Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Altair
- Positioning: Positioned as an all-in-one digital source in Auralic's lineup.
- Description: Offers a comprehensive set of features, including a high-performance DAC, network streaming, and local file management, making it ideal for users new to network-based digital audio. It combines the streaming capabilities of the Aries with the DAC performance of the Vega, but at a more accessible price point, making it suitable for those with budget constraints or smaller setups. Unlike the standalone Aries and Vega, provides a one-box solution, which is perfect for users seeking simplicity and space-saving without needing separate components.
Aries
- Positioning: Serves as a streaming processor and transporter, designed to enhance existing DAC systems.
- Description: Excels in providing high-resolution streaming capabilities, making it a great choice for users who already own a DAC and want to improve their network audio setup. It offers advanced streaming features and digital outputs, but lacks a built-in DAC, which differentiates it from the Altair and Vega.
Vega
- Positioning: Auralic's high-performance DAC with streaming capabilities, focusing on sonic excellence.
- Description: Stands out with its superior digital-to-analog conversion, offering exceptional sound quality for discerning listeners. It features advanced technologies like ORFEO Class A output modules, which are not present in the Altair, providing a richer and more detailed sound.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Aries G2.2
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Manufacturer's notes
The ARIES G2.2 is the culmination of nearly 10 years of research and development. It is a complete hardware upgrade, including a significant increase in processing power, better USB DAC compatibility and cleaner power supply, all these improvements create the ability to accommodate future streaming features and keep you on the cutting edge of technology for years to come.
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.4 x 12.6 x 3.7 in. (34cm x 32cm x 9.6cm)
- Weight: 22.5 lbs (10.2kg)
- Power Consumption Standby: <0.5W
- Power Consumption Sleep: <10W
- Power Consumption Playback: 50W at max
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n/ac Tri-Band WiFi
- Digital Outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink
- Sampling Rates PCM: 44.1KHz to 384KHz in 32Bit
- Sampling Rates DSD: DSD64(2.8224MHz), DSD128(5.6448MHz), DSD256(11.2896MHz), DSD512(22.57892MHz)
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
41
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Brand Popularity
103
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Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
8
Founded
2009
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Brand Page
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AURALiC
What if you spend a bit more?
Lina (DAC)
15740
15740
/
14
Reviews
dCS
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Startling clarity
- An extraordinarily clear view of the 'reality' of the recording
- Subtlety is exposed, which made listening a fuller, more complex experience
- Sound quality is unmatched in terms of technology, design, build and finish
- A very fluid, massive and somewhat dynamic soundstage
Product Considerations
- The dCS Mosaic app is starting to feel clunky
- Basic display
- Some holes when it comes to features
- Audiophile sound is mostly faint clouds hovering between boxes
- It is wished the streamer had Wi-Fi compatibility, but dCS sees this as compromising on sound quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Terminator Plus—it replaced the Denafrips Terminator Plus
- Vs Chord Dave DAC—the Chord Dave gets very close in sound to the Lina, but the Dave leans a bit leaner and sharper where the dCS Lina is fuller, thicker, smoother with more density
- Vs Weiss 501—the dCS is a smooth sounding DAC indeed, but it is not one of those that sound overly smooth, the Weiss 501 sounds closest to an in-studio experience, where we get the master tape kind of sound
- Vs HiFi ROSE 150b—the ROSE feels and looks to be built to a similar level (at least the outside), and is gorgeous as well, it's not nearly as refined or together in the DAC department when comparing it to upper echelon products
- Vs dCS Bartok Apex—compared to the Bartók Apex, the Lina's sound (without the Master Clock) had a slightly different textural quality, not coarser or finer grained but as though performers were viewed under a different quality of light, the Lina's light felt slightly more brilliant than remembered with the Apex and maybe 3o cooler
Takeaway: The Lina DAC is a small but very technologically advanced DAC and delivers music with a bonafide life-force behind it. This DAC brings a larger soundstage and bigger sound to the room and is well worth the cost if you have a system that can stand toe to toe with it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Visit our
Lina (DAC)
page
Product Page
MU2
18891
18891
/
12
Reviews
Grimm Audio
Grimm Audio is a hifi brand that designs streaming DACs with their own custom-built digital-to-analog converter hardware, including a unique 1.5-bit architecture with an 11th-order noise shaper. Their flagship MU2 is a Roon-centric machine that serves as a complete audio system hub, featuring their own DMA controller for FPGA-to-CPU communication and proprietary Pure Nyquist filters for digital signal processing.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The MU2 is an all-in-one device combining a Roon core/endpoint, DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier
- Major DAC provides exceptional digital music reproduction, described as 'the best... by an obvious and distinct margin' and more 'lifelike'
- Offers a very quiet background and deep, wide, layered soundstage with stunning holographic reality
- The analog preamplifier section is high quality, described as Class A throughout, with ultra-low harmonic distortion
- Excels in revealing copious amounts of detail throughout the frequency range and making a deep emotional connection
Product Considerations
- Roon is required to operate the MU2 (although Grimm is reportedly working on another option)
- There is no wireless connectivity, requiring an Ethernet connection
- Some reviewers found the MU2 to be 'polite' or 'calm', which may not suit all preferences
- Parts are allegedly not worth the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs AURALiC ARIES G1.1 + Totaldac d1-triunity/Mola Mola Tambaqui—MU2 provides more fully fleshed out sound
- vs Grimm MU1—the MU2's integral implementation and direct internal connection give it an advantage, sounding more expansive and expressive
- vs Aqua Formula xHD DAC—the MU2 is calmer and more composed, while the Aqua is upfront and explicit
Takeaway: The Grimm MU2 is a versatile, all-in-one music player that delivers exceptional sound quality for digital music, and it simplifies your system by combining a streamer, DAC, and preamp. It is designed to bring you closer to your music with its impressive detail and engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grimm Audio is a hifi brand that designs streaming DACs with their own custom-built digital-to-analog converter hardware, including a unique 1.5-bit architecture with an 11th-order noise shaper. Their flagship MU2 is a Roon-centric machine that serves as a complete audio system hub, featuring their own DMA controller for FPGA-to-CPU communication and proprietary Pure Nyquist filters for digital signal processing.
Visit our
MU2
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Product Page
NSS 333
10999
10999
/
6
Reviews
Naim
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an engaging and emotionally charged performance with rhythmic drive and articulate rendering of dynamic shifts
- Excellent build quality
- Streaming platform is stable and capable of dealing with all file types with ease
- Offers state-of-the-art sound quality with everything from online streaming services and Internet radio all the way through to hi-res music stored on your home network
- The output stage is Naim's preferred balanced impedance type, but they prefer the DIN route for normal cable lengths
Product Considerations
- No USB (Type B) input
- The manuals are a little scant on detail
- The signal level out of the balanced XLR sockets (2.1V) is the same as the single-ended connections, rather than double, as it usually is
- Some found the new white logo lighting (instead of the traditional green) to be a negative
- There is not enough space under the sharp cooling fins for fingers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NSC 222: The NSS 333 justifies its price premium with even better sound quality
- Vs Naim ND 555/555 PS DR: The Naim NSS 333 delivers a significant chunk of the ND555/555 PS DR's performance at a fraction of the price
- Vs Moon 681: The NSS 333 delivers admirable precision and stability in the way it places instruments and sounds, though the Moon 681 produces more in terms of soundstage width
- Vs Naim NDX: The NSS 333 offers significantly more air and space in the recording, a greater sense of detail, and a notably natural and unforced delivery
- Vs NDX2: The new player sounds better and closes the gap with the flagship ND555 player, at least when the high-end machine is used in its basic single power supply configuration
Takeaway: The Naim NSS 333 is a musically satisfying music streamer with excellent build quality and the ability to convey emotion. It combines detailed, richer sound with a slick and user-friendly experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Visit our
NSS 333
page
Product Page
DAC III (Balanced)
15950
15950
/
4
Reviews
SW1X
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Known for analog-like qualities in dealing with transcoding zeros and ones
- Conveys low-level musical complexity and subtle spatial nuances that other DACs have difficulty with
- Produces voices that expand in three dimensions with a refreshing sense of presence, reminiscent of vinyl reproduction
- Returns energy to the music, instead of taking it away
- Reproduces details and anchor points with refreshing vividness, presenting the actuality with the least fragmentation of the sound image
Product Considerations
- A single-ended into a balanced pre configuration caused occasional static, making image difficult to discern during those moments
- Clarity could be improved on very complex choirs and instruments, and more separation would also be beneficial
- The attack on drums is slightly slow—perhaps medium paced—compared to some DACs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to CH Precision C1.2 DAC, the DAC III is more emotionally involving, while the CH Precision sounds markedly cooler, flatter, and more emotionally restrained
- Compared to aqua acoustic quality Formula xHD, the Formula xHD retrieves detail, bass precision, articulation, and transparency better, while the DAC III is airier, more fluid, and more refined
- Compared to Holo Audio May, the attack on drums is slightly slow—perhaps medium paced—and behind the Holo Audio May as well
Takeaway: The SW1X Audio Design DAC III Balanced has a musicality that makes it worth considering. It expresses music in a way that is closer to analog, with a natural transparency and higher degree of contrast.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Visit our
DAC III (Balanced)
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
DMS-800
9747
/
Released
2022
Cary Audio
Introducing the pinnacle of audio perfection—the DMS-800 Professional Version (PV). Born from the vision of surpassing the exceptional performance of the DMS-700, the DMS-800PV stands as a limited-edition marvel, embodying the ultimate expression of our renowned DMS platform. While the DMS-700 offers an analog-like experience, the DMS-800PV transcends analog itself, delivering a larger, deeper, wider, and smoother sound that reveals the true essence of each instrument within the recordings.
Cary Audio is known for their tube amplifiers that can switch between class A and class A/B modes, offering flexibility in sound profiles for different listening preferences. Their products are distinguished by features like holographic 3D sound staging and the ability to tune sound through tube rolling, while their digital components like streamers excel at unfolding MQA for enhanced streaming quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a larger, deeper, wider, and smoother sound that reveals the true essence of each instrument within the recordings
- Controls the bass better, offering a visceral feel with a fast attack
- Offers a physical and saturated sound, reminiscent of competently designed tubed amplifiers
- Easy to set up and easy to control through the app
- Timing, timbre, transparency and sound density, pitch and depth, are all completely controlled and unconstrained
Product Considerations
- Fast rise times in the pre and amp are needed to get the most from the DMS-800PV
- If the DMS-800PV cannot run in balanced mode, the audible differences between it and the DMS-700 might not be worth the money
- The industrial design and Android streaming app environment may not appeal to everyone
- High-end equipment and cables are required to truly shine
- Soundstage was not as deep and wide when running into the wall socket with its supplied electrical cable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DMS-700: DMS-800PV has better bass control, a deeper soundstage, and more slam
- Vs DMS-650: Offers punchier and tighter bass, better textural resolution, and better lateral imaging
Takeaway: The DMS-800PV is a high-performing streamer/DAC that offers a significant step up in sound quality, especially when used with balanced connections and high-end equipment. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a richer, more engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cary Audio is known for their tube amplifiers that can switch between class A and class A/B modes, offering flexibility in sound profiles for different listening preferences. Their products are distinguished by features like holographic 3D sound staging and the ability to tune sound through tube rolling, while their digital components like streamers excel at unfolding MQA for enhanced streaming quality.
Visit
DMS-800
Page
Product Page
Vega G2.2
5529
/
Released
2023
AURALiC
The VEGA G2.2, built upon our impressive DAC lineage, houses our Fusion DAC design, Direct Data Recording (DDR), and Galvanic Isolation technologies. It also features a fully analog preamplifier section with a proper analog ladder resistor volume control, delivering an exceptional noise-free signal to our Class A ORFEO output modules.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Vega G2.2
Page
Product Page
Altair G2.2
6099
/
Released
2024
AURALiC
The highly acclaimed ALTAIR all-in-one streamer has received its eagerly awaited update. Introducing the ALTAIR G2.2, meticulously crafted on AURALiC's cutting-edge Tesla G3 platform, integrating Fusion DAC design, Direct Data Recording (DDR), and Galvanic Isolation technologies. Boasting a refined analog preamplifier section with precise analog ladder resistor volume control, it ensures an unparalleled noise-free signal, seamlessly interfacing with our Class A ORFEO output modules. Catering to discerning audiophiles, the ALTAIR G2.2 transcends boundaries, effortlessly delivering high-resolution audio from diverse sources, be it online streaming services, files stored on NAS drives, or vinyl records on a turntable.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A versatile 'one-stop solution' for preamp, streaming, and digital-to-analog conversion needs
- A precise, clear, detailed and dynamic sound, conveying inner subtleties of complex musical arrangements
- Features the Tesla G3 platform, with faster processing, reduced jitter and galvanic isolation to minimize electrical noise
- High-quality build with a sleek design and a high-resolution display
- Supports various streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, AirPlay2, TIDAL, Qobuz and Roon
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app may have some quirks and be less intuitive in design, requiring extra steps for navigation
- The Altair G2.2 does not work with Android devices directly, requiring the use of alternative apps
- Adjusting filters via the app pauses playback briefly
- The app design could be more intuitive
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.2 is a feature-rich streaming DAC preamp that delivers a compelling and highly capable sound. With its advanced technology and versatile functionality, it's an excellent choice for upgrading a digital audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Altair G2.2
Page
Product Page
DAC 200
7620
/
Released
2021
T+A
The DAC 200 is the latest member of an extended family of High-End converters and pre-amplifiers. Every aspect of its design symbolises our uncompromising commitment to science and music. The ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files and its complete galvanic separation are just two highlights which underline the potential of the DAC 200 in impressive style. The DAC 200 is designed to convert a large number of digital formats into natural-sounding analogue signals, and to pass them on via the integral headphone or analogue outputs.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Visit
DAC 200
Page
Product Page
Aavik D-180
7200
/
Released
2021
Aavik
The D-180 DAC is handling the enormous amount of information contained in the digital source to a natural, warm yet detailed soundstage.
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Praised for ultra-transparent sound, accurately converting digital signals into music with no digital signature, resulting in a natural and authentic sound
- Built with extensive noise-suppressing technology to boost clarity and performance
- Provides a very detailed sound without sounding etched or overly detailed
- Delivers a sound geared for well-developed tone, round edges, softness, moisture, hefty bass, density, and a pitch-black background
Product Considerations
- Uses a generic Apple remote, which is functional, but not custom-designed
- Sounds a little on the dark side of neutral
- The analog output only comes with RCA connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a naturally weightier, rounder disposition, while the Lampizator Pacific is quicker, more open, and energetic
Takeaway: The Aavik D-180 is a DAC that focuses on delivering a transparent and natural sound by minimizing noise and accurately converting digital signals. This DAC can hold its ground against competitors if you like the Aavik sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Visit
Aavik D-180
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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