Auralic Aries G2.1 Question(s)

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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I have just acquired an Auralic Aries G2.1 and I have some questions.

System: Audio Note AN-E SPx AlNiCo, Audio Note P4 Balanced, Audio Note M3 Line Balanced, Bricasti M3 with LAN.

The Aries G2.1 is connected to my network via ethernet cable. Roon Core is installed on a dedicated MacMini configured only for music, which is located in a different room near the WiFi router and connected to the network via WiFi (no hardwire connection to the network, streamer or DAC). MacMini WiFi download speed is ~150 Mbps.

DAC is a Bricasti M3 with Network card. So, I have the capability to compare sound from either the Bricasti M3 connected to LAN, or the Auralic Aries G2.1 connected to the Bricasti M3 via USB or AES (I have listened to both). AES cable is Harmonic Technology Magic Link MDS III Single Crystal (OCC) Silver cable. USB is Wireworld Silver Starlight 7.

Source material have been Qobuz files played via Lightning DS and Roon, and local files also played via Lightning DS and Roon.

My initial observation of the Aries G2.1 using Lightning DS (and to a lesser extent Roon) is that cymbals sound splashy and artificial. The presentation overall is a bit etched, and lacking organic texture and wholeness. The same material played on the Bricasti via LAN sounds natural without cymbal splashiness or artificiality.

Both digital cables have been used with other streamers (Rockna WaveDream NET, Innuos Pulse) and the sound has always been absolute, undistorted and pure, so I don't believe what I'm hearing is caused by the wire.

What I'm hearing seems to be at odds with multiple reviews and many owner comments, so I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what's up.

What could be causing this difference?
 
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Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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I have just acquired an Auralic Aries G2.1 and I have some questions.

System: Audio Note AN-E SPx AlNiCo, Audio Note P4 Balanced, Audio Note M3 Line Balanced, Bricasti M3 with LAN.

The Aries G2.1 is connected to my network via ethernet cable. Roon Core is installed on a dedicated MacMini configured only for music, which is located in a different room near the WiFi router and connected to the network via WiFi (no hardwire connection to the network, streamer or DAC). MacMini WiFi download speed is ~150 Mbps.

DAC is a Bricasti M3 with Network card. So, I have the capability to compare sound from either the Bricasti M3 connected to LAN, or the Auralic Aries G2.1 connected to the Bricasti M3 via USB or AES (I have listened to both). AES cable is Harmonic Technology Magic Link MDS III Single Crystal (OCC) Silver cable. USB is Wireworld Silver Starlight 7.

Source material have been Qobuz files played via Lightning DS and Roon, and local files also played via Lightning DS and Roon.

My initial observation of the Aries G2.1 using Lightning DS (and to a lesser extent Roon) is that cymbals sound splashy and artificial. The presentation overall is a bit etched, and lacking organic texture and wholeness. The same material played on the Bricasti via LAN sounds natural without cymbal splashiness or artificiality.

Both digital cables have been used with other streamers (Rockna WaveDream NET, Innuos Pulse) and the sound has always been absolute, undistorted and pure, so I don't believe what I'm hearing is caused by the wire.

What I'm hearing seems to be at odds with multiple reviews and many owner comments, so I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what's up.

What could be causing this difference?
I’m an Aries G2.1 owner and what you report is not at all the results I get… in fact just the opposite.

I will say that I find the lightening app slightly more “lit up” than my Roon feed from my Innuos Zenith.

I don’t know if you went deep into the Lightening settings and experimented with the filter settings and look at all the relevant
Other settings …. This might be helpful

I found a slight improvement putting a quality power cord on and yet another incremental improvement feeding the ethernet with a Shunyata Sigma ethernet cable. Also ,

All that said, mine sounded terrific right out of the box.

I own the Auralic Vega G2.1 as well and can report that the combo of the Aries G2.1 and Vega G2.1 using the lightening link is a special digital front end . A sum greater than its individual parts for sure
Lastly, Auralic has a chat forum and I have found the participants on there to be very helpful to say the least
 

Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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Just as a follow up, I found that if I completely bypassed all the filters in Roon this generally made for better streaming sonics. Not just turned the filters off in the DSP but completely disabled them
 

Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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Also, also…. It looks like you are using the wifi option in your setup. I honestly don’t know if this is a factor in your issue as I always hardwire … but…. I’d be trying the unit hardwired to see where you land with that

good luck
 

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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Thanks @Adco.

I have always disabled all Roon filters, and all Lightning DS filters are also off. I started hardwired and switched to wifi today. Sounds pretty similar. I use an ENO ethernet filter.
 

Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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Thanks @Adco.

I have always disabled all Roon filters, and all Lightning DS filters are also off. I started hardwired and switched to wifi today. Sounds pretty similar. I use an ENO ethernet filter.
Not to beat a dead horse , and I doubt this is the cause of your consternation but there is a difference in Roon between disabling the filters and completely bypassing them .

My apologies if you know this but Roon truly sounds it’s best when these are bypassed. I went into Roon just now and for the life of me I forget how I did it, what I do remember is a thread in this forum that guided me through. It wasn’t particularly intuitive but the results removed any angst I had against Roons perceived sound quality .
 
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Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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Just re-reading your initial post and the only thing I keep coming to is that wireless connection from your Mac mini . In my office set up I use an Intel NUC set up similarly using wireless and it sounded positively horrible until I hardwired it.
Relevance ?… dunno …. Hopefully another more tech savvy Auralic user can help you here because the Aries G2.1 has been a revelation in my streaming of tidal.
 

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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Not to beat a dead horse , and I doubt this is the cause of your consternation but there is a difference in Roon between disabling the filters and completely bypassing them .

My apologies if you know this but Roon truly sounds it’s best when these are bypassed. I went into Roon just now and for the life of me I forget how I did it, what I do remember is a thread in this forum that guided me through. It wasn’t particularly intuitive but the results removed any angst I had against Roons perceived sound quality .
No DSP Enabled.

Most of my listening has been via Qobuz-Lightning DS, without Roon since I want to hear the G2.1 at its purest form.
 

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Hear Here

Well-Known Member
Feb 14, 2020
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Portsmouth, UK
> I have just acquired an Auralic Aries G2.1 and I have some questions.

> System: Audio Note AN-E SPx AlNiCo, Audio Note P4 Balanced, Audio Note M3 Line Balanced, Bricasti M3 with LAN.

> The Aries G2.1 is connected to my network via ethernet cable. Roon Core is installed on a dedicated MacMini configured only for music,
I'm not familiar with the equipment listed, but I've considered the Auralic 2.1 (likely the Altair) myself. Firstly, which component is your streamer? The Auralic seems to be connected to your router, but your Roon Core is also connected but via wi-fi. So which device do you consider is your streamer?

I ask because my dealer has said that the streamer element in the Auralic really doesn't work unless Roon is used. This has put me off Auralic as my present streamer comes with an exceptionally good control app that can be loaded onto Windows and all other platforms and works as well as Roon does – but without resorting to Roon! I'm told there is no satisfactory multi-platform Auralic app - please correct me if the Auralic can be made to work perfectly well (and intuitively) using its own app and without Room.

OK, irrespective of the above, I'd move the Roon Core so that it can be hard-wired by Ethernet to the router. If Roon can be used solely to request files from the streaming service (or other source such as NAS) to be sent to the Aulralic, I can't see why the presence of Room can make a scrap of difference sound-wise. However if Roon becomes involved in handling the signal from the streaming service and / or in processing that signal, I can see there may well be some deterioration in sound quality. In other words, if Roon can be used solely as a control app (as BluOS does with my streamer), then the sound quality is 100% down to the streamer. If Roon barges in and actually handles the signal, then there seems a conflict as Roon is doing a job that most streamers simply don't need.

I should say that I've only tried Roon for a month or so and was underwhelmed, particularly as my streamer simply doesn't need Roon. I’m now looking for a possible streamer upgrade, but I’m only considering streamers that have their own proper, comprehensive, intuitive and multi-platform control apps. Sadly this seems to rule out many otherwise great streamers – but suggestions very welcome.
 

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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Firstly, which component is your streamer? The Auralic seems to be connected to your router, but your Roon Core is also connected but via wi-fi. So which device do you consider is your streamer?

I ask because my dealer has said that the streamer element in the Auralic really doesn't work unless Roon is used.
Aries G2.1 is the streamer.

It can stream without Roon using its own Lightning DS software in conjunction with subscriptions from Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, KKBOX or NetEase Music.
 
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Hear Here

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Feb 14, 2020
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Portsmouth, UK
Aries G2.1 is the streamer.

It can stream without Roon using its own Lightning DS software in conjunction with subscriptions from Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, KKBOX or NetEase Music.
Thanks. The Altair is effectively the same as the Aries, except that the former has a DAC.

OK, so perhaps I should ask why you also have Roon? If you can control via Auralic's own Lightening DS and leave Roon out of the chain, do you suffer the sound problems you describe when you stream from Tidal, Qobuz or your own library? Trying to sniff out the cause of the problem by eliminating as many elements first.
 

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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I have listened to the Aries G2.1 using Qobuz and local files with and without Roon. The same issues discussed in the first post exist in both scenarios, so the use of Roon is a non-factor.

With due respect, I'm going to decline further discussing Roon software since it is not pertinent to this thread.
 

Hear Here

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Feb 14, 2020
733
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Portsmouth, UK
With due respect, I'm going to decline further discussing Roon software since it is not pertinent to this thread.
I suppose it was Roon hardware that I was questioing, but if you have eliminated all Roon aspects (hardware and software) then, as you say, it must be something else. Not sure I can offer further suggestions but I hope you gat it resolved. Peter
 
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Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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I think I might have traced the distortion problem to a microphonic small signal tube in my preamp that happened to manifest at the same time as I installed the G2.1.

I’ve been listening for the past two days with a quiet replacement tube in the preamp.

At this point, I have experimented with every permutation I can think of, including wired/wireless, AES/RCA/USB outputs, swapping power cords, resampler-filters enabled and disabled, Lightning DS+Qobuz vs ROON+Qobuz.

I’ve settled on wireless, AES output, resampler enabled (sample size selected straight across without upsampling) & Smooth processor, Lightning DS+Qobuz.
 

Adco

Well-Known Member
Feb 1, 2021
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I think I might have traced the distortion problem to a microphonic small signal tube in my preamp that happened to manifest at the same time as I installed the G2.1.

I’ve been listening for the past two days with a quiet replacement tube in the preamp.

At this point, I have experimented with every permutation I can think of, including wired/wireless, AES/RCA/USB outputs, swapping power cords, resampler-filters enabled and disabled, Lightning DS+Qobuz vs ROON+Qobuz.

I’ve settled on wireless, AES output, resampler enabled (sample size selected straight across without upsampling) & Smooth processor, Lightning DS+Qobuz.
Well ugh… that just encapsulates the hifi journey right there. I’m sorry you went through that and happy that the proposed piece of equipment wasn’t substandard.
Truth is HiFi stuff seems to breakdown at the weirdest and obnoxious times. Great that you have worked it out though.

I find the Aries G2.1 an exceptional piece of kit, let’s hope time proves that to you as well
 

Mr Peabody

New Member
Oct 9, 2022
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Seems the issue is solved but why would the tube, issue, occur with the Aeries and not present itself with the M3?
 

Gjo

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Aug 22, 2021
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Seems the issue is solved but why would the tube, issue, occur with the Aeries and not present itself with the M3?
Good point. I wish I knew the answer to why the Aries>Bricasti M3 sounded distorted whereas Bricasti via internal Network card did not. There was a bad preamp tube, and when it was replaced the Aries' distortion issues settled down.

I have no explanation for disparity between the Aries vs. Bricasti M3 LAN while the bad tube was in the preamp.

By the way, cymbal crashes still sound artificial on the Aries G2.1>Bricasti M3 versus Bricasti via Network card (source being Lightning DS+Qobuz on the G2.1, and Roon+Qobuz on the Bricasti M3 via LAN).
 
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Steve Rowan

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Feb 12, 2012
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St. Peters, MO
No DSP Enabled.

Most of my listening has been via Qobuz-Lightning DS, without Roon since I want to hear the G2.1 at its purest form.
Hi,
Sorry I didn’t see the thread earlier. First in ROON you need to find the ROON Ready setting inside ROON.
I like ROON better than Lighteming DS.
Run the G2.1 as Ethernet only. Not WiFi.
in Lightening DS there are flour choices for filter flavors. I think one is called Smooth I’d enable that one. There is also Precise, Dynamic and one other. Sorry Iwriting from memory as I am not home.
Also your network can make a big difference.
You want your best USB cable connecting the G2 to your DAC.
I use fiber from my Server along with two Etherregens at either end of the run. I also use linear power supplies to replace all wall warts. Use your best linear power supply right before the DAC.

I also use the Auralic Sirius which is connected directly to the Aries G2.

I then take the USB out of the Sirius into my Ideon 3R Master time blackstar. Then USB into my DAC.
I hope this helps.
I’d be glad to speak on phone if you have questions.
 

Gjo

Well-Known Member
Aug 22, 2021
268
184
50
Hi,
Sorry I didn’t see the thread earlier. First in ROON you need to find the ROON Ready setting inside ROON.
I like ROON better than Lighteming DS.
Run the G2.1 as Ethernet only. Not WiFi.
in Lightening DS there are flour choices for filter flavors. I think one is called Smooth I’d enable that one. There is also Precise, Dynamic and one other. Sorry Iwriting from memory as I am not home.
Also your network can make a big difference.
You want your best USB cable connecting the G2 to your DAC.
I use fiber from my Server along with two Etherregens at either end of the run. I also use linear power supplies to replace all wall warts. Use your best linear power supply right before the DAC.

I also use the Auralic Sirius which is connected directly to the Aries G2.

I then take the USB out of the Sirius into my Ideon 3R Master time blackstar. Then USB into my DAC.
I hope this helps.
I’d be glad to speak on phone if you have questions.
Hi Steve. Thanks for your tips.

I experimented with every permutation you described.

Ultimately, I returned the G2.1 for a refund and now listen to Roon via my Bricasti M3 DAC's internal Network card (and a MacMini server via WiFi).

The result is preferable to every other outboard streamer/server I have tried in the past two years...and I have tried a good sampling of them (Antipodes, Rockna, Auralic, Innuos, Lumin, Small Green Computer).
 
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