March 2023 Issue of HiFi Choice has a review of the iFi Neo Stream.
lots to like, big step up (especially with iFi PowerElite) from Node and aged McIntosh dac
suspect that beating it will take thousands
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Nice 3D screensaver in that hackentosh.
What type of issue with the G1.1? I have an Aries g1 I’ve never had any problems at all
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It’s only nice if you remember to feed the “screensavers” and change the filter 
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The streamer sounded great but had all kinds of issues with the internal storage. Either wouldn’t play music or just static and hum. Lack of support from Auralic, absolutely no support. Sent it back for the Aurender N150 and have had no issues and the conductor app is so much better. Now have to save for the N200😊
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Do you use the USB link? If you do, does it get green light on the MK2?
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When I connect through the USB on the Mk2 I get a green light.
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I do and the Green lights on and shows incoming signal rate. Wish I had one of your usb cables 
… BTW did you golf 
today? It’s snowing here on the east coast.
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I played yesterday, Today we have 50 miles plus wind here. This year the weather has been crazy! The MK2 USB input is so much better, and my next streamer could be an Arundel. Thanks!
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Just a few hours into the Lumin U2 and it already kicks so much a**. It has checked all of the post buy boxes/listening impressions for me… It’s a keeper for certain. And I’m listening to it through my old (inexpensive) Ayre Codex DAC as I await my new Ayre QX-5 Twenty (I sold my DS DAC last week).
Fast is an understatement in describing the U2. I’m finding rattles in my listening room that I’ve never noted before 
The bass is so deep/extended and I finally have my highs back! Cymbals cut, high hats sizzle, snare drums really crack - as they should… not softened like my DS DAC was doing to them. And being a drummer, that’s of paramount importance to me. Unlike most users here, I am a “metal head”. And having that kick drum hit you in the chest, is like being at the concert with the band. The bass guitar chair massages are icing on the cake 
Dynamic is the next term that I would choose. Even when really cranked up, there is headroom galore. I’m not used to this outside of turntable listening. It’s fantastic.
The only issue I noted, and even prior to adding in the U2, is the Codex is definitely a bit more congested compared to the more refined DS DAC/Bridge. I’m certain that will all be remedied in a few weeks when Ayre finishes up with my QX-5 DAC.
But I’m very pleased with this beast. It, by far has made the biggest improvement to my digital setup - ever. Clearly the streamer/bridge was my weakest link.
Just for reference. I’m using it via single mode fiber and using Finisar SFPs. My LAN is fiber optical.
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Oh man! You are hitting my sweet spot! I am moving U2 up to the top of list for future streamer upgrades.
Keep us informed as I am sure it needs time to break in too!
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@Paul Any updates on when the Bridge2Box will be available and approximate cost? You had indicated several weeks ago that you were shooting for April.
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Well, Lumin continues to not provide I2S output on any of their streamers or streamer/DAC.
To me, particularly as a MKI moving to MKII user, I insist on I2S.
I have auditioned my existing modded MKI with many streaming/networked devices, including various Lumin, and I believe I2S provides the best sound and resolution. Generally provides me high level DSD output without resorting to USB and all its concomitant noise.
I frankly don’t want a streamer that doesn’t have I2S.
I currently run a Musica Pristina A Capella III, which has I2S and it is a very fine streamer. Not really sure I want the PS Airlens, but I was hoping to at least audition it after I receive my MK II.
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You aren’t going to get any noise sending your audio signal wirelessly or down a fibre optic or CAT6a cable, and the advantages of usb as a universal and effectively unlimited format has driven many manufacturers to optimise it to the point that it is their preferred option for their most high-end products.
I appreciate that “I2S” is a house thing at PS Audio, and it precludes using the vast majority of the best streaming devices available. PS Audio preferred usb prior to the DSD DACs. It seems the Mk2 DAC is optimised for usb as well.
Whether you call it resolution or sound quality, for me the main issue is the noise floor and why it is a shame the AirLens is not internal so you can feed the Mk2 DAC with an ethernet cable. These days there are lots of ways to get the noise floor really low.
@Paul I’m hearing that the Bridge Box has now been dropped. Is this correct?
Also, although the DAC MkII appears to be optimised for USB, that the Airlens does not have a USB output. Is this correct?
Optimized for USB is not correct. USB performance = to that of the I2S is more correct. on the MK1 I2S was vastly better and why many used a DDC.
I have not heard the box being dropped but I could be wrong.
I understood the same. The sensibility to USB noise was reduced, but I2S usually is still better.
Good, that is what I was hoping to be the case.
I guess it’s hard to keep the majority of USB users calm, maybe that’s why Paul just mentioned this in the beginning of the Mk II thread and later it was pronounced that there’s hardly a difference anymore between the two in many cases. But it was clear (to me) that galvanic isolation can just do it’s best, but less noise from start certainly means better preconditions.
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