I am tempted to get an Auralic Aries S1 transport at an excellent price but there are some obvious disadvantages since they ceased trading. I was wondering if there are any owners on here and, if so, how are they getting on.
I currently use a Primare NP5 into a Naim DAC and I can’t remember the last time I used the Primare App to control the music as everything is done via Roon; so maybe the lack of software support isn’t the deal-breaker it first seems.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I am also interested in Auralic as I have an excellent offer for a brand new Vega S1 but I have the same reservations as you.
Interesting to hear the opinions of the fellow members.
I have Auralic streamers and dacs. There is a problem for new owners in that the Auralic control software on Ipad is no longer available. It’s fine for anyone who already has it on their ipad, but it is no longer available from the ipad store. You can use Bubble unpnp on Android or Lumin ( and similar others) on Ipad or use Qobuz connect on any platform for streaming.
I have the Aries S1 and the Vega S1 dac. Excellent pieces of kit and I bought mine after the demise of the company. I already had the Aries G2.1 Aries/Vega/Sirius and an Aries G1 and Vega G1. It shows how impressed I am with their sound quality. If you go for an Aries S1 you will of course need a separate dac. It may be better to go for the Vega which is an excellent dac, but also has a streamer on board.
Personally i would not give buying new or used a thought…….i prefer peace of mind that i have warranty and repair. But of course, you might get lucky, i rarely do?
Just to add, I see you already have roon and although I haven’t tried Roon on the S1 I did previously have a trial of Roon on the G series and that worked well.
That’s all good to know, thanks. I have a Naim DAC so I only need the streaming transport bit.
I believe some dealers till have the odd ex demo item at a good price, and they would probably know how to get their copy of the control software on to your ipad. Also there would be some help in explaining the situation and any recourse if something goes wrong while setting up. Audiobarn is one such.
I have the DAC S1. And never use the Auralic App, but have it set in Pure DAC mode (which turns off all the streaming services) and I use an Innuos server to stream music to the S1 via USB.
Roon is also an option. And from what I can tell you have some control of the DAC S1 via its physical buttons on top of the unit. At least to set it up before using a third party app to control it.
Yes, any of the Auralic dacs seem to be something of a bargain if you don’t need the streaming capability and its associated software control.
Can I ask why you want to move away from the Primare? I’m interested as I have recently bought a used Naim DAC-V1 to work with my 72/Hi/140 (2nd system) and am also now looking for a streamer (currently using a Sonos S1 Connect). The Primare NP5 and Limetree Network Bridge seem to get great reviews from folk on here….and possibly MXN10?
cheers
alf
Hi Alf,
The NP5 is probably one of the best value boxes I’ve ever owned - especially if you use Roon. I never really used the Primare App to comment properly - but it didn’t look the best (I suppose that can be said about a lot of apps until you get used to them). The NP5 was a definite improvement on the streaming side of the 272 from both a sound quality and functionality point of view. I’d highly recommend it. I used it with an improved power supply but I can’t remember the make - it wasn’t expensive though.
Having said all of that, the NP5 is probably the weakest link in the system at the moment so it will possibly be my next move. I’m certainly not desperate to take that step though - I only raised the question because the Auralic seems such a great bargain at the moment (from a sound quality/cost point of view - and Roon seems to overcome a lot of the functionality issues).
I don’t want to spend a fortune on a streamer because that’s probably where things become dated soonest - if that makes sense. The Eversolo T8 is also of interest because that would give me the chance to remove my aging NAS.
I would happily spend money on a nd5xs2 since I’m quite confident that it will receive updates for many years to come. Auralic streamers are for auralic dreamers only I’m afraid. Nd5xs2 & Naim Dac is a known match on this forum.
I’m not sure what an Auralic dreamer is but it sounds good.
I had your confidence about updates and longevity when I bought my 272 in 2019 - it was only a couple of years before it became virtually obsolete as a streamer (for my purposes).
The ND5 is an option but I don’t like the idea of paying for the DAC I won’t use.
I think that buying any second hand equipment that does not have a company behind it is a risk that has to be calculated. For me having had Auralic devices when they were still around as a company, both the sound quality and the reliability have given me confidence to buy post collapse at a good price. As long as the current ones keep working I will possibly buy an upgrade to my G1 series if the price is right on the used market. Similarly for those who are in the Naim streaming eco system I can imagine that buying out of production used kit could be similarly contemplated. If it works, it works. 
Thanks Matthew. I entirely agree with the separation of streaming/DAC components for the reason you cite. I’m also in the camp that believes the overall sound signature is more driven by the DAC than the streamer and I don’t want to be forced into a total sound signature change each time the streamer becomes obsolete. For me, this also rules out the all-in-1 products like Auralic and Innuous (though the latter sounded splendid at Bristol). Your comment re improving the power supply is noted. 
The NP5 is being discounted quite a bit by some retailers currently and I’m not sure if this is simply market conditions or whether this heralds a Mk3 in the offing later in the year. If the latter, I’m inclined to hold on unless a bargain used Mk2 crops up online.
As were Auralic owners until things fell apart with absolutely no warning.
There’s no guarantees in life and buying any Auralic product is obviously a lot riskier than most hifi purchases. But if the discount is large enough, I can well understand someone going for one.
As for control, Auralic uses the OpenHome platform and can be controlled by any OpenHome control app, I use the Linn app and it works well.
Roger
Personally I’d not, however, if you’re happy with the provenance and accept that once whatever dealer warranty has expired, that’s it, then if the cost sits within your definition of wholly disposable income, why not? Auralic we’re not known for poor manufacturing standards, so should last as long as might be expected.
Software, on the other hand, is considerably more problematic. There is every chance that one or more streaming service providers may change their operating software such that Auralic can no longer receive their content and if that’s your preferred provider, the streamer becomes an instant door stop.
Frankly, there must be a better option in the current market, and, of course remember, the dealers wants to offset at least part of their losses incurred from the ex-demo/old stock product which is essentially now written off.
ATB, J
No harm in that. Ensure that the risk is matched to the outlay / performance expectation and everyone can come out a winner. Also … very few enthusiasts keep a product until it falls to pieces anyway .. if it doesn’t perform for another thousand years, well, worse things happen.
Thanks for these replies. I think the last two sum it up perfectly - and in fairness, it’s basically what the dealer told me (apart from the door-stop bit).
Pound for pound I’m sure that the Auralic will give me the best sound out of what’s available today - the risk is just how long that might last. I’ll keep pondering I think - and see what happens.
It’s great gear - but there is a risk with Streaming and Radio services if the providers change their API’s as there is now no firmware or software (whichever is required) support. That said there are are some workarounds such as Roon, Qobuz Connect, etc. The the other risk is that the Lightning app has issues with a future update of iPad/Phone OS. I have an old iPad which will now never go beyond OS 15 as a back up - foot planted in the past so to speak. There is a big new version of Mac OS coming (version 27 I think) in the not too distant future that will cut backward compatibility with Macs that have Intel processors. Whether that will impact iPhones and iPads I do not know - I think probably not as those devices have always had Apple CPU’s, but who knows.
Even if I encounter problems going forward I have decided that I will soldier on with my Aries G2.2 (as it cost nigh on £6k) and use workarounds such as Roon and Qobuz Connect for streaming services and if it gets really bad the Linn or Lumin apps for my own ripped library playback.
If it all becomes impossible then of course I can purchase a new streamer. However in a world reliant on firmware and software support how do you know who will be around in 5 years time (or even 2 these days). Auralic looked, felt and acted totally solid right up to the point where they suddenly disappeared. Even if the worst does not happen there can be firmware/software issues - look at the firmware issue Naim had not so long back. Glad I still have my Vinyl and CD front ends - though I do greatly enjoy discovering music through streaming.