I depend on my iPads. They work well and I still have every one I ever bought. Each still functions and none have ever had a single issue that I can recall. My MacBook Pro on the other hand seems alien to me. I haven’t powered it up in over six months. I may never use it again. Pretty much the same story with my similar Microsoft device. I don’t even remember what it is called.
My desktop machine is a PC, as are my still used laptops. But to control my main audio system its one iPad and the new dedicated iPad for the BACCH-SP.
Same here. Based on my work life my main computers are Windows based but my music systems depend on iPads that never fail to just work. My phone is also Android which I tolerate because it is a phone. I have no idea how to function in the Apple OS environment and don’t need to know.
I have not tried a Link Streamer or other USB reclocker as have been ethernet based at least til now. It gets me back to my fundamental question whether a USB reclocker adds anything with the DS MK2. @dawkinsj mentions that the Zen Stream improved over an Aries Mini. But maybe the difference is noticeable with other equipment, but not with a MK2. Maybe I can just stick with my Pi4 running RoPieeeXL. Though to get Tidal Connect in there now, without needing to hack code, I have a line on a Zen Stream for 320 clams vs. 800 clams for a HoloAudio Red. Call it 575 clams for a Zen Stream with a better power supply if those matter vs. 800 clams for the Red with I2S over HDMI. I do not have easy returns though, so cannot try and send back easily if I do not like.
OMG I am even considering getting a Nucleus.
BTW: The following post was shocking! I solved the problem of family confusion by giving them their own ATMOS system elsewhere in the house that turns on with one button and is controlled by one circle on a remote. Some of them only know how to use a thumb. They can voice command it too.
The boss is a UI design expert and the progeny have the same perspective re simplicity and intuitiveness. They walk into the family room with just a Samsung 8K there and a simple remote. The Marantz that is linked by eARC to the Samsung, they cannot see. Most speakers are hidden too. Took some training to get them to leave the remote out, turned upside down so that the batteries charge via sunlight. Initially I was accused of making things complicated. But I explained that it is sustainable and all was forgiven.
It is my hobby system that confuses them. An Arcam 9.2.6 Theatre / ATMOS setup and an exaSound 7.1 surround music setup wrapped around a PS Audio stereo core. But they do prefer the system for movie nights and for music. They just know to send me downstairs half an hour in advance just to get it started and set up for what they want to do.
I was / am out of control regarding multiroom sound too. My main temptation to adopt Roon is that it would enable the family to Tidal Connect wherever they want.
The Auralic G1.1 seems to do everything imaginable including Roon Ready and Amazon HD at a sensible price and sounds good. I used Aries for years and loved the software and network capability. https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/auralic-aries-g1-1/
So far, not great news. We’re short one critical chip and have been struggling to get it located. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, we are moving forward with the Bridge Box which will allow your Bridge to serve the same purpose as it does now (and even sound better since it isn’t sucking juice from the DAC’s power supply).
Yes, I’ve used it for the last year or so. It’s truly a remarkable piece of engineering (and machining). Super quite and draws me in to the music that no other streamer has done (so far)
In my family there isn’t a reason. Just general confusion about everything: what I do for a living, how the living room system works, why the old dog just stands and stares into space, how can an Asian Indian (me) be an honorary Scottish clan member and adopted Indian daughter could become members of Daughters of the Revolution should she wish.
And finally today, who to root for between the Chiefs and the Bengals. (I grew up in Bengal and wife is somewhat Native American, Scottish and Jewish.)
Based on music, I’d have to go with Kansas City, a great jazz town. And Pere Ubu was from Cleveland, and Chrissie Hynde from Akron, not Cincinnati. Not meaning to offend any fans of WKRP of course. Doh, of course, The National is notionally from Cincinnati. But I associate them more with Brooklyn.
Anyway, can anyone answer my question… Do any of these USB reclockers matter with a DS MK2 and the way it works??? If so, why?
The incredible quality of the USB input of the MK II, as good as I2S if not better, could have caused a drastically change in PS Audio plans on a product like the AirLens?
Is still a fundamental need for MK II owners (Bridge II users a part)?
What is the most urgent problem to help more MK I owners to replace the old DAC for the new one, if the AirLens is no more available?
Is the Bridge Box a temporary solution or the first step into a different direction?
Is shortage the only reason why the AirLens has been suspended or is a contributing cause?
Life can always change, I respect the possibility to go for another way when circumstances make this inevitable and I suppose @Paul is facing this new situation with his proverbial calm and experience.
Take your time Paul, I’m sure your final choice will be the best choice, AirLens or not AirLens here a customer who knows that patience is a virtue!
I have to second, iPads are super easy to maintain. just let it download the update and issue it when you want. I have never had an issue with Roon update on Roon remote on them. The best thing about iOS as from an app dev support, there is no fragmentation. We have 3000+ in our trucks and only the linemen are the issue… They are very rough on equipment, especially the delicate ones that track their work. It was a big deal to get them in the field but for the most part most accepted them and use them very well. Not having wifi as an update too is the biggest issue, but that is not an issue in 99% of homes.
For me, I hate having a computer in the music room. I never wanted one. Never will. I want a simple box with a remote. if the remote is a touchscreen device, all the better…except for Vol up down. love a tactile remote for that. One of the biggest reasons why I loved roon was no needing a laptop to use it.