Sorry to hear. I finally got balanced bass and effortless sound by having 4 subs ( all set al very low). This hobby is so much fun!
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StopMakingSense, I have used a 1.5m Wireworld Silver Sphere and the included PS Audio cable, both without issues. How long was the cable that was giving you problems?
1m PS audio “freebie cable” & !m AQ Carbon
PS cable was better in terms of crackling but not perfect. I have now ordered RAL prophecy hdmi to try.
My opinion neither should crackle. one doing it maybe cable is issue two, its probably something else
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I used matrix x-spdif 2 with I2S before upgrading to AL, without any issues…?
Very happy for you!
Yeah even more the reason why I think something is wrong with your Airlens. Nobody else reporting this issue. The RAL is a keeper no matter what, but I would still put in call to them.
I wrote the following post in the PS Audio AirLens thread on August 24th:
What an ordeal.
I received my AirLens two days ago and connected it to my system with the brand new I2S cable that it came with. I wasn’t able to get the AL to work and couldn’t figure out why my Mk 1 wasn’t seeing the signal from the AirLens.
Finally I gave PS Audio a call and Chris answered. He helped me re-check some thing in the event I had overlooked something. I then spoke with Taylor and he was also at a loss as to why I wasn’t getting any sound. He asked me if I had another I2S cable around I could try. I told him that I did have the old one I had been using all along with my Matrix.
I replaced the brand new PS audio I2S cable for my old I2S cable and BAM, I was back in business again!
I’ve been a PS Audio customer for years but this was the first time ever that I I’ve even had to call them with a problem I couldn’t solve on my own. Both Chris and Taylor were great to deal with and very patient in finding a solution for me.
Taylor emailed me a while ago to let me know that I had a replacement I2S cable on its way to me from Boulder. 
A word to the wise: make sure you get a functioning I2S cable with your AL. 
I haven’t had a single problem with the RAL cable in over two months.
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Thank Brian, I will.
Thanks for that, I’m in uk and real will take few few weeks to arrive.
I also used matrix with aq cinnamon before upgrading, never had any issues.
I guess I will reac out to uk distributor and ask for a replacement cable or air lens + cable. Thanks again.
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You’ll find that it was all worth it in the end.
Yes, I think so as well, something is not right.
Hi, I got the AirLens yesterday and is using it with a DENAFRIPS Pontus 2 over I2S. I have tested different pinouts for the Pontus. I can’t find a pinout that supports both DSD and PCM. I have other I2S sources and there is no problem.
I have tried 3 different cables. All working identical. So I find pinouts for DSD and PCM, but not one that works for both.
Vinshine asked me to try other cables (done) and upgrade the firmware. I have the latest firmware.
Thanks for sharing your experience. As it’s I2S connection between 2 manufacturers, its even more problematic to trace. That’s why I choose PS audio chain so that I minimise incompatibility
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That may be the choice. Then the new SGD or the DS mk1 is the options. Both is similarily priced. MK1 used is even less. I have a library of DSD256 files. Have I got it correct that the mk1 with Sunlight plays the DSD256?
Hi, yes, my DS MK1 plays 256 no problems. It’s been heavily modified, upgrading internal clocks, separate12v PSU to analogue board, in addition to better transformers etc. Modds doubled price of the unit, but no way MK2 sounds better IMO.
I wanted to complete with aiir lens, but it’s temperamental in my setup introduction crackles and pops.
I guess AL needs some time to mature. I’ll probably wait a while. Matrix DDC sounds mighty close. I may try Denafrips DDC as well.
FWIW, I use AL with my (unmodified) DS Sr.; and I don’t experience any “new” crackles and pops.
I am using the I2S No. 1 input in the DS and a RAL Prophesy HDMI cable.
I referred to “new” crackles and pops b/c the DS Sr. Has always had some pops associated with initiating or switching to .dsf files and the like.
If you have not done so already, you might want to make sure there is not a cable or cable connection issue.
Good luck to you in any event.
Thanks. I have tried cables etc. Nothing helped.
As soon as I reintroduced to Marix SXPDIF2, all was norma again.
So I will send unit back, and wait for “bugs” to settle . BTW UK distributor provides excellent support.
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Thanks. I picked up the mk1 and it plays DSD256 nicely. I tried to look at those mk1 upgrade threads on this forum. WOW! what a rabbit hole.I haven’t had any sonic issues with the AirLens. Just the pinout issue. Denafrips has provided a new FW, so I’ll try that.
Is there anywhere that has a good view of mk1 mods and where to get them?
That is a first, I’ve only ever hit a ‘brick wall’ with them/him.