PS Audio AirLens HiFi Music Streamer is Too Good To Be True for Under $2000!

Jay's iyagi
21 Jan 202411:47

TLDRThe PS Audio AirLens HiFi Music Streamer, priced at $2,000, offers a high-end audio experience in a compact and affordable package. It features galvanic isolation to reduce noise and improve signal purity, with two digital outputs: coax and I2S, the latter offering superior sound quality. The AirLens pairs exceptionally well with PS Audio's Stellar Gold DAC, balancing the streamer's analytical sound with a warm, full-bodied house sound. The unit also impresses with its compatibility with Rune, enhancing sound quality with more spaciousness and instrument separation. The AirLens is a compelling choice for PS Audio customers seeking a high-quality streamer that complements their existing setup.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The PS Audio AirLens is a standalone HiFi music streamer without a DAC or preamp built-in.
  • 🎧 It features a compact size and a more affordable price point of $2,000 compared to other PS Audio products.
  • 🔊 PS Audio has focused on reducing noise, jitter, and EMI to deliver a high-fidelity streaming experience.
  • 🚫 The AirLens has limited digital outputs with only coaxial and I2S, emphasizing its high-end music streaming purpose.
  • 🔌 Coaxial output is included for broader compatibility, while I2S is recommended by PS Audio for the best sound quality.
  • 🌐 The AirLens supports Tidal Connect and is Rune compatible, offering a range of streaming options.
  • 🌟 When connected via I2S, the AirLens delivers a high-resolution sound with better imaging and fullness in the bass.
  • 🏭 PS Audio uses galvanically isolated outputs to maintain signal integrity and reduce noise for a pure music playback.
  • ⚙️ The unit has eight DIP switches for adjusting settings like sampling rate and DSD, as per the user manual.
  • 👂 The AirLens has a sound signature that is leaner and more focused compared to the warmer, richer PS Audio house sound.
  • 💡 Pairing the AirLens with PS Audio's Stellar Gold DAC through I2S results in a balanced sound that complements the PS Audio house sound.

Q & A

  • What is the PS Audio AirLens HiFi Music Streamer?

    -The PS Audio AirLens is a standalone HiFi music streamer designed to provide a high-end audio experience in a more affordable and smaller package. It is priced at $2,000 and features a focus on reducing noise, jitter, and EMI for signal purity.

  • How does the size of the PS Audio AirLens compare to other PS Audio products?

    -The PS Audio AirLens is significantly smaller than other PS Audio products, making it more compact and potentially more accessible for a wider range of users.

  • What are the digital output options available on the PS Audio AirLens?

    -The PS Audio AirLens has two digital output options: coax and I2S. The limited output options are a deliberate choice by PS Audio to focus on quality over quantity.

  • Why did PS Audio choose to include only two digital outputs on the AirLens?

    -PS Audio chose to include only two digital outputs to emphasize the high-end nature of the streamer. They selected the best digital outputs available, with a preference for I2S, which they deem to be the best connection to a DAC.

  • What does galvanic isolation mean in the context of the PS Audio AirLens?

    -Galvanic isolation refers to the lack of a physical connection between different circuits, such as input and output, while still allowing signal transfer. PS Audio uses this method to reduce noise, jitter, EMI, and preserve the integrity of music playback.

  • How many dip switches does the PS Audio AirLens have, and what are they used for?

    -The PS Audio AirLens has eight dip switches at the bottom of the unit, which can be used to set the sampling rate and DSD. Users should refer to the manual for instructions on how to use these switches.

  • What was the reviewer's initial expectation of the PS Audio AirLens based on their experience with other PS Audio products?

    -The reviewer expected the PS Audio AirLens to have a warmer, richer, and easygoing sound signature, similar to other PS Audio products they had experienced in the past.

  • How did the sound signature of the PS Audio AirLens differ from the reviewer's expectations?

    -The PS Audio AirLens had a leaner presentation with more focus, separation of instruments, and great imaging, which was on the opposite spectrum of the warmer, fuller sound the reviewer was expecting.

  • What was the reviewer's experience when pairing the PS Audio AirLens with the Stellar Gold DAC?

    -When paired with the Stellar Gold DAC via I2S, the AirLens produced a balanced sound that combined the thin and analytical sound of the streamer with the warm, full-bodied sound of the DAC, resulting in a full-bodied slam and base control with excellent texture.

  • How did the reviewer's experience with the PS Audio AirLens change when switching from Tidal Connect to Rune?

    -Switching to Rune improved the experience significantly, providing more spaciousness, a fuller sound, better instrument separation, and an impressive blackness between notes, which the reviewer found comparable to higher-end streamers.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 Introduction to PS Audio Airens Streamer

The PS Audio Airens is a standalone streamer that differs from other PS Audio products in size and price, offering a high-end experience at a more affordable $2,000. Despite its compact size, the Airens is designed to reduce noise, jitter, and EMI for a pure signal. It features limited digital outputs, with a focus on the superior I2S connection, which provides a superior sound quality compared to the included coaxial output. The unit also employs galvanic isolation to further enhance sound purity and integrity.

05:01

🔊 Pairing PS Audio Airens with Different Decks

The PS Audio Airens was initially paired with the Audio Note 0.1x, which is known for its expansive soundstage and musicality. However, the Airens' thin sound signature, when combined with the 0.1x, resulted in an overly thin sound profile. Experimenting with other decks via coaxial connections revealed a consistent lean towards a thinner sound, which was a departure from the typical full-bodied, warm sound associated with PS Audio products. The introduction of the Stellar Gold deck from PS Audio, when paired with the Airens via I2S, resulted in a balanced sound that combined the Airens' analytical capabilities with the warm, full-bodied sound of the Stellar Gold, creating a harmonious match.

10:02

🎵 Enhancing the Airens Experience with Rune

The PS Audio Airens supports Tidal Connect and other DLNA-compatible software, offering a versatile streaming experience. However, the switch to Rune, a Rune-compatible endpoint, significantly improved the sound quality, providing a more spacious and full-bodied sound. The use of Rune with the Airens resulted in better instrument separation, improved blackness between notes, and a spotlight effect on the performers, creating a high-end streaming experience that punches above its price point. The Airens' quiet, dark background and spotlit notes are reminiscent of higher-end streamers, possibly due to its galvanic isolation feature, making it a compelling choice for existing PS Audio customers and a potential game-changer for the market.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡PS Audio AirLens

PS Audio AirLens is the subject of the video and refers to a high-fidelity music streaming device produced by PS Audio. It is a standalone streamer, meaning it does not require a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) or preamp and can be controlled via digital volume on the unit. The AirLens is positioned as a high-end experience in a more compact and affordable package, priced under $2000, which is significant considering other PS Audio products tend to be more expensive.

💡Standalone Streamer

A standalone streamer is a device that connects to a home audio system to play music from online sources or a network. In the context of the video, the PS Audio AirLens is a standalone streamer, indicating it is a complete unit that can be integrated into an audio setup without needing additional components like a separate DAC or preamp.

💡Digital Volume Control

Digital volume control refers to the ability to adjust the volume of an audio signal in its digital form before it is converted to analog. The script mentions that the PS Audio AirLens has a digital volume control feature, which allows users to adjust the volume through the Rune software, providing convenience and precise control over the listening experience.

💡Noise Reduction

Noise reduction in audio equipment refers to the process of minimizing unwanted sounds or interference that can degrade the listening experience. The video script highlights that PS Audio has put significant effort into reducing noise in the AirLens, which is crucial for achieving a high-quality audio signal and a pure listening experience.

💡Jitter

Jitter is a term used in digital audio to describe the variation in the accuracy of the timing of digital signals, which can negatively affect sound quality. The script mentions that PS Audio has worked to reduce jitter in the AirLens, which is important for maintaining the integrity and purity of the digital audio signal.

💡EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)

Electromagnetic Interference, or EMI, is the disturbance caused by external electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the performance of electronic devices. The video discusses how PS Audio has made efforts to reduce EMI in the AirLens, which helps to ensure a cleaner and more accurate audio signal.

💡Digital Outputs

Digital outputs are connectors on a device that transmit digital audio signals to another component, such as a DAC or an amplifier. The script notes that the PS Audio AirLens has limited digital outputs, specifically coaxial and I2S, which are considered high-quality connections for audio streaming.

💡I2S (Inter-IC Sound)

I2S is a serial communication protocol used for connecting digital audio devices. It is known for providing high-quality audio transmission. In the video, the reviewer mentions that PS Audio considers I2S to be the best connection for the AirLens, and personal experience confirms that I2S provides superior sound quality compared to the coaxial output.

💡Galvanic Isolation

Galvanic isolation is a technique used in electronics to prevent direct electrical conduction between two circuits, which can help reduce noise and interference. The video script explains that PS Audio uses galvanic isolation in the AirLens to maintain the purity and integrity of the music playback through streaming.

💡DIP Switches

DIP switches are small switches used to set configurations or options on electronic devices. The script mentions that the PS Audio AirLens has eight DIP switches at the bottom of the unit, which allow users to adjust settings such as sampling rate and DSD format, providing customization options for the user.

💡Roon

Roon is a software platform that manages and organizes music libraries, providing a high-level interface for music streaming. The video script indicates that the PS Audio AirLens is compatible with Roon, which is significant for users who wish to use this platform for their music streaming needs.

💡Sound Signature

Sound signature refers to the unique tonal characteristics or 'personality' of an audio device or system. The video discusses how the PS Audio AirLens has a sound signature that was unexpected compared to other PS Audio products, with a leaner presentation and a focus on imaging and soundstage.

💡Stellar Gold Deck

The Stellar Gold Deck is a new digital-to-analog converter from PS Audio. The video script describes how pairing the AirLens with the Stellar Gold Deck through I2S connection resulted in a balanced sound that complements the PS Audio house sound, indicating a successful match between the two products.

Highlights

PS Audio AirLens is a standalone streamer without a DAC or preamp, but features digital volume control.

It is smaller and more affordable than other PS Audio products, priced at $2,000.

Efforts have been made to reduce noise, jitter, and EMI for signal purity.

The streamer has limited digital outputs, featuring only coaxial and I2S.

PS Audio recommends I2S for the best sound quality, providing high-resolution audio with better imaging and base fullness.

Galvanic isolation is used for outputs to reduce noise and preserve music integrity.

The unit includes eight DIP switches for adjusting sampling rate and DSD settings.

The sound signature of AirLens is leaner with a focus on instrument separation and imaging, differing from the warmer, richer PS Audio house sound.

When paired with the Audio Note 0.1x, the AirLens opens up the sound stage but retains a thinner sound profile.

The Stellar Gold DAC from PS Audio complements the AirLens, balancing its analytical sound with a warm, full-bodied tone.

Using Tidal Connect and then switching to Rune results in a more spacious and full-bodied sound.

Instrument separation and blackness between notes are significantly improved when using Rune.

The AirLens provides a very quiet, dark background with spotlit notes, similar to higher-end streamers.

The AirLens is an excellent match with PS Audio's house sound, especially when using I2S.

The Stellar Gold DAC is a standout product from PS Audio, offering impressive performance.

Existing PS Audio customers are likely to be very satisfied with the AirLens' performance and integration with their systems.

The AirLens is a high-end music streamer that punches above its price point.

The combination of AirLens and Stellar Gold DAC is considered a match made in heaven for optimal audio experience.

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