Help with streamer software

@markmuse I do have the PS Audio MK2 DAC, that is the only reason I am even considering the purchase.  I would be able to finally use the i2s connection with this thing, according to Paul that does wonders for the sound.  The only thing in my system that is not PS Audio is the streamer, speakers and cabling.  I know PS has a great return policy, but I just hate to send stuff back and would rather be reasonably sure the purchase will be worth it before I pull the trigger on something.  They have a pretty good sale going on right now, until the end of the week I think, so I have a few more days to think about it.

@vandy357 

Same as me, except my DAC is the only other PS A piece I have. And I'm with you on the return policy. I hate to do it, but will if necessary.

@markmuse 

I just don't know that I am going to get any better than what the N20 delivers, so that is my biggest reason for the pause.  I did try to A-B the difference in the sound by comparing the internal storage on the N20 to streaming Qobuz through it and I thought it was pretty much a wash.  About half of the songs I used for the comparison sounded better from the storage while the other half sounded better using Qobuz, and the difference to my ears was not enough to go out and spend more money on, unless I can get Qobuz to sound better.  Just so happens that you brought up the topic, so now I get to pick other's brains to see what they think.  Of course I have been asking the guys at PS lots of questions also.  I don't know, I am not sold yet but 400 bucks off right now has me thinking.

@vandy357

The AirLens is designed to mate with PS Audio DAC’s. Since you own their DAC, I say it’s worth the hassle of auditioning in your system. My experience tells me manufacturers touting on higher or better performance based on proprietary connectivity doesn’t always pans out. Case in point, EMM Labs NS1 and DA2 DAC. That’s at $35K combo I’ve owned it in the past, guess what; I preferred the sound of Aurender N10 with DA2 using AES cable. Sent back NS1 after 30 days of auditioning using their proprietary EMM Optilink interface, which supposed to sound better than AES/SPDIF and USB.

And with AirLens, you still a separate PC to run Roon Core on your network. 

@lalitk 

You are probably right and I probably will, my curiosity will more than likely win out as usual.  I don't stream that much but with the availability of so much music on Qobuz that may change.  I have been trying to avoid Roon, my Aurender doesn't support it, but that may likely be something to try also.  Oh well, if it doesn't sound any better than the stream from the N20 I can always send it back.  Thanks for the input.