agree with Paul, very happy with AirLens into DSll with Wifi…I’ve heard/read many designers discuss the multiple problems introduced by ethernet cable connections…
Well @tonyplachy, you may want to try disconnecting your AL from the NAS and use WiFi instead. That is exactly what Paul suggests may give you same if not better results, and allow you to stash the NAS away from your audio setup, avoiding fan noise etc…
Paul gave different answers to this topic…there’s also a post where he recommends lan.
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yaa, that’s why I’m confused. I know that the best answer is to test myself, but I don’t own an AL and the answer will affect my buying decision.
in the recent video, Paul states his views on WiFi vs ethernet have changed, that he used to prefer ethernet, but with new technologies he feels they are now equal…of course we each decide for ourselves…
For me it makes no sense why wifi should be better, I guess it changed to please both camps, especially those who depend on WiFi use.
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In the context of flimsy North American or Australian house builds… think first or maximum second little piggy… WiFi can indeed be better. For friends living there, I always recommend they stick with WiFi. Otherwise they tend to run into ground loop issues. It is only if they are getting in super high res like DSD256 and above that I then recommend hard wiring. But, yeah, the latest WiFi is even faster than 1 gig!
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The difference is in SQ. When connected to 2.4, the sound is more bodily, 5 is more airy and dynamic. The difference is not fatal, but noticeable. When I used Bridge II, I preferred connecting the iPad mini 6 tablet at 2.4, with AirLens I prefer 5. When connecting AirLens to my home network via WI-FI, my router does not have an option to select the connection frequency, so I could not conduct an experiment , which frequency will be more preferable for me.
Just got the DSD Mk. II and am using an Aurender N200 server/streamer via usb. The AirLens has me intrigued as it seems to practically be a dedicated streamer for PS Audio DACs. However, as the Aurender is a pretty good unit, I am not sure if this would be a lateral, downwards or upwards change. Any thoughts?
orionn, My NAS is a network audio server made by fidata. It is all SSD and has vibration damping built it. It sits on the shelf above the AL and Mk2 and connects o the AL with a 0.5m Ethernet cable. No fan noise!
Can there be ground loops if the unit is galvanically isolated?
At least you have the noisy chip inside activated when using WiFi.
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would be nice if Paul could clarify this point once and for all
kevin, The main advantage of the AL for you is being able to connect to the Mk2 using an I@S input. It depends on what kind of outputs the N200 has. If it has an Ethernet output you use it to connect to the AL and then go I2S into the Mk2. If the N200 does not have an Ethernet output then you have to use WiFi to go to the AL and the I2S from there.
In theory you should have better SQ from the Mk2 with I2S input, but main Mk2 users think the USB input on the Mk2 is very good. If you live in the US you can buy the AL, try it at home and see if it improves the SQ. If it does not or there is little improvement you can return the AL to PS Audio for a full refund.
Can I ask what the numbers mean? 2.4 vs 5 vs 6. I have no idea what you are referring to.
Ooh-ooh-ooooh, Mr. Kotter! I know, I know! By 2.4 and 5, they mean 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz WiFi. By 6, they mean iPad Mini Gen. 6 !
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I saw the video now. There he also says lan is better than wifi (more reliable), later says wifi is just as good (but I think that’s on a rough basis and in this form correct). He doesn’t go on the level of wifi chip noise here, which for me speaks against wifi, but probably won’t make a big difference for most.
So after I saw it, I have no indication he mentioned the opposite of lan is preferred or both are sounding the same more or less.
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I believe he said they are sonically equal, but that lan can be more reliable depending on your Wifi…
Yes, but the sound quality discussion detail level of those videos is not always the same as in deeper forum discussions.
Why, when having both options on the same device?
Because some customers would prefer not to have to run the Ethernet cabling to their streamer for whatever reason, I would surmise.