Costs in manufacturing have been driving prices up and so it came as a thrill to discover that Auralic are introducing two new streaming models that are bellow £2000! One is a streaming transport and the other a complete streamer including in-built DAC
AURALiC’s S1 series products are crafted to deliver unparalleled sound quality within their price range. Drawing inspiration from the esteemed G2.2 reference products, these machines inherit premium audio technologies that set new standards in the industry.
Powered by the cutting-edge Tesla G3 streaming platform, the S1 series leverages AURALiC’s innovative Direct Memory Access (DMA) and Direct Data Recording (DDR) technologies. By seamlessly recording incoming audio data into the Tesla G3's system memory and transmitting it directly to the low-level audio hardware. With the inclusion of Dual 60fs Femto Clocks and Galvanic Isolation, the S1 series achieves an unprecedented level of noise reduction. The meticulous attention to detail in the S1 series ensures that clock jitter and signal distortion are minimized to an extraordinary degree. The result is a remarkably smooth and natural sound character that faithfully reproduces the nuances of the original audio, providing an immersive listening experience that captivates the senses.
AURALiC S1 offers a seamless streaming experience via Ethernet using its proprietary Lightning DS software, Apple AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, and a variety of digital input channels including USB audio, Coaxial, and Toslink. AURALiC’s Lightning DS seamlessly integrates popular streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Qobuz, TuneIn, KKbox and more. Additionally, S1 can play music stored on NAS drive, USB drive and CD drive. The S1 will be Roon Ready upon completion of Roon certification.
- ARIES S1 - Streaming Processor
The role of the ARIES S1 has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from a mere streaming transport or bridge to a robust streaming processor. With its advanced onboard processing capabilities, the ARIES S1 now offers a plethora of processing features aimed at optimizing the audio signal: high-quality resampler, parametric equalizer, speaker placement compensation and loudness leveling. For the first time in the ARIES lineup, this product can process incoming signals from digital or USB inputs. Leveraging its onboard Tesla G3 platform, the ARIES S1 processes the signal, effectively removing jitter and artifacts before applying user-selected processing features to enhance the audio quality. The processed signal is then output via digital or USB connection, ensuring an enriched listening experience that remains faithful to the original source.
The VEGA S1 represents the pinnacle of AURALiC's state-of-the-art DAC technology, showcasing excellence in both hardware and software realms. At its core lies AURALiC's proprietary Fusion DAC, a groundbreaking innovation that seamlessly integrates the finest elements of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs. In addition to this advanced DAC technology, the VEGA S1 incorporates Analog Volume Control and Analog Preamplifier features derived from the acclaimed VEGA G2.2, ensuring a listening experience characterized by unmatched detail and precision. Breaking new ground, AURALiC introduces two pioneering technologies in the VEGA S1: PureDAC mode and Tone Mode adjustment. PureDAC mode empowers the VEGA S1 to disable all streaming and network-related functions, dedicating all resources to digital signal processing and conversion tasks. In this mode, the VEGA S1 utilizes Direct Data Recording technology to store music signals from any digital or USB input in the past hour to Tesla G3’s system memory, allowing users to replay music from any point at any time. Furthermore, the Tone Mode adjustment refines the output sound character of the DAC by incorporating harmonic elements into the music signal, based on a model rooted in auditory psychology. This innovative feature enhances the listening experience, elevating the VEGA S1 to new heights of audio excellence and musical enjoyment.
You can read the Stereonet article here.
Finally there will be a Linear power supply to follow and this will be available for both of these products. We will have them on demo as soon as we can. The Streamer and transport will be £1995 and the power supply (optional) at £995.