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Digital add ons-airlens, matrix spdif, Innuous Phoenix net, Phoenix usb

I’m not technically inclined… and I’m confused.  I’m now using an Innuous Zenith 3, a PS Audio directstream 2, a matrix spdif and an Innuous Phoenix usb.  Now I’m tempted by the Innuous Phoenix net and/or by the new Ps Audio airlens.  But I don’t totally understand what all these add ons do or where they would go in my system.  I just know that I’m on a never ending search for the best sound, probably like everyone here .  I’m willing to add either (or both) devices and also to remove things I’m now using.  I realize that adding too many accessories probably can over complicate things and multiple connections probably can degrade the sound.  I welcome any advice!

brownsf
fittebd
101 posts
 

I have PS Audio MKII DAC as well.  I would say zenith 3 you have with the add ons you don’t need the matrix any more. Just usb to DAC. The MKII has a great usb input. The Airlens prob won’t yield any improvement. I would stick with what you got.  I am trying out the Airlens vs the new eversolo.  Not seeing a big improvement.  Still need time with it. 

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
630 posts
 

I have the PS Audio DAC Mk 2. It does not have an Ethernet connection. The AirLens connects a hard-wired Ethernet connection to the DAC using an I2S connection.  Better than any USB connection.  It allows me access to Tidal.  

dave777tx's avatar
dave777tx
26 posts
 

@audiotroy shoot an email to talk about it, dave777mx@me.com 

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@markalarsen

I2s has the potential to be much better than USB, especially if the upstream devices has a very good clock and the clock information is used by the downstream device. PS Audio does not use the clock in their I2s implementation. I2s does not carry power, which can be an advantage over USB.

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
630 posts
 

You are quoting Ted Smith without attribution.

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