RE: The chip shortage
Given delays with Airlens I tried to buy a Link 2 by Stack Audio.
Was informed it would be at least a 6 month wait due to inability to get chips
2 Likes
I grabbed the one on USAM. I think I beat you to it.
I thought it would also do WiFi in?
Don’t believe so. Although someone can correct me.
Damn
That was a good deal
Now I know why seller won’t get back to me
Congratulations
2 Likes
Well that’s not good either. I always send the email once I have the cash to others waiting saying sorry gone.
1 Like
You’re one of the few pure souls…
1 Like
Sad but true. small things make the world better. something like that is so easy and can be done on phone. Why others seem to not want to do it amazes me.
3 Likes
From the AirLens web page: https://www.psaudio.com/products/airlens/
“Simply connect your network to the AirLens through Ethernet or WiFi, then your DAC to the AirLens through either coax (RCA) or I2S (via an HDMI cable) then sit back and be amazed.”
1 Like
Thank you. I stand corrected. As they say, RTFM
1 Like
Any updates on Bridge in a Box?
2 Likes
Just read Lumin announced the U2 (what’s in a name). Wondering where the AL will sit between the U2 mini and the U2. In all respects.
AL is direct competition to the U2. Both have zero DACs. U2 comes with lumin software and/or Roon/others. AL only uses 3rd party. U2 comes with usb out and AL with only I2S out. U2 may have other options/gadgets that I don’t know of. AL has isolation. That may mean more for others depending on the DAC. AL if you did trade in for MKII, you can use your left over cash to get something off.
I have moved on, but others who need streamer still (and of course I may change my mind) the AL is a great option if you have Roon and a DAC with i2S input. The lack of USB will limit its sales and resale options IMO. I love PSA but this late in the game there are many many options out there.
What would cause you to think AL would be better than U2 mini? Lumin has been doing streamers a long time. Anyway, it doesn’t really matter as AL is not a real product yet, nor is the substitute product (Bridge Box) that has been advertised as coming before AL. We’ll have to wait and see
The Lumin and Innuos units do a lot more than the AirLens is supposed to do. They are full-blown streamers with OEM apps and more, e.g., upscaling on the Lumins. But depending on your set-up, you may not need all that extra. The mythical AirLens is more of a DDC. And if you have a music server with its own app, like with Roon, then you do not need more between it and your PS Audio DAC. Of course, if you have some other DAC that does not take PS Audio I2S over HDMI, then the AirLens will only deliver you coax. So it really is to be but a Bridge 3. But that should still be nice. And, hey, it has four feet. You only get three with an Innuos!
BTW: Do the Lumins only access NAS drives via UPnP? Whereas the Innuos can go via SMB???
1 Like
too funny
…, but what feet.
I’m thinking of power supply and perhaps galvanic isolation with potential sonic avantages. This is where the AL may beter the mini. It may even equal the U2?
SW Connectivity seems in favour of Lumin. With the Mk2, it doesn’t matter how the dice roles: either usb or I2S are fine.
For the rest, we remain in the dark until further notice from Boulder HQ, some reviews of the U2 and forum testers.
The U2 is galvanically isolated it also has a fiber port. I don’t see any mention of isolated USB on the U2 mini.
1 Like
This continued obsession over a product that doesn’t exist and at this point may never has become comical. The window and need for the product other than for Mk I owners doesn’t exist and for those there are other available options that do exist and for a lot less.
2 Likes