I will either go Audioquest Diamond USB OR Audio Art Statement coax. Any recommendations? Of course I will try it both ways
In my personal experience the Matrix did not do much for the Aries G1 I was using. Understand that I own two Matrix units and use them every single day. But I was testing an Aries G1 and in my test the Matrix made an improvement, but it was ever so slight. Nearly meaningless IMHO.
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I found the bridge 2 to be horrible and just sold it. The DSD also seems to sound better without the bridge 2 installed… strange that it would but it definitely does??
I’m using mini Mac Roon core into a lumin U1 mini and it’s made a massive improvement to the sound. I’m also using a matrix x so I can input via i2s which also makes a big difference.
I find the Bridge II to quite nice especially with better Ethernet cables. I am getting the Auralic Aries to upgrade but I find the Bridge II impressive. I will either go USB with an Audioquest Diamond or coax with an Audio Art Statement Digital. I will try it both ways. Although I like my Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 HDMI on my Perfectwave transport to Directsream I won’t be doing the Matrix in order to go I2S to DSD from Aries G2.1.
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I’m in the same boat as Mitch. The system sounds great with the Bridge II and I’ve been quite happy with it, but the upgrade bugs has hit and I’ve decided to upgrade with the Aries 2.1; and hopefully it will be an upgrade. Planning to use the Audioquest Diamond usb, which is in the house, with the Aries 2.1.
On the cheap end of the patio, I have really been enjoying my Signature Rendu Optical whatever feeding into my Matrix. It sounds better than anything but my turntable. Today I added Shunyata Sigma speaker cables to the mix. This could be it, I’m done.
Your never going to be done. Don’t kid yourself 
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Congrats. I also did the same. I have an Aries G2 coming this weekend. For that much money I also hope there is a difference. I’ll let everyone know of my findings.
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My Aries G2 showed up on Saturday. I’m still using the USB cable that came in the box but I will admit there is a difference in my system between the Aries G2 and the Bridge II when streaming Tidal and Qobuz or DSD. I’m not sure why using a different streamer make a difference but it does. The best I can describe it is that the sound is clearer, which I guess means the noise floor dropped. Another interesting thing is the individual instruments in tracks that I know well sound louder.
So, so far it’s great and I plan to keep it. I have a Curious Evolved cable showing up this week and it will be interesting to see if it improves even further from the printer cord that this G2 came with.
I have my best power cable on my G1. I think you will find the G2 will like a good power cable.
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I agree, I am using the Triode Wire Labs Digital power cable on both the Aries and the Aqua DAC.
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Thanks. I’ve been switching between the Shunyata Alpha NR and the Iconoclast BAV power cables. I don’t notice that much of a difference between the two. I plan to run one to the Direcstream and the other to the G2.
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I should get my Aries G2.1 within the next week or two. I already have a new Audio Art e2plus Statement power cable ordered for it and I have an Audioquest Diamond USB as well as an Audio Art Statement Digital coax cables to try with it. I have a feeling that the USB cable may work best but I will try it both ways.
As an experiment after reading this, I connect a Linn Akurate DS as a streamer instead of the bridgeII.
Digital out Linn via coax to Directstream.
I was shocked about the improvement in SQ.
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I will only be getting my Aries G2.1 at the end of September. I have all the accessories but must wait. I must say however that the Bridge II sounds very good. I could actually be happy with my streaming setup as is but still I look forward to the Auralic. I have a Taurus Mk2 headphone amp as a spare amp and it’s a very nice piece. After all my upgrades the Taurus was the one piece I did not have the heart to sell.
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My Aries 2.1 arrived just after Labour Day. Using an Audioquest Diamond usb cable to connect it to the DSR and have removed the Bridge II from the DSR. Unlike some others, I’ve quite enjoyed my time with the Bridge II. Some comments on the Bridge II on the site would lead one to think that it was near unlistenable when nothing could be further from the truth.
Setup was simple but had a few anxious moments when I tried playing the first song and no sound, other than from the subwoofers. Checked all the connections and everything was good. Started to get a little concern and then realized that I had forgotten to turn on the BHK amp. Dumb ass!
As good as the Bridge II is, the Aries 2.1 is better. Definitely a lower noise floor, which enhances the separation of instruments and the clarity of vocals. Can hear things that I never noticed before. Better soundstage and depth. A night and day difference from the Bridge II, no, but a definite improvement.
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Try using a matrix connected to your Aries + aq diamond hdmi 0.6m and use the i2s input on the dsr and you get another level again, much more detailed, delicate open sound with a singing treble.
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Before trying a Matrix, try an AES/EBU cable instead of the USB…
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I’ve not yet received my Aries but do you think my Siltech Anniversary XLR or Audio Art RCA coax cables would sound better than an Audioquest Diamond USB? Of course I can try all 3 ways when I get my Aries but I would ask from your experience. My Audio Art Statement Digital RCA cable is nicer than my Siltech Anniversary XLR Digital but what about the Audioquest Diamond USB?
Do you feel it worth the investment for the improvement in sound quality and are you wired or wireless with your Aries G2.1?