sandsgallery

Shaded99: Yes, the X100 series has been officially released for about a month now. Additionally, as of just last night the Aurender website has been updated to reflect the new models. With respect to playing music from your NAS, you can do it. However you miss out on cover art and metadata information. You see all your files from a folder perspective. Lastly, for me there is a difference in sound from playing music from the NAS vs. the X100 internal memory. You can also use Airplay but WIFI sometimes introduces its own issues, for all of our listening we use direct connections.

Hello MarkyRotterdam: In full disclosure; we are an authorized Auralic dealer located in Atlanta, Georgia. I would like to confirm that you would be able to play both your DSD and FLAC files via the ARIES. Of special note, make sure not to skimp on the quality of your router. Make sure its 802.11 ac if you are planning on playing hi-res files. Also you will need to use the USB connection between the ARIES and the VEGA inorder to play DSD music. As stated by others we are also on list for the first shipments of the ARIES.

I can second Marslo commits, we use our Aurender X100S via Nordost Blue Heaven USB to the Auralic VEGA with zero problems. From DSD to dare I say regular old MP3 files the setup has been rock solid. I am now experimenting using Nordost Sort Kones under the X100S as an inexpensive addition. I will note that I recommend something more than the stock power cord, it makes a difference.

In full disclosure, we are an authorized Nordost dealer located in Atlanta, Georgia who has been using the Blue Heaven USB cable with much success. I will definitely report back with our assessment between the sonics of the Blue Heaven and Heimdall 2 USB cables. We just placed our order today. The Blue Heaven USB cable has been our go to cable for the connection between our Auralic VEGA and new Aurender X100S. The sound has been outstanding, so I am like many intrigued to see how the sound differs. It is my speculation that the Heimdall 2 benefits greatly from the twisted double helix and the mechanically tuned lengths that the Blue Heaven doesn't enjoy. With respect to the question about a microUSB connection, Nordost doesn't offer one because the size of the connection is to small for the size of the wire.

Hello PawelWoo: In full disclosure; we are an authorized Auralic dealer located in Atlanta, Georgia. I have driven the VEGA at low levels via XLR cables directly to the MERAK amps bypassing a traditional preamp altogether as well as using interconnects to a VTL (tubes) integrated with no degradation of sound. Additionally we he used it with T+A gear, everytime the VEGA shines. As with anything the better the components and synergy of the system the better the sound. With that being said the units I mentioned are very real world in terms of price

Hi, I am Charles, and I am the owner of Sight+Sound Gallery in Atlanta, GA. In the spirit of full disclosure, we are one of seven dealers of Auralic in the US. I want to address some of the comments and questions here about the product. Our current setup is the Auralic VEGA being feed directly into the Auralic MERAK into Marten Django L speakers, all cabling by Nordost. The sound is outstanding, it clearly bests setups I have heard costing twice as much. To answer a few of the questions that have been presented, we have played with the system in a myriad of configurations. With respect to volume, it is best to set the source to maximum volume and control the volume via the VEGA. We have used an Apple Mac Book via USB to play DSD files and SONOS via coax with their volume always at max. Furthermore, the user can set the startup volume independently for each input. 1. For me, near field listening is just as sweet as our true sweet spot. I think any noticeable change might be more attributed to the type of speakers versus the VEGA. 2. We haven’t done any scientific measurements, however these middle aged ears can definitely tell the difference between the DSD files versus even well recorded red book. Frankly put, you want DSD! 3. Later this year Auralic will have a US center open. However, I feel 100% confident any Auralic dealer will take care of any warranty item with minimum disruption. On a side note, this past weekend (July 13th), we had the pleasure to meet the founder of Auralic, Xuanqian. He flew in because he cares about his products, his dealers and how they are represented in the market place. After meeting my staff, a sit down lunch, and numerous hours talking about various subjects, my number one take away was this guy and this company are highly committed to excellent products and excellent customer service.