AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor review
Although the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is the entry-level solution offered by AURALiC Ltd, this streaming transport essentially contains all the features that characterise the specialist's solutions. It is an outstanding solution for streaming at the highest level.
- With the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, AURALiC Ltd. provides an outstanding streaming transport solution with excellent features at a particularly attractive price.
AURALiC Ltd. has long been recognised as a well-established provider of outstanding D/A converters and streaming solutions, and it wasn’t so long ago that the company was literally shaking up the market. This began back in 2009, because from the very beginning, the clearly technology-driven and therefore extremely innovative company succeeded in demonstrating with its solutions the high level of quality that could be offered at mostly extremely attractive prices.
Initially, it was D/A converters with which AURALiC Ltd. caused a sensation, but that was only the beginning, as the real success for the Chinese company came with the market launch of the first streaming systems, which was the case in 2014. It was the AURALiC ARIES Wireless Streaming Bridge, with which AURALiC Ltd. was particularly surprising, as it was the first to use a platform that still forms the basis of all of the Chinese company’s streaming solutions today, the AURALiC Lightning DS Platform. This can of course also be found in our current test candidate, which is the latest incarnation of the AURALiC ARIES Wireless Streaming Bridge, namely the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor.
Not a streaming client, but a streaming bridge
Looking back, it is particularly exciting that the company founders of AURALiC Ltd, Xuanqian Wang and Yuan Wang, can claim to have established the Streaming Bridge product flu with their entry into the field of streaming. And indeed, the company caused quite a stir when it launched the AURALiC ARIES Wireless Streaming Bridge, a solution that can offer streaming at the very highest level, but does not have an integrated D/A converter, leaving this difficult task to external specialists, ideally in-house.
This is precisely the case with the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, which also focuses entirely on streaming, i.e. the way in which audio data is processed on the network in the best possible quality and then passed on to an external D/A converter as accurately as possible.
The AURALiC S1 Series – The essence of pure sound
The AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is part of the so-called AURALiC S1 Series, a product family that represents something very special. It was presented for the first time at the High-end 2024 and should once again cause a stir, as it essentially integrates all the relevant features that have characterised AURALiC Ltd. solutions for years into products that are actually designed as a designated entry-level series.
For example, the AURALiC S1 Series solutions are promised to be equipped with technologies from products well above them in the product portfolio, such as the AURALiC ARIES G2.2 and AURALiC VEGA G2.2 models.
The company has endeavoured to design products that offer unparalleled sound quality in their price range, relying on outstanding audio technologies that have set new standards in the industry in the reference series.
The new product line comprises two systems: the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor and the AURALiC VEGA S1 Streaming DAC. We have already clarified that the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is a pure streaming transport, but the AURALiC VEGA S1 Streaming DAC is exactly what its name suggests, namely a complete streaming client whose flexible D/A converter is also open to external sources.
The AURALiC S1 External Pure-power Supply Unit is also available as an upgrade for both components on request.
AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor – Principles…
Now that we have given a general overview of how our test candidate is categorised, let’s take a closer look at the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor and start by explaining its primary task in more detail.
The AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is designed to provide content directly from your own network as well as from a wide range of online services in the best quality, according to the promise of the manufacturer AURALiC Ltd.
But that’s not all, it is also a solution that is open to external digital sources, even though the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor does not have a D/A converter. Signals from external digital sources are ‘processed’ here, to put it simply, the same options are available to them that should also ensure impeccable quality when streaming. Digital signals are output via a wide range of interfaces, so that external D/A converters can be integrated in a variety of ways.
The first contact
First of all, the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is an extremely compact solution, measuring no more than 20,7 cm in width, 29 cm in depth and 8,5 cm in height and thus weighing in at 4 kg.
The appearance of the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor can probably best be described as state-of-the-art industrial design, the aluminium housing is anodised in matt black and presents itself as an extremely elegant solution with its reflective front.
It is interesting to note that all the controls, which allow at least basic control of the most important functions directly on the device, are located on the top, right at the front. A row of buttons is available here.
The front conceals a display that always has all the relevant information ready, whereby the pictograms as an introduction to the various areas, at least the cover artwork for streaming, can also be easily recognised from a distance.
All digital – The connection panel of the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor
A glance at the rear panel reveals that a large number of interfaces are offered here, first and foremost an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interface, and this is actually the only way to integrate the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor into the network; AURALiC Ltd. deliberately dispenses with an integrated WiFi module, as it is convinced that a cable alone always provides an optimum connection.
Digital inputs include a coaxial and two optical S/PDIF interfaces, while the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor can be connected directly to a PC or Mac via a USB-B port. There is also a USB-A port, which can be used to connect storage media or a USB CD driver.
The outputs include an AES/EBU interface as well as an optical and a coaxial S/PDIF interface, plus a USB-A port which, as a USB host, allows the connection of corresponding D/A converters. The important thing here is that the corresponding D/A converter via USB does not require any drivers for Linux systems – which is what the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is essentially based on.
An HDMI port is used here solely to integrate the aforementioned optional external power supply; if this is not used, a classic power connection including a main switch is provided for the integrated power supply unit.
AURALiC Tesla G3 Streaming Platform
At the heart of the new AURALiC S1 Series as a whole, and therefore also of the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, is the so-called AURALiC Tesla G3 Streaming Platform, which is a particularly powerful solution that relies on a quad-core 64-bit architecture with 2 GB of DDR4 system RAM.
According to AURALiC Ltd, this offers eight times faster processor performance and has twice the memory capacity of the last generation, thus creating the basis for consistently accurate signal processing including sufficient resources even for complex DSP algorithms. It is therefore a future-proof platform, as the manufacturer is convinced.
The main task of the AURALiC Tesla G3 Streaming Platform is to completely reprocess digital signals, regardless of whether they are supplied via streaming or the digital interfaces, effectively removing any jitter that could damage the sound as well as other artefacts. Resampling is also possible and, if required, a wide range of DSP algorithms are available to optimise the audio quality, such as a parametric equaliser, or volume differences can be compensated, and even room correction via DIRAC Live is now possible and is to be integrated in the future.
A particularly precise clock in the form of a so-called 60 femto master clock takes control of all these signal processing operations.
Another important feature is that the AURALiC Tesla G3 Streaming Platform offers Direct Memory Access Technology, also known as DMA for short. The DMA technology ensures that the signals run directly via the system memory in direct access, thus significantly reducing latency and jitter compared to the last generation, the AURALiC Tesla G2 Streaming Platform, as the manufacturer explains, which naturally leads directly to an improvement in sound quality.
DDR in turn stands for Direct Data Recording, whereby content is first stored in the system’s memory and only played back via this buffer in order to ensure a constant data stream free of any dropouts, for example when streaming services from the Internet. In conjunction with the latest AURALiC Lightning OS V10, this even enables streams to be rewound, if this cannot actually be done via the software itself anyway.
Dual galvanic isolation
An outstanding feature of this streaming bridge from AURALiC Ltd. is that sensitive areas of the circuit are shielded as effectively as possible from negative influences from other areas.
In practice, this means that galvanic isolation is integrated into the AURALiC ARIES S1, which separates electrical circuits while ensuring the smooth flow of data between them. Two specially designed high-speed galvanic isolators have been placed between the primary clock, processing and transmission circuits of the AURALiC ARIES S1 as a particularly effective measure against EMI, to further reduce jitter, and ultimately as a basis for smooth, interference-free signal processing.
AURALiC Lightning DS
The software platform for streaming in all solutions from AURALiC Ltd. has always been the proprietary AURALiC Lightning DS. This is characterised above all by three things: broad support for a wide range of services, high performance for smooth use and intuitive handling via a clearly structured user interface.
Currently, we are already dealing with AURALiC Lightning OS V10, which was presented in April 2024 to mark the tenth anniversary of the streaming platform from AURALiC Ltd.
In the simplest case, the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor itself functions as a music player if, as already mentioned, audio data is made directly accessible via the device’s USB port. It can then also be used as a server, as it makes content available to other devices via the network.
The AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is therefore designed as a dlna-certified UPnP streaming client. Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are also supported, while various services such as Amazon Music, Qobuz, HIGHRESAUDIO and TuneIn Internet Radio are also available via the corresponding app. It should also be mentioned that the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is certified as Roon-ready.
The app in question is the AURALiC Lightning DS app, which is only available for Apple iOS; the AURALiC Lightning DS platform can also be accessed via any web browser using the IP address of the device.
As already mentioned, AURALiC Lightning DS is characterised by a clear structure and therefore convenient operation, and it goes without saying that this solution also offers everything you would expect, such as various search and sorting options, the creation and management of playlists and much more.
Signal processing up to 32 bit and 384 kHz as well as DSD512
The AURALiC Lightning DS platform is able to process all relevant file formats and supports linear PCM audio data with up to 32 bit and 384 kHz as well as DSD up to and including DSD512. Content encoded in MQA can also be played back, although decoding is of course the responsibility of the external converter.
Hands-on experience
Unpack, connect, install the app and you’re ready to go. In fact, setting up the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor in conjunction with the app and the corresponding installation wizard is so simple and straightforward that we don’t need to say much about it at this point. Even the integration of network shares to access audio data and the registration of any subscriptions is done within a few minutes.
You also have all the hardware functions under control and there are nice options such as audio CD playback if you connect an appropriate CD drive via USB. Even the ripping of audio CDs is then possible, for the sake of completeness.
Even more in-depth configurations, which the platform offers in principle, can be used by beginners without any problems, as everything is described in detail and it is therefore always clear what each setting does.
In everyday life, the app allows you to browse through extensive media libraries quickly and everything is easy to use, audio data is neatly presented and you don’t miss any functions – this makes streaming fun!
Can streaming transport affect the sound?
Now we come to a question that inevitably arises with a solution like the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, namely whether such a product actually affects the sound.
In this respect, it is of course primarily the D/A converter and its output stage that determine the sound characteristics achieved and the level of quality.
But that alone is not enough, as can be impressively demonstrated with a solution of the calibre of an AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor. Yes, ‘only’ the proverbial zeros and ones are actually processed here, a network and ‘IT’ in general cannot distinguish whether a text document, a photo or audio data is being transmitted and processed, but ultimately it makes a decisive difference how audio data in particular is processed during streaming.
And so it makes sense to do as AURALiC Ltd. does and, in the case of the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, to realise a solution that concentrates solely on streaming and does everything in its power to ensure that no external influences have a negative impact on the final sound quality.
Getting to the point, we are ultimately dealing with a computer, and all the nasty but indispensable IT unfortunately has the property of spreading sound-damaging influences in abundance, which in the worst case actually becomes noticeable.
All the measures taken by AURALiC Ltd. to prevent all this from happening are actually clearly and immediately audible, as a simple direct comparison with a streaming client of simpler construction, for example, which, as in our test, was also connected to our Technics SU-R1000 stereo integrated amplifier via a coaxial S/PDIF interface and had to play back the identical Hi-res audio data via USB, shows.
The performance via the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor was clearer, more relaxed and more detailed. Even if the differences are of course not immense, there are clearly perceptible nuances that make the decisive difference in the end.
So to come back to the question of whether streaming transport can influence the sound, our answer is quite clear: yes, the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor can.
AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit
Finally, let’s talk about the optional AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit, which AURALiC Ltd. recommends to sound enthusiasts as an extension for the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor.
We also had access to this solution, which is a sophisticated power supply based on two transformers and utilises a pure-power power supply circuit that is described as particularly low-noise. This guarantees complete galvanic isolation between the AURALiC Tesla G3 streaming platform and the audio circuits, which in turn should reduce any interference and noise to an absolute minimum. This external power supply is connected via an interface designed as an HDMI port.
Frankly, we didn’t attach too much importance to this optional extension in the case of a streaming transport, but in fact, there is another clearly perceptible improvement to be heard Here, too, there are nuances, but isn’t that what it’s all about, leaving no stone unturned to get closer to the optimum?
Prices and availability
The AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is available from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of € 1.999,-, and, as mentioned, only in matt black. The AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit costs € 999,-.
Getting to the point
AURALiC Ltd. announced the AURALiC S1 Series as a product range that represents the essence of pure sound, and one thing is clear: the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor as a pure streaming bridge clearly fulfils this promise. The fact that AURALiC Ltd. can boast two outstanding technologies in the form of the AURALiC Tesla Streaming Platform and AURALiC Lightning OS has been known for years, and the new AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor utilises the enormously powerful latest AURALiC Tesla G3 Streaming Platform and the latest generation of the AURALiC Lightning OS V10 operating system to their full potential.
The AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor is therefore completely convincing in all respects. If you value impressive streaming quality, you should definitely take a closer look at this solution, especially if you can already rely on a high-quality D/A converter. If you don’t accept any compromises, you should also invest in the optional AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit. It’s worth it, we can clearly say, because we had a lot of fun with this combination…
| PRODUCT | AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor |
|---|---|
| Price | AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor € 1.999,- AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit € 999,- |
| Brand | AURALiC Holdings Inc. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AURALiC Holdings Inc. |
| Distribution | Drei H Vertriebs GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
It is almost a shameless understatement when AURALiC Ltd. talks about the AURALiC S1 Series as an entry-level solution, at least that’s what we have to accuse the company of in view of our detailed test of the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor in conjunction with the optional AURALiC S1 External Purer-power Supply Unit. What you get here is nothing less than a flexible solution for streaming at a remarkable level of quality, in which AURALiC Ltd. already brings a lot to the table that makes its products so unique. Here you get it at an outstanding price-performance ratio.
Positive
- Software and hardware platform optimised over many years
- All relevant interfaces for a streaming bridge and for the integration of external digital sources
- Streaming via UPnP, Apple AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect
- Integration of many streaming providers possible
- Very convenient control via app and web interface
- Elegant appearance, compact dimensions
- Creates the best conditions for optimum sound
Negative
- There is only an app for Apple iOS, but not for Google Android, whereby access via the web interface is conveniently possible regardless of the platform
Test Environment
- Technics SU-R1000 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
- Roon NUCLEUS+
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Lab12 Gordian
- Signal cables from Supra Cables
- Speaker cables from Oehlbach
Conclusion
Sound
Design
Handling
Price/Performance
With the AURALiC ARIES S1 Streaming Processor, AURALiC Ltd. provides an outstanding streaming transport solution with excellent features at a particularly attractive price.
