What to buy....Auralic Aries, Sony Hap-ZES, or Auralic Altair?


I am in need of a new streamer/Hi Rez player, my Logitech touch is on the blink. So much has changed since purchasing the Logitech. Not sure which if wired or wifi would be better....what are the pros and cons?

I am looking for the following traits:

Great Sound
Ease of operation
Never any software glitches
Under $2000


Any info is greatly appreciated. 
thanks,
Matt 


matt00

Showing 1 response by prpixel

Auralic Mini is IOS only.  The Mini has the ability to act as both a Streamer and a Server.

Others to consider are BlueSound or Play-Fi.  Play-Fi is available from many manufacturers including Martin-Logan, Paradigm, Polk, Definitive Technology, etc.  On the cheap, there's the Google Chromecast2 that supports up to 24/96.  

I have 3 Play-Fi devices: One built into a Receiver, one built into a Processor and a stand along Definitive Technology unit.  The Play-Fi app is very simple and easy to use like the Sonos used to be.  

I have five Squeezeboxes: 2 Touch, 1 SB2 and two SB-Booms.  I use SqueezeCommander to control them and have a dedicated Gigabyte Brix music server.  

I have 2 Sonos units: Connect:amp and Play5.  The sonos App used to be soo simple but has become "crowded" as no features and services have been added. Also, don't waste your time trying to get the units to work on your wifi; very unreliable.  Buy a Boost and hang it off your Router.

I have two Google ChromeCast2's.  I use one to Cast in the Master Bedroom and for occasional music.  I use the other in the Garage plugged into a Denon table radio.  Real easy to use and it will also run off off any USB battery.

I've been wanting to get my hands on a Buesound unit.  They support up to 32/192, have lots of input and output options, and can be controlled by IR.

Off all the units I have, I listen to my heavily modified SB2 and SB Touches the most.  The Play-Fi devices are my second choice.