USB from Aries(wifi) to DSD is best connection in my system. WW platinum starlight is the BOMB!
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Anyone compared Aries G1 to Aurender N100(H)?
I like my Aurender N100H, but Auralic Aries G1 (or G2) is more versatile with more outputsā¦
I have an N100h and have no complaints, but have never compared it to an Aries, so canāt help you there.
But here is a discussion here on the Audioshark forum - albeit from 2015:
https://www.audioshark.org/computer-digital-audio-11/auralic-aries-vs-aurender-n100h-7932.html
And a more recent thread on Audiogon from 2017:
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Thanks for the links. But Iāve just finished reading exactly those threads. There is quite lot of comparisons between Aries femto and Aurender N100H, not so much about Aries G1 vs N100H.
OP here. Finally pulled the trigger on the G1. Build quality is excellent, set up straightforward with no issues. Found and indexed FLAC files on network NAS drive almost instantaneously. Using WiFi - G1 - USB - DSD. Streaming Qobuz and playing stored files. G1 does an excellent job, especially with with hi-res files; I am able to pick out the 192 files on the playlists. Itās a keeper for sure.
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Same here with the G2 but Iām using Tidal. Amazing build quality. Loving the sound. Have you gone into the web interface and played with the filters?
Cheers,
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Iāve almost bought a G2 but the thought of spending Ā£4K on something that essentially just groups digital stuff together before passing it on to the psdac that doesnāt cost that much more is putting me off. Should I go for the G1 instead at half the price!, I donāt know! Itās driving me potty deciding.
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Did you hear the G1 before you bought the G2? Does it really sound that much better?
I did not hear the G1 so I can not opine.
As long as you have a good dedicated streamer with good design principles (like Aurender or Aurilic), the upgrade to the latest and greatest doesnāt make any sense. The diminishing returns are immense when youāve already spent over a thousand for a streamer. Unless you need a new and specific functionality, Aurender you have is good enough for 99% of ppl!
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I compared G1 and G2. Upgrades present on the G2 are the solid machined chassis, dampened foot spikes, Lightning Link compatibility and ability to add internal hard drive. I could not justify the $1,650 additional cost. No plan to use L-Link for other Auralic components, NAS drive works fine, and can add my own isolation feet. And the assembled chassis is excellent build quality.
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I have the G2. I tend to agree with all of what you say.ost of the upgrades are not worth it unless you plan to use the full g2 stack with lightning link. I did not personally try the g1, but Iām sure Iād be happy with it. I think the best thing about the Aries line is the WiFi, which is the main reason I kept the aries G2.
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There are more differences than what you mentioned between the G1 and G2. Iām not picking sides between the two but I assume the differences you didnāt mention effect the sound more than what you did mention. Iām not wise enough to really know why or how to explain it but this video seems to do a fine job.
According to my local dealer, the G2 sounds more laid back and smooth compared to the G1.
Guys, seriouslyā¦ HOW much more could a streamer add to sound? Like come on! I totally understand a good design, dedicated streamer, low noise design and good components, BUT at the end of the day, itās simply receiving the signal over the internet, playing the audio and outputting it in digital to your DAC, thatās it!
For instance, I couldnāt hear much difference between various Innuos products, while it definitely was better than Sonos, Bluesound, within the range the differences are so miniscule, itās not worth the costā¦ same goes for Auralic, I couldnāt hear a difference.
My 2 cents, 100% buy a DEDICATED STREAMER, from the top companies like Auralic, Aurender, Innuos, THEN, get a GREAT DAC and thatās by far the best bang for the buck. I sometimes feel manufacturers are seriously taking us all for fools and you all help that situation.
PS. BIGGEST feature of a streamer is SOFTWARE and APP design, that should be the deciding factor. I still think Sonos has THE BEST Software but they absolutely donāt give a damn to high quality sound, hence gotto look at other options.
The Aries line might surprise you. If everything sounds the same to you then the Lightning app that comes with the Auralic streamers is well worth mentioning. If you arenāt interested in Roon the Lightning app may be all one needs. I still use it and I donāt have the Aries G1 anymore.
Another point, the Aries doesnāt seem to be improved by the addition of a Matrix and its related cabling and gear. Save $500 for the Matrix, and $1500+ for LPS and quality USB and HDMI and related power cables. The G1 sound pretty much the same without it.
Then add the fact that the wireless works so well that you donāt have to bother with Ethernet cables, regenerators and other bothers,
For $2500 and the elimination of more than an equal amount in cables, power supplies Etc. the Aries G1 makes a great case.
As for Sonos, I do Roon. Sonos cannot compare in my opinion.
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Great points aangen. WiFi is robust and stable; Iāve had no dropouts or buffereing, and my router is a fair distance and a floor away. Lighting App is full featured and easy to use. Playlist making is super easy and I can also bookmark my favorite streaming stations (SOMAFM).
I did not listen to either the G1 or G2 before purchasing, made decision based on research and features/cost.
You said you no longer have the G1. What are you currently using?
Euphony PTS server, Matrix, Keces P8 power supply, WWPS.USB, WWPS.HDMI, several expensive power cables.
A friend borrowed me the G1, he wanted to know my opinion of it. I wanted to buy it from him but I encouraged him to keep it. He did. Since I already owned the Matrix I read great things about the combo of the Euphony server with the Keces P8 and the Matrix so I went down that path. It was more expensive but it runs Roon, holds my library, and is extremely versatile. I am pleased with my choice.
I bought an AURALiC Aries G2 to pair with my DirectStream Sr. DAC and liked it and the AURALiC Lightning DS iPad app so much that I picked up a AURALiC Vega G2 DAC to go with the Aries G2.
I sold my Matrix X-SPDIF 2 and UpTone UltraCap LPS-1.2 recently, and I plan to list my DS Sr. for sale at some point soon.
I greatly enjoyed the DS Sr./Matrix/UpTone combo, but I wanted to try something different. And that is how I think of the Vega G2 DAC ā not better or worse than the DirectStream Sr., but different.
I now have three streamers in my main system ā a Melco N1Z Mk1, the Aries G2, and the Vega G2ās built-in streamer. I plan to keep the Melco, as it has my ripped files on it. I plan to keep the Vega G2 as my primary DAC. Hence, the Aries G2 is arguably overkill in my system.
I am not looking to sell the Aries G2 just yet, but I could be interested in trading it plus cash for an AURALiC Leo GX Master Clock. If you know a Leo GX owner who might be interested in such a deal, please let me know, thanks.
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Interesting the āgodfatherā of the Matrix is no longer a Matrix man. 
If you do decide to sell your Aries G2 I know someone who is interested.
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