The Aries is sounding mind blowing good. I’m running wired for now and am using Wireworld Platinum 8 XLR between Aries and Directstream.
Can you play dsd files from sacds with Xlr?
Yes, AES/EBU works for DSD64 (but not DSD128) running from an Aries G2 to a DS DAC (or, in my case, to a VEGA G2 DAC).
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Thanks. What cable are you using bootzilla?
I highly recommend the Iconoclast 4x1 “Generation 1” XLR Cable, which I use as an AES/EBU digital cable between my ARIES G2 and VEGA G2.
Have you used the lightning link connection between the Aries and Vega? If so what HDMI cables and how does it compare to AES/EBU?
I don’t think they are available in the uk unfortunately
Yes, I have experimented with Lightning Link between the ARIES G2 and VEGA G2 using a Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 HDMI cable. The sound is excellent – on par with and perhaps even better than AES/EBU (it is difficult to compare directly, as there is no way to switch on the fly from L-L to AES/EBU).
My problem with L-L is that it limits the flexibility of the VEGA G2. L-L turns the ARIES G2 and VEGA G2 into what is essentially a single unit. So, for example, when a L-L cable is connected, I cannot switch the VEGA G2’s digital input to STREAM, which I like to do so that I can use an Ethernet connection between the VEGA G2 and my Melco N1Z (this is a first-world problem, I know).
Nevertheless, your post inspired me to dust off my WWPS7 HDMI cable and reconnect it between the ARIES G2 and VEGA G2. I will do some critical listening this weekend and see if I want to change my primary digital connection from AES/EBU to L-L.
I’m not familiar with bits and kHz but I noticed that with the Bridge II sometimes music would playback at 24 bits but with the Aries I notice everything is at 16 bits. Does the Aries not play 24 bits? In any case the Aries sounds far better than the Bridge II but I thought I would ask out of curiosity.
Yes it does do 24bit. The music sever you were driving the Bridge with is probably setup to output 24bit for everything. Presumably the Aries source is not. I drive my Aries from JRiver Server and that still comes out as 24 bit from my Aries…
Don’t forget the DS will only say 16 bit as it only shows changing bits
I’m using the very same music server as I was with the Bridge.The Bridge would sometimes say 24 bits but the Aries says 16 bits always as far s I can see. I’m having a lot of enjoyment with the Aries.It keeps sounding better all the time. It only has around 50 or 60 hours play on it.
I’m very interested in your comparative assessment. I am now a 100% streamer and went the Auralic recommended route. I never tried AES/EBU between the G2 series, only from the Aries G2 to a DSD.
It’s not my imagination.Wireless sounds better as long as the connection holds.Can I simply install a new modem or do I have to enter the new modem manually into my computer. Wireless does sound better
Mitch
If you have a strong enough wireless signal in the room where the Aries is positioned you should not have connection issues. What type of router are you using and how far is it away from the Aries?
I’ve been using it wireless now for a couple of hours so perhaps I’m okay. I will keep my cables for now just in case but so far so good. It does sound better wireless despite very pricey Ethernet cables.
I find my app much slower wireless but worth the improvement in sound.My router is exactly under me on the main floor and I am in a room on the second floor. I often had problems with my Bridge II mconnect app being less responsive due to my modem location. Would it make a difference to upgrade my modem? I am still able to enjoy my Aries wireless but it is a little less responsive.
Hi Mitchb105
dawkinsj ask you a good question.
I don’t know why you do not answer that.
I have also problems with concrete floor with reinforcement.
But in case of wifi problems you can install an extra access point.
I thought I did answer his question regarding router placement.I’m upstairs in a room and my router is downstairs on the main floor directly below me. I don’t .know the name of the router but it is a rental from our local phone company.It occurs to me that I can increase the speed of the internet. Would that help. I’ve been listening to my Aries wireless for hours all night and although the app is less responsive the sound is better than wired with expensive Ethernet cable.
I’m also interested in the Aries G2.1 but i don’t believe in wireless.
I created a optical isolated network connection and i was shocked about the SQ improvement.