I am using a Keces P3 power supply but what is most important is a good quality dc cable between the power supply and the power supply board in the DS. I am using a custom Neotech 20 awg pure solid silver cable which I had custom built for me and it makes a nice improvement.
If you are considering an Auralic G2.1 streamer I highly recommend the aftermarket Hoer-Wege power supply. That upgrade is a huge improvement in sound and most people consider it very much worth the investment. The installation of the power supply is relatively simple but with the G2.1 itâs a bit more difficult because you have to work around the brass casing which is what is the improvement of the G2.1 over the G2.
This is very interesting. Thanks so much for adding another thing to my endless list of things to try next.
Where should I look to buy one for my Small Green Computer 12v power supply?
Appreciate the additional information about your experience with the G2.1âŚ
My initial focus is on coming up with server or server/steamer option that will allow me to more easily manage my files, which are currently stored on my iMac and an aging Synology NAS, AND improve perceived sound quality.
My current arrangement is just too long in the tooth and I would like a more current/sophisticated approach to storing and serving files to a separate DAC.
Interesting thread. I donât have any suggestions, but I can understand where the OP is coming from. Since upgrading my preamp, I easily hear substantial differences between a disc playing in my PST and playing that same discâs ripped files from my Aurender server/streamer. With my old preamp they sounded pretty much the same. The fact that the server doesnât sound as good as the transport now doesnât bother me - I think the streamer sounds just fine in its own right - certainly good enough that Iâm happy to rely on it for its convenience (and for streaming recordings I donât own), and when I want to do critical listening, go to the PST. I just think of it as a different component played through different cables and different circuits in the DAC. I donât expect them to sound identical, just like in the early days I wouldnât have expected a cassette copy of an LP to sound the same as the record.
Many people with their setups claim to have better sound through their streamers than their cd transports.
For me, that varies with the stream and material. I use a Luxman D-08u for a transport to the G2.2 when a different flavor is desired and often find itâs superior to a stream on redbook material.
And many opine they achieve better sound through their CD transports.
Go figure.
I prefer whatever I am listening to. But my CD player does sound better than my streamer. But the streamer sounds amazing. But nothing touches vinyl. I played LP after LP last night. Zero clicks and pops, no groove noise. It is startling how good vinyl sounds in my current setup. I have expensive cleaners though. They make a powerful difference.
The I2S (HDMI) is where the magic is with the MK1 imo. The Stealth with Matrix and Dragon would be extraordinary. But the cost would allow you to upgrade to Mk2 and use the USB only.
Hi Mitch; I just saw your post. I also have the Aries G2 with the Hoer-Wege power supply and I am really pleased with it. As mentioned elsewhere here, I believe it is amongst manyâs opinion that the Mk I DS sounds best using the I2s inputs, and it has also been mentioned, and I will agree: That input 1 sounds better than input 2. I believe Ted has stated this⌠That being said, I have been using the Audio-GD DI-20 HE to convert USB from the Aries to I2s from the DI-20, then using AQ Dragon to the DS. I too have a heavily modded JK Richards MK I and I can tell you I prefer the Aries over the PST using the DS input 1, as mentioned. Since I stream more, than I play discs, this suits me fine. My 2 cents and experience with the above products.
Especially in the used market. They come up 5k or so every now and then.
I had the Auralic Aries G1.1 with DSD MK1 connected via USB. When I upgraded to DSD MK2 there was an immediate and noticeable improvement. As other have stated, the USB on the MK2 is far superior to its predecessor. I then upgraded to the Aries G2.2.
Does the PST sound better? Yes, but not by a great margin anymore. I am always entertained by the fact that sometimes I prefer the CD, sometimes streaming and sometimes the vinyl album. I appreciate the difference in the three and stopped comparing. Am grateful to have the choices I do.
Mine changes. When I added Muon Pro System to Shunyata Omega ethernet, I preferred streaming over PST through MU2âs pre. But with the latest Blue Sky update on DS Mk2, SACD sounds better again. My Mk2 also has APS mod.
Streaming SQ relies on noise isolation more than any other type of playback. I believe my duo-switches plus fiber optic link helped too.
I agree. Sometimes the turntable sounds better, sometimes the disc transport, sometimes the streamer. It depends on all kinds of things, not the least of which, frankly, is my mood or preference at the time. They all sound good enough to my ear that, if I may paraphrase Al, my favorite is what I am listening to at any given moment.
In my situation I know the differences each source offers, and last place sounds phenomenal. What really makes me happy is when I want to discover new music, Roon Radio entertains me time and time again. Not having to get up every 20 to 60 minutes to change a disc is a nice option. Not having to pick music at all and still love what I am hearing is the best!