I do think it would be a shame if Auralic disappeared from the HiFi scene.
I would have expected the fairly new S1 series to do well. It’s competitively priced and the form factor appears to make it a natural partner with the Nait 50, though I’ve not actually heard that combination. Also, recently ATC have collaborated with Auralic when demonstrating their active speakers, both at shows and dealer events. They were scheduled to appear together at this year’s Northwest Audio Show and when Auralic were not there, I did begin to wonder.
But I hope the problems are temporary and they’ll be back in business soon.
Thanks for allowing Auralic Forum members to connect on Naim Community. I suspect many, like me, have a combination of Naim and Auralic units. Hopefully it will sort itself out soon but signs are not good for the Auralic Brand.
It seems they may be a casualty of the new way of the world, or at least that appears may is forcing changes that might not be beneficial for all - and this could be the first of a number where international sales have been a vital part of business. Doesn’t really explain the forum being down, unless the forum was on a US platform that their withdrawal from US markey may have impingd.
I’d also like to add my appreciation for Richard Dane “bending” the rules a little to help those of us struggling to understand what is going on.
John, I’ve also noted that US forum, they have setup an Auralic discussion thread as well…what I can’t understand is what the screenshot infers regarding IP’s that are “up” and “down”. My guess is everything US related is closing down, remains to be seen what is happening for rest of world (ie. Europe).
Paul, I’ve reached out to RB via text this morning but yet to receive a response, which isn’t unusual since past contacts took a day or so due to his work schedule.
Still no response from Auralic to my two emails though (using both Tech and Info links).
Everyone, I’d suggest we now start contacting our dealers in order to seek some clarity on this situation…using dealer network was suggested a while back by RB so may now be the only way forward if Forum and Tech Support are no longer responding.
Regarding what would occur with our devices if (and this is just me thinking the worse) the main server closes down is, I believe, unknown at present, I would think the company has a responsibility to ensure “basic” operations remain ie. music play, but obviously firmware updates, backups and any other feature that monitors performance will likely cease (could be those last firmware updates that didn’t get logged on website may have incorporated something to ensure that is so).
Anyhow, hopefully none of the above breaks Naim forum rules, if it does Richard, apologies, and could you edit to comply.
I’ll try and update if and when I get anything further (ie. from that text to RB)…hopefully all of this is just a result of some “restructuring” which could involve moving “services” to another location.
Many thanks for your investigative work and thoughts Simon. Hopefully you are right and it is “a result of some restructuring which could involve moving “services” to another location.”
I too wish to thank Richard Dane for his understanding and hospitality towards us…
I can’t help but suspect Auralic will not continue as we know it. If at all.
What this means for ongoing use of their streaming products and the Lightning DS app., I don’t know, clearly.
It does bring to bear one of my ongoing fears about streaming and devices, they’re only so good as the provider software and service is/can be maintained and the provider itself continues to function.
A record/CD/cassette player will keep playing media until the unit itself breaks.
Streamers however, (including earlier Naim ones) are at risk of losing their ability to function per expectations. Or at least have continuing functionality restricted, either through tech advances taken on by content providers (which can’t then be incorporated into older kit) or by, as I fear here, the demise of the providers themselves.
There has got to be quite a few users that still have devices within warranty, most likely the country specific and possibly the “extended” version (if one used the activation process).
Not sure for rest of world but I believe in UK these warranties are with the “seller” (sometimes backed up by the manufacturer)…so if above is true it could put dealers in a very awkward position.
That’s just my understanding, others may be able to clarify on this though.
EDIT: Just to add I’ve just gone to my G2.2 and checked for a firmware update, as expected nothing available, but it didn’t time out or freeze, just after a short while said it was up to date.
Now the question is, is that coming from a “still” available server or has the previous firmware been altered to give that response (guess time will tell).
Hopefully we will all be meeting up again when others see the link.
I’d like to extend my thanks again to Richard Dane for giving us some leeway, I’m sure it has been appreciated by all.
Thought that comes to mind though, how will those not on the other forums be aware Auralic forum has moved…wonder if a PM from new domain will reach their email box (if that setting was left on default).
