On the eve of the big European Munich Audio show, Auralic has announced a new entry-level audio streamer called the S1 (both Aries and Vega options, $1999, optional external power supply + $999). In Auralic’s product line, the Aries represents a traditional “streamer” with USB and digital outputs intended for an external DAC, while the VEGA is intended to be a streamer/DAC with analog outputs (no external DAC needed). Also prepped and ready for the show is a new Lighting OS in its 10th generation and a new ALTAIR G2.2 option ($6099).
The new S1 series gives a new, more wallet-friendly port of entry into Auralic’s high-functionality and high-isolation line of digital products while the ALTAIR is a higher-end, feature-rich digital and analog source option. More info in the press release below.
“AURALiC introducing new S1 streamer, updated ALTAIR G2.2 and V10 software
Beaverton, Oregon, 22nd April, 2024 – Continuing its legacy of pioneering high-performance audio technology, AURALiC proudly introduces its latest innovations: S1 series audio streamers, Tesla G3 streaming platform based ALTAIR G2.2 and the release of version 10.0 software, now featuring several new features to enhance sound quality. AURALiC will be showcasing these innovations first hand at the 2024 HighEnd Munich audio show from May 9th to 12th, in Atrium 4.0G Room E211.
AURALiC S1 – Pure Essence of Sound
S1 is the latest entry-level audio streamer that AURALiC offers. Powered by AURALiC’s cutting-edge Tesla G3 streaming platform, the S1 inherits premium audio technologies from the acclaimed G2.2 reference products, including Direct Memory Access (DMA), Direct Data Recording (DDR), Fusion DAC, Galvanic Isolation, and more. Available in two variations, the ARIES S1 features USB and digital outputs, while the VEGA S1 offers XLR and RCA analog outputs. Both models support seamless streaming via Ethernet through AURALiC’s Lightning DS, AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, and a range of digital input channels. Additionally, the S1 will be Roon Ready upon completion of Roon certification. For enthusiasts who are dedicated to elevating audio performance to the next level, AURALiC presents the optional S1 Purer-Power External Power Supply Unit. This unit is designed to further enhance sound quality, offering an unparalleled audio experience for those who demand the utmost in performance and fidelity.
“When we speak of high-performance audio, we’re not just referring to functionality. It also encompasses uncompromising sonic excellence. This ethos has driven us to develop the new S series, where ‘S’ symbolizes ‘Sound’ – nothing but the pure essence of sound,” explained Jian Shao, Chief Operating Officer at AURALiC.
Both ARIES S1 and VEGA S1 are now available for order through AURALiC’s authorized global partners, priced at $1999 | €1999 | £1999. The optional S1 Purer-Power External Power Supply Unit can be purchased for $999 | €999 | £999.
ALTAIR G2.2 – Fully Featured Digital & Analogue Source Powerhouse
The ALTAIR name has always epitomized a wealth of features and functionality, and the latest iteration, the G2.2 version, continues this tradition with even more enhancements. Powered by the state-of-the-art Tesla G3 streaming platform, the ALTAIR G2.2 introduces several updates not seen in its predecessors, including the adoption of Direct Data Recording (DDR), Fusion DAC, and Galvanic Isolation, all aimed at elevating audio quality to new heights.
In addition to these advancements, the ALTAIR G2.2 now boasts an HDMI eARC input, further enriching its already impressive array of input channels. This addition ensures seamless integration with a wide range of audio sources, making the ALTAIR G2.2 the ultimate hub for audiophiles seeking uncompromising performance and versatility.
The manufacturer suggested retail price for the ALTAIR G2.2 is $6099 | €5999 | £5299. This highly anticipated product will be available starting May 2024 through AURALiC’s network of authorized global partners.
Lightning OS V10 – Ever Powerful Streaming
AURALiC’s celebrated Lightning Streaming platform commemorates its 10th anniversary with the much-anticipated release of version 10.0 firmware. This milestone update brings new features like PureDAC mode, Tone Mode to enhance sound sound quality.
Lightning OS V10 will be available through Over-The-Air updates for compatible products by the end of April, marking a significant leap forward in audio performance and functionality for AURALiC users worldwide.
About AURALiC
Established in 2009, AURALiC has been at the forefront of driving innovation in high-performance music reproduction technology for over a decade. Inspired by a Berliner Philharmoniker concert in Waldbühne Berlin in 2008, AURALiC’s founders, passionate classical music enthusiasts, embarked on a journey to create a company dedicated to providing a genuinely high-resolution music streaming solution. This vision materialized over the following years.
AURALiC’s S1 series products are crafted to deliver unparalleled sound quality within their price range. Drawing inspiration from the esteemed G2.2 reference products, these machines inherit premium audio technologies that set new standards in the industry.
Powered by the cutting-edge Tesla G3 streaming platform, the S1 series leverages AURALiC’s innovative Direct Memory Access (DMA) and Direct Data Recording (DDR) technologies. By seamlessly recording incoming audio data into the Tesla G3’s system memory and transmitting it directly to the low-level audio hardware. With the inclusion of Dual 60fs Femto Clocks and Galvanic Isolation, the S1 series achieves an unprecedented level of noise reduction. The meticulous attention to detail in the S1 series ensures that clock jitter and signal distortion are minimized to an extraordinary degree. The result is a remarkably smooth and natural sound character that faithfully reproduces the nuances of the original audio, providing an immersive listening experience that captivates the senses.
AURALiC S1 offers a seamless streaming experience via Ethernet using its proprietary Lightning DS software, Apple AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, and a variety of digital input channels including USB audio, Coaxial, and Toslink. AURALiC’s Lightning DS seamlessly integrates popular streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Qobuz, TuneIn, KKbox and more. Additionally, S1 can play music stored on NAS drive, USB drive and CD drive. The S1 will be Roon Ready upon completion of Roon certification.
ARIES S1 – Streaming Processor
The role of the ARIES S1 has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from a mere streaming transport or bridge to a robust streaming processor. With its advanced onboard processing capabilities, the ARIES S1 now offers a plethora of processing features aimed at optimizing the audio signal: high-quality resampler, parametric equalizer, speaker placement compensation and loudness leveling. For the first time in the ARIES lineup, this product can process incoming signals from digital or USB inputs. Leveraging its onboard Tesla G3 platform, the ARIES S1 processes the signal, effectively removing jitter and artifacts before applying user-selected processing features to enhance the audio quality. The processed signal is then output via digital or USB connection, ensuring an enriched listening experience that remains faithful to the original source.
VEGA S1 – Streaming DAC
The VEGA S1 represents the pinnacle of AURALiC’s state-of-the-art DAC technology, showcasing excellence in both hardware and software realms. At its core lies AURALiC’s proprietary Fusion DAC, a groundbreaking innovation that seamlessly integrates the finest elements of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs. In addition to this advanced DAC technology, the VEGA S1 incorporates Analog Volume Control and Analog Preamplifier features derived from the acclaimed VEGA G2.2, ensuring a listening experience characterized by unmatched detail and precision. Breaking new ground, AURALiC introduces two pioneering technologies in the VEGA S1: PureDAC mode and Tone Mode adjustment. PureDAC mode empowers the VEGA S1 to disable all streaming and network-related functions, dedicating all resources to digital signal processing and conversion tasks. In this mode, the VEGA S1 utilizes Direct Data Recording technology to store music signals from any digital or USB input in the past hour to Tesla G3’s system memory, allowing users to replay music from any point at any time. Furthermore, the Tone Mode adjustment refines the output sound character of the DAC by incorporating harmonic elements into the music signal, based on a model rooted in auditory psychology. This innovative feature enhances the listening experience, elevating the VEGA S1 to new heights of audio excellence and musical enjoyment.
S1 External Purer-Power Supply Unit
For those seeking an even higher level of audio quality, AURALiC offers an optional upgrade: the S1 External Purer-Power Supply Unit. This unit bypasses the internal power supply of the ARIES S1 and VEGA S1, doubling the power capacity for enhanced performance. Featuring two dedicated transformers and Purer-Power low noise power supply circuits, the upgraded unit ensures a total galvanic isolation between the Tesla G3 processing circuit and audio circuits. This separation eliminates interference and minimizes noise, resulting in superior sonic performance that elevates your listening experience to new heights.”
More info: Auralic S1 Series