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@shadorne
I have not tried Roon. I went from Amarra, to Audirvana. So far Audirvana has been fantastic, and easy to use. I'm always intrigued by other platforms though.
Is Roon similar to Amarra or Audirvana? |
@jond @dlcockrum
Thank you for the additional information. It seems to me my iMac does everything you've both listed above.. Since my room is fairly small, and distance is not a factor, I should stick with my current setup.
One of those - "if it ain't broke.." things.
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@dlcockrum @jond
Thank you. In the past I have used an Apple TV (gen 2) and Google Chromecast, using an optical out to my DAC. At the time, the convenience was nice, but the sound wasn't nearly as clear as running a USB straight from the computer to the DAC. Streaming Tidal.
Does a USB generally carry a better signal?
Those are considered streamers right?
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@dlcockrum
Now I get what you're saying. I'm guessing the USB port on an iMac wasn't created with Hi-Rez music output as it's priority..?
You've got my attention. Someone also sent me a PM to check out Computer Audiophile forums. I'll start hunting there! |
Just for reference, since I did not state in previously - I’m using a Benchmark DAC2 HGC. I did try the 14 day trial of Roon. So far, much more pretty than Audirvana and Amarra. Still figuring it out though, took a little while just to sync my music folder.
The Benchmark does have an ansynchronous usb input. @steakster do you think I would benefit from using a bridge component, and use an AES or Coax input in my DAC? For the price of the Emperical, I could just get a used Aries.
Another thought...I do use the Wyred Recovery in my chain, but I also have 2-3 Jitterbugs, and a Schiit "Decrapifier". Are these just stepping stones towards a better end result in sound quality? Snake oil? |
@dlcockrum
To specify, right now the Wyred Recovery is the only "gizmo" (ha) I'm using from MAC to DAC. The others are room decorations at the moment.
@mahler123 I get what your'e saying 100%.
Any streamer suggestions for under $1K ? That has wireless capabilities? I want to avoid running an ethernet cable from my router, in the living room, to my music room (25ft). |
@jond
The Aries Mini is also a DAC correct? Can it be used as only a streamer too? |
The Aries Mini is where I'm leaning right now, if I were going to try an entry level streamer. Their used prices are very reasonable. I could check, but I'll go ahead and ask since I'm getting a lot of good responses here, will Roon work with Aries Mini? I'm really digging the Roon app!!
There's one listed on here, with the external power supply. I'm guessing this is better than the stock wall-wart? I like that it doesn't take up much space too, which is limited for me right now.
Offer is pending.. |
@jond
Regarding MQA: My Dac does not accept MQA, but the Aries Mini does, so If I wanted to stream MQA I could just use the Mini’s built in DAC w/ analog out to my preamp correct?
For non MQA files, I could use the Mini as a streamer only, using the USB out to my DAC.
If that is the case, that is something that wouldn’t definitely be a deciding factor. Although the Node 2 can do the same I suppose regarding MQA, but for non MQA, the USB out looks like mini-usb, which would just require a different type of cable, mini-USB to USB B so I could connect to my DAC??
Hope that’s not too confusing.. |
My offer was accepted on the Aries Mini. Should be here by the end of the week.
I'll update my opinions once I get it all set up.
Thank you everyone for your explanations and suggestions. |
@2psyop @jond
Thanks.
Another random questions -
Sonore Microrendu ?
Would one of these not be necessary when using the Aries Mini?
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@2psyop
That was one of the first things I was going to try, once the Mini is up and running.
I've tried a similar experiment in the past as well:
I have a AQ Dragon Fly Black DAC, with the latest firmware upgrade that will play full MQA. Using the Tidal Desktop App on my laptop, I use a 3.5mm to RCA out of the DF to my preamp playing MQA (no unfolding done by Tidal). Test album was Serge Gainsbourg's - Histoire de Melody Nelson.
It sounded crystal clear, great bass, and vocals were astonishing. I then played the non MQA version, but through my iMac into the Benchmark's USB input (this is my primary way of streaming Tidal). I did this back and forth a few times. It sounded exactly the same to me. Which was great.
I know I should have done the test, using the DF DAC both times, with the non MQA and MQA version, but at the time I was debating which computer I wanted to stream from.
It will be interested to see how the Aries Mini will handle the MQA files. My guess is better than the DF, just because I don't think 3.5mm to RCA is the best cable/connection as far as SQ is concerned.
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@dbphd
I've used an HDMI from my transport to a DAC (I2S) with great results. This was strictly an audio signal though, so I'm not sure it's the same as you're describing.
The HDMI input in the Oppo is for Video/Audio, where as the USB in the Oppo is for audio only. I would try out both, and go with whatever one sounds better. I'm guessing the HDMI and USB both go through the same built in DAC in the Oppo. Maybe not...?
I'm sure someone else will chime in with more knowledge.
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Brief update:
Auralic is here and setup (sort of). Still trying to figure out how to add my music library on my computer. All my digital files are on a Seagate 8TB external HD connected to my iMac. Lightning DS found my computer, but when I select it to add, its asking me for login credentials. I tried my Auralic logins, and my computer's logins. No luck. I will reach out to support later, unless someone knows a quick fix, or what i'm doing wrong.
In the meantime, I've been streaming Tidal, using the USB out of the Mini to my DAC. And........ WOW. Almost night and day better sounding than the previous setup of two long USBs from computer to DAC. A little warmer sounding, detail is much better, soundstage. It's way beyond my expectations..
I will try MQA and Hi-Rez files once I can figure out how to import my own music.
Streamer seems the way to go though, for sure. I appreciate everyone's input this past week, I'm very happy with my decision. |
I was able to unplug my hard drive from the computer, and connect it directly to the Aries Mini.
Full access to my library now, but will be a pain when I add new music through the computer, and have to do the double switch.
Hopefully I'll have a reply from Auralic support in the morning. |
Scratch all that.
Using Roon instead of Lightning DS App. Problem solved.
phew.. |
Just starting playing some MQA files from Tidal, using the Aries' built in DAC.
Did a few A/B testing from non-MQA Flac against the MQA versions. The MQA is a little smoother, better separation of instruments, and the bass is faster and more clear.
The two albums I've tested so far are: Iron & Wine -Beast Epic and on the completely other end of the spectrum Shabazz Palaces - Lese Majesty. Both sound better in MQA, IMHO.
This is getting fun.. |
I have the same question, but for the Aries Mini. |
@zagoreos @shadorne @jond
Quick question for you three (or anyone else). If I’m going to be streaming Tidal and ALAC and FLAC files (never above 24/96), does it make a difference if I use COAX instead of USB for digital out? Aries Mini.
The only reason I ask, is I have a pretty decent 75ohm Coax (Wireworld Starlight 7), but only low level USB cables (Audioquest Forest). I can get a better USB, but if it’s not necessary, then I’ll stick with the Wireworld.
I've tried both, the Coax sounds better to me, but I've only done about an hour of A/B testing.
Thanks in advance. |
Thank you @jond @zagoreos @shadorne
Sticking with the Coax for the time being. I think the Aries can upsample to DSD, but not sure how that sounds. I will have to play around with it some more.
Any benefit to upsample a FLAC file to DSD? It is all just listener preference ? |
Back on the farm, the Auralic Mini is working great. Still very happy with the purchase. In the future I'll probably move the mini into my living room, try the regular Aries is my main listening room. I want to hear the difference with the femto clocks. |
@jond
Very nice! Cool setup you have there. |
@rbstehno
Thank you for your input. I believe the latest firmware update for the Aries Mini included MQA (complete unfolding) playback. I will definitely look into this though, because I'm just going off what someone else told me.
Maybe someone else can chime in, that knows for sure? |
So...
I did a little digging at the Auralic forums. Seems that I am probably mistaken. The newest firmware update only resamples MQA to PCM 24/88, 24/96.
Back in an earlier post, I did an A/B test with MQA vs. Non-MQA files, and found the MQA to sound better. In reality I was only hearing the difference between 16/44(redbook) & 24/96(MQA resampled) |
@lalitk
Thank you for the confirmation. I was using the Aries' DAC and RCA output to my preamp for MQA, and the USB out to my PSA DAC for all other files. I could just use the USB out from now on for everything, since MQA will be upsampled either way. Does that sound accurate?
I prefer the PSA DAC's sound over the Aries' by a large margin. |
@lalitk
Thank you for the breakdown. That is very helpful.
The PSA DAC i'm using is the Stellar Gain Cell DAC. I'm not sure it has any upgrades available at this time, and no slot to install a ethernet/streaming port.
As I read earlier, the Aries is not capable of unfolding MQA, so it's just decoding the file through it's DAC. The same is happening in the PSA DAC, so I figured I'd use whatever DAC sounds best, if I'm not getting unfolded MQA playback. Hope that makes sense? So my options are RCA out from the Aries (use Aries DAC) or USB out from Aries (use PSA DAC). yes, maybe, idk
I am using Tidal HIFI through Roon on my iMac, with iPad as the Roon controller/remote. |
@bo1972
I’m not sure exactly what you’re suggesting, other than I’m missing emotion in music if I use digital sources? Or just USB? I've tried COAX out of my Aries mini, it sounds great too, but is limited in bit rate/depth.
BTW, 50% of my listening is on my turntable. But, there are always albums/songs/artists that I love and enjoy and don’t own their music physically, so I stream. I really enjoy streaming too! With the constraints of my system,availability & my bank account, all I can hope for is to get the best out of what I have available. |
@jond
I just checking on the Auralic device setup. Listed under FIRMWARE INFORMATION: My Aries is using Device Firmware 5.1 / Beta Version 5.1
So, kind of a forum run-a-round. Phew..
Thanks again for pointing that out! |
@jond
That is good news. I'll take a look soon. |
@jond
I know this has been answered before, but it never hurts to double/triple check..
With the Beta Version 5.1, full unfolding of MQA is only done using the Aries' DAC w/ RCA outs, not the digital outs to a separate DAC (that does not unfold MQA) As I type this, is seems obvious but you never know..
Thanks |
In my setup, referring to Stellar Gain DAC - i2s sounds best, USB and COAX sound identical (and great) and optical sounds good, but lacks just a little of the last detail.
As far as streaming from the Aries mini; I'm sticking with USB as my DAC will only do DSD from USB/i2s, and there is no i2s out on the Aries.. so it makes the choice simple.
USB 100% |
@willemj
I used the Chromecast Audio, and for what it costs, it does a damn fine job.
I was curious/hesitant to what all the fuss was about "streamers" to begin with, hell that's why this post was started :)
That being said, once I switched over to the Aries (which has it's own Lightning DS App) it was night & day in regards to SQ. The Aries outperformed the Chromecast in every way. The app is quite nice too, and users are always welcome to use Roon/Audirvana/etc.. which will integrate the streaming apps you've mentioned + your whole digital library as well, in one easy to use package.
My Chromecast's new permanent home is in a box in the garage. |
If any of you are having trouble following along, like myself, I found this link to be quite helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwibgNGe4aYEnjoy, and hope this helps you all as much as it’s helped me. Best, Robert |
@2psyop
Thanks for the clarification. I am curious as to what "DNA" stands for in this context.. Does anyone know?
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I may have just produced 2.5D sound, using the Aries Mini + Wyred4Sound Recovery.
I've had the Recovery just sitting, so decided to experiment and hooked it up between the Mini and DAC. Sounds like a thin linen cloth has been removed in front on my speakers, if that makes sense. Minor soundstage improvement, quieter background.
The Recovery supposedly adds femto clocking & isolated power output.
Did I just turn the Aries Mini into a poor man's Aries? |
@jond
Thank you. I am using Auralic's LPS too. I haven't done a comparison between it, and the wall plug, but that's probably not necessary. I'll take Auralic's word that's its an improvement.
I also have a Sbooster, but's its a higher voltage (15v), that I use for my phone stage.
I was content with 2D, so now things are really look up! |
