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PS Audio AirLens and DirectStream DAC Mk2 Review

The remote for the Mk2 was not available, so a PS Audio system remote had been tweaked to run the DAC. A note with the packaging instructed the owner to use two buttons that were reprogrammed to give full access to the Mk2’s features. I found the remote to work seamlessly with the DAC, but it is rather cluttered. As the manufacturing lag subsides, purchasers can request the Mk2’s remote be sent to them gratis. Even though the remote buttons are backlit, they are small. It would be nice to have a smaller, simpler working remote for basic operations of its DACs or preamps.

The MK2’s notable features include Pre-emphasis, which allows the user to counter recording techniques used on some compact discs which emphasize high frequencies. The owner can select On, Off, or Auto. The default setting is Auto. Other options allow inputs to be named, the ground on each input or output lifted, the shield or shell of an XLR interconnect lifted, and Polarity inverted. I was particularly interested in the Shell Lift feature, which the Owner’s Reference states may slightly improve the sound. There are many fine points to operation that can be studied by viewing or downloading the Owner’s Reference found at the PS Audio website.

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