Is A.V. Nielsen correct, that “Modern technology destroys principium individuationis and gives access to mythical and collective powers of great importance”? Are we in need of more technology in our lives? As audiophiles, do we still entertain the notion that an object, the tactile quality of vinyl and CDs for example, serve a more direct relationship with the original recording than a streaming option? Is analog better and truer than digital?

Even turntables are getting more technologically savvy, aesthetically stylish, overtly artistic, and driven by a complex zeitgeist, sometimes needlessly (Bluetooth on turntables? Really?). But still, analog is seen as the purest form of listening, or at least attentive listening, the real experience of the recording. Let us not forget, that we exist in a world where technology has levelled the playing field, a world of music is presented to us on a beautiful platform, and with your cellphone in hand, you have the power to evoke thousands of songs with a swipe of a finger, good quality and resolution (except if you’re streaming Spotify, of course), salient information of the recordings, all for the monthly price of a mediocre coffee from Starbucks. Let's face it, streaming is here to stay. This review is of the PS Audio AirLens Music Streamer (USD 1999).

I confess that up until a few years ago, I didn’t care for streaming. My dislike had less to do with streaming, and more so with how many of my favourite albums sounded so different than my records, sound quality was dull, flat, and tasteless. Also, back then the Swedish giant streaming company had some of my favourite albums, but many were missing. For a small gathering with friends, or just as background music, the act of streaming was sufficient, but for living the audiophile experience, streaming lacked that spark.

In came streamers and other high-resolution platforms Qobuz, Apple Music, and Tidal, newer software like Roon, and the possibility of buying and downloading your high-res albums. Now audiophiles were paying attention. The PS Audio AirLens dives into this brave new world of technology and swims effortlessly, but I’m getting ahead.

The AirLens

As with every audio component I’ve received from PS Audio, the shipping, and care that goes into the packaging was exemplary. The AirLens is a beautiful and unassuming small marvel in a square shape, with curved sides and a beautifully designed glossy black top. The front has no screen (more on this later), only the PS Audio blue logo inside a black parabola, a slick look. And that’s it. There are no high-end screens to list tracks or artists, audio resolution numbers, Bluetooth pairing, or anything else. So when I say unassuming, that’s exactly what I mean. For those accustomed to the design making a splash I’d say it does, but not in the way you’d think. Other components that can be compared in prices like the HiFi Rose RS250A ($2700), the NAD C 700 ($1500), or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 entry-level streamer ($2300) (it doesn’t have a display, either), all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not, so you’ll need an external DAC which I believe if you’re looking into this component you surely have.

Do streamers make a difference?

Your audio chain says a lot about the sound you desire. Still, it also helps you identify the audio component characteristics: does the voice of Lady Day or Tebaldi sound more alive on this or that amp? How about the pre-amp, does It complement the power amp? And if you’re streaming, the question arises for its DAC. Is it limiting the natural sound of the instruments? Is it too bright, too cold, dark at times?

But now, with streamers, the question has to be about the noise generated through computers, routers, modems, or local networks. From the PS Audio site: The PS Audio AirLens™ eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal.”

I remember this technology in the PerfectWave SACD Transport from PS Audio I reviewed a few years ago, and I can safely say it’s one of the most pristinely quiet components I’ve heard, I loved it so much that I bought it. This was one of the things I was most excited about the AirLens. I figured if they introduced the same galvanic isolation, their digital reclocking signal, then the USB-noise-filled networks while streaming problem, would be taken care of. When Paul McGowan owner and CEO of PS Audio says (from his YouTube channel): “USB is probably the worst way, from a sonic standpoint of getting the data out of a computer” we all should listen.

So yes, streamers make a big difference in the sound characteristic of your setup. And that’s exactly what I heard when I compared it to other streamers.

Specifications

Unit Weight: 4.8 lbs [2.2 kg].

Unit Dimensions: 10” x 7” x 1.5” [ 25.4cm x 17.8cm x 3.8cm].

Mains Power Input: 100-240VAC 50-60Hz.

Power Consumption: 5W Typical/10W max.

Input: 10/100/1000 Ethernet or 2.4 & 5GHz WIFI.

Audio Outputs: 12s, S/PDIF Coax.

Audio Interface: PCM Up to 352.8kHz/32. Native DSD up to DSD256 (I2S output). DoP (DSD over PCM) up to DSD128 (Coax output).

WIFI Setup: WPS.

Connectivity: DLNA 1.5 & UPnP AV 1.0 Digital Media Renderer. Spotify Connect. Roon Ready. TIDAL Connect. Qobuz (through Roon). Dropbox (through Roon). MQA.

Network Support: WiFi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5GHz dual band). 10/100/1000 Ethernet.

Accessories Included: Power cord.

Voltage Options: Universal.

Color Options: Black, Silver.

Shipping Dimensions: 5.8” x 13.6” x 11.6” [14.6 cm x 34.6 cm x 29.4 cm].

System

To try out the PS Audio AirLens I had my main setup connected: the Margules I-240 Integrated Tube Amplifier (review forthcoming), with the PS Audio Stellar-Strata as pre-amp through the I2S connection, I used it as my main DAC (32-bit ESS SABRE chip), and Alta Audio Alyssa speakers with Premium Pangea XLRs and Allnic ZL Power Cables. I also tried the Cambridge Audio DAC-Magic200 (Dual ESS SABRE ES9028Q2M chip) and the new streamer/DAC that’s making a splash because of the cost and its simple setup, the Wiim Pro Plus (AKM AK4493SEQ chip) for comparison. The chain was connected to Roon and the AirLens was connected through WiFi mostly; I’ve had issues with Ethernet at my house recently.

Sound

In my time with PS Audio components, what sets them apart is the care, quality, and superb sound performance, so I wasn’t surprised their newest creation was a small and beautiful design. I understand the audio chain and its sound as a play you’re seeing at the theatre, the opera and symphony center aisle or a jazz concert with a small ensemble. When you sit in front of your speakers, you listen for a certain sound, the desired tonal quality is part of an event, it’s a culmination of your subjectivity through music and the whole experience right in your living room.

So what can your room expect from the PS Audio AirLens? Of course, it depends on how much your system colours the music and how true it is to the recording. I prefer a more neutral system, in part, that’s why I enjoy the PS Audio sound.

And how did the AirLens do with different DACs? When I compared them, I could hear a thin sound but clear sound with the Cambridge Audio DAC-Magic200—the streamer handles itself but is “too clean and bashful”. When I connected the Wiim Pro Plus it was a “crisp-shouting” sound. I used the DAC from the Wiim Pro Plus, but I also compared it as a streamer (to the Stellar Strata) and here it lacked substance—the non-naturalness, and digital quality were there. But when I connected the AirLens to the Stellar Strata the sound was alive, full, and pleasant to the ear, separation yes, but more so a laid-back sound, clean as well. It’s difficult to describe a specific characteristic of the AirLens, but it is warmer than I expected. I thought it would be more on the neutral side, but no, and I'm not complaining.

Yes, DACs always sound different, and the AirLens captured the “mood” of each one. Pairing the PS Audio “cousins” was the best bet. I also tried different amps like the Vincent SV-500 and the Cambridge Audio AXR100, but my main setup with the Stellar Strata as a preamp with the Margules amp was just an amazing sound, a tone I wanted to listen to for long periods, and that’s what I did.

Hank Mobley’s “Dam That Dream”, from Poppin’ with Paul Chambers, Pepper Adams on baritone, Sonny Clark, Art Farmer, and Philly Joe Jones and their divine tone, flow, and ease of playing, an almost sort of trance came through the AirLens with a full sound from a truly remarkable piece of music. I then stopped to marvel at the sounds of the band Tiraniwen and their album Elwan, which enables a flight of the mind; the AirLens was with me there for the trip.

Bill Frisell’s new album Orchestras is a masterpiece and the AirLens through Roon had the spark and clarity I was lacking from previous and comparative streaming attempts. The quality of a product is at the forefront of what we as audiophiles are looking for and this streamer has it.

Conclusion

In my experience with PS Audio components, what sets them apart is the care, quality, and superb sound performance, so I wasn’t surprised that this small but beautiful design was their newest creation. I can almost hear the response to this review: It doesn’t have a DAC, and what do you mean it has no screen? Are you saying it doesn’t have Bluetooth? Yes. It is USD 1999 for a DAC-less, Bluetooth-less, Screen-less streamer, but I tell you this, the clean and immersive sound you’ll get, the way you’ll experience streaming with this great audio component is well worth it.

Furter information: PS Audio