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Bluesound Node 2 vs. Auralic Aries Mini

Anyone have experience with both the Bluesound and the Auralic? Specifically, the user apps and their capabilities. I'm thinking about replacing my Squeezebox Touch to gain some newer technologies that allow higher bit rates and improved WiFi technology. My main concern is the WiFi and management capabilities, not the DAC as I'll use the digital out to drive an external DAC. I just want something that cleanly moves files from my PC library of primarily Apple Lossless ripped music and plays internet radio. I'd also like to be able to dabble with hi-rez formats, although I haven't taken much of a plunge there, yet. Streaming is not a big deal for me, but if the abilities are there that's no loss.

So, seems to me that the Node 2 and Aries Mini would both fit the bill. So it probably comes down to a matter of user experience with the control apps. Appreciate any thoughts!
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ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
No reply yet from Auralic.

Did just call sales at Audio Advisor. The sales rep I spoke to confirmed the Aries Mini is to be discontinued though he stated they continue to see a lot of demand for it. He did not know anything of Auralic’s future plans for the Mini, i.e., would it be be replaced by something else?...e.g., an upgraded model or completely new model.

Complete speculation on my part but I’m hoping Auralic has an improved version of the Mini in mind; e.g., Roon ready and MQA capable?  Not that either of these matter to me, personally, but this might signal an intent to provide ongoing support for the older model.  Again, total speculation on my part.  
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ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
3,718 posts
 
Reply received from Auralic (Xuanqian Wang); quoted in part here:

"We have decided to stop selling ARIES MINI in some of the countries....". 


jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I think part of the confusion here is in the G2 series there will be an Aries G2 but not a Mini G2. The original Mini will still be produced and supported as far as I know based on what I've heard.
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I got basically the same reply as Ghosthouse from Xuanqian.........

"We no longer sell ARIES MINI in some countries, but the rest areas are fine. This product is still in our line and we still deliver hundreds of them each month."
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