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Auralic Aries w NOS DAC

Hi folks,

I'm intrigued by the new Auralic Aries server/streamer device. I love the idea of streaming lossless digital content from Tidal, etc direct to my Red Wine Audio DAC, and I love its ability to pull music from a hard drive over wifi as well. But here's the thing: I have the NOS version of the Red Wine DAC and zero need/interest in upgrading to the high-res version, and the Auralic Aries seems very focused on enabling 192k DSD content. I get that, I admire it, but it's not relevant for me. Would the Aries be total overkill with the Red Wine NOS DAC? If so, does anyone know of a cheaper option with similar functionality and great sound quality? I know that Sonos basically offers this functionality, but I'm looking for true audiophile sound quality.

Thanks as always.
lousyreeds1
wisnon
700 posts
 
If not the Regen, you should consider Empirical's Shortblock for $200 that will also help to shield the Dac's USB input from the Aries. (common mode noise rejection, etc)

The Regen is still vaporware, but close to production. The SBlock is tangible and already marketed for a while.
lousyreeds1 OP
281 posts
 
Thanks, Wisnon. Is there any consensus yet on whether the Aries sounds different through the different outputs? I would happily just use coax if there is no difference in sound quality. If I'm just using the coax output (which I think already utilizes a femto clock?), is there any point to the $600 upgrade on the Aries? I also should be able to use the built-in battery supply in my DAC to run the Aries, which means I have no use for the upgraded wall-wart.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Femto only on the upgraded one. Low phase noise clock on the LE. They claimn the upgrade also brings unti jitter circuitry.

As femto clock is just marketing buzz, that may not be worth it. Separate clocks is the real advantage, as USB works off a different rate.

With your battery power, and just SPDIF, I guess you should be about the same with the LE vs full Aries.
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