I downsized to a condominium and purchased the ATC SCM40A's with an Auralic G2 Streamer. I can't believe the sound I get on all music styles for less thans $20,000 all in! I'm particularly impressed by the ability to reproduce a well recorded symphony orchestra. The instruments are seperated in a way that each is "whole" yet the orchestra is blended and the soundstage is all there. There is a lack of coloration I hear in most high end audio. I play oboe in a symphony orchestra as a hobby, and know how it's supposed to sound. The voices....you know. The highs are better than the passive versions, and I'm at an age where I can't comment on what's above 10-11,000 Hz. Thanks for your help in making this satisfying choice.
Considering a similar set up. For its floorstanding size the 40A is a bit low on bass isn’t it? Even Dynaudio bookshelves dig deeper. Do you have a subwoofer?
Atc scm 40s have "articulate" bass I.e. if its "there" it's reproduced. Most speakers that claim to go lower merely produce that thumping which some listener's enjoy. However, If the room permits it, get a high end subwoofer not so much to go "lower" but to create a visceral experience of music, enveloping physically rather than just through the ears
I own the ARIES G2.1, I love it, went with it as I wanted the flexibility of changing DACs. To turn it into standby by you click on the device name at the top of the screen in the app, it drops down, click on the 3 little dots and select sleep; or you can use any remote and pair a button on it to put it into standby.
I have a home theater, 7.2.4, and 2 ch in one system. I landed on a NAD M17v2 processor. Blu Os streamer with Dirac built in. Being of the NAD masters series it sounds amazing for what it can do. The on screen display, configure ability, and ease of use is really a treat. Combined with my Class A 140w 2 ch amplifier, Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII it is almost end game for me. Dirac is phenomenal!! Great content Terry! Cheers!
I have one of those, it is excellent. I use a cheap, simple remote which you can easily program to control the basic functions, including putting the machine in standby.
Good job - mine is connected to my desktop, network & usb cable AND has a 4TB SSD in it, which I now use as the core location to store and play my digital music + audiobook library. It is connected to my Pathos headphone amp via balanced XLR and then on via balanced XLR to my main hifi amp -8+M away. The Lightning App has a number of weaknesses and the SSD must be a PRO level product (so not just any SSD) - particularly if you are moving large amounts of large files. I find that I have to delete the index to get it to properly reindex my library - refreshing the cache does not much good. I would be interested in seeing a comparison of the Altair 2.1 to the latest Auralic VEGA+Clock+Upsampler in the 2.2 or newer versions as well.
100% agree that Dirac is missing, I’m using miniDSP DDRC24 on a very resolving system and could not live without it. Imagine the Auralic would have Dirac, it would be a considered purchase. Same goes for hifi Rose… The idea using the M10 as pre-amp and streaming device is maybe a path to investigate 👍
Thanks Terry. I think I need to save up, as im using the G1 and loving it! Im sure the sonic improvements would be a step up. With it being Roon ready, apps are a bit of a moot point for us Roonies 😁 Appreciate your thoughts and your reviews as ever.
Hmm mmm, interesting 🤔🤔 Since you've reviewed the renowned HiFi Rose 150B, how does this Auralic Altair G2 compare to the iFi Rose 150B? Sound presentation, ease of use, built quality and wife acceptance factor. 😁 Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks
Yeah, I asked the same question and he ignored me too. He seems very careful on stepping on any audio company's toes. Everything is awesome! I guess... But if you say something positive you'll get a ❤
The heart is there as a thank you for a kind comment, so yes say something nice and get a heart, its not a crime. I cant answer about a comparison without all the products at the same time.
Thanks. This review helps keep me up on the digital front-end trends. I like digital just fine but, getting to a certain understanding is a pain when laying out a signal path to purchase. So, thanks again. 🔈🔉🔊
I have been using the ALTAIR G1 for over 2 years now and am more than satisfied with the device. Even the Lightning DS app has no problems with local data (internal SSD HD 2TB) and streaming from Qobuz. I don't use a turntable and my beloved Primare Pre 35 (XLR bi-amping to two Burmester 956 mk 2) is used as a preamp. So at the moment I only see the ALTAIR G2 cabinet as a real upgrade over the G1. Whether this justifies the additional price (sale of G1) of approx. 3500,-€ is a big question for me. I would like to hear other opinions on this situation.
I can see that and why, however maybe you could simplify your system and get a sound benefit too as the DAC analogue output stage stage is crucial to sound quality. I am not encouraging you to spend money here just suggesting it would be worth a comparison one day between the 2.1 straight to your amps compared to what your doing now. It could be a step on no idea
Thanks for another informative review. I have the Auralic Aries G1.1. If you just want a streaming transport I think it's difficult to better for sound quality and build quality, even at its price. I think its weakness is the lightning DS app - it's good, but not best in class (for all the auralic streamers/transports/dacs).
I didnt see that Dave, this is the whole thing with app solutions the more you use them the more you discover, so I was better this time around with Lightning DS than last time as I already had some experience, but fully aware there are thing I might ave missed by accident. However for changing different upsampling I was going deep into the menu make a change back out again and back in again. This might have been tricker because I decided to use my phone this time rather than a tablet to get the phone user experience.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem you are right. It’s just on and off from the now playing. I’ve had my G1 for a couple of years now and it’s a capable machine. The app is good but not perfect.
Thanks Terry, very informative - as always. While we are waiting for Dirac to be incorporated into the Auralic platform, what can users add to enable this externally, either to the Altair or, in my case, the Aries (2.1)? Thanks in advance - greetings to you and yours.
You would have to use a external digital music source and feed into the altair either analogue or digital and then you wouldn't really be using the altair for all its worth, so its doable but not necessarily easy or sensible.
Instead of using the slider in the app to control volume, can't you use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone, that'll be less jumpy and less prone to volume lag?
You probably can using Tidal connect for example but I dont think so for lightning ds. Plus I am not really referring to big jumps in volume I mean adjusting up and down just a couple of points as music changes or the session develops and you turn it up more and more
Love watching your reviews Terry. You always put your best into your work and it shows. However, on this particular product I would safely say that the wiim pro can probably do 90% or more of what this can do for less than 5% of the asking price of the auralic
Thanks, and this a great comment to show what is going on here, the wiim has made a splash because its cheap not because it offers reference level sound quality. Its a streamer with good functionality, well so is a chrome cast or a fire stick or an apple tv box. Yes those bits it maybe does as well as the AURALiC. The AURALiC has a passive preamplifier which means its powerless so works completely off the grid. I have another dedicated passive preamp here now to review. Its design is different but it costs £10k+ just to create some perspective. The AURALiC also has a very good class A bias DAC stage a phono stage that was as good as a £1k phono stage I have here. And it does more still. The Wiim cost 5% but it only offers of 5% of the same
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Terry have you looked at the wiim pro in detail? Comparing it to a chromecast or firestick isn't an accurate comparison. Comparing to the bluesound node is a better starting point. The wiim pro supports 24bit 192khz audio. Supports external dac, has parametric eq. Also functions as a preamp (chrome cast and others you mentioned cannot do this) and yes you can connect a phono preamp to the input of the wiim pro if you really want to. The Wiim is in a totally different league to the typical streamer you mentioned. MQA Unfolding, Roon ready, tidal connect, spotify connect, Amazon HD, Gapless HiRes, Alexa and Google home integration. The wiim supports using an external DAC via optical or coax (The built in DAC is burr brown and yes is an older but functional design). Get your hands on one I think you will find my statement is closer to the truth than you initially thought. I am 100% not trying to knock the AURALiC as a product. In my opinion products like the aurolic are like Hermes Bags. And yes the wiim aint in the same league. However, your reply makes me wonder if you have yet had the chance to take a deep dive into the wiim pro. One of these connected to a mini dsp with dirac and you have a helluva capable system.
There would be little point using a wiim with a minidsp as the minidsp does it all already and more, so again its back to the price with the WIIM so it has a place but I dont know why there is a such a fuss being made about it, well actually I do,
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Ah ok.... a bunch of youtubers got them for free to try and you didn't. In your response to my comments you make assumptions about the WIIM without actually having tested a Wiim Pro with an external DAC yourself. I have 3 of these purchased with my own money and I can tell you my initial comment remains unchanged. I guess I am just surprised to see you dismissing a product that you haven't actually tried yourself. Is the auralic a superior preamp....absolutely.
I own one, yeah its too much for short term ownership (1-3yrs), so I do plan to keep it for a long time. Its a great unit that allowed me to simplify my setup with no comprise to my taste by having a streamer and preamp and dac in one unit. Separates will costs more in this caliber/league
Certainly not me. The main advantage with today's cutting edge Hi Fi is that over time technological elements trickle down into much more affordable products 🙂
@@andrewbrazier9664 Yeah true. Bluesound NODE is a great example of trickle down, but this type of engineering in Altair has unavoidable costs$, but I believe they have an overly healthy profit margin I'm sure just like apple products.
I downsized to a condominium and purchased the ATC SCM40A's with an Auralic G2 Streamer. I can't believe the sound I get on all music styles for less thans $20,000 all in! I'm particularly impressed by the ability to reproduce a well recorded symphony orchestra. The instruments are seperated in a way that each is "whole" yet the orchestra is blended and the soundstage is all there. There is a lack of coloration I hear in most high end audio. I play oboe in a symphony orchestra as a hobby, and know how it's supposed to sound. The voices....you know. The highs are better than the passive versions, and I'm at an age where I can't comment on what's above 10-11,000 Hz. Thanks for your help in making this satisfying choice.
Considering a similar set up. For its floorstanding size the 40A is a bit low on bass isn’t it? Even Dynaudio bookshelves dig deeper. Do you have a subwoofer?
Atc scm 40s have "articulate" bass I.e. if its "there" it's reproduced. Most speakers that claim to go lower merely produce that thumping which some listener's enjoy. However, If the room permits it, get a high end subwoofer not so much to go "lower" but to create a visceral experience of music, enveloping physically rather than just through the ears
I will keep my AURALiC ALTAIR G1 so far I am happy with it.
Me too!
I own the ARIES G2.1, I love it, went with it as I wanted the flexibility of changing DACs. To turn it into standby by you click on the device name at the top of the screen in the app, it drops down, click on the 3 little dots and select sleep; or you can use any remote and pair a button on it to put it into standby.
There you, go I didn't see that I thought I might have missed something, thanks Benvos
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 vs. HiFi Rose RS150B vs.cocktailAudio X50Pro. Which is best? Or, what are the differences in sound between them?
I have a home theater, 7.2.4, and 2 ch in one system. I landed on a NAD M17v2 processor. Blu Os streamer with Dirac built in. Being of the NAD masters series it sounds amazing for what it can do. The on screen display, configure ability, and ease of use is really a treat. Combined with my Class A 140w 2 ch amplifier, Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII it is almost end game for me. Dirac is phenomenal!! Great content Terry! Cheers!
Great review! How does this compare to the HiFi Rose 150b you recently reviewed and also rated highly? Is the SQ even better?
I have one of those, it is excellent. I use a cheap, simple remote which you can easily program to control the basic functions, including putting the machine in standby.
Good job - mine is connected to my desktop, network & usb cable AND has a 4TB SSD in it, which I now use as the core location to store and play my digital music + audiobook library. It is connected to my Pathos headphone amp via balanced XLR and then on via balanced XLR to my main hifi amp -8+M away.
The Lightning App has a number of weaknesses and the SSD must be a PRO level product (so not just any SSD) - particularly if you are moving large amounts of large files. I find that I have to delete the index to get it to properly reindex my library - refreshing the cache does not much good.
I would be interested in seeing a comparison of the Altair 2.1 to the latest Auralic VEGA+Clock+Upsampler in the 2.2 or newer versions as well.
Hope you'll get to review the new Auralic Vega S1.
Nice review, very curious if you are going to be looking at the Naim NSC 222 and maybe compare?
100% agree that Dirac is missing, I’m using miniDSP DDRC24 on a very resolving system and could not live without it. Imagine the Auralic would have Dirac, it would be a considered purchase. Same goes for hifi Rose… The idea using the M10 as pre-amp and streaming device is maybe a path to investigate 👍
Thanks Terry. I think I need to save up, as im using the G1 and loving it! Im sure the sonic improvements would be a step up. With it being Roon ready, apps are a bit of a moot point for us Roonies 😁 Appreciate your thoughts and your reviews as ever.
This is a great affordable Dac/streamer!
Hmm mmm, interesting 🤔🤔
Since you've reviewed the renowned HiFi Rose 150B, how does this Auralic Altair G2 compare to the iFi Rose 150B?
Sound presentation, ease of use, built quality and wife acceptance factor. 😁
Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks
Yeah, I asked the same question and he ignored me too. He seems very careful on stepping on any audio company's toes. Everything is awesome! I guess... But if you say something positive you'll get a ❤
The heart is there as a thank you for a kind comment, so yes say something nice and get a heart, its not a crime. I cant answer about a comparison without all the products at the same time.
Thanks. This review helps keep me up on the digital front-end trends. I like digital just fine but, getting to a certain understanding is a pain when laying out a signal path to purchase. So, thanks again. 🔈🔉🔊
I have been using the ALTAIR G1 for over 2 years now and am more than satisfied with the device. Even the Lightning DS app has no problems with local data (internal SSD HD 2TB) and streaming from Qobuz. I don't use a turntable and my beloved Primare Pre 35 (XLR bi-amping to two Burmester 956 mk 2) is used as a preamp.
So at the moment I only see the ALTAIR G2 cabinet as a real upgrade over the G1. Whether this justifies the additional price (sale of G1) of approx. 3500,-€ is a big question for me. I would like to hear other opinions on this situation.
I can see that and why, however maybe you could simplify your system and get a sound benefit too as the DAC analogue output stage stage is crucial to sound quality. I am not encouraging you to spend money here just suggesting it would be worth a comparison one day between the 2.1 straight to your amps compared to what your doing now. It could be a step on no idea
I use a Burmester 036 amp with my G2.1. I listened to the G1, and the 2 was clearly better across the board.
Is this a similar product to the new Naim 222 preamp dac, streamer ? Maybe the Naim is a bit more expensive , but maybe a realistic competitor ?
Yes I think its in direct competition to the new Naim
Thanks for another informative review. I have the Auralic Aries G1.1. If you just want a streaming transport I think it's difficult to better for sound quality and build quality, even at its price. I think its weakness is the lightning DS app - it's good, but not best in class (for all the auralic streamers/transports/dacs).
At least it has balanced outs!
Yes !!
Upsampling, Eq and Distance compensation can be switched on and off via the now playing screen on the app.
I didnt see that Dave, this is the whole thing with app solutions the more you use them the more you discover, so I was better this time around with Lightning DS than last time as I already had some experience, but fully aware there are thing I might ave missed by accident. However for changing different upsampling I was going deep into the menu make a change back out again and back in again. This might have been tricker because I decided to use my phone this time rather than a tablet to get the phone user experience.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem you are right. It’s just on and off from the now playing. I’ve had my G1 for a couple of years now and it’s a capable machine. The app is good but not perfect.
Good review
Comparing to rose 150b DAC witch one to pick up?
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 vs AURALiC ALTAIR G1.1 - soundwise differences? I Liked details on 1.1 but missed "meat" at the bottom. Your thoughts?
Yeah exactly that 2.1 is better for sure
@@PursuitPerfectSystemTHX!
Thanks Terry, very informative - as always. While we are waiting for Dirac to be incorporated into the Auralic platform, what can users add to enable this externally, either to the Altair or, in my case, the Aries (2.1)? Thanks in advance - greetings to you and yours.
You would have to use a external digital music source and feed into the altair either analogue or digital and then you wouldn't really be using the altair for all its worth, so its doable but not necessarily easy or sensible.
Do you know the XLR Output Voltage Terry, Thanks Paul.
I am sorry I dont, maybe check the website spec
Instead of using the slider in the app to control volume, can't you use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone, that'll be less jumpy and less prone to volume lag?
You probably can using Tidal connect for example but I dont think so for lightning ds. Plus I am not really referring to big jumps in volume I mean adjusting up and down just a couple of points as music changes or the session develops and you turn it up more and more
Are the analogue inputs and phono stage digitised (ADC/DAC£ or do they remain analogue in this auralic ?
No, straight through to the pre, but the volume can still be controlled via the app which is a cool feature
@@PursuitPerfectSystem ok thanks for clarifying .
Adding Dirac would make it more expensive than it already is. Is there a remote? I'd much rather have a button on a remote than a slider on a phone.
not necessarily, just depends
I think there is an optional remote control ?
I think remote learning is made easy but it doesn't come with one
Hi!, What about the headphones amp and sound? Thanks.
I didnt test that sorry
Did you try any headphone listening with this unit Terry?
Hi Ian, no I didnt as I have drawn a line in the sand about reviewing hifi gear with headphone sockets ruclips.net/video/uV6cf777NNE/видео.html
So 5000$ and they even didn't bother to clean the flux 2:40 ?
Love watching your reviews Terry. You always put your best into your work and it shows. However, on this particular product I would safely say that the wiim pro can probably do 90% or more of what this can do for less than 5% of the asking price of the auralic
Thanks, and this a great comment to show what is going on here, the wiim has made a splash because its cheap not because it offers reference level sound quality. Its a streamer with good functionality, well so is a chrome cast or a fire stick or an apple tv box. Yes those bits it maybe does as well as the AURALiC. The AURALiC has a passive preamplifier which means its powerless so works completely off the grid. I have another dedicated passive preamp here now to review. Its design is different but it costs £10k+ just to create some perspective. The AURALiC also has a very good class A bias DAC stage a phono stage that was as good as a £1k phono stage I have here. And it does more still. The Wiim cost 5% but it only offers of 5% of the same
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Terry have you looked at the wiim pro in detail? Comparing it to a chromecast or firestick isn't an accurate comparison. Comparing to the bluesound node is a better starting point. The wiim pro supports 24bit 192khz audio. Supports external dac, has parametric eq. Also functions as a preamp (chrome cast and others you mentioned cannot do this) and yes you can connect a phono preamp to the input of the wiim pro if you really want to. The Wiim is in a totally different league to the typical streamer you mentioned. MQA Unfolding, Roon ready, tidal connect, spotify connect, Amazon HD, Gapless HiRes, Alexa and Google home integration. The wiim supports using an external DAC via optical or coax (The built in DAC is burr brown and yes is an older but functional design). Get your hands on one I think you will find my statement is closer to the truth than you initially thought. I am 100% not trying to knock the AURALiC as a product. In my opinion products like the aurolic are like Hermes Bags. And yes the wiim aint in the same league.
However, your reply makes me wonder if you have yet had the chance to take a deep dive into the wiim pro. One of these connected to a mini dsp with dirac and you have a helluva capable system.
There would be little point using a wiim with a minidsp as the minidsp does it all already and more, so again its back to the price with the WIIM so it has a place but I dont know why there is a such a fuss being made about it, well actually I do,
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Ah ok.... a bunch of youtubers got them for free to try and you didn't. In your response to my comments you make assumptions about the WIIM without actually having tested a Wiim Pro with an external DAC yourself.
I have 3 of these purchased with my own money and I can tell you my initial comment remains unchanged. I guess I am just surprised to see you dismissing a product that you haven't actually tried yourself. Is the auralic a superior preamp....absolutely.
Can anyone watching this afford it?
I own one, yeah its too much for short term ownership (1-3yrs), so I do plan to keep it for a long time. Its a great unit that allowed me to simplify my setup with no comprise to my taste by having a streamer and preamp and dac in one unit. Separates will costs more in this caliber/league
Certainly not me.
The main advantage with today's cutting edge Hi Fi is that over time technological elements trickle down into much more affordable products 🙂
@@andrewbrazier9664 Yeah true. Bluesound NODE is a great example of trickle down, but this type of engineering in Altair has unavoidable costs$, but I believe they have an overly healthy profit margin I'm sure just like apple products.
@@andrewbrazier9664 Check out the Lumin brand they are even more than Auralic but in my opinion not any better.
Yep
There is butter for volym😂
Naim 222?
Yes that has likely become the closest price competitor
How about vs. the Aurender A15? Similarly priced…thanks, great review!
I havent looked at any Aurender but your right great shout