like if there is noise inherently introduced in the audio then both could go through
You mention a low jitter low noise clock, here in UK you can have your actual router's clock upgraded with an expensive clock, is this available in the US, is this overkill to do this to a standard home router?
I've never heard of someone upgrading the clock on their router in the US. Also I think he's probably taking about jitter at the DAC end, rather then the network level.
@@benwolfe1301 ok, trichord research do it over here, they say it makes a difference, who knew :-)
@Douglas Blake beats me too
Reducing jitter/noise anywhere in the chain is beneficial. Upgrading power supplies or getting audiophile switches, or Ethernet re-clockers is also an option. Overkill is in the ear of the beholder. I like Hans Beekhuyzen for all things streaming.
@Douglas Blake I changed ISPs recently and got a small upgrade which I credit to their modem. Don't knock it till you try it. Also check out this explanation. czcams.com/video/grzoqEb2KMk/video.html
Is this the streamer for the next Bluesound Node to emulate?
That would’ve been a great name for your speakers, or one of the specialty drivers
Hi PS audio. I’m interested in this product. I know you’re a bit biased, but would you say this Airlens replacing an ifi Zen stream fed by separate linear power supply into a Denafrips Iris D2D (outputting I2S) would be an audible and significant improvement in sound quality? I stream Tidal Direct for most everything and my DAC is a Denafrips Venus 2. Thanks. Josh
Hey Josh. Technically yhe AirLens is better and should sound better but, not having made the comparison myself I would be remiss in telling you it will be better. That'd be my guess but much is system dependent, how resolving your system is, etc. Good news is you can take it home for a month and see. If it doesn't, simply return it for a full refund. Let us know if you do.
Great. Thanks for the reply.
@@Paulmcgowanpsaudio
So let me get this straight. At present I have a Roon Nucleus that is connected via an ethernet cable directly to your DSD DAC/Streamer Bridge II board and the Roon core communicates via WiFi to my iPad providing a wonderful GUI and the ability to have a whole New World of music at my fingertips. That would mean that the Airlens would be inserted in this streaming system between the proper output of my DAC/Streamer into my preamp’s input correct??
Nope. The airlens is a streamer that goes in front of your DAC.
@@goodsound4756 that’s exactly why I asked my question. I spoke to someone at PSA that told me that I would have to remove the bridge card from my DAC/Streamer which I doubt I am going to do. As soon as a new product comes out, there is something better introduced within a year or two and I’m not gonna be jumping around like a jack rabbit anymore. I love the way my system sounds and I’m going to leave well enough alone. Possibly the only new component that I may try on a trial basis is a high-quality master clock. If that makes a difference, then fine and I won’t spend $20,000 on this clock either.
Basically what I would have to do to make things a little easier is to sell my Nucleus and I am definitely not doing that.
It's a basic network bridge that can connect to a DAC. Lots on the market that can do the same. A good DAC will have a lot of the isolation on place already, so this is mainly just an expensive way to do what you can already do. Or ideally get a DAC with the streaming capabilities on board, then you're saving an extra component/set of connections.
@@LlewGyffes part of the digital audio component structure is the PS AUDIO DSD DAC/ Streamer with the Bridge II. So I’m just going to forget about the Airlens at least at present.
Will it support HQPlayer?
“AirLens”? Paul is turning into Bob Carver with these names.
With more air, er ... hair
You mention Bob Carver, around 1984-5, I purchased a Carver pre-amp that used "sonic holography" a concept that I never did totally grasp. The manual was about 20-25 pages mostly explaining the sonic holography theory. I still have the pre amp and manual but haven't used it for several years.
@@gregorall9779 yes it’s those types of marketing names I was referring to. Fyi Paul did a video on sonic holography here on this channel. You can search for it.
You are so right! People should do blind tests! Snakeoil and meaningless expressions have sadly allways been a part of the hifi circus!
Paul is awesome. I love his products.
Id like to know what “quality (cost)” my system needs to be to actually hear this improvement.
Regarding I2S, what do you mean by "we developed the interface"? PS Audio obviously did not invent the I2S transfer protocol, but you were maybe the first to use an HDMI connector for the wiring?
I recall reading somewhere that PS Audio was a very early pioneer during the development of the i2s standard. They have definitely been one of the few out there to use it and publish material on it so that other manufacturers can utilize the same or tweak to their liking.
@@CaptainCrunch823 Yeah, Paul mentions in the recent video "Compatibility between DACs and Transports" that PS Audio certainly did not invent it. But they contributed to its popularity as well as publishing a spec, just as you said.
very confusing answer / I wonder how their Sales will do, also this is only compatible with Roon, that's it ? what about directly with Spotify, Tidal ?
So, I'm guessing the DirectStream DAC with streaming capabilities is going to the wayside?
The DirectStream DAC is being replaced with the PerfectWave DAC MKII. The AirLens will be a perfect match with the new DAC using the I2S connection.
@@yerfdogjohnny
Thanks, I missed the announcement.
@Mark well I think Paul has mentioned they are working on the new DAC which I believe will be available sometime by the end of this year.
Is this the latest PS Audio product ? How much will the sell for .. I'm very interested...
10,000
So, you can complain about how expensive it is?
@@chadbarker3564 10,000 what ?
@@janinapalmer8368 Probably USD, but Chad thinks he's funny because there's no way he knows.
@R L
That depends on your audio system. You have several hundred dollars into it, then no. Thousands of dollars then it may be on your list.
Can someone explain to me galvanic isolation? I read a few pieces about bit I still don’t get how it works. If RF and EM make their way as noise in my signal, won’t that noise “jump“ to the other side of the galvanic isolator like the original signal does? How can the galvanic isolator filter signal from noise? Thank you 😊
Excellent question! Often wondered about that myself. I’m no expert but as I understand it, Indeed, anything inside the signal would still make it through the connection. But the grounds are not connected directly. Also, DC would not be transferred.
Galvanic isolation avoids noise created by ground loops between 2 electrically connected devices or different parts of a device. it does not get rid of noise embedded in the signal.
@Douglas Blake That is correct, but it's mostly done with itty bitty transformers. No power required on the B or output side.
@Douglas Blake I know it's not that simple but a digital signal is still an analog voltage, but more to the point, a ground connection can transfer noise, whether intended for analog or digital. When there is no galvanic isolation, that is.
@Douglas Blake I think we’re getting off track. I have not expressed any mistrust and merely attempted to provide some feedback to the op’s question.
FINALLY !
paul this is great BUT, where is the direct stream mk2?
I believe they're working on a brand-new DAC. I've heard rumors of upwards of $20k or close to it. Someone mentioned the last update for the DirectSteam was the final update.
How much is it
uhm usb is a copper wire, as is ethernet cabling. I don't see how it could make a difference since speeds are about the same depending on what standards of usb your using or what speed of ethernet your using. Wi-fi is not suited for transfering sound if you ask me. Anyways its the cable discussion i suppose all over again lol
How about a link to the product?
Not available until November.
You need a headphone amp design! :)
Get rid of the top reflective surface or include a Matt to cover. Interesting device though!!
Just leave the protective plastic film on it. Like all new PS Audio products have from the factory.
Did you say include a person named Matt to cover their product? That's odd..........
Still not seeing it on the PS Audio website...
How much?
Demo?
👍👏
That top looks like it will pick up fingerprints quite easily.
why no optical... toslink to it? better than over the air.
You are a wise and healthy person! Today also high resolution music can be played even wireless!
I use Amazon Music Unlimited, Windows 10 PC, USB to Marantz DAC, and can detect absolutely no noise whatsoever, at any listening level, during track playback or in between. Help me to understand what I’m doing wrong so my system can be properly noisy. Then I can fix it by buying an Air Lens.
Jitter is a different kind of "noise", therefore "noise" might not be the best word for timing distortion.
@@Jorge-Fernandez-Lopez Different issue. Paul said USB connection is very noisy. The Air Lens clock is low jitter. I know what jitter sounds like. I know what noise sounds like too.
@@36karpatoruski My guess is that electric interferences -in an asynchronous configuration- might increase jitter even if the clock of the streamer is good. "Air lens" is just another arguable marketing term for another device with galvanic isolation.
The noise in this case is not necessarily directly audible but could be affecting the dac in ways that are. Goldensound has a video about DDCs that explain both galvanic isolation and reclocking and demonstrates the measurable differences it makes with an audio analyser
Here's is how I test to see if my usb based computer system is plagued by noise and jitter. I play a CD with the coaxial output going to my DAC. Then I play the same song ripped as a FLAC file through JRiver and then sent to my DAC via usb. They sound virtually the same. A certain amount of noise and jitter is in All digital systems. The question is does it reach the threshold of hearing? I can safely say that in my pretty resolving system it does not.
I use an Apple iPad with USB-C out connected to my DAC usb type-A input.
or you can use a bridge 2 in your dac
Galvanic isolation is optical just like toslink.....
sounds like a bob carver name for a item
7 months after, Airlens still not launched!? Something’s wrong?
usb handles the highest bit rates i heard so far 32 bit and 792khz and that is only available using usb no other connection can handle what usb can unless it's on pro equipment
I2S goes up to DSD1024. I can only assume it supports 32bit/768kHz.
@@charlienyc1 dsd is rare and not widely used so it really doesn’t matter
@@shangrilaladeda You say that, but there are many people who listen to DSD music. I'm guessing it's more than you think. Just look at all the current DACs. Can you find one that only supports PCM audio?
@@charlienyc1 there are many dacs that support dsd but they aren’t cheap so it’s a niche produce meant only for a few so it doesn’t matter. Until dsd equipment becomes more affordable it won’t be worth it for the masses only the rich and people who sell it
@@shangrilaladeda There are tons of cheap DACs with DSD. But if you want to be a naysayer, you go right ahead.
Still nothing on website 😒
I don't see it on the website
If you look at the explanatory notes under the video, you will see that the "AirLens" is "PS Audio's new and exciting upcoming product called the AirLens "... UPCOMING.
But... you can't send native DSD to your DAC through coaxial... can you? So OK, you got rid of the ugly USB path, how are you supposed to send your DSD file to the DAC?
@Douglas Blake Not really, you can send pure DSD to the DAC without converting to PCM and it makes a difference.
You can stream 4K HDR Television, along with ultra high-quality audio, with nothing more than a $40 dongle (Roku, Amazon, etc.) and a $10 HDMI 2.1 cable. Why would two channels of audio require so much additional high-priced gear?
Personally, I really enjoy excellent audio but I'm completely unconvinced that anything beyond the speakers and the amplifier makes a major difference.
Yeah, it's not going to on a $50 system. Not so sure that you're getting nearly as high of quality as you think you are.
"this output is the best" "we internally developed the protocol" 🤣
RRP?
AirLens.. sounds expensive..💰💰💰🤔
Apparently I have been listening to jitter for decades and didn’t realize it. 😳🙄
I looked through my settings on my Apple laptop for a jitter on/ off switch.
I guess jitter is a default feature that comes with every Apple Computer.
I guess I will have to continue to jitter through my music 🎶 🎵🎶🎶🎵🤗❤️
czcams.com/video/O8rftfNMTuE/video.html
I think the term jitter now has a new load. So to speak :(
I believe Philips developed I²S back in the mid '80s!!
The AirLens *is not* on the website, of course.
The word *upcoming* was used in the title. When it's ready for sales you'll see it on the web site.
Can you dig it, digggerr?
Got one of these it’s disappointing I have to use roon for my Qobuz hope the will be rectified in future it does sound great though
USB was bad, at the end of the decade before last.
And if you don't know the difference between an air lens and a light pipe then it doesn't matter anyways.
There’s no way that thing is 20lb. More like 5
Less than 5 lb. for sure
Struggling to understand the purpose of this. My system has all my digital music stored on a NAS, connected via ethernet to my BlueSound Node, connected to my amp with an Audioquest coax for 24/192 hi-res streaming. BlueSound gives me an excellent interface without the astronomical and unnecessary Roon subscription, and my amp's DAC is brilliant. The AirLens seems an unnecessary step.
You are correct
AirLens is a Node alternative. Maybe it sounds better than the Node, that's it's purpose. You don't need Roon with it, I'm sure PS Audio has a perfectly serviceable interface for their streamers.
Correct. I have a Bluesound Node that is hard to beat for audio quality. I expect the airLens will be way more expensive compared to the Bluesound Node.
@@jakbenardete7707 Except that there isn't - to my knowledge - a PS audio interface that negates the need for Roon, or that does what BlueSound's own app does. So the AirLens isn't a direct alternative - you'd have to have something that would catalogue your music PLUS the AirLens PLUS a DAC, rather than the Node, which does it all. As there's no DAC in the AirLens, and there IS in the Node, that also requires a separate DAC.
@@richardt3371 It’s called PS connect and it works the same way the BlueOS app. You’re right about the DAC but most higher end systems have better DACs than the one in the Node, not that the Node is bad but for $850 you can get a Denafrips Ares DAC that’s audibly much better than the DAC in the Node.
Qobuz+Roon?? Come on man. I don’t have time Roon. I just need something (~$1,500) that can respectfully take the place of my aging Bluesound Node, that don NOT have an internal DAC and can utilize Wi-Fi. I’m telling you, this industry knows exactly how to keep you over a barrel. 😒
Well you are now two for two paul. It still isn't on your website but at least you didn't say that it's doing very well this time. Probably the most shameful thing I came across in your videos is when you said that it's on your website and it's doing very well yet it wasn't even available for purchase LOL
Odd PS Audio DAC's aren't sophisticated enough to reject noise effectively
I am 64 years old I would rather stick with my turntable and reel to reel .
PS Audio AirLens unveiled
Coming Next : The StormLens - Screaming Right in your face !!! 🤣🤣🤣
Huh? Since when did PS Audio invent I2S??? Adapted the protocol, yes. Invented? Nah.
Don't you thing that your new streamer is also COMPUTER (maybe not?) - so it's as bad as a COMPUTER...
Just don't tell me please fairy tales here that it's optimized, because it's just a COMPUTER.
Computers are optimized all the time, any of the computers in a car is likely very different from a typical computer in a house for example.
First
czcams.com/video/cH8iv4n2kco/video.html
First first
@@clickbeetle2720 thanks dad😘
You are FIRST congratulations on this amazing performance you get 🥇🏆🍾🥂👏🇨🇦 You were so fast to click!
Where's the guy with the CZcams link telling us absolutely no one cares?