Are Pricey Transports Worth It ?....Auralic Aries G1.1 (Vs Eversolo & Volumio)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
- #auralic #streaming #audiophile
WANT : AD-FREE VIDS, CHAT & ADVICE?......TO SAVE YOU MONEY!!!!!! Then please SUBSCRIBE TO LOW COST PATREON here........ALSO IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT MY HONEST REVIEWS!
www.patreon.com/user?u=20783218
** priced only from £$€ 5 / a month and YOU CAN SIGN UP TO A 7-DAY FREE TRIAL!
WANT PERSONAL ADVICE?
If you want single advice (or like what I do and want to support me) please make donations via TH-cam Super Thanks (click on the dollar icon under the main window) or PayPal Me as I no longer respond to advice queries on TH-cam. I charge £25 for a 1 hour consultation on Zoom which is cheaper than many others...
PayPal Link: www.paypal.com/paypalme/Simon...
THIS IS AN 'UNSPONSORED AND UNPAID REVIEW WHICH IS TOTALLY INDEPENDENT'
The review is not paid as that would taint it.....this is a full independent review of a product loaned by a subscriber. Want to lend me products for review? - then get in touch.
It is unsponsored as no other company is paying to place an advert in the video, which is usually at the start.
TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - What is it?
3:22 - Specifications
3:34 - Connections / Issue with Roon / Lightning DS App
5:58 - Sound Quality
9:42 - Denafrips Venus 2 Segment
10:36 - Pricey Streamers?
15:29 - Some out-takes (of many).....
16:10 - End Titles
HOW LONG DID THE VIDEO TAKE TO MAKE?
In this case the time to make it was approx. 50 hours of work of research, listening to gear and swapping out systems, watching and reading other reviews after forming opinions, scripting, setting up cameras and filming pieces to camera, shooting b-roll, editing all clips with creative clips in software like After Effects, creating the thumbnails, and publishing to TH-cam, creating articles.
NOTES
*1 COMPARISONS OF UNREVIEWED GEAR : Please don't ask me how a product compares to another which I haven't reviewed, as it isn't possible to comment on such products I haven't tested. Check out my website for reviews of products I have completed instead (hit the review tag, and separate tags).
*2 MORE ADVICE : If you are asking me how does X product compare to Y that I HAVE reviewed, or how does something sound beyond comment in videos, or system / further advice, please sign up to Patreon (small amounts!) or make contributions via PayPal where we text chat or Zoom etc. I can't answer all questions free on TH-cam! I only charge £25 for an hour consultation on Zoom of all my experiences, which is cheaper than many.
*3 ABUSE POLICY : I encourage and like debate, and constructive criticism, but people who abuse or troll me, or my subscribers or commenters, post very negative and non constructive and uncorroborated comments designed to put me or others down (where they don't explain themselves), or they could be perceived as such, as well as aggressive comments / hate, or pit my subscribers against me, get their comments removed and I hide them from commenting again. I don’t need the hassle of these people for all the work I put in! Again I don’t mind people who disagree with me or debate, where they explain, or indeed debate, but I tend to delete comments that are not substantiated where the poster doesn’t explain themselves e.g just ‘this amp is really bad’ as it doesn't add to the discussion and detracts from my efforts. Also I delete trolls posts who can't respect positions after debate. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
*Want to support me?* if you like what I do please consider lending me gear or making donations to keep this channel alive and a source of no BS honest content…..Links in description. Making video is time consuming too. You can imagine it is incredibly hard to be sent gear by brands when I review properly and want to review properly on TH-cam going forward.
No native Apple Airplay lossless is a no sale for me. I'll stick to my Eversolo DMP-A6 with the upgraded linear power supply by Beatechnik. $860+$285 LPS=$1145
I only use the Eversolo as a transport.
I use an external DAC ($1800 Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1, or even the cheaper $1k Denafrips Ares II 12th) and DDC ($550 Denafrips Iris 12th).
I also feed clean active noise cancellation power cord from iFi Silentpower Supanova to the DAC and preamp.
Thanks very much for your review and the great track from Vangelis, which I own on vinyl.🙏🏻
Another aspect to consider before dropping major coin on a component is eventual “obsolescence”. For example, in 2012 purchased the Meridian MC200 for $4K USD, which was a lot of money for a streamer in those days. Meridian, a respectable system company that is still around, stopped supporting the software about 5 years ago, essentially bricking the unit. My goal these days is to isolate the streamer/SW components into what i consider a “disposable” device, knowing that one day Spotify, Roon, etc. will stop being supported on that component. Having learned my lesson, I have the DMP-A8, for $2K USD (free shipping and no sales tax), and that is all i will ever spend on a streamer again and put my money on those components that will not “brick”, like DAC’s, clocks, PS’s, pre-amps, etc.
The mc200 was a streamer , server and a dac and the soolos system was revolutionary for the time . My mc200 is still running fine albeit access to online streaming services such as tidal no longer works . The mc200 can be converted to a Roon endpoint for small change if you want to bring it up to date . But your point
About obsolescence is a valid one .
I have the same approach, streamers and TVs will always need replacing. So better to have either separate components or an integrated without a streamer section.
This. Paying high prices for something that potentially has an artificial short life span ultimately is a personal choice, but it needs to be considered carefully I think. The parts that are likely to become obsolescent due to business decisions made by a third party need to be separated from the genuinely valuable parts of the system that do have longevity.
Personally I don't buy into the whole streaming service business model, but that's a different story. My 35 year old reconditioned CD players still function like they were new, as does my 44 year old amp and 52 year old speakers.
@@maidsandmuses I've just bought what I hope is my final system (I'm 40). I hope can get as many years out of it, like yourself.
@@2HatHudders Unfortunately the ROHS directive has made lead-free solder compulsory for consumer products, and many circuit boards now use BGA (ball grid array) chip mounting. To ask for 40 years of service from a modern circuit board is a big ask 🤔
It is like hearing myself talking. Spot on as usual Simon! Very good advice for people with ears on their heads.
Thanks very much Joost
Thank you for a really down to earth review. 😊
Great insights as always. Well done.
Hello, it was so refreshing to watch a review for such an hi-end device, which does not just directly correlate price with quality (as in the theorem: it costs this much, so it's this much good). Thank you!
Great video , very informative.
I went with the OG Wiim Pro feeding a new Denafrips Ares 12-1 ..and it’s on my Head Fi system…And it’s pretty damn nice.
Great vid as always Simon. I've mentioned I have the DMP A6 and I can't imagine moving on with the gear I have. It sounds amazing.
"Be suspicious of reviews!" Except on this channel. Cheers from LA Simon.
Thanks for another thought provoking review. Also used to really love that Vangelis song as a kid so thanks for reminding me it still exists. I find that getting into audiophile level music is a bit like drinking fine wine. As you move up the ladder you notice very small/ subtle difference but those small difference can make all the difference between excellent and heavenly. My partner doesn't care less about audiophile level hifi and her response is always "yeh it's a little better", daren't tell her that "little better" upgrade might costs £2000.
I agree, though it’s still a question of opportunity cost and lots of hifi systems have spending in one area eg cables or power conditioners etc that could be put more wisely into other components, so that ought to feature in hifi ‘reviewers’ reviews.
With every small but important tweak done with my transport streamer, my dac’s attributes become more and more apparent.Thank you for confirming the importance of that bigger picture synergy and derailing the high cost streamer misconceptions 👍🏼🙏🏼
Nice one Simon, great editing and production too!
Thanks for review. I think I’ll stick to my eversolo dmp A6 master with LPS going into Weiss 204. My total system is under 10,000
Well said. Thanks for sharing.
Late to the party here, Simon. Great review. I'm putting my first headfi rig together in anticipation of the forthcoming Verum 2s release. Today I dug out my long retired Aries Mini. Going to use it to stream Tidal to an Aune s9c Pro. Having connected the Mini to my main rig earlier I reckon the headfi rig will be excellent. So yes, the transport dilemma is easily solved.... get a good DAC!
Very informative
Thank you! 👍👍
Very informative Simon, thanks
Very welcome
👏 good points well made
Loved the visual aspect again! I saw the waterfall and thought: hey Singapore 😀 Anyway, my experience is that the transport really does matter. But to be honest, a better transport than a DAC never seemed to work for me. But a much worse transport to a very good DAC either (like the guy with a Wiim Pro and the RME. Try a gen 1 Sonos Connect with coax out to the RME. Cheaper and better). From all the experimentation we did over the years, we landed on about the same spend on the transport/DAC combo as the speakers and the amp(s) at twice the price of the speakers to usually get the best results. But of course, it's a matter of taste and everybody is different..
Thanks for doing the Auralic, as I'm currently looking for a transport (for my dCS Delius / Verona combo), and it should work well quality wise.
We did try a Wiim Pro, Bluesound Node, Sonos Connect G1, Naim ND5 XS, Eversolo A8, Naim NDX 1 and Naim NDX 2 as transports, and the differences were HUGE. But then, 5000 euro Harbeth speakers, 9000 euro Accuphase pre/power, 5000 euro Rel 212 SE sub and the dCS combo is a lot more expensive than most people have..
Because we could, we also tried the same test on a Naim NAC/NAP (5000 euro combo), B&W 703 (first gen), and the NDX 2 was already overkill.
Last thing we tried was Harbeth P3ESR 40th Anniversary (3000 euro), Exposure 2010S2D (1800 euro) and an old Rel Strata 5 sub. Here, I didn't even hear the difference between the NDX 1 as a streamer or the NDX 1 as transport into the dCS combo (usually MUCH better).
Conclusion? I think the transport is just as important as the DAC, but it did seam like the transport being 20-25% cheaper than the DAC seemed to be a good combo. Less for the transport, and stuff started to disappear or get worse..
So, it doesn't surprise me that the Riva is more than enough for the Aune combo. I do think perhaps trying a transport/DAC combo that costs about what the speakers or amp cost might be interesting to try. As I still think that signal lost at the source can never be retrieved in the rest of the chain. No matter how good it is.
Last but not least, a used integrated streamer that is a bit older might also be interesting. A Naim ND5 XS1 or NDX 1 is fairly cheap, but still quite good sounding. The NDX 1 sounded a fair bit better than the Eversolo A8. But a used NDX 1 is about 1100 euros or so, half the price of the Eversolo. Even though the Eversolo has a great display, many more streaming options that I would like, but hey.
Oh, same for CD transports. Comparing an old DVD player as transport to, say, a 1987 Philips CD960 (used perhaps 350 euros?) on a good DAC is eye opening.
For a 3000, 5000 or perhaps 10,000 euro system? I wouldn't buy the Auralic, but indeed, something like the Riva.
So in the end, I still agree with you 😅
Thanks for comments Erwin. Entertainment is what hifi is meant to be about.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Myeah, honestly, the more you seem to spend, the less fun it seems to be. So i have 2 sets now. One to play around with, one that is so good, it makes me cry. And all of a sudden, the entertainment is back 😅. Oh, very interesting, someone wondered whether i might be interested in trying a x-odos xo|one special edition. Also a over the top transport. That will be fun to test! And I'm getting a ND5 XS2. Moderate. To probably see how correct your conclusion is .. 😂
Very thoughtful Review Simon. Totally agree g1.1 on a more resolving/capable evenly matched system definitely worth it!! I experienced this when upgrading from my A6 to the G1.1. Musical Bliss🎶🎼. On a side note the g1.1 was on sale here the states for a substantial discount at the beginning of the year for a few months subsequently it has risen back up to regular retail, that was a no brainer purchase at the time. However a factory installed ssd is currently still only a $200 compared to the previous $400. Which is definitely more palatable. Thank you again for your service🎵
Wow, grea topic, and synchronicity as ive been just starting to look inot auralic stuff the past few days, with the question, will they be better than say getting a denefrips pontus 2 for my node 2i. Looking forward to watching this tonight......
yeah, I've gone down this rabbit hole. Honestly... minimal to no difference.... My node2 was just as good as my expensive lumin and aurelic. sold the latter units. Even a simple Mac Mini does fine over USB. I REALLY wanted to hear a difference after various enthusiastic reviews... just didn't matter. I have a good system (Wilson, Lampi, LTA) and it just didn't matter which streamer / source I used.
Same here, I am now using a WiiM Pro with the LHY linear power supply. I also have a Mac mini to the Mercury v2 streamer. The Mercury/Mac sounds good too. Diminishing returns. Is the juice really worth the squeeze in our midfi systems? My buddy had the EverSolo, but quickly sold it after purchasing the WiiM Pro, he uses an external DAC. For him, like myself, it boiled down to usability and stability, not so much sound quality. And I have had a few other streamers through here, and again, it always boiled down to, "Does this streamer work for my needs?". These stupid inexpensive WiiM units just do so many things right, and never seem to fail. A tweak of the built in WiiM EQ, and the music can be just as lush sounding as a much more expensive streamer. I think more will depend on ones choice in their DAC.
Yes it is expensive, but I got mine on discount and I expect to have a reliable high quality source for my music for years to come. No need to worry about the streaming transport any more. Keep up the good work! Cheers from Germany!
Thanks for sharing!
A really interesting discussion. I think you are describing system synergy - judging components on their impact to the overall enjoyment of the system. You are advising people to spend their money on the components that they find have the most impact for them. I agree with the approach, but recognise that hearing components in the context of your own system can be difficult, and most people cannot afford the cost hit of buying something, finding it is not what they want, and selling at a loss. Many thanks - I like your reviews.
I’m glad you put a percentage difference. We need that in all hifi videos so that we have something to gauge off. I’m still going with the A6 though because the price is just insane. These companies need to get with the times.
Thanks for saying….😀
No native Apple Airplay lossless is a no sale for me. I'll stick to my Eversolo DMP-A6 with the upgraded linear power supply by Beatechnik. $860+$285 LPS=$1145
I only use the Eversolo as a transport.
I use an external DAC ($1800 Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1, or even the cheaper $1k Denafrips Ares II 12th) and DDC ($550 Denafrips Iris 12th)
I also feed clean active noise cancellation power cord from iFi Silentpower Supanova to the DAC and preamp.
Fine, but all power cords do nothing. 2 feet of shielding doesn't do anything for the 100 feet of cheap Romex.
Excellent commentary Simon. Best you've done, in my view. I think some of the 'source first' perceptions/positions are a rollover from the turntable days, when a 'better' TT was seen as the way to up the system performance. The iOS fixation at Auralic is a deal-breaker for me. ps I'm a Node 2i (with LPS) into a Qutest.
Thanks Adam. I agree that’s true too with the turntable days. If I has to guess it’s general marketing and whipping up pricey products as to being good in lesser systems, and reviewers who don’t contextualise or benchmark or comment on opportunity costs. There is an element lots of people don’t really care because they are rich or they don’t care if they don’t get value.
Oh yes, the iOS app. Will be a deal-breaker for me now. Didn't know about that.
Super valuable illumination on the streamer vs. DAC question. Agreed! WiiM Pro with 5v LPS to RME ADI-2 via glass optical cable to top tier tubes monoblock amps. Put the big invest into the best amps you can. 🥂
Love my Rega Aethos. For fun, I bought a Fosi ZA3, and wasn't impressed until I put vintage like Beovox 1100 and 2200. System matching took them to new heights...
Well, you might try a streamer more in line with the price of the components one day. You might be surprised how big the jump up could be.
I think you are right Horsey - currently I am saving up for a really nice tube based pre-/headphone amp - after that, I expect to have reached my zenith for the coming 10+ years.
I auditoned the RME ADI-2 vs Schitt Bifrost 2/64. I sent the RME back, it was fine, but not worth 2x the price.
@@johnb6677 - that's some good Schitt. I'm using the RME as a preamp too into the mono block tube amps. Delish.
Interesting review 👍
Glad you think so!
Agreed the Auralic streamers have become quite expensive, compared to their first products.
Two things to consider: Using the DS Lightning App sounds better compared to using Roon. Why? Not exactly sure, probably caching scheme... non-existent via Roon, only via DS Lightning.
Also, wired LAN sounds better than Wifi - most likely.
In the end I put a DDC between my 1st gen Auralic Aries (femto) and the Venus II. I was surprised by how much the sound improved... not night and day, but much better grip, impact, realism.
People should really consider that most DACs - even expensive ones - benefit from clean digital input. Believe it or not.
Thanks a lot for your, as usual, very honest Review and opinion, like it!! My experience, as someone extensivly tested DACs & Streamers, my Hifi spent ratio is like:
Most money I spent on pre-amp/amp (yes, NOT on speakers, because learned that amazing amps, let shine many speakers, no matter of price range) and second highest spend on digital sources and less on speakers (Iuse two complete different type of speakers). My ratio at the moment (yes it is quite high!) : €61k on pre/monos /cables/power: €32k digital sources :€16k speakers. I own an Grimm Audio MU2 and it is for me end-of-dac/streamer-search.
Have you tried driving your monoblocks directly using a state of the art streamer with lossless digital volume control? Then you can sell your expensive preamp and remove one more item from the signal chain
@@luisdetomaso867 yes, but need to dissapointing you ;-) I do have a Soulution 725 Preamp and this is a different class than the also pretty good discrete output stage from Grimm MU2. I always thought, PreAmps are overhyped, but certain ones are pretty awesome and synergy is perfect.
I own an Aries G1 paired with a PS Audio New Wave DAC. I had originally purchased the Eversolo DMP-A8 to feed my DAC. I did not care for the very detailed and digital sound that the A8 and New Wave produced, I did not care for the DAC included in the A8; too bright and digital. I tried all the filters and digital connections. I got impressive yet fatiguing sound. I sent back the A8 and bought the G1 and, voila! What I would call a very analogue; dynamic and 3 Dimensional sound. I have Klipsch Heresies and Dynaco Monoblocks with a PSE preamplifier as auxiliary equipment. I now beleive in "Garbage in - Garbage out" ...just my opinion.
Joe
You have the G1 or G1.1 ? Keeping my video theme…..you didn’t try a much better DAC to formulate my view that you can’t know if this junk in junk out mantra applies until you try a really good DAC too.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I got a great deal on the G1 and the New Wave Dac. I would presume that the G1.1 would be even better but it is rather spendy. I am considering a better Dac eventually... for now: my digital is as good (if not better) than my Vinyl playback; albeit it is mid tier; I don't like how expensive Vinyl has become. Cheers
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Oh, I bought a second hand iPad and love the sound and functionality of the Lightning DS app provided with the Aries G1.
Totally agree that high end streamer transports only make sense in high end systems. That has been my experience in my journey at least.
I just wonder who the hell is the auralic g2.2 is for? Incredibly niche. One reviewer said they got rid of the original plastic aries to establish the metal ones in the market. That’s too generous and disingenuous……it’s about selling higher end gear as there is more money to be made there, but they just need to convince people they need an Aries g1.1 - sadly they ain’t convincing me Michael and I hope they don’t convince my subscribers who have similar gear to me.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 full disclosure, I have a Lumin P1 and now a Lumin L2 "music library/switch" and that stack is $15K, but in the context of my $75K system the stack makes sense - and sonically the difference between DACs that come in and out of my system are rendered very clear via that stack. Apropos, spending that kind of money on a streamer/server/library stack only makes sense when it's part of a highly resolving system where the sonic benefit is easily heard.
@@13thnotehifireviews7very well said simon, I’ve watched a few of your videos now, beginning with your mojo2 review, then purchased a mojo2, used happily for a year then sold to buy a Hiby R6 iii dap so I figure I’d better subscribe. Keep up with your honest subjective reviews, a welcome change from the other gushing (paid?) subjective reviewers online.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Well, it's interesting that dCS, who do not muck about and build money no object stuff based on science built a transport (the dCS Network Bridge) based on the one in the dCS Vivaldi (45,000 euros), same quality and it cost 5500 euros new. No more than that. I believe now, there is one that might actually be better. The Grimm Audio MU1 (more than 2x the price). But yeah, the dCS Network Bridge was meant to be used with other dCS stuff (15k+), so REALLY high end.
So where does it leave the Aries G2.2 and 1.1? Very good question.. There are Hifi Rose transports (like the RS150) at similar price points.
Safe to say, these things belong in at least 10,000+ euro systems.. Probably more....
And honestly, if you want something at that level, why not get a very good integrated streamer from, say, Naim, Linn or ones like that? Or, if you feel flush, a dCS Bartók? Everybody seems to love that thing to death!
Holo Audio Red and Mano Ultra MkIII are good streamer options for around 1,000 Euro.
Would you say audiolab 7000 or 9000 transport would be a good starting point in a system below £10000 spending most of budget on speakers and amp and then dac thanks
I have owned a blue sound node, Zen stream and finally have settled on a Fiio R7 with power supply and have come to the conclusion that you should spend roughly the same on a streaming transport as you would a Dac to fully utilise the potential in sound quality without going overboard.
hello, I have quite an old system, namely Focal electra 1027be, Nad M3 and Gustard x26pro, Gustard is not old at all. I'm currently using ifi zen stream, what streamer do you recommend for this set? So as to take advantage of its capabilities and not overprice? Thanks in advance for your advice and best regards.
Using an iFi zen streamer from my E8 switch, to my Qutest. A short Inakustik lan cable has meant a lot to the sound here. Cables, power supplies, right up to the router matter a lot. If I can't control myself, it will be a Holo Red
I’d imagine that would give a very clean transparent sound. I thought the ifi zen stream wasn’t reliable in use unfortunately. Some have reported alternatively, but a huge number agreed with me on my ifi video
I have the qutest and ifi neo. They are not that far apart is sound.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Roon is a must for it...
Yes I found that giving the Zen a lobotomy and using it as as renderer end point in roon made it dead reliable.@@kennethmajland
@@13thnotehifireviews7 It was quite some time ago you Reviewed it. I only use it in exclusive Roon mode and its rock solid. I think the updates resolved those issues you talked about. There is another reason for not spending more than necessary on a digital streamer. the more expensive DAC you have the better it will be on handling any incoming signal. Great review.
Ifi Zen Stream with a Ifi power X plug is worth a look also.
Sounded great! If only the platform was stable....
I agree it wasn’t stable….
I was curious about the product you reviewed here because up until recently, I have been pleased with the performance of my original Aries ‘bridge’ to my Schiit Yggdrasil DAC. But waiting for it to come back from its upgrade, I find that the Yggy’s performance was due to its automatic upsampling which made even Internet radio stations tolerable. Without the upsampling, I can’t bear to listen!
A lot of people heap praise on their ‘one box’ solutions, but the entry price trips me up ($5,000 or more). Streaming is not my main source, I prefer CD and vinyl (in that order), and there seems to be so much to putting together a decent streaming solution from disparate parts, I was hoping Auralic had solved the riddle for me, but apparently not. I may have to go to a dealer, or pay a consultant fee to help me steer a path. It would likely save me money in the long run.
Hello - thanks for the refreshing review. Reading through the comments and talking about opportunity cost - is the $300 to $500 LPS upgrade (Teddy Pardo?) for the Eversolo make sense for a system like yours - eg. $12k? I am demoing the dmp-a6 and trying to figure out if I should upgrade the LPS or just spend the extra and get the new Auralic Aries s1. Or just keep the dmp-a6 as is without the LPS. Going into a Border Patrol dac for reference.
Whats the thought with the auralic s1? Any reviewers tempted you to it? Interested What’s the rest of the system too. I’ve tried a border patrol dac briefly.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 The lack of android does not matter to me and it seems the S1 internals are similar if not better than the g1.1 at $2k vs $3k. LPS is a suggested upgrade for the Eversolo - with teddy pardo that puts it close to $1400. All this kind of points to the S1 if it matches the g1.1 in sound you describled. My system is in transition - Currently, Ayon Scorpio II and ProAc speakers. Stumbled on a Leben CS600x and Devore Baby/o’s - that’s hopefully coming in end of summer. With the BP dac - I actually got to hear it on a mid-tier system and an extremely high end system (that is way out of my price range) and just really enjoyed the sound - both times - so bought it. Forgot - the only s1 review I have seen so far was with Hans…was positive.
Plz review the rega Aya speakers?
IMHO Auralic is overpriced. I had Alair G1.1 on tests and sonically ATOLL ST300 blew Auralic out of water. Both have problems with apps and stability so no difference there. Atoll is now my daily driver.
Can you tell me more about atoll please
My takeaway from your video is I need to spend more on the rest of my system to justify the G1.1 that I bought on sale last year. I’ll admit that was already my plan. I try to skip a step or two with each upgrade. It does make for some quite out of balance configurations temporarily. There’s a really nice headphone amp I’ve had my eye on, and I’ve been meaning to buy dual subs for a while now. Eventually I’ll need to upgrade the Qutest too. That’s going to be expensive even if it isn’t a TT2.
Great video and great topic. For me I don’t understand why network transports with a built in dac. It’s compromise and the opposite of separates.
For me a streaming transports, with no dac that just focussed on being the best sounding streaming source with digital outs and the best usability for under £1k would be the sweet spot. Like the Eversolo minus all the analog with all the surplus invested in improving digital streaming sound quality.
So for me it’s finding a way to improve sound and also, because I use Qobuz in a full digital system (Buchardt a500), something that’s is nice to use.
I don’t want to spend the earth on a streamer because the tech changes and that’s the fastest evolving bit of tech in the stack.
I agree ….for most systems that aren’t mega mega expensive, it’s why relatively inexpensive products like eversolo make such sense as we agree too. I think it would be good if they made the same unit less DAC and if they could get it near £500 it would be way more appealing for audiophiles than a bs node.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 100% agree a stripped down eversolo, without dac, under £500 would be excellent. Am interested to see what Wiim do with the ultra
You echo my experience with music streamer transports.
It’s been mentioned that “the better the source, the better the sound” mantra came from the time of turntables and that is true, however CD transports fuel this belief system as well.
These high cost streamers make no sense if you have a “sound for pound” budget.
Basically, a steamer is like a mini-computer with a fancy DAC, which is what really amps up the sound quality. If you already have a PC, investing in a good DAC is where you'll notice the biggest difference in sound quality. Personally, I use Apple Music on my Mac, hooked up to a Chord Qutest via USB cable. On a Mac, you can use the MIDI Setup Utility to bump up the sample rate. I've got mine set to 32-bit 176.4 kHz for 44.1k recordings, or 192k for 96k/192k recordings. If you don't feel like toggling, just leave it at 128k. I haven't noticed much benefit going beyond 192k, but that might depend on your DAC. With this setup, you can control Apple Music from your iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch using Apple Remote. Easy peasy!
A DDC is almost a must between the PC and DAC.
When Alan Blumlein invented stereo in 1931, it was with the screen in mind. A fanless PC with a good screen and a ddc is a must in an original stereo setup;)
@@kennethmajland
. The fanless Mini PC's are technologically ahead of all the streamers. The DDC bridge will be unnecessary when DACs start including the SFC LC digital input to accept SFC LC to LC cable output available now on new or PCie card expanded PC's.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
@@kennethmajland The USB input is isolated on the Chord Qutest so I guess you don't need a DDC. Sounds fine with just a normal USB cable, as specified by Chord
I'm really sick of people commenting on 'steamers'...it's STREAMER ! 😖
@@steven2809
Thanks Steven, you've just enshrined STEAMERS into my vernacular permanently.
lol,
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Thank you for the comparison. I think what you are saying in the video makes a lot of sense and I agree with your basic point in that a streamer will not make a huge difference overall.
Money could be spent on other parts to get more fidelity per pound.
I spent roughly £1200 (after a somewhat disgusting £400 tax) on my transport in a system that cost me about £8000 in total.
*Here is how I spread it:*
Speakers: £3200
Amp + power supply: £1800
DAC: £750
Transport: £1200
Cables: £900
AC power filter: £200
If I were to l upgrade or extend anything at this point it would be the DAC or, possibly, a preamplifier.
Hello Marcus, my speakers, amp and cables spend is very similar you yours ! I currently have mine hooked up to a bluesound node 2i and plan to upgrade later this year. Could you share what transport you are using please ? My end game dac would be something like Pontus. thanks John
@@jondu-sud274 Hi John, I have a Silent Angel Munich M1T (8GB RAM) which leaves a minimal footprint. Both in terms of physical size and power consumption. It is a fanless design, has all the digital outputs I could ever want and app updates have been somewhat regular. At least so far.
Overall I quite like the device. My only complaint is that you cannot connect a USB drive to it, unless it is powered. I guess it was one way for them to achieve the fanless design...
How is the Bluesound Node?
@@marcusbrsp It is my first streamer and I have found it very intuitive and easy to use. The bluos app gets 99.5% from me as a user of qobuz and internet radio. I have auditioned it connected to three DACS ( in good local hifi shops, at 1k to 2k euros per DAC) and the DACs did not bring much to the party, so I have been scratching my head on how to improve the streaming sound quality. My CD player outputs only in analogue.
Hello Marcus, I tried to post earlier but it seems to have gone. The node 2i blusound app is excellent and gets 99% from me, using the qobuz and internet radio elements. I want to upgragde the sound with an external DAC. I have auditioned 3 DACs in local hifi shops in the 1k to 2k price range but they did nothiñg for me to justify their price. I am currently thinking about a Pontus but am hesitating since I can not audition it for myself. John
@@jondu-sud274 it is good to hear that Bluesound has good software. In my opinion, streamers basically live or die based on the quality of the software.
Check back if you get the opportunity to try out or audition the Denafrips Pontus. I have heard mostly good things about it. The R2R design, although old, still seems like a step up from a Delta Sigma.
My streamer is a Raspberry Pi/Allo DigiOne sig/Paul Hynes SR4 LPSU running Logitech Media Server. It's the last bit of gear that I'm looking to replace as I figure I'd have to spend a bundle to hear a significant improvement in SQ. What's more I'd run the risk of being disappointed with buggy proprietary software or be forced into forking over for Roon.
I have a the auralic mini ($500) and an Aries G1.0. the performance is only slightly better but there are features like the DSP and ability to add a CD transport that comes with the G1. The thing that has kept me loyal to the brand is the support. I get new firmware several times a year, even on the long defunct Mini. This has kept these products evergreen, for me.
My G1 is mates to a $1500 DAC, BTW but that DAC (okto research) is also A+ rated so no sense spending more. Total system cost is north of $20k so I guess I don't violate all the rules. ;-)
Last point, the display menu is hard to read, but why bother? You can access it via the app or any web browser.
Great review!
Being a huge Auralic fan 😉 I was wondering if you would like to make a review of the new Auralic Vega S1 streamer/dac? It's only £ 1999,- so the theory of deminishing returns in this case isn't as obvious I suspect. Best regards, Jos(NL)
My system is definitely not at a level to were I can justify big outlays. I only have an Av system in the living room, doing double duty for movies and music. I currently run a WiiM Pro into a CHORD QUTEST ( picked up second hand ), Also an Audiolab 6000CDT running via BNC into the CHORD. Also run ROON on my main computer & link to the WiiM as it is ROON READY. This is enough for me at the moment, with the system I have.
Just bought a Cambridge Streamer for $500. Awesome.
Used Auralic G2.1's are selling for about $3,000 lately. That might be something to consider...
Auralic Altair g1.1 has DAC , same price. Do you know differences? Love out-takes section.
Thanks , I’ve not tried that one. Was aware it’s the same price but thanks for saying.
The power supply on the Aries is better than the power supply in the Altair. For what it's worth; I was told by Auralic that the power supply is what makes the Aries a 'step up' from the Altair, Plus; the Aries can be improved by improving the Dac it's feeding. The Altair streamer/dac has no option to 'step up'.
In terms of sound quality? Of course not, especially if the signal is sent as an asynchronous, bit perfect stream to the DAC. Preferences about interface and build quality may have some merit.
You're wrong, of course. And broke.
I use my WiiM Pro as a transport, but I'm not sure if I'm an audiophile since my setup isn't expensive enough. 😢
If you care about sound reproduction, place yourself in sweat spot, move your speakers out from the walls, has done some room treatments, get lost in the sound stage - then you are a true Audiophile no matter the expense on your rig.
would you please review the new Auralic S1, thank you
Where am I going to get one from?
how is this better than the Bluesound Node used as a transport only?
Doesn’t that simple point and question invite more questions than you’ve asked me, don’t you think……
I keep apps, wifi connections and computers as far away from my music as possible
CD player and Turntable.
KISS is my philosophy (not the band)
It looks ugly to my eye, not that my Node N130 can hold a candle to an Eversolo for visual appeal.
Frankly I suspect the biggest issue for many of us is the WAF. I had serious problems on this front and now I only have the Node and a pair of Sennheiser HD250BT cans, while the ex keeps the two channel rig, my Lehmann Black Cube Linear and OG Kennerton Valis.
On the plus side she has to give me half a million dollars.
Love that Tod Terje album.
You maybe need a house with a secret room that she doesn’t know about Gary. Like a kind of panic room for hifi. It would only be when someone is knocking on your door with a shotgun to house Jack you, god forbid, that she would get to know of your hobby, at which point you’d be forgiven. 😂😂
@@13thnotehifireviews7 yeah you know it's first world problems for us my friend.
Some of our fathers and grandfathers had a sten gun or even worse a Reising sub machine gun at their disposal, as opposed to a class AB amp.
These days I like German gear, but dad swore by his 1911 Colt 45.
😂
Try allo digione signature with a good linear power supply (allo shanti for example) with a gento player system and you will see that eversolo is not worth it either (except for functionality). And as for the sound itself (which is more important to most people), the allo SIg is far better than the eversolo a8. Of course, the rest of the system must be good enough to show those differences (here we are not talking about, say, commercial speakers with a value below 5k)
I have a PC and I stream from it. Sounds great. I don't see any reason to buy a streamer.
Where does this leave me..? I’m using a Wiim Mini paired with a €15.000 setup (dac/amp/speakers)..
I know there is room to gain but is it actually worth it as i like the totality of the outcome.. 😅
I’m sure a better transport would bring some more refinement and resolution.
I have similar pricey equipment and went from a Mini to a PRO, changing optical to coax and that made a huge difference performance wise. You must try!!!
I have just upgraded from the Wiim Pro to the Volumio Rivo. Both fed via a good linear power supply. The LPS made a nice improvement with the Wiim. The Rivo LPS combo is a really good step up for me at a reasonable price.
@user-fh7cv7vm7j what do you think of the software? I thought Volumio is terribly buggy on iOS. Volumio have admitted this to me.
@@user-fh7cv7vm7j i’m planning on adopting into ROON with the nucleus one as transport connected to my DAC over USB. ROON will also enable me to stream directly to my Hegel H390 if needed.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I am not a fan of the Volumio app. I find it lags on my iPad.
Tidal Connect works really well with the Rivo. I have Roon on trial right now and I am so tempted to sign up. Costly, but the best of the bunch.
Thank you for your hard work!
When you use a streamer over USD to a good designed DAC, so the clock of the DAC is master you are good to go…
You mean USB?
@@amazoidal indeed a typo as usual 🙈
I think this is an endless war between apologists that the source first and those who disagree with this statement, in the end, everyone has their own experience and everyone makes their own decision😊
People have to ask themselves are these views built up around selling and persuasion by others or are they legitimately formed by own experiences, trying gear at home first. I actually think some of the models of buying hifi - dealers not letting the gear on loan or people buying from hearing in the dealer, or buying based on bad advice from some reviews, forms erroneous experiences about kit. I’ve tried an awful lot of different streamer dac combos so I think it would be a fool not to use my opinion, as a basis to affirm or reject theirs. The point about at what point do they make sense, was deliberately put in to challenge another video opinion on this product which I felt wasn’t helpful because that video didn’t tackle opportunity cost (spend on the dac) and this lack of mentioning opportunity cost is often left out of hifi reviews, making them self evidently only promotional reviews.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 absolutely agree with you, that’s why I watch your reviews, I’m convinced that decisions should be made only based on personal experience, only your ears will tell you the right decision🙂
I owned a Auralic Altar G1 (DAC/streamer) and replaced it with a Denafrips Pontus 2 and raspberry Pi for the streamer.
It just sounded better. Since then....I've only put more money into upgrading the DAC.
I’d have to say that a used G1.1 is really hard to beat.
Don't use any PC for streaming. The switching power supply is noisy.
cheap Eversolo A6 + Gustard U18 DDC/reclocker = high-end digital transport for pennies.
Remember, these things are tomorrow's expensive dinosaurs, don't bust your guts if you have to get loans to afford the latest hype. A good DAC is what you need, and a good clock if you can get one into the playback chain.
You seem to be unaware of the ability to set up nearly all the parameters of this unit via web interface - simply type in the IP address once connected and no more squinting.
That this unit would be a better transport than an A6 is a given - The A6 is value for money, but its hardly a high end performance by any metric.
One would not expect a transport only to have an effect similar to switching to a better DAC, but if you have a sweet high end system and wish to extract the best from it, having a decent front end streamer will help you realise the potential of what you have. The more high end your system is, the more value you will get from a higher end Streaming front end. My System is about £16k, and I'd say I'm only just getting to the point where a dedicated front end unit like this proves its worth. If you are lower level - it is better spent on the other components in the rig.
Yes, I was aware, and like I said I wasn’t repeating all reviews…..you still can’t use the web based interface for streaming.
That this unit is a better transport is not a given because it depends on the kit used with it, and also it’s never right to presume in hifi. You didn’t say if you tried the A6. The A6 also is a high end unit.
I explained and agree with your next point to a degree but what you have to consider is ….what makes something necessarily better as a streaming transport - just a higher price? If that’s the only measure, that’s a sure fire way to get done in hifi. Personally I can’t see much in the design of this streamer that makes it better sounding than another of lesser price with a similar design, and personally I think this is probably well achievable if you do the work on comparing and finding x product that achieves it. There is nothing in the price and deign of the auralic that makes the design necessarily stand out as unique or supporting a £3k price tag which isn’t to take away from my point it sounds good in the right system, but that something probably does improve or equal it, for less money. I don think it’s right to make a presumption that just because you buy something pricey it gets more and more out because like with a cheaper system, that can or cannot be applicable. Sometimes I think people just think by buying pricey gear that they are getting the best because it kind of ties in with their need for it to be best, simply as they have spent money.
maybe it's me. Stream from your phone, your tablet, your chromebook, your laptop, your pc etc straight into a DAC and on to your amp. can't see the point of a streamer.
That's a big spend for what is, at the end of the day, Chinese tat!
I’d agree on the former in my system but people who say Chinese is bad are totally wrong.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I'd agree with you on the Chinese point, this will be landfill in a few years time! I'd put money that it could have been made in Europe or the UK for around that price too.
@@gr328 no because if we keep abreast of world affairs - Chinese energy costs are a fraction of Europe at the moment. Not to mention economies of scale. It’s also a supply chain where parts will come from China to the UK, and if brands can design in uk or us or Europe and have made in china, then you have one supply line to country of use, helping to keep prices equitable around the globe. The problem when a British hifi firm buys the parts in China, assembles in the uk, and then ships to the US, means you have a price differential in the cost of the container of shipped products onto the US. These containers have gone up 3 times in price. That’s why the British firm has to pass that cost onto the US distributor and the US distributor to the US customer.
So it makes absolute sense for the product to be made where it is cheapest, to pass that saving on.
I was under impression Auralic was a Portland Oregon company?
Greetings from Frankfurt
and from a nice evening in Sussex , UK. Going for a nice evening walk now.
I dont do streaming. I prefer using vinyl or cd.
Why talking about de 1.1 version? The current is 2.2…. More expensive… but really at another level…
I doubt it and even if it is the returns are small. I’m not into Uber pricey hifi because of this. It also makes no sense to review it as my audience will be tiny because it’s even more niche.
I've compared my Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition to my Aurender N200 and Holo Audio May KTE DAC and the differences are night and day as they should be. The Eversolo is 1/10 of the price. I can't listen to the Eversolo very long without getting listener fatigue!
Are these comparisons via the components dac? Or as a transport? Always curious as my standard eversolo I use as a transport into my other dac as I prefer the sound.
good question! @dontcare563 , You said listener's fatigue when using the internal Eversolo's DAC? OR transport only to the Holo Audio May dac?
No i2s for that price & especially for an digital/streaming transport is a joke.
& no android app is a straight huge NO.
Personally I’ve never got the no i2s point because how many people use it. I bet it’s a tiny proportion so I’d understand why they don’t include. Though on the android point, couldn’t agree more.
Snake oil
I use a WiiM mini through a GUSTARD R26 into £15k+ amp/speakers combo. It sounds truly fantastic and competes with my £8k CD player and £7k turntable sources. I’ve tried more expensive streamers and the difference was marginal at best (in reality mostly indistinguishable), they were returned and I’ll happily stick with the WiiM in the knowledge I’m missing nothing!
I would agree. Around 20k in my case.
I would be as bold as to say investing in costly streamers is bonkers. Wiim means that the question of junk in is irrelevant. Wiim has zero degradation over spdif.
I cannot argue for upgrading something where upgrading does not upgrade. And software. Wiim bests them all. Which makes most "upgrades" actual downgrades.
Ashanti made no difference to my streamer. MCRU made a massive difference, immediate audience.
A pure transport device (without integrated DAC) simply sends simply digital data (0/1) that cannot change in quality, otherwise the data will be corrupted and no music will be played as a result. Here we are now with the well-known statement: Digital remains digital and it is not possible to improve the quality of it, as any change leads to illegibility of this data. Period. However: The transport device must transmit the digital data to a DAC via an interface. The connection between the two devices is made via a physical connection, which is typically a USB, XLR (AES) or HDMI (I2S) cable. And it is via this connection that any external noise can pass through the cable into the DAC. The digital data is not altered in the process. However, the DAC is the critical component where the conversion to an analog signal takes place and analog signals are very sensitive to external influences. It is therefore important that the DAC is protected from all possible interference. Accordingly, a transport device with clean galvanic isolation and a good power supply is extremely important. Apart from that, a transporter device has no influence on the quality of the music playback
The only thing you are correct in your assessment is about the galvanic isolation and the good quality power supply.
People tend to forget, or simply aren't aware of, that the so called digital signal is in fact an analog eletrical square wave, so, prone to interferences. The uninformed misconception that the digital is ones and zeros, still eludes a lot of people.
Eventually, when using very expensive DACs, the internal PLL's/reclocking systems will correctly/partially regenerate the errors introduced by the upstream components.
So the isolation inside a streamer is paramount, between components, and to the exterior too. If the device has WiFi, another source of interference, ethernet connection? Is is galvanically isolated? The internal clocks? Are they femto? Or low cost? The power supply is inside or outside? Linear or not? All of these WIIL influence your so called digital signal even before going out to the digital outlets of the streamer.
Food for thought.
Another youtube expert that's WRONG as usual.
no they are not
These are still entry level and Auralic isn't great a Grimm MU1 is better for the money or an Innuous Pulsar (not the mini) not the pulse...You need to spend at least 6-12k to get a good streamer. If you don't you will be disappointed since the cheaper ones are not as clean, have more noise and are made pretty meh.
What’s the rest of your system?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I have Rockport Technologies Atria II speakers, Burmester 088 preamp, Burmester 911 MK3 amp, Weiss Helios Dac, Kubala sosna Realization level cable loom, a Grimm MU1 streamer, SwitchX internet switch, Furutech plugs with a dedicate lines in the house wired with audience wiring, two JL Audio Fathom F212 subwoofer pair.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I have the Auralic 1.1 as well on my kitchen system with a pair of Fisher & Fisher bookshelves and a little KEF sub with a modright integrated amp and a mytek liberty II dac. I put it together with some spare parts. It is fine for background music but is not for critical listening. I needed wifi in the kitchen and can't get an ethernet cable in there.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 My big system is a Grimm MU1 streamer, Rockport Technologies Atria II Speakers, 2 JL Audio Fathom f1212 subwoofers, full room treatment with stillpoints aperture panels and GIK acoustic bass traps, I have a Burmester 088 preamp, a Burmester 911 MK3 amp, Weiss Helios DAC, Kubala Sosna analog cables Synergistic research digital cables. SwitchX internet Switch, dedicated lines with Furutec GTX NFC plugs and carbon fiber plates.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Did you delete my main system discription?
interesting review of a network player, please send me more reviews of these devices at reasonable prices
If you can please send me the products that benefit others in me giving my independent view, I will review them. Or if others send them to me, it will help you….It’s not possible to get these products from manufacturers if I’m going to review independently because they won’t send them. The only reason why most ‘reviewers’ can get products is because they make them all great , mostly, and they are not reviewing.