Bluesound Node 2 vs. Auralic Aries Mini


Anyone have experience with both the Bluesound and the Auralic? Specifically, the user apps and their capabilities. I'm thinking about replacing my Squeezebox Touch to gain some newer technologies that allow higher bit rates and improved WiFi technology. My main concern is the WiFi and management capabilities, not the DAC as I'll use the digital out to drive an external DAC. I just want something that cleanly moves files from my PC library of primarily Apple Lossless ripped music and plays internet radio. I'd also like to be able to dabble with hi-rez formats, although I haven't taken much of a plunge there, yet. Streaming is not a big deal for me, but if the abilities are there that's no loss.

So, seems to me that the Node 2 and Aries Mini would both fit the bill. So it probably comes down to a matter of user experience with the control apps. Appreciate any thoughts!
Ag insider logo xs@2xdogmcd

Showing 2 responses by 2psyop

Dogmcd,

Glad you found something you like! You are correct, the equipment on offer today is much better than the SBT. I had one too and would find it hard to go back since so much has changed. I was the first one to be surprised at the resurgence of vinyl. With how far digital technology has come I would have thought that record albums would not last.... boy was I wrong! But in the end what is the problem with all the different flavors of audio coexisting? From the Bose Wave radio to MBL audio systems, I say there is room for it all. I mean to say, in the end, we all luv music therefore we might better serve ourselves by listening more to the music....  and getting enjoyment out of what we are using today.

We cannot be sure that we will get bit perfect digital data streams, but we may get enough to enjoy the music.


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.