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Streaming/DAC Upgrade

Currently have a Bluesound Node running through a Cord Qutest in my main system which includes Arcam C31 Pre-Amp and two Arcam P1 Mono Blocks and Energy Varitas V2.4 Floorstanding Speakers.  Considering moving to Auralic Altair G2.1.  The Altair 2.1 has was  discontinued last year but they are offering NOS at a significant discount, currently $2439.  Also under consideration is the new Aries S1 or Vega S1.  I would move the Bluesound Note and Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Potential setups would be…

1. Altair 2.1

2. Aries S1 with Qutest (possibly adding PSU to Aries S1)

3. Vega S1 (possibly adding PSU to Vega S1)

Again I would move Bluesound node and , or Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Advise is greatly appreciated, keep in mind my budget is about $3000.

litespeedaudio
dwest1023
209 posts
 

My streamer journey began with my Apple Air computer and a schitt Yggy. Loved it for awhile then the upgrade iitis got to me. Tried and purchased all 3 Eversolo models up to the A8. None sounded better than my the Apple air.   Changed DACs from denfrips Pontus and terminator. I preferred the Pontus to the terminator. Sold the terminator and bought a Hifi rose 130 transport. Things got a little better but still not quite as good as my Mac air. Purchased a Holo May Kte. Now I’m smiling. Purchased a Aurender N200 and now I have seemed to improved from the Mac air. Software was easy to use unlike the software that came with the HI ROSE. FINALLY, moved on the Aurender N20. I’m done here. Even if I can get better, the sound I have now is Good enough. 

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
206 posts
 

@litespeedaudio 
@wrm57 

OP: Like wrm57, I jumped on the Altair 2.1 deal (although I wish I had the budget for the Aries 2.2). I’m pleased that I can use a wireless connection, and the analog input has come in very handy. The DAC is very good (no flaws, neutral), and the analog output is excellent. The bass output is strong, so much so that I disabled my McIntosh active enviromental EQ, with the Altair in line, I could hear the noise the EQ was making, it wasn’t discernible through the Freya+ which preceded it, if that tells you anything. Very enjoyable, non-fatiguing listening to me. Recommended. 

litespeedaudio OP
16 posts
 

Thanks for your input everyone, it is much appreciated.  After further research I’m torn between the AURALiC Altair G2.1 and the Vega S1 w/PSU.  The Altair G2.1 at $2439 is an absolute deal.  However, the Vega S1 with the Fusion DAC (discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC design) is very intriguing.

vdotman's avatar
vdotman
145 posts
 

I have the Auralic Aries G1.1 and the Geshelli Labs Dayzee DAC. Together they make beautiful music.

doni
360 posts
 

I have the original Femto Aries with updated power supply, and find it to be superior to other streamers I've owned (i.e., Bluesound N150, Sonore Micro and Ultra rendus, Lumin U1 Mini, Wiim Pro and Plus, any number of RPi and Pi2AES).  I'm seriously considering either the S1 Aries or Vega, but the Innuos is also a consideration.  It might depend on which companies support Qobuz Connect when it becomes available.

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