Bluesound Node 2 vs. Auralic Aries Mini

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."

great news, sales = ongoing support and hopefully s/w upgrades.....

Hi guys , thanks for the info. I’m looking at Aries Mini vs Bluesound Node2 to purchase . I’m currently using a laptop via usb to a Schiit Yiggy ( prior was a Bifrost ). Rogue Pre, Had Inspire, Zu Omen . I want clarity vs warm but not too bright . And comments would be appreciated. But as far as USB cables . I tried 3 under $20, an Audioquest Cinnamon and now a Cardas Clear . I could tell a significant difference . I think that one ABSOLUTLY MUST try for themselves. I feel the same with Interconnects. Less , but still matters with speaker cables and power cords . Just haven’t had as big a change as the upstream stuff . So on a budget I still have replaced/ upgraded every connection in my system . What helped me tremendously was someone with a similar system that had tried dozens of cords on loan and directed me based on his experience. Thanks for any additional SQ comments . Mike B. 

Both the Aries and Bluesound have a strong following and neither one would be a bad choice. I think some give the Aries the slight advantage with SQ, but I have the Node 2 and it really sounds terrific compared to my CD player with a Benchmark DAC1 or Schiit Bifrost Uber. I guess you would have to read through the features and comments on both companies. Much is dependant on what you want to do, or can do. I am a fan of MQA, but there are a great many that find all the faults with it.