I actually just bought an Aries G1.1 as an upgrade to a Node2i. I had been leaning that way, but the recent discount made me jump in. I’m not sure if it’s a precursor to discontinuation, but I’ve seen used G1s for more than the discounted price. AURALiC seems to be angling higher end with the G3, but I think there was a lot of trickle down from the G2 that made it into the G1.1. Either way, it didn’t suddenly get worse just because of the discount. It feel hefty, and seems well built. It may be my imagination, or it could be finally running my Qutest with the USB input, but I think it’s better soundstage and separation. I run Zu Soul Supremes driven by either an LTA MZ3 as an integrated or as a pre into other amps. I did get the SSD but haven’t started setting up a library yet. One of the pluses for me was the wireless connection. A lot of other streamers don’t have a wireless connection, much less a stated preference for it. I’m not up for rewiring my house for Ethernet so a solid WiFi connection is a big plus. I’ve heard a lot of whinging about most streamers’ apps (from people not running Roon). I’m still getting used to the app, but it seems on par with BluOS. There’s always a learning curve. It sounds like iOS only won’t be an issue for you so that’s good. I use Qobuz so I can’t tell you how well it integrates with Tidal.
Streamer Selection - Thoughts Requested Please!
I have been talking way to much to myself on my next purchase - a streamer, no DAC. I have reached the point of going round and round with the same three streamers - Innuos Pulse, Auralic G1.1 and Aurender N150. Mid $3K price range max. The Auralic G1.1 list just dropping by $1K to $2,249. The Innuos Pulse list is $3,250 and the Aurender N150 is at $3,500. Would be open to lightly used to upgrade my choices but the upgraded next step in each product line is a significant jump.
I began streaming with a Blusound Node 2021 Gen 3 which I converted last year with the PD Creative board LPSU and added an SBooster P&P Eco power supply. This was an improvement in my digital listening using the BS node for the DAC and streaming mainly TIDAL. Six months ago I added a Schitt Yggydrasil LIM (Less is More) and oh my goodness what a difference overall. I have the BS Node connected by an ethernet cable to my router. Use an iPad to run BlueOS and the Tidal app. The BS node is connected via USB to the Schitt Yggy.
I don't have a need for storage or playing CD's. Reading a few threads here have convinced me that a streamer upgrade with my system will provide better sound overall. How much is certainly an open question but I am willing to go forward. The rest of my system is a First Watt F8 amp, Modwright LS100 and Modwright 9.0 along with a Clearaudio Concept table and Zu Dirty Weekend Supremes.
Whats important to me would be the sound quality, an app with solid integration with Apple and TIDAL. I am leaning to Aurender as their players/transports are "streamers" / no DAC, they seem to integrate well with Apple and the Conductor app gets mixed reviews but mostly is well liked. I am just not sure if with my present system it makes sense to be over $3K for a streamer, although if down the line I move on from the Yggy, I wouldn't want to then add a new streamer.
Please jump in with thoughts, suggestions and let me know if I have missed any important criteria or other approaches/audio streamers. Thanks in advance.....