[mhollesen]

I got to try out both an Aurender (new A30) streamer, as well as the new Ayre QX-5 - and though I never got to compare them to the Aries from a sound perspective - I got to compare the two from a usability perspective - Auralics Lightning app, server and "completeness" simply kills the other two. Auralic wins outright in usability (intuitive), speed, stability (both of the other two "broke down" all too often), logic, integration and presentation. I am most likely going to buy a Mini as well and start building a multi-room setup with the Aries family.

 

[goldendarko]

Yeah lightning DS had a bit of a rough start but it's blossomed into an awesome UI

 

[bmichels]

I got to try out both an Aurender (new A30) streamer, as well as the new Ayre QX-5 - and though I never got to compare them to the Aries from a sound perspective - I got to compare the two from a usability perspective - Auralics Lightning app, server and "completeness" simply kills the other two. Auralic wins outright in usability (intuitive), speed, stability (both of the other two "broke down" all too often), logic, integration and presentation. I am most likely going to buy a Mini as well and start building a multi-room setup with the Aries family.

Aurender A30 ?

 

[bmichels]

has someone compared the SQ with using a USB HD or an Ethernet NAS ? (if possible with firmware 4.0) 
 
For ease of set-up; I only use a USB SSD, and I hope I do not lose SQ compared to storing my music on the network .

 

[goldendarko]

  has someone compared the SQ with using a USB HD or an Ethernet NAS ? (if possible with firmware 4.0) 
 
For ease of set-up; I only use a USB SSD, and I hope I do not lose SQ compared to storing my music on the network .

I have only tried using the USB once but I couldn't tell any difference between my Synology NAS, so I stuck with that.

 

[bmichels]

 
I have only tried using the USB once but I couldn't tell any difference between my Synology NAS, so I stuck with that.

 
well if you heard no SQ difference between USB & NAS, then it is good news for me since I use USB and never tried Ethernet (I do not have a NAS).

 

[goldendarko]

Yeah pretty sure you're good to go either way

 

[durufle]

May have missed this, but I'm looking at the Aries Mini for a bedroom rig.  I'd like to be able to playback high res PCM and DSD content stored on my Synology NAS to the Aries MINI but also be able to play Spotify content or podcasts etc via Airplay to the unit.  Is this possible?
 
Thanks for any advice.

 

[goldendarko]

May have missed this, but I'm looking at the Aries Mini for a bedroom rig.  I'd like to be able to playback high res PCM and DSD content stored on my Synology NAS to the Aries MINI but also be able to play Spotify content or podcasts etc via Airplay to the unit.  Is this possible?

Thanks for any advice.

From darkos site, "AURALiC’s commitment to the best available streaming quality is underscored by their stance on services like Spotify and Pandora: lossy streamers are directed toward the Mini’s Bluetooth 4.0 input. This is where the Sonos Connect leapfrogs the Johnny-come-lately. Sonos is still the king of the hill when it comes to in-app streaming service breadth."

Basically u should consider trying TIDAL if u get the Aries. it will be worth it, Spotify wont sound as good on the Aries, and at the very least u get a year free with the Aries anyway.

 

[pippen99]

Basically u should consider trying TIDAL if u get the Aries. it will be worth it, Spotify wont sound as good on the Aries, and at the very least u get a year free with the Aries anyway.

I have never used Spotify but I am pretty satisfied with TIDAL.  It has an emphasis on hip-hop but you just have to work a little harder to find what you want.  The new interface is a big improvement on the Lightning DS app.  Unfortunately the free year of TIDAL offer has expired and the retail of the Mini was reduced to reflect that fact.

 

[goldendarko]

That sucks. Though it's still worth it to get TIDAL if you're going to use an Aries. I'm sorry but Bluetooth just sucks for music, it should give any audiophile pause before proceeding if Bluetooth is involved in the transmission of music. No thanks!

 

[bmichels]

I just upgraded Auralics Lightning app to 4.0  (iPAD version) and discovered that the lay out is a total new direction.   I guess I will need to get used to it....
 
But I am very unhappy that the Cover Art mosaique is no more available in "Artist mode" as it was before and as it is now only in "album mode"?.  
 
-> Is there a way to display the cover art mosaique in "artist mode" like before ? 
 
 
ALBUM mode : 

 

 
 
 
ARTIST mode :  

 

 
 
thanks in advance

 

[goldendarko]

Click All Artists up at the top

 

[bmichels]

Click All Artists up at the top

 
thanks a lot.  you made my day.... 

 

[goldendarko]

thanks a lot.  you made my day.... 

No problem, took me a bit to figure out too