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Model: | Aries |
Category: | Accessory |
Suggested Retail Price: | $1600 |
Description: | music bridge |
Manufacturer URL: | Auralic |
Review by bullethead on August 13, 2016 at 07:34:40 IP Address: 100.33.132.82 | Add Your Review for the Aries |
I've been a proud owner of the Auralic Aries proper with the dual Femto Clocks (one for USB the other for digital out) for a while now. I am happy to report that this transport is not only wonderful sounding, but is the best source in my system at this current moment.
I've grown tired of messing around with the computer as a transport using USB and then trying to tweak the operating systems, USB drivers, playback software etc. So I pulled the trigger on the $1,600 USD Aries and haven't looked back.
The Aries plays back many file archives such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF,FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA. It also supports Tidal and a few other music services such as Qobuz and WiMP. I specifically currently use Tidal Hi-Fi with it and it sounds great. In addition I run a network drive with over 2TB of music available that I have archived to FLAC from my CD collection as well as many high-res DSD and PCM albums and sound is indeed very awesome.
I have the Auralic Aries plugged into a Auralic Vega DAC using the AES/EBU output into the DAC. Using a Kimber illuminations Orchid AES cable (silver) it definitely is nice. The application I use to control the Aries is the Auralic DS application for the iPad, I've also have an Android Tablet and for that I use Bubble DS.
DSD is supported through the USB out on the Aries. Essentially you treat your Aries as the USB audio output source and then can play that back into a compatible DAC. Through that you are also able to play back PCM up to DXD should your DAC support it.
The Aries also comes with a linear PSU which is low noise, and by design that also sounds great.
Product Weakness: | plastic shell, very light / delicate |
Product Strengths: | ease of use, convenience |
Amplifier: | Merrill Audio Taranis |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Bel Canto Pre3 |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Auralic Aries |
Speakers: | Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 |
Cables/Interconnects: | silver all the way through |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | all kinds |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | 6 months |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Question-I have the Aries as well-stellar unit-best I have heard digital in my system-my question is if you are using aes out to dac then how are you listening to Dsd files if aes is limited to 192 on the Aries-would you not have to be using the usb out and not aes or spdif outputs-Unless both can be used simultaneously? Curious as to how you are listening to dsd via aes through the Aries?
Best in listening
Gsb
hi gsb,
I am indeed using the USB output for anything like DSD and DXD (high res PCM at 32 bits). It is very rare that I use that output mode though.
Most of my music is 192 or under so I use the AES output for that.
Let me know if that clears it up.
So do you have both outputs wired and connected at same time or do you disconnect and change over to other output.
I have to switch the outputs in the iPad app Lightning DS to one or the other, it can't do both as far as I understand at the same time.
Edits: 08/13/16
Yup that's what I do but did not realize I could leave both physically connected and just switch in the Lightning app-thanks!
Yep, in settings, tap your Aries device name, if you have them both plugged in you can select one or the other. I believe that should work if your DAC is active on both at the same time. If not you have to switch the DAC to USB then switch it in the app right after though, an extra step but you could have them both plugged in. Some DACs won't work that way unless you switch the DAC to USB first, then change it to USB in the app.
Good listening :)
Works like a charm and have them both plugged in-just switch them in/out in the Lightning app-thanks and good listening!
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