I am missing something. Where is the referenced photo?
Thanks for sharing/the follow up.
Scott
Post 149/150…
This is yet another asylum, padded cell and all.
I’m ready
Hah!
I thought that was just a picture of 4 pieces (did not notice they were “deployed”).
I tried during last two days the Puritan feeding the S202 only.
It brings a pleasant sound with all the already explained qualities I described above but at a lesser degree compared to my favorite set up, it means using it with the DAC.
As soon as I plugged the DAC back to the Puritan it was clear that resolution, clarity, openness are really better.
So in order of preference:
- Puritan feeding the DAC (only) - P20 the other sources and amp straight to the wall
- Puritan feeding the amp (only) - P20 all the sources
- No Puritan - P20 all except the amp straight to the wall
1 and 2 are far far better than 3.
1 is better than 2.
My thoughts are strictly referred to digital playback.
I’m at the end of my experiments with the Puritan. Wait wait, as per Donald advice, I’ll try also the PST soon.
That’s the last piece of puzzle. But it’s good to know if I need to expand my collection of gears, I can add the Puritan to feed DS Mk2 (only). Thanks!
I’m going to send my Mk2 to JK to do the APS transformer MOD soon. Maybe that will bring me to a level that I’m happy finally. But you know me😆
Famous last words!
Anyhow congrats for your soon modded MK II, let us know your thoughts! Hope one day I can test your Omega USB, no dealers here able to give it to me for a home audition, and the new top of the line USB Inakustik Silver.cable.Curious to know if the MSB DAC is so sensible to USB cable like the MK II. After all these months don’t you want to give the AirLens a try?
The Lumin U2 is a streaming transport like a more complicated AirLens, so I do not know if AirLens will even work with it or add anything to it. I do not think your Statement will work with it either (or need to).
But I am happy with my streaming chain. So, I am good for now. It will be interesting to hear what users think of AirLens. One did say it is one of the best among other streamers he had.
Vmax has the Inakustick Silver USB and loves it. I really like my Omega USB too. But with Lumin U2’s dedicated USB output, I wonder if a “lesser” USB will provide great sound too. I returned all loaners, so I do not even have a spared USB cable to try anymore.
Am I the only person on this forum who believes the purpose of the AirLens is to receive data via Ethernet and convert it to I2S? (Same as what the Bridge 2 does).
Why do you ask?
People are talking about the AirLens in many threads and the things they are saying make me think they have little idea about what it does and how it can be used. It is not a server, it is not a streamer. It is a solution for using Ethernet to a MK2 DAC which has no Ethernet input.
I believe your assessment is correct.
I’m guessing people using mconnect consider that streaming.
I get what you are saying but you couldn’t do the same with the Matrix, i.e., use an app to choose what goes through the Matrix. When someone says “streamer” I think of something like the AirLens, but there are some that do a lot more, I’m assuming like your Grimm. With this explanation that would make the AirLens a bare bones streamer.
I believe it is a “streamer”/Ethernet Bridge, as was the Bridge II Ethernet Card.
Although I acknowledge some seem to have a narrower definition of streamer.
The Inakustik Referenz 2404 USB pure silver air was transformational in my Bacch4mac to MK2 connection. It makes me want to buy their Referenz Pure Silver Power cables which I am certainly considering. I have already tried the false prophet master fuse so many get on their knees worship here. Which I found about as appealing as Jim Jones People’s Temple Kool Aid and it kills good sound at an equivalent scale. The Referenz silver USB is a real deal
The Audiophile Junkie has been doing a 6 part Inakustik factory tour on You Tube. . The last episode will be a listening demo of that silver Referenz power cable.
The Matrix is a DDC nothing more just like the products from Denafrips, Gustard, SOTM and others.
Streamer means a something that plays music, either local files or Qobuz or Tidal. The AirLens does not play or stream anything. It cannot access any stored music or streaming services. You cannot plug a thumb drive or hard drive into it as it has no application to read or play music. It is a converter, it converts music from an external source over Ethernet to an I2S output that the MK1 or MK2 DAC can receive and play. It is no more a streamer than a speaker cable is. I am guessing people who think it is a streamer have zero streaming experience, to use the AirLens you need an actual streaming source. It is useless without.
Sorry, what is a speaker cable?