About The AURALiC Aries G2.2 Streaming Transporter
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 supplies. All these improvements create the ability to accommodate future streaming features and keep you on the cutting edge of technology for years to come. Aries G2.2 has the flexibility to connect music stored locally, or from online services such as Amazon Music Unlimited, KKBox, TIDAL, Qobuz. AURALiC's advanced Lightning streaming platform lets you take advantage of features like On-Device Playlists, Memory Caching, Gapless Playback, and Bit-Perfect Multi-Room functionality. It also offers advanced features like resampling, parametric EQ, and virtual speaker placement, essential tools to sculpt and refine your listening environment.
Elevating Excellence to Extraordinary: AURALiC have been leading the charge in the audio streaming industry since 2014 when they introduced the world's first streaming bridge, the Aries. Their relentless pursuit of innovation has kept them at the forefront of streaming technology. With each product release, AURALiC's engineers continuously refine their hardware designs and software platform, setting new standards in the audio world.
Now, with the highly anticipated G2.2 release of the Aries, AURALiC proudly unveil a complete hardware upgrade, boasting a significant increase in processing power. This advancement not only delivers an unparalleled streaming experience but also lays the foundation for embracing future streaming features. As they embark on this thrilling new chapter, you can trust AURALiC to keep you on the cutting edge of technology, providing the finest audio streaming experience that will stand the test of time.
Tesla G3 - A New Era for Wireless Streaming: Built on a quad-core 64-bit architecture, the Tesla G3 streaming platform delivers eight times the processing capability of its predecessor. Equipped with 4GB of DDR4 system memory, the Tesla G3 can easily handle even the most demanding processing tasks, making it a future-proof solution which will accommodate the rapidly evolving digital audio landscape.
The Tesla G3 platform also employs Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology for its audio input and output channels, enabling all audio-related hardware and software to access the system memory directly. This significantly reduces latency and jitter by 90% compared to Tesla G2, giving AURALiC's engineers more flexibility to fine-tune the performance and sound quality of the products.
8X Processing Speed: The new quad-core 64-bit processor is eight times faster, ensuring a future-proof solution that adapts to the evolving digital streaming demands.
DMA - Direct Memory Access: Audio input and output channels connect directly to the processor's core, resulting in an impressive 90% reduction in latency and jitter.
4GB System Memory: Bigger system memory and data storage means fluid audio signal processing and support for even more advanced features at higher resolution.
Lightning DS Control App: Lightning DS is the ultimate control app designed exclusively for AURALiC streaming devices. Experience the power of seamless music management with the user-friendly interface, putting you in complete control. Browse and play your favourite tunes from various sources, including local files, streaming services, and internet radio, all with ease. The App's intuitive layout and efficient navigation make it a must-have for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
CD Playback & Ripping: Still have some love for your old CDs? Not to worry; you can plug a generic USB CD drive into your Aries G2.2 then choose to play a CD, rip a CD while playing, or just rip.
As with AURALiC's Lightning file streaming, the unique CD playback feature uses the same advanced, jitter-reducing Memory Playback technology. CD data is first read, and compared several times for accuracy into the system cache before playing. The result is elimination of potentially induced jitter from the transport, cancelling any negative effects from the quality of your chosen CD drive, potentially improving performance beyond what's offered from competitors' CD players.
Flexibility to Explore: Aries G2.2 offers multiple input choices, enabling you to use your preferred music playback software effortlessly. It is 100% compatible with OpenHome based control software like BubbleUPnP and Linn Kazoo, as well as being a certified Roon Ready endpoint for optimized performance within your Roon ecosystem. Enjoy the convenience of TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect support, and experience seamless compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 protocol. Elevate your music experience with the Aries G2.2 - where choice meets premium audio performance.
Whisper-Quiet Operation: Dual Galvanic Isolation: To avoid the interference associated with traditional open circuit designs, Galvanic Isolation in the Aries G2.2 separates electrical circuits while allowing data to flow between them. AURALiC created two special high-speed galvanic isolators and configured them between the Aries G2.2's primary clocking, processing, and transmitting circuits. It's a new level of protection against EMI that helps eliminate jitter, contributing to an unparalleled level of clarity.
Lower Noise, Bigger Capacity: The new Purer-Power low noise power supply design features double the capacity of preceding G2.1 models and even lower noise levels, providing extremely stable and reliable power to the device. AURALiC have given the Aries G2.2 two of their ultra-quiet Purer-Power linear power supplies, galvanically isolating them from each other in the obsessive quest to reduce noise for better sonic performance. Processing and display power is completely separated from sensitive audio components that operate on their own dedicated supply. Interference between the separate areas is reduced to zero, so all you'll hear from the Aries G2.2 is the music.
Unity Chassis II: The Aries G2.2 chassis has been designed as a double enclosure, where an outer case made from high-grade aluminium is supplemented with an inner layer made of nickel coated copper. A high-mass base and enhanced four-foot multi-spring suspension system complete the quiet, noise defeating performance of the Aries G2.2's Unity Chassis II.
Perfectly Balanced: Aries G2.2's internal circuits are physically distributed to enhance overall balance. And with specially designed foot spikes that dampen and absorb vibrations, the Aries G2.2 is always rock-steady, for ultra-smooth signal delivery.
An Integrated Family of Devices: Built around cutting-edge transfer protocols, more powerful processing, and enhanced isolation engineering, G2.2 products are a new concept in component integration. All flagship series AURALiC products provide ultra-fast connectivity, due entirely to Lightning Link. Everything from audio signal, to digital clocking, and control signals are easily handled by Lightning Link. Every G2 and G3 product boasts a Lightning Link connection port, allowing them to be connected together as a stack.
Lightning Link: The HDMI-type, 18Gbps high-speed connection provides ultra-fast two-way communication and boasts the only real jitter-free link in the world of high-performance audio. As an added bonus, all G2 and G3 products can be linked without worry, allowing them to work seamlessly, as one contiguous digital source for an astonishing musical experience.
Dual 60fs Femto Clock: With a dedicated, low-noise 0.8uV power supply to minimize phase noise and keep it as quiet as it is accurate, the 60 Femto Master Clock is amazingly precise for less jitter, and immaculate sound. Its 60 femtosecond cycles — that's 60 quadrillionths of a second — set a new standard for signal timing. Temperature-regulated for consistent performance, this clock is always there to keep things rock-steady.
Smart-IR Control: Smart-IR Remote Control lets your AURALiC device map its functionality onto any remote you'd like. Just let the device know which remote you prefer, and all of its operations (play/pause, volume control, track select, etc.) can be assigned to buttons just the way you like them.
2nd Gen GalvanicUSB: GalvanicUSB bypasses the noisy USB power supply to improve sound quality. Precise re-clocking reduces jitter, and brand-new galvanic isolation provides even more protection against EMI noise. The 2nd Gen GalvanicUSB enhances compatibility with a wide range of DACs and ensures a more refined audio experience
Dual Purer-Power: The Purer-Power linear power supply reduces DC current noise by as much as 90dB with its power purification module. Using a specially designed transformer and unique wiring that minimizes vibration, noise from Purer-Power is kept below 1uV across the audible spectrum, leaving you to discover the details in your music, down to the last bit.
1GB Memory Cache: Open network connections and data fetching are prone to noise that can hurt the quality of your audio signal. The Tesla G3 hardware platform dedicates a whopping 1GB of RAM to the task of caching, lowering the frequency of open circuits and helping your music sound better.
AURALiC ARIES G2.2 Review
"On its own terms, this streamer has an ease and relaxation that is totally exhilarating, by pushing the noise floor down so far it delivers image depth and width that is uncanny, it reveals so much more than most that you can't help wondering how much more there is? The fact that there is an ARIES G3 at nearly twice the price due later in the year might answer that but for now, this streamer is a wonder that keeps you listening way too late for the seven o'clock alarm the next day. The Locrian Ensemble recording of Mendelssohn Octets proved just how much detail there is in a decent recording, the violins producing an image that soared to the ceiling and out to the side walls with enough depth to almost replicate the huge hall that the performance was made in. In the studio, John Martyn's rendition of 'Glory Box' sounded better than I've heard it and that was on Qobuz, generally streaming services lag behind local files but this was superb with a richness of tone and emotional depth that is on another level.
I played a lot of music through the ARIES G2.2 whilst it was in the system and would love to keep hold of it, my regular streamer is good but not in this league. You have to hand it to Xuanqian Wang, the new ARIES is significantly better than its predecessor and, I suspect, better than the competition at this price. Throw in the option for inexpensive SSD storage and the massive feature count of Lightning DS and you have a seriously competitive streamer at a price that is very keen for the quality on offer. If you enjoy the finer things in audio or you don't think that streaming is as good as CD, have a listen to the ARIES G2.2 and a decent DAC, I guarantee it will be an eye/ear-opening experience worth savouring." Hi-Fi+
Our Take
The AURALiC Aries G2.2 Streaming Transporter represents a decade of engineering excellence, merging innovative design with cutting-edge technology. This flagship device features a comprehensive hardware overhaul, including the Tesla G3 streaming platform, which boasts a quad-core 64-bit processor with eight times the power of its predecessor. The G2.2 is equipped with 4GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring effortless handling of demanding audio processing tasks. Its Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology significantly reduces latency and jitter, enabling unparalleled audio clarity. AURALiC's Lightning streaming platform enriches the experience with advanced features such as gapless playback, memory caching, and bit-perfect multi-room functionality, ensuring a seamless and immersive listening experience. Compatibility with popular services like TIDAL, Qobuz, and Roon makes the Aries G2.2 a versatile centrepiece for any audiophile's system.
The Aries G2.2 also stands out for its meticulous attention to sound purity and isolation. The Unity Chassis II employs dual-layer construction with high-grade aluminium and nickel-coated copper to eliminate noise and vibration, while dual Purer-Power linear power supplies provide stable, low-noise power to the device. Advanced technologies like Dual 60fs Femto Clocks and 2nd Gen GalvanicUSB further refine timing precision and USB DAC compatibility, ensuring pristine sound delivery. With its innovative Lightning Link connection for seamless integration with other AURALiC devices and support for features like CD playback and ripping, the Aries G2.2 showcases unparalleled flexibility and forward-thinking design. By blending exceptional performance, sophisticated engineering, and future-ready capabilities, the Aries G2.2 cements AURALiC's reputation as a leader in high-end audio streaming.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High Performance Streaming Transporter
- Please Note: Digital Outputs Only
- Best used with the AURALiC Vega G2.2 Streaming DAC in PureDAC Mode
- Also available with 4TB Onboard Storage – Please Enquire
- Streaming File Formats
- Lossless: AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, OGG, WAV and WV
- Lossy: AAC, MP3 and WMA
- Sampling Rates
- PCM: 44.1KHz to 384KHz in 32Bit - (352.8KHz and 384KHz and 32bit are supported through streaming and USB inputs only)
- DSD: DSD64(2.8224MHz), DSD128(5.6448MHz), DSD256(11.2896MHz), DSD512(22.57892MHz) - (By 'DoP V1.1' or native DSD protocol through streaming and USB inputs only)
- Control Software
- AURALiC Lightning DS for iOS
- AURALiC Lightning DS for web browser (device setting only)
- OpenHome compatible control software (BubbleUPnP, Kazoo)
- Roon (Roon Core required separately)
- Streaming Inputs
- Network shared folder, USB Storage, USB CD Drive, Optional Internal Music Storage, UPnP/DLNA Media Server, Amazon Music Unlimited, HighResAudio, KKBOX, Qobuz Sublime+, Netease Music, TIDAL/TIDAL Connect, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TuneIn, Internet Radio, RoonReady
- Audio Outputs
- AURALiC Lightning Link
- Digital Outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink
- USB Output: USB Host to compatible DAC
- Network
- Wired: Gigabit Ethernet
- Wireless: 802.11b/g/n/ac Tri-Band Wi-Fi
- Power Consumption
- Standby: <0.5W
- Sleep: <10W
- Playback: 50W at max.
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Included Accessories: 2 x External Wi-Fi Antenna, Power Cable, User Guide
- Finish: Anodized aluminium case in matte black with nickel coated copper EMI shielding enclosure
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 340 x 96 x 320mm
- Weight: 10.2 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.