Auralic Aries (Hardware) - Impressions and Information

[hornytoad]

LOL: it is indeed

 

though...

 

By the way , I notice a lot of changes to the audio quality in and outside my house depending on the humidity level .

No one talks about this but it's a factor .

Dry is better .

[pl_svn]

might be!

 

today heath and heavy humidity are back after a couple of nicely fresh-ish days

[pl_svn]

given I either use my Aries in RAAT mode or to stream from Qobuz... I'm back to *non* beta fw 3.3

 

beta 4.0.6, despite what release notes state, does not play some of my AIF files

(very same files do play from Roon, do not from Lightning DS)

 

plus, today, something really weird happened: spent half an hour trying to get why no music was coming from the Aries in RAAT mode (all fine standalone) then finally... found output set to "digital" :-0 (I didn't touch any setting since yesterday's listening session)

weird as in standalone mode it was working fine nonetheless via the only connected device... on USB

[miguelito]

Slightly OT... We really really really want NAA in Aries Mr Wang!!!

[hornytoad]

Slightly OT... We really really really want NAA in Aries Mr Wang!!!

 

Yes indeed

[mikey8811]

Slightly OT... We really really really want NAA in Aries Mr Wang!!!

 

To paraphrase the immortal quote from Heart Of Darkness, Mr Wang - he don't care...

 

Meanwhile the Sonore guys are laughing all the way to the bank.

[Cornan]

To paraphrase the immortal quote from Heart Of Darkness, Mr Wang - he don't care...

 

Meanwhile the Sonore guys are laughing all the way to the bank.

Aries or mR is similar to the choise between Apple or Windows. Pick Aries if you just want it to work and mR if you like trial and error before success. Wild guess! You are in the mR camp, right?

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[kennyb123]

Aries or mR is similar to the choise between Apple or Windows. Pick Aries if you just want it to work and mR if you like trial and error before success.

 

That doesn't align with my experience at all.

 

The mR has pretty much "just worked". I never had to get support assistance once. I had to contact Auralic support at least five times. The Aries more closely aligns with my experience with Windows as a few times it was the updates that caused problems for me. I've yet to have any problems associated with updates on the mR.

 

As far as setup goes, I had both up and running initially within 15 minutes. Add another 10 minutes to later integrate HQP with Roon and the mR.

 

When I had problems with Roon on the Aries, Auralic asked me to contact Roon directly. When a friend borrowed my mR and yet had issues getting DSD128 to play, Jesus used part of his Sunday to remotely log into and troubleshoot. Jesus then contacted Roon and the manufacturer of his DAC. Not too long after a fix came out.

[mjb]

Then the Aries isn't for you. I don't get buying something and then complaining it isn't something else. The Aries is great, the app is pretty mature now, it it what it is. I'm sure Mr. Wang does care, but a couple of posts on a specialised forum probably don't dictate his company policy.

[mjb]

^ a totally non-expert opinion! I'm enjoying my Aries anyway :-)

[Cornan]

That doesn't align with my experience at all.

 

The mR has pretty much "just worked". I never had to get support assistance once. I had to contact Auralic support at least five times. The Aries more closely aligns with my experience with Windows as a few times it was the updates that caused problems for me. I've yet to have any problems associated with updates on the mR.

 

As far as setup goes, I had both up and running initially within 15 minutes. Add another 10 minutes to later integrate HQP with Roon and the mR.

 

When I had problems with Roon on the Aries, Auralic asked me to contact Roon directly. When a friend borrowed my mR and yet had issues getting DSD128 to play, Jesus used part of his Sunday to remotely log into and troubleshoot. Jesus then contacted Roon and the manufacturer of his DAC. Not too long after a fix came out.

 

I am NOT saying that Aries is a better choise than mR (in fact I am a happy Windows 10 user myself). I am just saying that Aries are more a "one box solution" while mR have a lot of choises...which is good if you'll want them/need them but could potensially complicate things as well. What you prefer is a personal choise.

IMO Aries support is top notch. They might not spend a Sunday afternoon supporting a single costumer...but they will give you a quick reply. They have also constantly upgraded the software and SQ for existing costumers...and it looks like that they will continue perfecting things as well.

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

[vortecjr]

Pick Aries if you just want it to work and mR if you like trial and error before success.[/url]

 

Really?

[vortecjr]

I am NOT saying that Aries is a better choise than mR (in fact I am a happy Windows 10 user myself). I am just saying that Aries are more a "one box solution" while mR have a lot of choises...which is good if you'll want them/need them but could potensially complicate things as well. What you prefer is a personal choise.

IMO Aries support is top notch. They might not spend a Sunday afternoon supporting a single costumer...but they will give you a quick reply. They have also constantly upgraded the software and SQ for existing costumers...and it looks like that they will continue perfecting things as well.

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Computer Audiophile mobile app

 

Again...really? They both need external power supples, they both need a DAC for the digital output, they both need a network, etc. They are different, but you are not discussing the differences.

[hornytoad]

Again...really? They both need external power supples, they both need a DAC for the digital output, they both need a network, etc. They are different, but you are not discussing the differences.

 

The difference that matters to me is the Aries has AES,coax and optical outputs where the mrendu has only USB .

It's a fact that some dacs sound better using AES ,coax ,etc than using USB .

So if you want to buy that shiny new dac that everyone says is great ( think Schiit Yggy) ,it may sound better using AES .

[kennyb123]

I am NOT saying that Aries is a better choise than mR (in fact I am a happy Windows 10 user myself). I am just saying that Aries are more a "one box solution" while mR have a lot of choises...which is good if you'll want them/need them but could potensially complicate things as well. What you prefer is a personal choise.

 

You can make the same kinds of choices with each. The same potential is there to complicate things with both.

 

IMO Aries support is top notch. They might not spend a Sunday afternoon supporting a single costumer...but they will give you a quick reply.

 

True. The best situation though is when support isn't needed at all as things just work. I've never had to reach out to Sonore for support. I had to reach out to Auralic support the very first day I got my Aries. The response was quick but it ultimately resulted in my Aries getting bricked.

 

They have also constantly upgraded the software and SQ for existing costumers...and it looks like that they will continue perfecting things as well.

 

A good thing - I agree. Not saying there aren't many positives with the Aries platform. Just arguing that for me the Aries was closer to a Windows-like experience and the mR closer to Mac-like. I want my devices to just work, and work well with no care and feeding from me.

[Wang Xuanqian]

AURALiC, Sonos, Bluesound, Naim are in same group to create a complete eco system for customer to get everything done in a couple of steps without need of additional help. microRendu is a network endpoint that could not work on its own, you need to obtain other softwares to get it working (either paid or free).

 

Here is a compare chart so you can see clearly what are the difference:

 

http://www.auralic.com/download/streaming_compare_chart.pdf

[vortecjr]

The difference that matters to me is the Aries has AES,coax and optical outputs where the mrendu has only USB .

It's a fact that some dacs sound better using AES ,coax ,etc than using USB .

So if you want to buy that shiny new dac that everyone says is great ( think Schiit Yggy) ,it may sound better using AES .

 

I understand that the microRendu is USB output only and believe me it was a conscience decision. Just have a look at the Twisted Pear Audio Cronus re-clocking module and the Hermes Isolator Module so you can see what is needed to make a proper i2s single from a renderer. All those circuits are really better off in a DAC downstream of a USB receiver. It is a handy output to have though...no argument there.

[vortecjr]

AURALiC, Sonos, Bluesound, Naim are in same group to create a complete eco system for customer to get everything done in a couple of steps without need of additional help. microRendu is a network endpoint that could not work on its own, you need to obtain other softwares to get it working (either paid or free).

 

Here is a compare chart so you can see clearly what are the difference:

 

http://www.auralic.com/download/streaming_compare_chart.pdf

 

That chart has a lot of holes in it. For example: We make a unit called the Sonicorbiter SE that can work all on it's own because you can attach at hard drive to it. Also, both units support on internet radio, streaming and the various file types. There are other mistakes even in your column, but I just had a quick look at it:)

[Wang Xuanqian]

That chart has a lot of holes in it. For example: We make a unit called the Sonicorbiter SE that can work all on it's own because you can attach at hard drive to it. Also, both units support on internet radio, streaming and the various file types. There are other mistakes even in your column, but I just had a quick look at it:)

 

Firstly, we are in AURALiC Aries topic, not Sonore (Sponsored). I appreciate anyone whom do not hijack the topic. Secondly, we are making the chart comparing some similar devices from specification side which including microRendu based on reader's request. It is not suppose to include everything like Sonicorbiter SE, or even ARIES, ALTAIR. Anyway, you are free to make your own one but I do not see any way to make either microRendu or Sonicorbiter SE play music (except AirPlay) without need of a separate control software from other manufacturer.

[vortecjr]

Firstly, we are in AURALiC Aries topic, not Sonore (Sponsored). I appreciate anyone whom do not hijack the topic. Secondly, we are making the chart comparing some similar devices from sepcification side which including microRendu based on reader's request. It is not suppose to include everything like Sonicorbiter SE, or even ARIES, ALTAIR. You are free to make your own.

 

This is a public forum and my product is being talked about here. This is not your sponsored section. Also, if you post a chart discussing my product and it's wrong and misleading....I'm going to tell you so.

[Wang Xuanqian]

This is a public forum and my product is being talked about here. This is not your sponsored section. Also, if you post a chart discussing my product and it's wrong and misleading....I'm going to tell you so.

 

Wow, cool. What Internet Radio or Streaming have you integrated in your software? Can I play through your own web control protocol?

 

The reason you claim your devices support Internet Radio or Streaming is because the 3rd party control software support it. As I said above, I do not see any way to make either microRendu or Sonicorbiter SE play music (except AirPlay) without need of a separate control software from other manufacturer.

The fact is microRendu or Sonicorbiter SE is an integration of various of compatible software protocol with audiophile circuit design for better sound quality but it is essentially a network endpoint and need to work with addition software that is not a part of your product.

 

I also want to quote something from your website. Without a proper 3rd party control software, there is no way to use Internet radio, streaming or even play.

 

SOFTWARE FEATURES

......

The unit is controlled via third party apps on your mobile device and on your computer.

[Wang Xuanqian]

Slightly OT... We really really really want NAA in Aries Mr Wang!!!

 

Wrote to Jussi saying 'we are ready to do integration' as the engineer was free and have a window, about 3 weeks ago. No reply so far....Not sure if he is busy but we have a very good conversation during Munich show. There is no technical issue.

[vortecjr]

Wow, cool. What Internet Radio or Streaming have you integrated in your software? Can I play through your own web control protocol?

I would not waste my time developing my own controller. Besides we support 5 output modes and they already have their own well developed controllers.

 

The reason you claim your devices support Internet Radio or Streaming is because the 3rd party control software support it. As I said above, I do not see any way to make either microRendu or Sonicorbiter SE play music (except AirPlay) without need of a separate control software from other manufacturer.

With my products the customer can use a controller or server they are already familiar with. For example: With Roon you use Roon server with their controller. If you use JRiver you would use it as server and controller or use JRemote as the controller.

 

The fact is microRendu or Sonicorbiter SE is an integration of various of compatible software protocol with audiophile circuit design for better sound quality but it is essentially a network endpoint and need to work with addition software that is not a part of your product.

Yes. These kinds of solutions need a server, controller, and endpoint.

 

I also want to quote something from your website. Without a proper 3rd party control software, there is no way to use Internet radio, streaming or even play.

Yes. I do not claim it's autonomous.

[Wang Xuanqian]

I would not waste my time developing my own controller. Besides we support 5 output modes and they already have their own well developed controllers.

 

 

With my products the customer can use a controller or server they are already familiar with. For example: With Roon you use Roon server with their controller. If you use JRiver you would use it as server and controller or use JRemote as the controller.

 

 

Yes. These kinds of solutions need a server, controller, and endpoint.

 

 

Yes. I do not claim it's autonomous.

 

Neither JRiver or Roon is a part of your product. The Internet radio and streaming integration are done by control software, your product can not use Internet radio or streaming without proper control software. The compare chart I upload is to compare the product but not product plus 3rd party software. I dont see any misunderstanding by describe microRendu's Internet radio and streaming service ability as: "Network endpoint only, supported features depend on compatible streaming protocol customer is going to use". If you believe microRendu should be listed with those feature supported, then I can say my $10 bluetooth headset also support everything because I can use other control software and stream to it.

[Wang Xuanqian]

The microRendu is a product focus on hardware circuit design optimization to maximum sound quality, it is quite understandable because developing software is so expensive and not really within control of most company in HiFi industry. ARIES and microRendu are essentially different products for different group of people, we do see some customers moving to microRendu from ARIES and it is quite normal as different people are seeking for different things and it is good that they have other options. The sales number of ARIES never go down before or after microRendu or similar product hit the market, it is even higher in summer time compare to last year. The entire streaming market is getting bigger, though more players in the game. This is a very good trend for both manufacturer and customers.

 

The large portion of value of AURALiC streaming product is the eco system we have created, we are creating and we have promised, we are trying to build a platform that will not out-of-date in 5 years and can keep offer cutting edge functionality and performance. I think that is amazing and has never been done in the past. Lightning streaming is a project we started back to 2012 with first product (ARIES) on market in 2014, more than 2 years now. The initial design purpose is offers the possibility to stream DSD wirelessly with a user friendly interface, to an external DAC at affordable price. That's the time you only have Sonos connect (up to 44.1k), 1st generation of Bluesound (96k), or something support high res but only do wired connection at way more expensive price (Linn, Lumin, Aurender) and can not output to external DAC. We made that happened, ARIES is no doubt a game changer.

 

I remember I mentioned before when answered some customers' question that I do not recommend people to buy ARIES if they just want to use it as a Roon endpoint. The Roon endpoint code is provided by Roon, you can not optimize it and every manufacutere's RoonReady device are pretty much the same on software side. A RPi with good power supply and USB regeneration circuit (Regen, jitterbug) will do similar thing if they know how to set it up. ARIES is for people whom want a simple setup, one stop solution product with audiophile sound quality.

 

Look at the software release notice record and you will find AURALiC team has done a of job to resolve the bug, improve the sound quality and add new features. The new 4.0 firmware is just around the corner with amazing sound quality improvement and new features (world's first device based wireless DSD multi-room solution). You just can not find a 2nd manufacutere in this industry whom is willing to put that level of human resource and money to enhance an existing product, to bring customer more value to the product they have invested.

 

As we have disclosed to media during the Munich show, AURALiC is having a new upper level of ARIES coming this year to satisfy the most demanding customer's requirement for sound quality, we will see that product very soon.