streamer Lumin U1 or Aries G2.1

@fastfreight 

I was told by the distributor of the Tambaqui that the Aries G2.1 is a better source than using its built in function.  I have compared my Aries to Lumin U1, Aurender (N100 which I owned), Node 2i (which I own in another system) and Simaudio’s Mind2 built into their 680 DAC and, to my ears (and the dealers showing the other gear), the Auralic was better. It’s a good unit.  I feel even more so than the DAC.

To the OP and others, I will note also that Auralic has taken a different approach to system building.  I originally purchased the Aries and used a nice USB cable into my DAC.  But, I started to explore upgrading DACs and ended up purchasing the Vega G2.1.  I originally connected them via USB but tried their stock lightning link connection which allows the units to share resources.  The Vega is a good DAC via USB.  However, It’s a very good DAC when connected to the Aries via LL. Or, is it that the Aries is a better streamer when connected to the DAC via LL?  I don’t know.  BTW - nice improvement was gained when trying better lightning link cables. Again - I was skeptical. Easily heard improvement. 

I recently purchased the Sirius upsampling processor and put it in system via LL.  I was skeptical having tried Roon upsampling and found it wanting. But, reviews were good on the Sirius.  Resources are again shared. It’s taken my digital front end up another level.  Auralic’s approach can lead you down the path of one manufacturer.  But, I have to say it really works well.  I have more invested in my front end than I even thought I would but having compared it directly to an even more expensive front ends, I find it to be good value.  

Yes - how you serve your DAC matters.  Greatly.

My $.02.

Have never heard the Aries but have a Lumin and love their soundstage.  Also,  Lumin has a great app. Good luck and keep us posted!!

USB sucks! It doesn't surprise me that another input sounded better. Not sure what people think they are going to get out of a dedicated music server over a nicely setup server running Roon? You should not have any server in your music room or you shouldn't use usb, so that relieves any pressure on getting a particular server that is more quiet or has a better usb setup. I used to use the AURALiC Aries years ago and that software (ds lightning) was far superior than any other music server at the time, both SQ and GUI. But when I decided to get a great dac with ethernet, then there was no need for the AURALiC and my system sounds better, easier to support and setup, and much simpler.

If you add external disks to any of these servers, how are you going to backup this disk? How about restoring this disk? How about replacing the internal drive? If you look at the user manual, there is no reference to any of these questions, but this is true for all proprietary music servers. I like AURALiC overall, but you can do the same functions with the same sq and the same or better functionality for a lot less and you have the right dac.

All the Lumin devices are surely outstanding. But -as noted earlier - even a well implemented Rpi with a dedicated hat board can render incredible results. Just kind of puts things in perspective. I’m running an Allo Digione with Volumio, with just an iFi switching adapter. Sounds pretty amazing. Of course, the OS can be a bit glitchy! But it’s also very fun to learn how to get into the OS to optimize/tweak the raspberry Pi to operate more quietly when steaming. And those added hacks really make a difference.

There’s also a guy doing insanely good design work on DDC’s with his company  Pi2 designs. He’s run out of parts for his very positively reviewed Pi2AES. But is about to roll out a new streamer that should be insanely good for the $$ Mercury Streamer

I’ve also heard a Lumin streamer before…and…wow…

But point being, if you want convenience and outstanding s/q, not entirely necessary to go too far past that $500 to $1k mark.

Why tidal?