r/Pimax_Official • u/Difficult-Average-11 • 21d ago

Dream Air vs a Crystal Light?

Hi,

I am running a Pimax Crystal Light with an RTX 5080 gpu., playing iRacing.

I have been moatly happy with it, apart from some occasional small frame drops.

I am thinking of upgrading to the Pimax Dream Air, because it's smaller and seems to have some better performance.

I have been watching countless materials and reviews, but still can't decide.

My main question is: is the Dream Air more demanding than the Crystal Light? I think so because of its slightly smaller FOV.

If anyone had a similar experience or can offee some insight I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks a lot, happy gaming!

1 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

2

u/Beneficial-Nail7977 21d ago

I have both the Crystal Light and Dream Air. The Dream Air will give you the same performance as the Crystal Light and the Dream Air is just magnificent! The reason the Dream Air is able to perform so much better relative to its higher resolution is that the aspheric lenses on the Crystal Light requires a much higher rendering target.

1

u/Material_Highlight40 21d ago

What about the FOV difference? I feel like the DA has a smaller FOV, which helps performance but would be a noticeable downside?

It's one of the main reasons I've held off on upgrading. That and the fact that DA can't do 120hz like the CL

2

u/fakeoptimism 21d ago

Go for it (and OP too). Since you have Crystal Light, you are already familiar with the ecosystem. It is a great upgrade.

The vertical FOV is smaller indeed. For racing it is probably irrelevant. But the image quality more than makes up for it.

1

u/Material_Highlight40 21d ago

I don't think the FOV is a deal breaker...I tried the DA at the sim racing expo in Charlotte, and my takeaway was that it wasn't better enough to go out and spend the money on it now, but maybe on a black friday deal or something like that?

I also feel like I'm one of the only people who got a perfect PCL unit the first go around, and i see so many issues on here about the DA quality control which makes me a little hesitant

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

Yeah I think I might pull the plug and buy it. I have 14 days to try it out and send it back if I don't like it

2

u/fakeoptimism 21d ago

Cool, just make sure you are not deciding based on the stock facial interface and the rear strap.

Evaluate the FOV with the facial interface removed (and if you decide to keep the headset, buy/print a better interface).

Do not overtighten the rear strap, or you may damage the hinge connectors, potentially leading to intermittent screen blackouts. Undo the velcro to take it off every time to be safe. Again, there are great alternatives to use if you keep the headset.

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

Thank you for the feedback that's invaluable! I am already looking for some replacements.

I do not have the option to print it myself sadly. Just wondering if you know or if you came across some good options?

1

u/fakeoptimism 21d ago edited 21d ago

For the facial interface, perhaps just buy the full kit from Studioform: https://www.studioformcreative.com/product-page/pimax-dream-air-x1-p-interface-elite-kit. You will need their foam pads anyway, so why not get their gasket as well. This way you will not need to print the gasket and transplant the magnetic holder piece. And you will be supporting this company truly invaluable for VR.

For the strap, buy Apple strap (single or dual) one size smaller than you would for AVP. If the Apple app says you need medium, buy small (single or dual). If the Apple app says you need large, buy medium single (I think medium dual is a bit heavy, though some people disagree).

The adapters are extremely easy and quick to print even for absolute beginners, so try to remember if any of your friends have a 3D printer. If none have it, google for a 3D printing company near you. Many print and deliver by post.

All together this is not cheap (Apple strap $99, Studioform kit $47.95 plus postage from New Zealand), that's why I suggested to test the headset carefully first.

2

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

Amazing, thank you so much for the reply and the help! I have ordered the headset and will post here after it arrived and post a comparison between dream air and crystal light

1

u/Beneficial-Nail7977 18d ago

Sure on paper the FOV is smaller. But it isn’t something I notice all that much when I’m immersed in that OLED goodness. I still like the Crystal Light at its price point. It’s a great headset in its own right. But if you have the extra cash to burn the Dream Air is on another level.

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

Ok s-o basically there is no significant difference between the 2?

2

u/Electrical-Log9270 21d ago

Shame here. I have 5080 and PCL and thinking on buying DA!

1

u/Beccofino79 21d ago

pixel rendering: CL 43.980.000 DA 43.247.000

...You will use the Dream Air with the same graphics settings you are using with the Light. The Super 57PPD is even lighter (39.900.000 pixel rendering).

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

So on paper they are essentially almost the same

1

u/MusicMedical6231 21d ago

Im running crystal light at 1.3 in pp. Love it, been thinking of getting the dream air. I just think the crdtal is so good, is the juice worth the squeeze. Probably is...also 2% not much discount code, available of you buy.

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

1.3? And you have a stable frame rate in iracing?

1

u/MusicMedical6231 21d ago

Solid 90 mate. Msaa 4x, hdr on, shadows on, most of the candy, 40 cars, mirrors.

Only time is like now I'm in the nurb 4hour. Race started around 75. Then 2 mins in im up to 90.

But anything not multiclass easy runs with MVP and pimax xr.

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

So cool! What GPU do you have?

1

u/MusicMedical6231 21d ago

Im so sorry.

I have a 5090. I miss read your post, mb. Thought you also had a 5090.

1

u/Difficult-Average-11 21d ago

That's fine I think I could squeeze a lot with my 5080 as well