Like @jond, I have an Aries G1 and am quite pleased with it. It's solidly built and easy to use, without the fiddling of Pi-based streamers. I also appreciate the display, which (e.g.) shows the IP address upon boot up -- very useful when setting up the Web-based configuration. Also a nice feature is the ability to hook up a CD drive, thumb drive, or external hard drive via USB.

Whether you would notice a sonic difference from the Element S is another question. Matrix makes very good gear also, in my experience.

I would check with Auralic that the USB output is compatible with your DAC, as I've heard a few horror stories of damage to the Aries G1 from a few DACs. That may have been resolved in the G1.1 model, though.

Those who doubt what I said should look at the Auralic forum.

I have never had the problem myself and was surprised to read about it. But apparently, a small minority of DACs have something weird about the USB connection.