First founded in 2008, AURALiC has established a worldwide reputation for designing beautifully made, innovative music streaming and audio components of the highest quality – a combination of classic analogue technology and cutting edge digital evolution with a design aesthetic. Here at Audio T Southampton, we have been big fans of AURALiC and their range of high quality streamers and digital source components since we first saw and heard them in store a few years ago. With their product range rapidly developing and widening in that time, here's a timely reminder of their offerings, most of which we now have on demonstration in our store…

Straight out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is that all the products in the range are all impeccably engineered and encased in high quality alloy casework. Whilst there is a strong visual similarity between the models there are distinct differences. So here's a brief rundown to help you decide which product best suits your needs…

AURALiC Altair Digital Audio Streamer

The Altair Digital Audio Streamer, with its robust Wi-Fi connectivity and analog output, is a clean and powerful one-box solution for all your digital music. It offers a vast number of features and functions, allowing you to stream music from virtually any source.

You can play from locally stored files on your network, a USB drive, an optional integrated hard drive, as well as AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth sources. AURALiC’s Lightning Streaming Platform integrates natively with services like Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, KKBOX, Internet Radio, and Spotify Connect.

As you can see, the Altair has a comprehensive range of digital inputs and both RCA and XLR analogue outputs, meaning it is ideal to serve as a digital front end component connected to a stereo power amp or even directly into a pair of active speakers.

AURALiC Aries Streaming Transport

The Aries Streaming Transport is the ideal solution for connection to an external DAC or amplifier with digital inputs. It's a high quality streaming transport with state of the art wireless technology.

On a personal note, I actually use an Aries G1 myself and I'm delighted with the performance when streaming Qobuz high resolution music into my Cyrus Pre-XR via USB.

On the rear of the Aries, you’ll find that almost all digital output options are catered for, plus provision for external USB storage connectivity.

Designed for ease of use, crystal-clear sound, and highly flexible system configuration, the Altair brings high-performance, cutting-edge technology and incredible value to any high-fidelity music system.

AURALiC Vega Streaming DAC

The Vega is first and foremost a performance-focused DAC that utilises AURALiC’s best digital to analogue technology for optimum sound quality. Ethernet connection is used for online streaming services. Vega is also a Roon ready endpoint.

Every aspect of the Vega’s engineering has been designed to push the boundaries of sonic performance, reshaping data into a vibrant, emotionally rewarding musical performance.

Taking a peek around the back, the extensive socketry includes an analogue input enabling you to connect the output from your phono stage for vinyl playback.

For those seeking ultimate performance and extra streaming features, AURALiC recommend combining the Vega alongside an Aries .

Making sense of G1 and G2…

For the uninitiated, the varying options of the same model might seem confusing. G1 products tend to have more cost-effective specifications whilst still offering all the same software features as the G2 range.

G2 indicates AURALiC’s top specification, state of the art products, incorporating unique technology such as Lightning Link - A HDMI-type plug which offers 18Gbps high-speed data transfer and provides ultra-fast two-way communication between AURALiC products such as Sirius Upsampling Processor and Leo Reference Master Clock. AURALiC actually claim that Lightning Link is the only real jitter-free link in the world of high-performance audio. As an added bonus, G2 and G2.1 products can be linked without worry, allowing them to work seamlessly, as one contiguous digital source for an astonishing musical experience.

One of the more impressive physical attributes featured within G2 products is the Galvanic Isolation found as part of the Unity chassis - a double enclosure, where an outer case made from high-grade aluminum is supplemented with an inner layer of copper. You’ll also find other improvements such as analogue ladder volume control and Orfeo Class A output modules.

Products designated .1 and .2 are hardware upgrades to existing models whilst retaining the same core functions. For example AURALiC have just released Aries G1.1 and Altair G1.1. The key differences are that both products now have the high mass base from G2.1 models to improve vibration damping and enhance sonic performance. Support for AirPlay 2 has also been added.

It’s also worth noting that the Aries G1.1 now has the option of internal storage as well as an improved Femto clock and a more powerful headphone amplifier. The retail price on either model is currently £2499.00*.

All AURALiC products incorporate open home based streaming with Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2 and are Roon ready. The AURALiC Lightning DS IOS app seamlessly integrates with Amazon Music Unlimited, Qobuz, Tidal and with NAS music playback, optional internal storage as well as USB drives. Resolution up to 32 bit 384 khz and DSD 512 are supported via ethernet or Wi-Fi.

For anyone who is prepared to forego the upgrades, we currently have a few low usage ex-demonstration models of both the Aries G1 and Altair G1. These products are in excellent condition, complete with boxes and all accessories and full warranty for £1839.00! That's a very substantial saving of £460.00*. But hurry, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Thanks for reading

Alan, Wayne and Nick - Audio T Southampton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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