Hi Everyone,
For those who had the opportunity to compare: When used with the PMG512 DAC, what is your preference for a streamer between the AirLens and the PMG’s onboard streamer?
Thanks,
Guy
I don’t own an AirLens, but PMG himself commented on the forum that the DAC streamer sounds superior to the AirLens.
— Chris
the PMG’s onboard streamer beats the pants off my Innuos Zen Mk3 as well… and sounds best without the ethernet cable i was using (although some argue a better ethernet cable would best the wifi route)
My last Ethernet cable purchase was the best of the best. I was encouraged by others who heard a significant improvement when they added this magical cable. Happily, any improvement it made was unnoticeable to me. It stays where it’s at. But no future purchase is likely.
I seem incapable of hearing differences in Ethernet cables. And Switches. And SFPs. I feel fortunate that this is how it is for me.
Seven years ago I was at a local Audiophile club meeting. The top man from Wireworld was demonstrating a fancy device that would allow him to switch between different quality cables instantly. When it was time to do Ethernet cables his three candidates were a run of the mill Belden cable, a Wireworld midline cable, and their then top of the line cable. He was playing a song that was worthy. I heard a major difference every step of the test. Of course the top of the line cable made the song sound like it went from a monkey with a kazoo to a full orchestra. At the time the top of the line cable went for $2200. This was a time before I was willing to spend any money at all on cables. The last Ethernet cable I bought cost me close to that. After adding it the sound was just the same sound as before.
I believe for me it’s a mental issue. I don’t allow myself to hear differences in Ethernet cables. I would love to take part in that Wireworld demonstration again. Yes sir.
Unfortunately I went the other way. I wasn’t hearing much difference from Ethernet cables before, but now I seem to hear the difference better, even on the cable before a switch that supposed to isolate all noises. Strange and troublesome 
Much the same here. Initially heard little or no difference with Ethernet cables. Now, with the Stealth Black Magic CAT8 as a reference, nothing has beat it, including more expensive ones. So, like Al, I’m happy, but will still listen to a challenger.
Just received my PMG 512, and haven’t compared yet. But while Paul clearly much prefers the internal streamer in the 512, it seems a number of PS staff people prefer the outboard Airlens…
That seems unlikely.
I was also surprised to hear they did…
No AirLens here. I am unable to hear the differences between my PMG Dac and Innuos Zen Mk3 via Wi-Fi or ethernet running through LHY SW10 pro switch.
I’ve been running the 512 for a week and am more than pleased with it. Set up internal streamer last night, and initial response is I’m very impressed. Ready to unhook Airlens but will try some direct comparison later
Totally agree. It beat the Hifi Rose RS130 with a nice 10mhz clock with fancy $$$$ cables.
However, yet to try the PMG 512 alone without tethered to the router by two fancy $$$$ audiophile switches.
When I tried a NA streaming cable ($1k+), I like WIFI connection better on PMG512 streamer. But when I put the link for MU2 ($15k+ on cables, filter, switch, and PC) to PMG streamer, the wired connection did sound better. Just so you know.
Thank you for “leveling the field” with the wired vs. wireless streaming as it pertains to PMG512 performance. Streaming with the PMG, and the MU2, for that matter, will benefit from good things in between router and streamer. That includes quality Ethernet cables, filter, and switch. A Muon Pro is a start, but, as you have mentioned, their cable will not get you there. Yes, the investment is considerable for the in-between stuff, with the likes of Stealth Ethernet cables and power cord, Network Acoustics filters and switch, but if you want streaming to rival your CD’s, it’s the way.