# Sonore SE + ER vs Airlens **URL:** \ **Category:** Network Audio\ **Created:** [September 18, 2023, 5:04am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100 "2023-09-18T05:04:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Vmax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vmax/32/19896_2.png) [@Vmax](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Vmax)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2023, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/21 "2023-09-26T02:35:38Z")
I agree. I still have my ultrarendu but sitting idle. I guess I should upgrade firmware and sell it. I wish i could use it with Bacch4mac. Solid and dependable kit and seamless integration is my Sonore Experience ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 6:15am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/22 "2023-09-28T06:15:40Z")
I had the SE, it was a fantastic streamer. But, I am glad it’s gone. No more streamers for me. Done. Kaput. ---
**Author:** ![vortecjr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/47e85d/32.png) [@vortecjr](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vortecjr)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2023, 11:47am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/23 "2023-09-30T11:47:39Z")
Nothing wrong with records, discs, or tape if that is what you like. In case I’m not understading you if your DCS gear has a network input and you are using it for audio…its streaming. ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/24 "2023-09-30T21:24:06Z")
The Bartók and Rossini have an isolated Bridge built in. I compared the Sig SE’s USB output into the DAC’s isolated USB vs the dCS Bridge. They both sounded good. Ultimately, I chose the Bridge input. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![brian.fitterman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbce88/32.png) [@brian.fitterman](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/brian.fitterman)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/25 "2023-09-30T21:28:29Z")
If it sounds just as good, has less boxes and cables then its a winner in my book. All in one units are very attractive at this level. ---
**Author:** ![vortecjr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/47e85d/32.png) [@vortecjr](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vortecjr)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2023, 10:40pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/26 "2023-09-30T22:40:07Z")
Those are very nice units…enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2023, 6:30am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/27 "2023-10-01T06:30:01Z")
Less is more. This is the way. ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2023, 6:31am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/28 "2023-10-01T06:31:55Z")
I settled on the Rossini with the Master Clock. It’s very nice. ---
**Author:** ![vortecjr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/47e85d/32.png) [@vortecjr](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vortecjr)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2023, 12:22pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/29 "2023-10-01T12:22:39Z")
Yes, but cost wise that two box solution is like comparing Apples to Beskar. ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/30 "2023-10-01T16:07:47Z")
This is true. Since I made the change, I will never remove my helmet. ---
**Author:** ![brian.fitterman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbce88/32.png) [@brian.fitterman](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/brian.fitterman)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2023, 6:28pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/31 "2023-10-01T18:28:43Z")
> [@vkennedy61](#): > > settled Oh poor guy has to settle with that. It’s rough in Portland. Lol ---
**Author:** ![aangen](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/aangen/32/295709_2.png) [@aangen](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/aangen)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2023, 8:01am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/32 "2023-10-02T08:01:00Z")
> [@vkennedy61](#): > > Since I made the change, I will never remove my helmet. Oh I quite appreciate that statement! ---
**Author:** ![jmart](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jmart/32/90572_2.png) [@jmart](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jmart)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/33 "2024-06-30T20:50:47Z")
Wanted to revive this topic as I’m debating changing my Signature Rendu SE (not deluxe) for the airlens. I recently have had issues with my optical conversion and my network isn’t connecting to the streamer. I could have the Rendu sent in and upgraded with the recent update or go the airlens route. Airlens would allow for easier Spotify connect integration, and allow for I2s use, which my current Rendu does not allow. Any thoughts on airlens vs the Rendu? Or advice? ---
**Author:** ![jmart](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jmart/32/90572_2.png) [@jmart](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jmart)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/34 "2024-07-01T18:49:32Z")
Darn, now there is a wrench in my decision making. Airlens VS the upgrade package for Sonore Sig Rendu SE? ---
**Author:** ![karthick](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/karthick/32/244425_2.png) [@karthick](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/karthick)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 9:03pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/35 "2024-07-02T21:03:44Z")
I don’t know why there is no good report on AL vs Sonore SE. I want to go to AL but I don’t know how better it will be compared to SE. ---
**Author:** ![jmart](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jmart/32/90572_2.png) [@jmart](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jmart)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/36 "2024-07-05T17:17:48Z")
I ordered the AirLens and will try it out compared to my Sonore Signature Rendu SE. I’ll post my findings. ---
**Author:** ![spydrwebb44](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/spydrwebb44/32/221380_2.png) [@spydrwebb44](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/spydrwebb44)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 7:42pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/37 "2025-01-07T19:42:10Z")
What were your findings? ---
**Author:** ![jmart](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jmart/32/90572_2.png) [@jmart](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jmart)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 8:45pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/38 "2025-01-07T20:45:52Z")
Thanks for the reminder, I’ll try to keep it short. I think the main improvements for my system are: 1. Usability - everything just works as intended on the Airlens. For example, switching from Spotify to Roon on the Sonore required me to pull out a computer and manually switch the input to Spotify via the IP address controller (would not work on phone or iPad). With the AL, everything is always available to is can seamlessly switch between Spotify and Roon. This alone was worth the upgrade (or downgrade) to be honest. Sonore really needs to get with the program, its 2025… 2. Reliability - The Sonore used a fiberoptic in and would have very frequent disconnects. Sometimes preventing from even getting the system to work which has screwed my multiple times over when friends were visiting. I can’t even remember how many times I was like ‘oh sorry my system is down.’ The airlens just works. I should atleast mention here that I don’t 100% know if it was the Signature Rendu’s fault because I used an EtherRegen to convert to optical and had to ‘reverse’ the direction it was intended to go. I talked to the builders several times and they swore that it was supposed to work both ways but I don’t know anymore, point is that the combination I had just wasn’t reliable. Infinitely better with the airlens. There have been a couple disconnects here and there but a quick reelection of the airlens fixes the issue. Maybe a more robust wifi/optical ethernet system would alleviate these issues. The airlens was worth the upgrade once again for even this alone. 3. SQ - this is a lot less obvious. I do think that the airlens sounds a touch better than the SigRendu BUT its slight at best and I also don’t know if it’s because I’m using a higher quality input on my DSDMKii. the SignatureRendu only has USB out and I have read from multiple MKii owners that the I2S input sounds better than USB. So… am I hearing an improvement from the airlens? or am I hearing a better input with less noise on the MKii? My HDMI cable is a RAL audio too so it’s much better than a lower end WW USB I was using. The ‘air-gap’ in the AL should eliminate jitter and noise pretty close to what an optical system would do IMO. Anyway, I would NOT have bought the airlines for the SQ improvement alone, although 1 & 2 above have been game changers for me. Hope that helps yall ---
**Author:** ![amsco15](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/amsco15/32/28_2.png) [@amsco15](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/amsco15)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 10:48pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/39 "2025-01-07T22:48:30Z")
I have lots of experience with Sonore. The etherregen does work in reverse but it’s just not a good partner with Sonore optical gear. The new Sonore optical module deluxe is rock solid with all Sonore optical endpoints in my experience. It has to do with the Broadcom optical module now used. ---
**Author:** ![spydrwebb44](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/spydrwebb44/32/221380_2.png) [@spydrwebb44](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/spydrwebb44)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 11:32pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100/40 "2025-01-07T23:32:02Z")
OK, thank you. I believe you were having some adverse issues with the Signature. Haven’t heard many disconnect problems but there’s always somebody to spoil the bell curve. Thought about the AirLens myself at one point but ultimately ended up going the Sonore Signature route, and haven’t regretted it. I understand your points, though, and I’m glad you found something to meet your needs. [Previous page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonore-se-er-vs-airlens/35100.md?page=3)