Need help with Devialet 200 when you have different source of music

[kylevuong]

Hi guys,
I just got my Devialet Expert 200 and recently joined the forum. Last night I have tried it with Roon AIR and get good result.
The system currently includes:
Devialet Expert 200
QNAP NAS (only store music)
SonicTransporter i5 (running Roon Server/Core)
 
Both Devialet and SonicTransporter connected to the same router via ethernet cable.
At the moment I can stream music via Roon flawlessly, no dropouts etc. However I cannot stream Spotify, Airplay because this is not a “Pro” version.
So I found a solution with the AppleTV (old generation) which has Optical audio, I tried to connect it with the Devialet and it works as well. Basically I can now stream Airplay and Spotify from my phone to the Devialet.
 
My problem is I want to separate my music, for example Roon & NAS will store all high-res, DSD files, I will only use Roon for critical listening. Apart from that I store pop music, mp3… to my phone, and I also stream music from Spotify.
I’m thinking of adding a Network bridge player, like a Auralic Aries. This way the Auralic takes responsibility of all streaming, also acting as Roon ready player, and stream Spotify and Airplay from my phone. This way I won’t have to change the input back and forth while playing Roon and Spotify.
 
I want to ask a few questions:
 

1. Compare to the AppleTV, is Auralic Aries the better option?
   

 

1. Any of you have the same setup (Devialet + Auralic Aries)? How do you connect them? Via USB or AES ?
   

 

1. Any of you have same situation (different source of music) and how do you solve it neatly with your Devialet?
   

 
Thank you for reading.

[Hifi_swlon]

I really wouldn’t bother getting an Aries for Spotify and Airplay - seems like changing input is a simple enough thing!

[kylevuong]

But in terms of sound quality, do you think the Aries is better than the AppleTV?

[Hifi_swlon]

You’d think so, but I’ve never had one - there are a few users here though. I honestly don’t think it’ll make a difference with Spotify as a source though.

[Paperman]

But in terms of sound quality, do you think the Aries is better than the AppleTV?

I have a D200, an Apple TV and I had a Aries too.
The Aries is far better that ATV., the best connection, for my experience, is the AES input (better than USB).
The apple device stream only in 48/24, it's a good choice for mp3/spotify.

[kylevuong]

But in terms of sound quality, do you think the Aries is better than the AppleTV?

I have a D200, an Apple TV and I had a Aries too.
The Aries is far better that ATV., the best connection, for my experience, is the AES input (better than USB).
The apple device stream only in 48/24, it's a good choice for mp3/spotify.

Thanks for your reply. Can you let me know if you use both AppleTV and Aries for streaming airplay/spotify?

Do you think AES input to the Devialet is better than ethernet cable?

[Paperman]

But in terms of sound quality, do you think the Aries is better than the AppleTV?

I have a D200, an Apple TV and I had a Aries too.
The Aries is far better that ATV., the best connection, for my experience, is the AES input (better than USB).
The apple device stream only in 48/24, it's a good choice for mp3/spotify.

Thanks for your reply. Can you let me know if you use both AppleTV and Aries for streaming airplay/spotify?

Do you think AES input to the Devialet is better than ethernet cable?

I try these inputs in different configurations: the AES with the Aries (full femto) and the ethernet with a NUC as Roon/Rock server only.
Yes, the Aries>AES sound a little better, but I like more the "minimalism" of the devialet stand alone without other gear connected (except for the turntable), so this is now my choice.

I use the ATV as A/V and airplay inputs only. I don't have spotify but sometimes I use it with Tidal, with good SQ but nothing like the other digital inputs.

Alberto