Thank you so much, very appreciate!
Sorry my ignorance and insistence, now I’m back to music.
Hi Luca. It’s a great question. Basically, we saw little value in adding USB to the inputs. There are already several fine solutions to the USB problem, the Matrix being one of them (and it has I2S output).
Also, DS2 is about to launch (hopefully next month - we’re close). DS2 has a fully isolated USB input. It does not have a network input. The AirLens solves that for our DS2 owners as well as provide the means of a perfect, low noise input for anyone else concerned about sound quality.
9 Likes
Thank you audiojan,
I scrupulously read all Paul’s post before (maybe I missed the right one) and he described why they decided not to use USB output, not input.
Paul said that whatever input is used the AirLens will be able to clean it, this is the reason why I asked about USB input compared to ethernet.
Here from one of Paul post up in this thread:
Next, noise and unwanted artifacts found on the incoming data connection (whether Ethernet, USB, or WiFi conversion) are the second biggest culprits to bad sound next to the master clock problem. Fiber optic cables solve this problem but, unfortunately, since consumer audio got the short shaft with TOSLINK’s inability to pass high sample rate data (and ATT optical connectors are no longer supplied on gear), we’re stuck with physical connections for incoming data.
Which means we’re injecting all that wonderful noise and crap from the outside world. What’s needed is what we refer to as galvanic isolation. No physical or electrical connection between the outside world and the incoming DAC. Galvanic isolation. Not even the grounds are connected and power supplies are separate. Galvanic isolation solves the second biggest problem in data delivery. That’s in the core of the AirLens.
Edit: while writing this Paul has already answered my question. What a speed guy!
1 Like
Paul, do you have experience if the Airlens is better sounding, playing from whatever’s external storage than the Zenith from its SSD? That would be quite an achievement I’d say…at least when the Zenith plays over a Matrix into I2S, too.
2 Likes
Thank you Paul, good luck for the launch of both AL and DS II, here a future owner of them.
3 Likes
See my post above (PS Audio AirLens - #1876 by shankha ) for the link to Paul’s post
Thanks for the summary, and that is my understanding as well. I hope AL will work with my streamer; it somehow did not work with Bridge II before.
I am more excited to hear from Paul that DSII may be released next month too. It is on top of my list.
This is wrong. No USB. Only i2s and rca digital output
1 Like
Fixed.
2 Likes
QNAP offers a ROON app that can be installed on their NAS enabling you to run direct from the NAS without another computer.
@Paul - is this launch for Beta or for Retail Sale?
1 Like
Is the Airlens now behind the DS2? Thought it was going to be released before.
I guess i am now further confused - the Airlens now ISN’T a streamer?
9 months ago @Paul called it a streamer.
vkennedy61Regular
1 Re
Hi, I think the AirLens was going to be a streamer when it had its own software. That didn’t come to pass and now it looks like it will be an end point only.
But @Paul, perhaps it’s time for the PS Audio marketing machine to come out with how you’d like the AirLens to be known? I know you’ve said you’ll lift the lid on details closer to time, but are we at that point?
Very much hoping the AirLens and new DS2 can come out next month - count me in for a combo!
1 Like
In the end, it is an optional extra endpoint to feed the DS2 with I2S over HDMI cable, galvanically isolated. Not a streamer
1 Like
For me a device that’s streaming files from a network is a streamer. An endpoint it may be, too.
A server serves a bridge bridges and a streamer streams. Sometimes devices have more than one of them inherited including being an endpoint. My interpretation.
Thanks Paul,
Can’t wait for the AirLens. It’s exactly what I need to add into my PS Audio eco system 
1 Like
I believe the most accurate description would be to call it a “Transport”.
“Streamers” typically include DAC’s.
I just hope it measures well in terms of power supply noise and low jitter.
Nope. See this for exactly what it will be
Maybe we should simply be thinking of it as an external bridge III after all! It will bridge the link between something else on the network which is sending the music files before it reaches the DAC…
3 Likes