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Auralic Vega G2 vs Aries G2

Looking for a streamer and a DAC...  I was looking at the Aries G2 and looking for a DAC to go with it.  Then I saw the Vega G2 which also has a streamer built in.  I don't need to stream files from a server or store content.  I just need to stream Tidal (maybe Spotify if in a pinch) - so the Vega G2 has all the streaming features I need.  There are articles that seem to claim that the sound quality of streaming content is better when using the Aries G2 + Vega G2 together (using their lightning connection) than what the Vega G2 alone will produce.  Is it me or is this marketing non-sense?  I can see using a separate Aries G2 if you need the extra features of a full fledged streamer but how can the SQ via an external connection be better than the SQ of connections that are made directly via internal circuits??  Another article mentioned that the CPU on the Vega is freed up to focus only on the DAC but again... seems like grasping at straws to sell that based on SQ rather than via feature differences.  Thoughts?
wcniedba
allhifi
59 posts
 
Nicolas, (6-16-2018 comment): Beautifully spoken. And, at that level of performance (upper high-end SQ), represent excellent value (re: Auralic 'Vega G2' DAC).

pj
calgarian5355
145 posts
 
nickolaspappas, having owned the Vega G2 for a few months, have you had any issues with the app or any connection issues?  You still happy with your purchase?  I’m considering the same unit, but was a bit concerned that there is really a strong emphasis on the dac that the unit’s streaming capabilities were just so so.  I wasn’t really looking to upgrade again after this but the auralic lineup seems to encourage the additional Aries G2 as well as their Leo masterclock. I’m also considering The Lumin t2. 
daeone
28 posts
 
While I can't comment (yet) on the Vega G2 specifically I can on the Aries G2.  I have had one in my system for two months and my experience parallels nickaspappas's: streaming with the Aries is nothing short of spectacular.  I stream hi-res Tidal and Qobuz.  The last time I spun a disc was almost two months ago.  I also was a Roon subscriber.  Lightning DS is excellent in my estimation, with better sq and rock solid to boot.  I let my Roon subscription lapse.  I will have a Vega G2 and Leo GX next week. I have been streaming wirelessly but will try different combinations/connections then.
calgarian5355
145 posts
 
Daeone, I'd be interested in hearing your comments regarding the performance of the Vega G2 on it's own, without the Leo GX....and how that compares to your current Aries G2 (with the current DAC you're using)......I'm sure your Vega G2 with the Leo GX would be amazing!  
eliteaudiophile
2 posts
 
Calgarian,

I currently own the Vega G2 and the Lumin T2. I listen to everything from jazz to rock to blues, etc. I have owned many different DACs from Mytek, Meridian, ProJect, Lumin, Auralic, etc etc.  G2 via XLR is very good. It would be up there in my opinion with any in its price range. I am less impressed via RCA output though. I’ve never noticed that big of a difference between the two in any unit. I understand the technology behind the benefits of XLR just never heard that much difference as with the G2. The Lumin T2 at $4,500 is a steal. It totally blows away any and every DAC/Streamer in its price range. It has much more power/bass- not sure how to explain it. The soundstage is great and the detail is good. The Lumin T2 is rock solid and I’m now considering upgrading to the Lumin X1 because if the T2 at that price can be so much better than every other DAC, then the X1 must be dynamic. You can not go wrong with either. I think these two are the best DACs under $10,000 and in my opinion it’s not even close. My personal preference between the two is the Lumin. I have played them side by side many times, playing the exact same songs one after another with the exact same cabling and system. The T2 our preforms the Auralic but again, it’s a personal preference. 
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