Good Streamer with WiFi Connectivity

I’m using the AURALiC Aries G1 with the Chord Qutest DAC. WiFi. No complaints. Great sound quality and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. It does Tidal and Spotify Connect, although I haven’t tried these (I have a Qobuz subscription). The G1 sounds super streaming from Qobuz or playing the AIFF files from the hard drive. 

Jeepers , I think you will be extremely happy with either the U1 or G2, and doubt there is much of a discernible difference in sound quality.  Hans Beekhuyzen on YouTube has some informative reviews on streamers that might be helpful to you.

If one is only interested in streaming, i.e. no need to connect to NAS services, ripping, local storage, AND already has a decent DAC, what are your options? Bluesound Node 2i is fairly reasonable. Other than that, I just can't seem to convince myself that spending more than $1000 purely for streaming capabilities is worth the money.

BTW, I have tried using Apple TV and Chromecast Audio as streamers, and the Bluesound Node is considerably better even as a standalone streamer hooked into another DAC.

Auralic considers the G2 their best streamer. I've not heard the G2 (I own the G1), but I would expect the G2 to have the edge in an Auralic system where you could use their proprietary Lightning Link bus. How big an edge is open to debate.

Reviews that mention both are quite careful in what they say; but reading between the lines, it seems the units are very close in sound.

If you want to go with Auralic but save some cash this is a good option:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2d2j-auralic-aries-le-media-bridge-music-servers-docks

I've been using a Bluesound Node 2 wirelessly for a couple years. No issues to speak of. The sound between wireless and wired for me is indistinguishable.

Ok, so I read that Aries G2 is Auralic totl dac’less streamer? but newer G1 shares many of G2’s feature/technology in more price friendly package?—cost aside, is G2 still the better performer to get?

Has anyone heard/compared Aries G2 vs Lumin U1?

*Will be using ios~all Apple stuffs ;)

Thanks again all. BR.

I’ve also owned the Auralic products -- Aries (femto), and now Aries G1. Both did fine wirelessly, indistinguishable from wired connection. The G1 and G2 are well engineered products that give great sound.

As mentioned, Auralic’s app is only for iOS, but you can stream through Android by using third-party apps (such as the excellent BubbleUPnP). Since Auralic provides a Web interface for configuring the Aries, it’s completely functional without an Apple device.

In fact, since OpenHome and DLNA are well-defined standards, I'm puzzled that hardware vendors keep developing their own apps. In general, those vendors are not good at it, and the apps I've tried have been mediocre at best.

I've owned the Aries Mini, Aries Femto and the Aries G1 and have never had a problem running any of them via wireless and could never tell any difference in sound running them wired.  Also have owned a Lumin and the Teac NT-505, which runs off of the Lumin app.  Both apps are very good though different in their approach but I personally give the edge to Auralic's Lightning DS.  Both were designed to work their best with IOS.  Lumin has an Android version but it can be buggy at times.  Without a doubt the G1 has better power supplies than the U1 Mini.  

Never had an issue with wireless. No drop out, no noise. I still use an Auralic Aries LE for this very reason.

Auralic designed the Aries G1 for wireless operation and recommend it over an ethernet connection.  The Airies also has twin linear power supplies while I believe the Lumin U1 Mini only has a single switched power supply.  I've never heard the Lumin, but I'm sure it sounds very good.   It's just that the Aries offers a lot for your money.  I have the older Altair and it sounds excellent wirelessly.  BTW, Auralic's Lightning DS operating system is actually only compatible with an Apple product.  Have fun in your search.

Hardwiring via ethernet is strongly recommended. I tried "wireless" and have a very robust network....there still were dropouts but none wired.

I can only speak from my own experience with the Lumin U1 mini... The Lumin App works with iPhone & iPad... Also is a Roon RAAT endpoint and UPnP for things like Audirvana... Can have local files on a jump stick and PC library backends and Synology NAS via Minimserver... It just works and sounds crisp and clean to my Chord Qutest... Good luck with your choices...

The Bluesound Node 2i is a low cost streamer that does wifi.  Some say that more expensive streamers sound better.  

The app that controls it (BluOs) is really good on both Apple or Android devices.  

If you are going to be using an Android device as your controller, the Lumin app does not work well at all.  Some people say they've found 3d party apps that do work well.

Will read up on Aries G1/2–And if anyone with first hand experience on its sound vs others will be nice (Lumin U1?). Read somewhere a user stating that Aries SQ falls somewhat short of his Lumin?—just one’s subjective opinion there of course.

Seems like Lumin (wifi ext.) Or the Aries G1/2 are two good contenders..
*Do both allow ipad/iph as users interface?

Thanks for the input/recommendation thus far.

Aries G1 or G2

Did you notice that _good_ streamers don't have WiFi...  Maxwell, Tesla and Faraday suggest all things transmit and receive...  All noise is additive...  Sure, add a WiFi extender, just put it as far away from your streamer and DAC as possible...  Lumin is a nice bit of kit...

Lumin’s and Aurenders are Ethernet only.  Just use a WiFi extender/converter to convert WiFi to Ethernet.  I have used several and they work well and sound as good to me as straight Ethernet.

If sound quality is important I’d go hardwired to the router.