2. digital
  3. 191749-165378

Streaming, Getting the Signal, Then What?

I feel so stupid not getting the streaming thing though at almost 70 years old I have moved more toward digital then any time previously.  My PS Audio AirLens into a PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK1 gets its signal from a Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 modem/router purchased in Jan. '22.  I know I get a signal. I hear music play. Is this Netgear product better than the freebie that the ISP provider installs?  I think so. But following discussion FORUM I tend to think I may be able to do better, maybe?

So chime please as to what perhaps I should considered considering my AirLense & MK1 DAC. PLEASE, do not tell me why what I have could be so much better if.... This post presumes I have the equipment I have. From modem/router to sources is a high end AudioQuest ethernet cable product. That also is out of the equation for whomever wants to opine as to my cable choice.

Recommendations please.  If it matters the sources feed into a PS Audio BHK Signature pre, then into a pair of PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.  Speakers are Ohm Walsh Tall 3000. Love love love the flexibility I get from omni-directionals.  O.K., you can share your thoughts about my Ohms. But budget doesn't allow MBL or German Physiks.  Thanks one and all.

128x128veemike
rbstehno
1,444 posts
 

Ignore the bs about the ps audio ds dac mk1, the guy doesn’t know what he is talking about. He also doesn’t know that the airlens with i2s makes the ds sr dac sound better. He probably uses usb which is the worst sounding interface to use, the OP is doing it right by using i2s. Also, streaming is here to say, I sold my $15k tt setup with all my vinyl years ago when you do streaming right, it just sounds better. You also don’t need fiber optic converters. There is a simple trick to get your internal network sounding better for just a few bucks.

OP, send me a PM and I’ll help you. I’ve been streaming for 20 years, ex network guy, it’s very easy to setup. It doesn’t matter which router you use, which network you have, copper or fiber. 

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rbstehno
1,444 posts
 

Wrong. The mk2 is noisy according to reviewers, not the mk1 version. And it matters which input you are using. Maybe the usb is noisy, I would never use usb to any dac, but the i2s and Ethernet inputs are not noisy. Maybe you had an old release of the software because each software upgrade made a difference in sq. 
So I’m guessing you use usb, so you will never know what a dac can sound like at its best until you use i2s or Ethernet. Why do you think the airlens only has outputs for i2s or coax, because both of these sound better than usb.

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lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

I was just browsing the thread and feel I must add my 2 cents. When I had PS Audio transport and dac, the I2s interface was clearly better SQ than any other formats.

I agree with above comments to have your router and any wall-warts plugged into a different line than your stereo setup. Also using a LPS (linear power supply) on the router instead of the SMPS wall-wart is a major improvement in sonics and removes noise.

@veemike  Can you be specific about what is missing from your music playback or what improvements you seek?

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