Does it make any sense to use the Airlens behind my Eversolo streamer? I like the Eversolo for the controls and connecting to music services. It goes into my DS Mkll. I don’t use the doc in the Eversolo.
You’re not gaining anything except a lighter wallet and your losing an app you like. Plus I2S is no real benefit with the Mk II.
I also have the DS MKII. I also own the Eversolo A6 and A6ME, both with the LPS upgrade. The Eversolo is an addictive experience and super feature-rich!! But the DAC in the A6 leaves a lot to be desired (the A8 is slightly better), especially when you compare it to the DS MKII. As a streamer only, the A6 shines in this space and is a real standout, but it loses some of its value as a streamer/DAC combo.
Using it as a streamer only to a good DAC like the MKII is a good move, and I also enjoy that pairing. That being said, moving from Eversolo as a streamer to the AirLens is no small jump! There is a significant jump in background noise reduction, overall soundstage clarity, and wayyyyy better micro detail retrieval. Just the overall sound quality jump from ES to AL is extremely significant. There is also a pretty large dose of manufacturing synergy we get when pairing PSA products together. Just my experience, hope that helps.
PS - My buddy Kevin as we jumped between the Eversolo units and the AirLens with the MKII..
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Thanks for that info. It just seems to me that you are limited in streaming choices with the Airlens. I’m not interested in Roon. and it seems your choices are limited with the AL. So I guess there is no way to use the Eversolo streaming controls with the AL?
Yeah, I do not think you can run a streamer to a streamer and then to a DAC, which is probably not ideal even if you could. I would just stick with the Eversolo and MKII if I were you. But if you use Qobuz, Tidal, or Spotify, they have the “Connect” feature that links them directly to the AiLens. However, you would lose all the bells and whistles you get from the ES, but gain a significant jump in sound quality and performance. Personally, I will take better SQ over bells and whistles every time. But that is just me. 
So how do you control the DL when using Qobuz or Tidal? It’s not clear on the website. Do you have to control it with a phone or tablet??
I often wondered how the AirLens compares to the Eversolo as a streamer so now I guess I know. I’ve been pretty happy with my A6 ME to the extent that I wouldn’t consider replacing it anytime soon. You might say we have settled down to a comfortable relationship.
Yes, direct from the tablet or phone.
The ES and ES/ME are great! If anything drop the LPS upgrade in them, well worth it.
What are those? Never mind, I get it.LOL
If I ever get the bug to upgrade anything a LPS for my Eversolo would be high on my list. On the other hand, if the AirLens is ever discontinued I suspect there might be a lot of them available at good prices on the used market and one of those might be pretty tempting to match with my MKII.
Solid perspective!! I did some videos on my YouTube channel about upgrading the LPS in the ES. Super easy and worth the couple hundred. AL will be much better SQ, but you lose some features.. Damn these pros and cons.. HA
What’s the name of your YouTube channel?
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HOLY MOLY! I’m a subscriber of yours. Didn’t know that was you and I’ve talked to you many times here. Super cool!
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Small world!!..
I watched your review of the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra amplifier and bought one last summer. You were right on about it. That and the Silversmith interconnects I added transformed my entire system. Everything you said about it was true.
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Awesome!! I am glad I was able to help.
I think the thing that sets me apart from others, besides us being a charity, is that I will spend a solid 8+ weeks living with a piece of gear and rotating it through about 6-10 different system configurations prior to my review.
All of my reviews are one-take and freestyle, with zero script or preparation—just sit down, press record, and speak from the heart!
And man, oh man, am I a fan of those Orchard Audio GaN amps! His flagship amplifiers and new 2025 lineup are some of the best amplification I have heard across all classes of amps. And I have had up to $12,000 Class A amps in-house. SO good for the money, and the speed, and the attack of those are insane! Dynamic and Transient MONSTERS…
The combination of Orchard Audio class D, Silversmith Fidelium ICs and DS MKII with Blue Sky is the best example of synergy that I’ve experienced in my system.
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I am 100% with ya!! The DS MKI direct to the Orchard Audio Starkrimson DMC2.0 was insane good! 