Agreed, hopefully later updates will allow it to automatically reconnect, but when this happens I turn the power off to the streamer (via the display), wait a few seconds, then power it back up, no need to reset the whole DAC.
1 Like
Though I’ve tried that as a first stab as well, it hasn’t resolved the issue either of the two times this has happened to me. The first time nothing worked, including as a last, well, as a penultimate resort forgetting and re-establishing the Wi-Fi connection via the QR code procedure. A factory reset got things going again. The second time, power-cycling the DAC worked after the method you mention failed to rectify the issue.
The brokenness in this situation seems less straightforward than one might expect to be the case.
— Chris
Here’s an interesting thing. I pushed the front logo to put PMG512 on standby, but Roon is still playing songs through the streamer. So, the logo really only turns off the display. I’ll let Roon continue to play. It should have the same break in effect.
1 Like
I don’t know why this happens and it shouldn’t. Something for the software team to work on.
What I do in such cases is in Roon go to settings>audio and disable the streamer and enable it again.
1 Like
Yes, Paul has mentioned that standby doesn’t do much other than display and I think turn off output from device. Hey, to stop Roon from streaming, just stop the music in Roon. No need to disable DAC streamer.
2 Likes
Just received my PMG Transport and DAC. Right out of the box you can hear that the SQ of this DAC and streamer is very special indeed. Setting up was without any problem. Will keep you posted during the next period.
4 Likes
Glad you like it from the get go.
Keep us posted while you enjoy the burn in process!
I finally got around to trying the filter button on the remote control.
I always listen with the screen dimmed.
When any remote button is pressed the screen will light up temporarily.
However, when I press the filter button, the screen does not light up. I thought at first that the remote might have a problem.
But while troubleshooting I noticed that the filter settings do change from F1 to F2 to F3 as I press the filter button.
Not a big deal, but I wonder what’s going on?
PMGx3
Late December took delivery of PMG Pre, DAC and SACD. They replaced BHK Pre, MK2 DAC and PST. Rest of the system is Auralic Aries G2.2 streamer, BHK250 amp, P15 Power Plant, Aspen F10 speakers and dual REL SHO5 subs.
I replaced the components one at a time to evaluate individually. All three were instant and apparent upgrades. Synergy of all three together is truly special in my listening room. Blacker background, MUCH wider soundstage, more air and decay. It has been an overall transformative experience. Zero expectation bias and zero buyer’s remorse.
I know I wanted the Pre, was on the fence about the DAC until the gremlins were worked out and did not plan on replacing the PST. As opposed to WAF, I have JBI (Just Buy It!) so I ordered all three together. Biggest surprise was the SACD. I thought same drive new chassis with a few tweaks. It is noticeably better. Hard to describe exactly, maybe the overall synergy factors here. I went in thinking I may not keep it but I am. Both CD and SACD playback are phenomenal.
Overall Pros – SQ first and foremost. Without that, no need to continue. Appearance and build quality big step up from their predecessors. I like the circular displays. I like seeing the circular time left graphic on the SACD. User interface SO much better. Menu and touch screen are very intuitive and user friendly. Unlike old models, I did not need to have the manual in front of me. Updated firmware on them with no issues once the thumb drives were inserted (see below).
Overall Cons – USB firmware ports are really tight. It took a great deal of effort to get the thumb drives in. I had to apply a light coat of DeOx on the outside of the drives to get them to seat properly. I agree with others that if using fixed volume on the DAC, display could be better used than the large 100. Streamer SQ still being evaluated.
I prefer my Auralic (RIP) Aries G2.2 streamer over the onboard PMG streamer. PMG streamer seems more forward and brighter. Maybe more run in will close this gap, maybe not. I am using WiFi for streaming. With my current and previous Auralic streamers, I never had drop outs listening to Qobuz. Using Qobuz Connect, I can have drop outs with both Auralic and PMG streaming. So that’s not a PMG issue. Also, I really like the Auralic Lightning software and being able to access stored music and radio from one app.
A term I learned in my formative Baltimore upbringing, “F%ck&n’ A!” Translated from Urban Appalachia to English as “An Emphatic Yes!” I am very happy with all three new components. The evaluation process was not at any audiophile level. Improvement was instant and obvious, and I just wanted to listen to music and not the equipment. Thank you Paul and all at PS Audio.
16 Likes
I guess I need to find out what the filter does. Other than setting up the streamer all I do is pushing play. I just noticed I’m on F1.
Great informative review! Thanks.
Between PMG 512 and SACD, I also heard instant improvement from SACD, and it sounds noticeably better than PST. 512 took a couple days to match SQ of MK2 APS, and I mean to the same level of enjoyment from MK2 because they do not sound alike at all. The super-low jitters of 512 had thrusted a ton of details and dynamic energy into my brain at the beginning. The music notes seemed to come with sharp edges, and it took two days for the sound to smooth out. Eventually, It sounded better than MK2 APS last night.
I have been running DSD files and SACD non-stop since Sunday morning, and I will listen more closely to compare the streamer to MU2’s from today.
3 Likes
I find the way the display works for the filter is awful. Should be big letters temporarily and then back to normal. They are super small
Also I have still not found a detailed description of the filters.
Great overview.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Very interesting that you prefer your Auralic streamer to the PMG internal streamer. I have been considering upgrading from my MKII to the PMG 512, but I have decided that I will only consider it IF the PMG internal streamer is at least as good (or better) than my Aurender N200. Will be interested to hear any additional thoughts you have on the PMG streamer as time goes on, thanks.
I could hear the improvement in moving from the MKII to the 512 with and airlens as source for both and without needing direct A/B evaluation. My 512 is one of the early ones-it got homesick and it’s having a spa treatment on its streamer in Boulder. I’ll hold comment on the internal streamer versus airlens till I get it back fully functional as the dropouts may just be a more obvious symptom of other issues.
1 Like
I had the same thought. And with Auralic going dark I thought why not get a DAC with a built-in streamer just in case. Having received the PMG512, I would keep it regardless of any streaming capabilities. It is that much of an upgrade over the MKII IMHO.
I have streamed exclusively with Auralic Aries streamers via WiFi using their Lightning app for the past seven years. That place is very comfortable and familiar to me. Using the PMG streamer is different for sure, but I really need to spend some more time with it. Initial impression is more forward, a less wide soundstage and brighter presentation. But it is all subjective. Maybe others would say the Auralic is too laid back and dark. I will report back as the evaluation continues.
3 Likes
Don’t hesitate to trading in your MK2, that’s what I just did and I also have the N200. I am 16 hours in now and big improvement. Even if you don’t use the internal streamer the N200 sounds amazing. I haven’t compared the internal streamer yet, had an issue yesterday trying to sync up but will give it another try today. I will be very surprised if it sounds better. The dac alone without internal streamer is worth the upgrade.
4 Likes
PMG512 sounded smoother today, and it is almost one week old. But today the system will be turned lower than 60db.
I picked up my daughter, son-in-law, and the new born baby from SFO earlier. They really like the PMG look and even said they look expensive. Of course they had no concept about the sound improvement.
This week the music will be at low-low volume with a four-month old baby at home. No evaluation what so ever!
2 Likes
That’s great Donald, enjoy your family time and congrats on your new little addition to the family. I am sure PMG dac will keep getting better. I gave another attempt today syncing WiFi and struck out again. I even powered it down before I tried. It keeps saying no internet but clearly there is. Qobuz connect is lightening fast when syncing to N200 and really liking the results. The good news is when playing discs I get a green light and shows dsd 64. 
1 Like