how to use Aurliac Altair G1 - no lightning DS App anymore

Audirvana sounds good overall, but when playing from a stripped-down PC, the bass tends to be lean. In addition, you really need to dedicate a stripped-down PC or Mac to get the best performance out of it. At $80 per year, the cost also adds up over time.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to achieve the decent sound quality is to replace the G1 as a streamer with a budget streamer, while continuing to use the G1 as a DAC.

The best budget streamer under $500 that I’ve personally used is the Bluesound Node Nano. Using the optical (Toslink) output provides the best sound quality. In my experience, I actually prefer its sound over the much-hyped Eversolo A6, despite the A6 costing more than twice as much. The Node Nano delivers a smooth, rich presentation with weighty bass.

Its soundstage is not as wide or deep as higher-end options like the Rivo or Innuos Zen 3 that I currently use, but those are in a completely different price bracket—roughly four to five times more expensive.

The Bluesound app is solid and user-friendly. By using the Toslink output, you can keep the USB port free for connecting an external SSD to store your local music library.  Overall, compared to other budget streamers (iFi Zen Stream, WiiM Pro+, WiiM Ultra, Cambridge MXN10, etc.), as well as higher-end options like the Eversolo A6 and its bigger sibling, the Node Icon, I prefer the Node Nano. I’m currently using it in my third system.

@easystreamer you said:

I use my Altair as a DAC only, sometimes with Airplay. I agree it sounds great. As for your dilemma:

I recently came across the Roon Nucelus one - can read ripped files on SSD, controlled by iOS App, Qobuz streaming, and cheap ($599) ,etc - and I would need a DAC.

I assume I could use one of the USB outs on the Roon and run it into the Auralic? Then I get to keep using the Auralic's DACs, which as I said above I think are very good.

Thank you

OP, Yes sir, just plug your digital output from your new device into the Auralic, go to the DAC menu and switch the input to whichever connection you are using (i.e., USB, Optical, Coax, etc.)

Then turn off all the unused functions such as Processor, Streamer, Library etc.

Great - thank you for the advice. that sounds like the best solution for me right now (and does not involve me dropping another $3k for a new streamer/DAC)

While many users praise Roon for its interface and library management, a subset of audiophiles has reported complaints regarding its sound quality (SQ), often describing it as "hard-edged," "flat," "colored," or "anemic" compared to native streaming apps or direct-from-server playback.  Anyway not my business. Enjoy the music.