Auralic Aries

[GuillaumeB]

Well I managed to get everything up and running with a minimum of fuss... to be expected from UPnP really.

The power supply is heavier than the Aries itself! It's a pretty solid looking thing.

The Aries itself is made of plastic... it's not too bad actually. And a great screen which I can see from my listening position

The Lightning DS is very nicely designed but it does seem a little clunky at times... mind you that's probably just me getting used to navigating around.

On starting it up it (the LDS) automatically detected my Aries on the network and started downloading a firmware update. An absolute breeze to install (the MiND 180 wasn't quite so straightforward and involved unplugging the device whilst pressing the reset button at the back then reconnecting with the only feedback a flashing light at the back... )

Now the sound! First impressions straight out of the box are positive. It's quite different from A+ and AIR though. A bit more laid back and not quite as bright sounding. Actually at first I thought this sounds more like my MiND! I would have expected a brand new unit to sound a lot brighter (the MiND was almost unlistenable for days) so it will be interesting to see how this develops as it burns in.

More feedback to come once I've had more time to play.

Guillaume

[jjo]

I also received my unit yesterday. After running the Lumin for a few days Aries fees a bit clunky at times, but the general impression is positive.

The things I don't like so far...
- Linn Kazoo refuses to work with Aries
- Adding sons to queue requires several steps
- Internet radio not using TuneIt. You have to enter the radio station urls manually
- The TuneIt radio from my AssetUPnP does not seem to work. It works with Lumin though.
- Airplay requires to be turned on from the remote in order to work. Lumin is detected by the computer and if the output is selected from the computer, it'll switch to it automatically.
- You can't turn it on from the Lightning DS, but have to use a remote.
- At times it feels slow taking orders or starting to play a song. Once it gets going it's ok though.

But it sounds good, looks and feels ok and I'm sure the software will evolve with time.

[Jwg1749]

Now the sound! First impressions straight out of the box are positive. It's quite different from A+ and AIR though. A bit more laid back and not quite as bright sounding. Actually at first I thought this sounds more like my MiND! I would have expected a brand new unit to sound a lot brighter (the MiND was almost unlistenable for days) so it will be interesting to see how this develops as it burns in.

More feedback to come once I've had more time to play.

Guillaume

Guillaume,
how are you connecting the Aries to the Devialet?
Matt

[GuillaumeB]

Now the sound! First impressions straight out of the box are positive. It's quite different from A+ and AIR though. A bit more laid back and not quite as bright sounding. Actually at first I thought this sounds more like my MiND! I would have expected a brand new unit to sound a lot brighter (the MiND was almost unlistenable for days) so it will be interesting to see how this develops as it burns in.

More feedback to come once I've had more time to play.

Guillaume

Guillaume,
how are you connecting the Aries to the Devialet?
Matt

Hi Matt - AES/EBU

Guillaume

[wiresandmore]

Guillaume

Very interesting in how you progress here. It's far smaller than I expected, from the photos I expected it to be a standard width component!!

Two questions

1. Are you testing the premium version (better PSU)? I assume so given its size :-)

2. From your Linn days, can you also see what other apps work with it? Kinsky, Kazoo, Bubble DS for Android etc etc

Thanks!

[Confused]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but a little intrigued. What is the main driver behind trying this kind of kit? Is it the quest for better sound quality or simply the obvious attractions of not needing a PC in the system? Maybe a bit of both?

[jjo]

1. Are you testing the premium version (better PSU)? I assume so given its size :-)

The basic version wasn't available when I ordered mine and based on the description he also has the premium model.

2. From your Linn days, can you also see what other apps work with it? Kinsky, Kazoo, Bubble DS for Android etc etc

For some reason Kazoo does not work for me on my mac or iPad. Kinsky, Lumin, Lightning DS, Bubble DS and Bubble UPnP do. Haven't tested anything else.

I'd be interested to know if Kazoo works for others.

---

What is the main driver behind trying this kind of kit? Is it the quest for better sound quality or simply the obvious attractions of not needing a PC in the system? Maybe a bit of both?

For me it's latter.

[jjo]

New version of Lightning DS available. Can't wait to get home to test it...

[GuillaumeB]

Guillaume

Very interesting in how you progress here. It's far smaller than I expected, from the photos I expected it to be a standard width component!!

Two questions

1. Are you testing the premium version (better PSU)? I assume so given its size :-)

2. From your Linn days, can you also see what other apps work with it? Kinsky, Kazoo, Bubble DS for Android etc etc

Thanks!

Yes jjo is right, it's the premium version.

I've been using one of my favourite apps with it: Kinsky on the iPhone. As Rufus commented to me earlier it's a bit like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers

Guillaume

[GuillaumeB]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but a little intrigued. What is the main driver behind trying this kind of kit? Is it the quest for better sound quality or simply the obvious attractions of not needing a PC in the system? Maybe a bit of both?

Basically taking PCs and Macs out of the equation and the convenience of UPnP...

Setting it up is a doddle and everything just works.

Different sound to A+/AIR. Will need to compare to iTunes/AIR though (to see if A+ is bringing anything to the party).

Guillaume