Auralic Aries Mini vs Bluesound Node ll vs Sonos

Aries Mini is an audiophile product... lovely in main system but not a good choice for a casual system intended to play MP3's. iPhone app was released mid January, has a few quirks but they will improve it

Auralic is working on a web based interface to control it.  Hopefully, it will work in Android Chrome Browser.  Kind of a work-around for not having an Android App.  When I spoke to them a few months ago, they told me that there were just too many problems in developing an Android App and they were going to focus on IOS.  They would not go into detail about what problems with Android.

I so wanted to get an Aries Mini to replace my Squeezebox.  Not only is it a streaming client, but it can also function as a server.  This would have allowed me to get rid of my dedicated server.  Oh well, guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

For those of you who use an external DAC, what is the advantage of the Auralic Mini or Bluesound over the Sonos Connect? High-res?

I've been keeping an eye on the Bluesound node 2.  I've been waiting for the App to become more mature.  I picked up a Definitive W-amp about a year ago and it took about 9 months for the App to hit the sweet spot.  For the first 9 months or so, I was listening to my squeezebox two through the digital input on the W-Amp.  Finally, after about 6 months, and many hours on the phone with Definitive and Play-Fi, they finally got the App to access my recorded music.  About two months ago, they added the ability to switch inputs from the App.  So, it's become a lot more usable.  BTW, this is all stuff Sonos could do for years.

It's seams like everybody and their Uncle is coming coming out with a streaming player/speaker line.  They're even building streaming clients into receivers and processors these days.  For those looking to it on the cheap, the Google Chromecast gives you 90% of a Sonos Connect for $35.00.  Have an older receiver, pre-amp, soundbar, powered speakers or anything with an audio input?  Double-side sticky tape a Chromecast to the back of it and instantly it's a streaming client.