Help with streamer software

@fuzztone 

Thanks. I did ask PS A. They are basically counting on Roon to drive the thing. Volumia won't work for me, it requires Raspberry or Windows. 

@ghdprentice 

I know Aurender has great software and I might end up there at some point. Currently using Lumin. I have PS A's DSD Mk2 DAC, which I think is superb. I want to try the I2S interface. Aurender is USB like my Lumin.

@mlsstl 

Yes, DNLA / UPnP, but as I understand it that doesn't necessarily mean it will reside on my iPad and direct the stream to my streamer. Still checking these apps. out. 

@mahler123 ​@lalitk

I did compare Roon to other apps and found it lacking in sound quality. Not vastly, but it was definitely there. Regarding sound quality of IR, Jazz24 has two streams, one is MP3, the other is redbook. This is my primary music source from IR.

Regarding having a Mac or Lose as a source, nope. Talk about poor sound quality....

@ghdprentice

I2S is not a me-too add-on for PS Audio. If I am not mistaken they are the original proponents. Regarding compatibility, did you notice that both my DAC and this new streamer are from the same manufacturer? I think it is pretty unlikely that there is a compatibility issue here. In fact that is the only reason I am giving this streamer a try.

@carlsbad2

Jerry, I2S is central to the PS Audio digital gear. I’m giving it a try. If it doesn’t cut the mustard it is going back. But I do love the DSD Mk2 DAC. I have been using USB from my Lumin to my Mk2 DAC, and it sounds very good. I want to see if I2S to I2S is an improvement.

@vandy357 

I downloaded Jplay to test. Using it now on my Lumen and it is very good. Full featured and sounds great. The Airhead is due here on Wednesday. But if you have the N20 now I wouldn’t change unless you also have a PS A DAC, in which case it might be worth a try. The N20 is very nice.

@bipod72 

Maybe I should get the CXN V2 just to play IR. First I have to discover if the Airhead is indeed better with my DAC than my Lumin, then go from there.

Thanks all!

@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.

@vandy357 

While the AirLens is 'Roon Ready' you really don't need it. JPlay (2wk free trial, $50/year) is an excellent sounding and full featured app for a number of OS, including iOS. That is what I will be using. I'm really quite interested in your take on the comparison with the N20.

@vandy357

To use Roon you need a computer of some sort, like a Nucleus. You cannot just download and use the software. And then of course there is the monthly subscription fee. Yes, PS A seems to be relying upon Roon to provide the interface. Give JPlay a try with your N20 to get a feel for it. I am now using it with my Lumin U2 Mini to stream Qobuz. It sounds the same as the Lumin software but seems to be more complete in dealing with Qobuz. This is the software I will be using with the AirLens. My AirLens is due here tomorrow. I can let you know how I like it and how well it works with JPlay. I expect it will work just fine. 

@dickieboy  @vandy357 

Listening to it now. Works perfectly with JPlay. Sonically, sans burn-in and with the supplied HDMI cable, it is a bit more immediate and slightly more detailed (better textures) than the Lumin. Kinda unfair to start judging this early, but certainly nothing wrong with the sound.

@lalitk  U2 Mini. More TC as things settle in. 

@jji666 

I knew I would be using JPlay for Qobuz. The question was and remains how do I access internet radio. There does not seem to be a solution short of TuneIn (or similar) via Airplay, or Roon - neither of which are satisfactory.