Product Strengths

• Brings quality streaming to any existing system
• Provides a premium selection of digital outputs
• Has an MA Remote App experience for easy control and integration of streaming services and local storage
• Features a 3.46-inch touchscreen for easy operation and display of music metadata
• Delivers pristine and clean digital data for purists who want a high-end music streamer

Product Considerations

• It is a streamer only, without a DAC or amp, so it should not be confused for an all-in-one solution
• Has a basic on-screen menu system
• Lacks bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity; it is exclusively for digital output options

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Bluesound Node: The Element S has a more extensive selection of digital outputs, but the Node has an internal DAC and analog outs

Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element S is a great choice for audiophiles who want to add quality streaming to their existing audio system. It delivers clean data and integrates easily with streaming services and local storage.

Product Strengths

• Excellent build quality with a luxurious aluminum body and sleek design
• Serves as a high-quality preamp, streamer, and DAC all in one device
• The DAC utilizes flagship AKM chips with 'Velvet Sound' technology, providing a warmer, richer, and more natural sound compared to the DMP-A6
• User-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen and a well-designed control app
• Versatile connectivity options, including multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, and support for various streaming services

Product Considerations

• The preamp section's performance is not on par with the digital streaming and DAC sections
• DSP functions are limited up to 192k sampling rate
• Spotify Connect has a lag in song switching at times
• The HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, omitting the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6
• Playlists cannot span music libraries; it is not possible to mix music from an internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs DMP-A6: The DMP-A8 has better resolution, refinement, separation, and bass, sounding more 'analogue', while the A6 sounds brighter, lighter, and drier
• Vs HiFi Rose RS250a: The DMP-A8 sounds better if richness, warmth, and a big soundstage are valued, while the RS250a is preferred if analytical detail and an open top end are most important
• Vs Lumin U2 Mini: As a streamer only, the A8 is about the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up to the level of a Lumin U2 or HiFi Rose RS130
• Vs Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC: The sound was noticeably improved
• Vs RME ADI2 Pro: The DMP-A8 was preferable, as it sounded less flat and more three-dimensional in comparison

Takeaway: The DMP-A8 is a well-built and versatile streaming DAC that offers a rich and natural sound, along with a user-friendly interface and plenty of features. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate their music listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Both an input stage and a galvanically isolated reclocking output stage ensures 100% isolation and noise-free delivery of perfect digital audio signals
• A DC-to-DC converter that is galvanically isolated allows the input and output stages to be completely isolated, allowing each to function as its entity electrically
• PS Audio uses its 'Digital Lens' technology to ensure the DAC gets the best audio data possible by storing data in a variable RAM buffer and sending it to the precision clocks within the AirLens
• The AirLens excels in performance with the I²s connection, delivering musical realism as well or better than any streamer under $5K
• The unit has a smaller frame component
• USB or Toslink inputs are absent

Product Considerations

• The PS Audio AirLens cannot stand toe-to-toe with the HiFi Rose RS-130 when it comes to design or features, as it is a basic box with no display screen
• There isn't a place to hook up a hard drive if one wants to stream stored music, since it is basically a streamer only
• The AirLens does not have a DAC
• It is not for the mainstream-streaming, non-audiophile consumer who uses Spotify and Apple Music, since it does not cater to features that audio enthusiasts will not use, such as AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or a proprietary music management application

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• HiFi Rose RS-130: The Air Lens does the 3D imaging thing better than the HiFi Rose, however, the HiFi Rose has a more meaty—punchy—refined analog kind of sound overall
• EverSolo DMP-A6: The PS Audio Air Lens far excelled above the A6 when it comes to sound quality, as the A6 sounded a little more digital in the treble area with grain and noise
• WiiM Pro Plus: Going from the WiiM Pro Plus streamer into the Denafrips DAC to the Air Lens, there is an increase in bass and energy in the holographic sound stage
• HiFi Rose RS250A, NAD C 700, Naim ND5 XS 2: The HiFi Rose RS250A, the NAD C 700, or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not

Takeaway: The PS Audio AirLens is a music streamer designed to eliminate digital noise and hash and bring an experience unlike most streamers on the market. It's perfect for audiophiles who want a simple, high-quality streamer that delivers exceptional sound.

Product Strengths

• Refined digital sound that is transparent and resolves fine details, offering a clear and expansive sound image
• New processing system with resampling flexibility, allowing upscaling or downscaling between 44.1kHz and 384kHz/DSD256
• User-friendly Lumin app for iOS that supports playback from network attached storage, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
• Versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of digital outputs

Product Considerations

• Ethernet connection only, foregoing internal Wi-Fi conversion
• Sound quality is highly dependent on the quality and matching of the DAC used
• Transparency reveals the quality of upstream components
• Felt/cloth feet might cause the unit to slip more easily than its predecessor
• May reveal flaws in poorly made recordings due to its high resolution

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• U2 Mini offers more resolution and air on the stage compared to the Lumin U1 Mini, represents a completely new generation of digital transports with obvious musicality
• Lumin U2 Mini had more resolution, a more clearly defined and expansive sound image, and a riper sound to each musical element, compared to Totaldac's internal streamer
• Competes closely in performance with the AURALiC Aries G2.1, especially concerning the amount of information and extension of the stage depth

Takeaway: The Lumin U2 Mini is a versatile streamer that delivers high-quality audio and is easy to integrate into existing audio systems. It offers great sound, a user-friendly app, and supports various streaming services, making it a worthy upgrade.

Product Strengths

• Solidly made
• SD-card is easily accessible for swapping operating systems
• Offers many digital links: optical, coaxial, AES, and I2S

Product Considerations

• Does not have an on-board DAC
• Performance is equivalent to the Metrum Acoustics Ambre, which may be a consideration for users familiar with that product
• I2S output is specifically for Sonnet/Metrum products

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Metrum Acoustics Ambre: The Hermes has a different power supply, processing board, casing, and includes a display, with a more purposeful design for audio streaming

Takeaway: The Sonnet Audio Hermes is a well-built streamer with versatile digital connectivity and the flexibility to use different software packages. It is a great addition to a system, especially when paired with other Sonnet/Metrum products.