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REVIEW: Auralic Aries Accessory

Posted by bullethead on August 13, 2016 at 07:34:40:

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
Associated Equipment for this Review:
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

Model:	Aries
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$1600
Description:	music bridge
Manufacturer URL:	Auralic

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