Agreed, but in this case the choice for orionn is obvious.
I think this whole topic is a non-issue. If you’re too lazy to listen and want to do the theoretically most meaningful, use a network connection and avoid the noise of the wifi chip and a too strong wifi signal in the listening room generally. If you want to do the best in your individual environment, just compare the two, and choose the better. If you’re depending on wifi connection, use wifi, as you will have no more disadvantages with any other streamer. No idea why wifi or LAN superiority could be a buying decision argument for the AirLens or any other streamer. As the AirLens is galvanically isolated one rather should assume, the wifi chip noise has less effect there compared to other streamers.
3 Likes
I run Audirvāna and have mixed Qobuz and local DSD 256. AL to MKII from MacMini. If I use WiFi DSD 256 most of the time will get skipped. I then used Ethernet and all is good.
1 Like
That’s why I say, if one uses WiFi with high sampling rates he needs a strong signal in the audio room (this is to avoid, I even use devices to cancel such HF in components and room), then the WiFi chip radiation inside the streamer …there’s not much speaking for WiFi theoretically, if you don’t have to….but if WiFi sounds better in a practical test in spite of the galvanic isolation of the Airlens (imo this would be a contradiction) so be it.
1 Like
Agreed. Absent other differences, Ethernet should trounce WiFi in latency, bandwidth and error rate.
I currently have a Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra and use it with Matrix SPDIF 2 powered by Uptone LPS 1.2 all connected via I2S to my SGCD / S300 combo. I am wondering if the Airlens would improve my streaming performance in any way? Anyone has any views or experience with this kind of setup moving to Airlens? I use a P3 power plant btw and have KEF R3 Meta speakers and REL T/7x subs.
Best way to find out is to take advange of PS Audio’s 30day in-home trial.
1 Like
Your question is probably best asked in this Forum topic:
I should clarify I am not in the US and would have to find a UK dealer with similar arrangements. I am asking if there is any theoretical reason why Airlens would be better for me before committing . What would be great is if anyone has compared similar equipment?
I have not done that, but compared many in that range. The Airlens to your SGCD will most likely make a nice combo. Take advantage of sale, sell your S2, matrix, LPS and USB (if you still dont need) cable and get a great deal and much simpler setup. IMHO
1 Like
thanks Brian - yes that is the plan - I am just doing some research before I commit
Hi,
Is Roon 1.8 compatible with Airlens? My old Mac Mini won’t support 2.0.
Yes, a basic question, but I’ve searched.
Interesting, in my logic, everything upstream improving the sound of the Airlens by avoiding noise, means, the galvanic isolation of the AirLens fails to an extent, or doesn’t cover all influences, as it should be meaningless then what happens with upstream switches… no?
2 Likes
Interesting, I had no idea that such things even existed.
Indeed and the same applies also to DS MK2 - the cables and streamer still matter although DS have galvanically isolated inputs. I was hoping to remove EtherRegen once I buy Airlens, but apparently it’s actually opposite - i found that Airlens can greatly benefit from the good switch…
1 Like
AirLens, along with the DS DAC MKII, is a very good combination. It’s quite clear that the galvanic isolation in AirLens does a great job of removing noise from Ethernet. The soundstage now extends across the entire wall with a much deeper quality than what I’ve experienced in my system before. Voices and instruments sound more realistic, with a completely black background. However, even though AirLens eliminates most of the digital noise, I wanted to test what happens when using Ethernet cables with good shielding alongside an audiophile network switch. The result was a further improvement in the noise floor and an even blacker background. I’ve never had such great sound from streaming as I do now 
4 Likes
If I don’t use Roon, how do I play DSD files (that I have on NAS) through the AirLens?
Can you install MinimServer on your NAS? If so, do that and run something like mConnectHD or BubbleUPnP from your tablet or iPad.
1 Like
Okay thanks, I’ll work on that 
In a similar vein, how do we use Qobuz with the AirLens (but without Roon)? The TIDAL App on my mobile devices can “see” the AirLens and stream through it……………but Qobuz can’t 