On 14/08/2018 at 12:58 AM, Matyk said: Also would the aries be more superior than the mac? Started Tuesday at 08:58 PM, By PS. Others like Cambridge CXN and 851N or steamers up to 2500 euro/dollar like Teac, Sotm, Lumin, Innuos Zen etc. Cambridge CXN: Good but Cambridge 851N sounds better . The Zen Mk 3 seems to be a bit going for a bit over $4k with a 1 TB HDD, which is within my budget, but unless I just use it to just feed the CXN V1 and use its existing DAC, I would need to buy abetter, stand alone DAC (and high quality cable)to really take advantage of its low-noise serving capabilities. (34cm x 32cm x 8cm), AURALiC ALTAIR G1.12*External WiFi antenna (2pcs)Power cordUSB CableUser's guide, * Tested under Filter Mode Precise for all sampling rate*** 352.8KHz and 384KHz and 32bit are supported through streaming and USB inputs only**** By 'DoP V1.1' or native DSD protocol through streaming and USB inputs only, Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more , 2023 AURALIC. (no Android app). Tri-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet open your system to UPnP/DLNA media servers, shared network folders, high-resolution Internet Services, and Internet Radio, as well as RoonReady, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 control. OK, that narrows things down a bit by excluding amp devices. what are the positive and negative effects of agriculture 97887 65581; baseball stadium model kits saiservicecentre2020@gmail.com Categorias . Cambridge Audios Black CX Series 2, Campfire Audio updates Solaris, Andromeda IEMs, Schiit introduces two super-affordable power amplifiers, Over-the-phone buying advice or general hi-fi discussion. Switched from Spotify and now 90% plus of my listening is through Qobuz. DAC recommendations needed for Samsung TV --> Marantz AMP (PM7000) --> B&W 603 S3, Looking for some advice on Music Streamers. Top . If suit. Thanks. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three . As I have mentioned, if you are Ok with the spending it is all good. I can hear the sound as more . The Cambridge DAC is supposedly softer/rounder sounding than the Mytek, which is described as more precise. I two systems. Particularely interested in the Auralic Altair and the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, as they both add apple play, along with the Qobuz (I subscribe to both) and the fact that they have balanced output. Kevin, please know that you can reach out with any questions. Publicado por em 23/05/2021. . Lindemann Limetree Network. The room is 5.0m (w) x 5.78m (long) x 2.7m (h) but household harmony issues prevent any obvious room treatment, as it is our main living room. With XLR output this is a really nice set of options. Most of us are used to single-purpose components that require numerous add-ons for additional features or components that are multi-function but serve as a jack of all trades, masters of none. . can be assigned to buttons just the way you like them. OpenHome compatible control software (BubbleUPnP, Kazoo) Its a great piece of gear but unfortunately it doesnt satisfy me sonicallynow Im hunting for a external DAC. https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/aurender-a100-caching-network-music-server-player-with-analog-outputs. I have a 10TB hard drive attached and it does very well as a streamer, tough the user interface here is a bit primative. Right now I'm still leaning towards the Teac NT-505 and Auralic Altair G1. Am I correct in thinking you have reversed the order to best -> worse? Sai Service Centre is one of the trusted service centre as far as Washing Machine, Refrigerator and https://us.auralic.com/products/altair-g1 I know which one I'd rather have, especially when you think about the app that controls the Cambridge vs the app that controls the Auralic. Audiolab 6000N Play. and the control software is stable. I also actuallyhave a friend who is a networkelectrician, so perhaps it is time to bite the bullet and get him to install a few ethernet runs in the house from the router. Highly recommended brand. Particularely interested in the Auralic Altair and the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, as they both add apple play, along with the Qobuz (I subscribe to both) and the fact that they have balanced output. Like with Aries only a network is needed. It also has a more powerful built-in headphone amplifier, making the headphone listening experience even better. With the ALTAIR G1, AURALiC has updated the design of the original ALTAIR to include a new-look chassis that boasts a larger and much-improved display, a new Tesla G2 computing/processing platform, a newer DAC chip, and enhanced networking technology. * Tested under Filter Mode Precise for all sampling rate. What a pleasure to get your thoughtful replies. The Altair can include a 2TB internal HDD/SSD for an extra $400 or so. I would definitely check out the Altair G1. Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20. It's easy! You do need an iPad/iPhone for the first time configuration or if you need to make any changes to the settings. I have the Cambridge CXC transport, which I'm very happy with, and have been researching a streamer to pair with it. It offers a vast number of features and functions, allowing you to stream music from virtually any source. auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxnthemis law pllc manassas, va reviews auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn. app, ideally with user definable tags. I will be using it with Cyrus DAC XP. Product: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Price: 800 Origin: UK/China Type: Network music player/DAC/ digital preamp Weight: 3.5kg Dimensions: (WxHxD) 430 x 85 x 305mm. By clicking links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission, but our editorial remains entirely independent and unbiased. Stunning Sound Quality - Hear every detail in your digital files Connect Anything - USB, Coaxial and TOSLINK wired connections. I also highly recommend the Auralic Vega G1. Chris Morris. I can discuss the Cambridge 851N. I forgot to think about that. Irecommend it over the original LPS-1 power supply. I have my Auralic streamerconnected to a WiFi setup and have had no problems over the past year or so running Tidal. 2 MB Download. Digital: Cambridge CXC . 2. Lindemann Limetree Network. Hi-Fi Auralic Auralic Altair G1 Streamer (2019) SRP: 1,899.00 Introduction - What is the Auralic Altair G1? 4. . I also have in another system the Auralic Altair G1--less expensive than Vega G1--sound is excellent but the Vega G1 is noticeably better. What about doubling our rival spend to take in AURALiC's Altair G1 (2199), which: matches the Cambridge on XLR balanced outputs, colour display and volume/menu rotary; adds a very good sounding headphone output that the CXN (V2) doesn't have; but, like the Bluesound, gives us only two-thirds of our Holy Trinity - Chromecast Built-in is MIA. It has what it takes to become a classic! Sorry for the length. Having solid experience in household appliances repair and services, Sai Service Centre holds Audiolab 6000N Play. The rear of the box is generously laid out with plenty of space for everything. I got one in 2016 and have been happy with the sound and reliability. SOtM sMS-200 Neo. With any usb streamer, a good power supply and a good usb cable are essential for better audio. The age old issue of diminishing returns. Pretty happy with my Cary DMS-600. Now I am using Idagio and the replay quality is much lower as I have to cast Idagio contents via Airplay or Chromecast. : Airport Extreme bridge > Netgear switch > TP-Link optical isolation > dCS Network Bridge AND PS Audio PerfectWave Transport > PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge Mk.II > Primare A60 > Harbeth SHL5plus Anniversary Edition . auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn - paulifertil.com.br Particularely interested in the Auralic Altair and the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, as they both add apple play, along with the Qobuz (I subscribe to both) and the fact that they have balanced output. It works with Roon or you can you its own Lightning software. Auralic are bringing a new firmware this month I believe that introduces room correction. I need to look into Innuos more closely to really get a handle on what they offer. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. . Moved up from a Naim. be it a single-door refrigerator, a double-door refrigerator or any other models. It is really not difficult to support user-specifictags, every halfway decent system for organizing photographs, mails, bookmarks, etc. Auralic Vega G1. Auralic Altair G1 Digital Audio Streamer 1999 and Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) for 699. Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC, Running ethernet is not really an option. Anyway, the upshot is that I can get very good sound out of the setup, BUT. Play from locally stored files on your network, a USB drive, an optional integrated hard drive, as well as AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth sources. Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2. It may not display this or other websites correctly. providessuch support. Altair G1.1 - Auralic Right now I'm still leaning towards the Teac NT-505 and Auralic Altair G1. As im sure it should be to the cambridge? A meticulously-crafted software architecture designed specifically to work hand-in-hand with the powerful Tesla hardware platform found in AURALiC streaming products, Lightning OS is full of cutting-edge innovations that bring your music to life like never before. Using a specially designed transformer and unique wiring that minimizes vibration, noise from Purer-Power is kept below 1uV across the audible spectrum, leaving you to discover the details in your music, down to the last bit. Notify me when this product is available: CPU performance thats 50% faster than the original Tesla G1 processor. The question/problem is the price difference between the Cambridge Audio and the Auralic. too. BTW, I dont use Tidal/Qobuz or Internet Radio. It's an older design vs. the CXN V2 which is newer. Next level. I would hope so at almost 2.5 times the price. Understandably the G1 sacrifices some of the features of the flagship model to . Our aim is to have more satisfied customer rather than the numbers of work. Havent regretted it, the Vega is an absolutely outstandingStreaming DAC. I have the cxn cambridge streamer fed into it. I also have in another system the Auralic Altair G1--less expensive than Vega G1--sound is excellent but the Vega G1 is noticeably better. Upgrade from Cambridge Audio CXNv2 to separate DAC and streamer, HELP WITH CHOICE OF MUSIC STREAMER-CAMBRIDGE AUDIO OR AUDIOLAB OMNIA & TURNTABLE. I have the X1 and am very pleased. Apr 26, 2021. Stunning Sound Quality - Hear every detail in your digital files Connect Anything - USB, Coaxial and TOSLINK wired connections. ALTAIR User's Guide - AURALIC LIMITED Yes, I agree with you. The Auralic is swinging it at the minute based two factors, one is an existing bias against the Cambridge Audio gear based on what I perceive to be cheap build quality, the other is that I can add an internal SSD to the Auralic but only add external SSD to the 851N. Either the Innuos or the Auralic are very good options, I am happy tohave both brands in my demo systems including an Altair,aAries G2.1 andfor Innuos aZenith Mk3. I understand that you areinterested in transports with USB outputs, right? AURALiC's entry-level streaming DAC - the Altair G1 - has been elevated to G2.1 status to sit alongside the recently reviewed Vega G2.1. Unfortunately the Mini wont be getting the upgrade as it doesnt have a high enough spec. I imagine it's similar to the difference between my Cambridge DacMagic and Chord Mojo. I am known to advocate simpler solutions, so no surprise my suggestion to go Altair. 0. You need Dac and if one box solution is required/preferedthan anything from Innuos is out, secondly Im not sure if you still require dsp, if yes than either extra box or something like Nad C 658 with onboard Dirac Live, if not than streamer with built in dac such as Auralic already mentioned or many others, if I would be looking fornew streamer it would be Lumin for its excellent app, I tried most of them and Lumin is hands down one of the best, second would be Auralic, plenty of users of both camps here on SNA so you should be able to get decent feedback if you ask, Another option that never seems to get a mention is the Aurender. Have I got that right? NB. Lightning DS seems to be functional and I would have a high-quality, one-box, one-room solution ? Blackblade; Apr 26, 2021; Music Streamers; Replies 2 Views 596. In terms of pursuing an Innuos based solution, which, based on their design brief and reviews I'm sure would sound great, it seems that it I would be in for a much higher overall costoutlay? Streamers ranked by sound quality - Audiophile Style All rights reserved. Hoping to capture a wider audience, Auralic unveils a lower-cost version of its impressive Aries G2 streaming transport and HFC reckons there's precious little in itEagle-eyed readers will recognise the form of the Auralic Aries G1 from our review in the January issue of its high-end Aries G2 sibling at 3,899. The build quality is impressive, first class fit and finish, great sound, good app, and the company has good support. A Review of the AURALiC Aries G1 streaming transport, which sadly fails to impress in two test systems, considering the price. It makes it more of a straight $1500 vs the total initial investment of $2600 + shipping two ways. Header Menu Menu auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn. The Auralic Altair G1 has the matte finish that does get a bit dusty and is a fingerprint nightmare but overall the quality is evident from this and all Auralic products. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. The rear of the box is generously laid out with plenty of space for everything. auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn - vitaclic.ch I knew they also sold PMC speakers and, luckily, they were able to use the, Funny to see this, Snoop. The Auralic is swinging it at the minute based two factors, one is an existing bias against the Cambridge Audio gear based on what I perceive to be cheap build quality, the other is that I can add an internal SSD to the Auralic but only add external SSD to the 851N. Product: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Price: 800 Origin: UK/China Type: Network music player/DAC/ digital preamp Weight: 3.5kg Dimensions: (WxHxD) 430 x 85 x 305mm FEATURES Wi-fi and Ethernet streaming up to 24-bit/384kHz DSD64 playback via USB Apple AirPlay Digital inputs: 1x USB Type-B; 2x USB Type-A; 1x coaxial; 1x optical I have found by the way all these streaming services unacceptablydumb: none of them offers ameans of organizing favorite albums by tags or folders. Im happy with it, but Im looking at offloading to a DAC to improve the sound even further. We offer this service at minimum budget. I am thinking that I will upgrade to an Auralic Altair G1 with internal HDD as it will hopefully tick all of the above boxes. then a bridge may very well do the trick under minimal loading. I've also heard the G2 versions many times. Lot more talk about this nowadays. If it goes beyond, it is advisable that purchasing the new machine would be Frequency Response: 20 - 20KHz, +/- 0.1dB*THD+N: < 0.0002% (XLR); < 0.0003% (RCA), 20Hz-20KHz at 0dBFSDynamic Range: 124dB, 20Hz-20KHz, A-weighted, Lossless: AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, OGG, WAV and WVLossy: AAC, MP3 and WMA, PCM: 44.1KHz to 384KHz in 32Bit***DSD: DSD64(2.8224MHz), DSD128(5.6448MHz), DSD256(11.2896MHz), DSD512(22.57892MHz)****, AURALiC Lightning DS for iOS I listened mainly to CDs and flac files ripped from CDs, with the odd hi-res and DSD download. Music can be sourced from virtually any source . Connect the ALTAIR G1.1 to your amplifier or powered speakers and enjoy a world of music streaming options at your fingertips. AURALiC's entry-level streaming DAC - the Altair G1 - has been elevated to G2.1 status to sit alongside the recently reviewed Vega G2.1. No problems. Auralic Vega G1. Hi-Fi 1: Airport Extreme bridge > Netgear switch > TP-Link optical isolation > dCS Network Bridge AND PS Audio PerfectWave Transport > PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge Mk.II > Primare A60 > Harbeth SHL5plus Anniversary Edition . The setup is a bit complicated, relies on WiFi and, sonically I am looking for a bit better soundstage width and depth than I currently get, whilst still being able to do some low end DSP. Cambridge CXN V2 | Page 6 | Steve Hoffman Music Forums While people are searching the best washing machine, Refrigerator or Air conditioner repair and Main setup: Surge protector +_iFi AC iPurifiers >Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Conditioning+Isolation>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three >GIK Room Treatments. Bang for dollar the Altair is very hard to beat and does everything its designed to do extremely well. I think the most important consideration though is whether you plan on using the internal DAC or not. Either the Innuos or the Auralic are very good options, I am happy tohave both brands in my demo systems including an Altair,aAries G2.1 andfor Innuos aZenith Mk3. Will the latter fully replace the former? 7 kg Semi Automatic Top Loading, 8 kg Fully Automatic Front Loading, 6.2 kg Fully Automatic Top . Auralic and Gieseler should bea fine combo. As an Innuos owner, this would fit the bill (as well as making future Cd ripping a breeze to do). CD data is first read, and compared several times for accuracy into the system cache before playing. Product: Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Price: 800 Origin: UK/China Type: Network music player/DAC/ digital preamp Weight: 3.5kg Dimensions: (WxHxD) 430 x 85 x 305mm. (Not sure if it is impossible to controlvia Android or if there are work arounds). There are a lot of very good dads now days. The Purer-Power linear power supply reduces DC current noise by as much as 90dB with its power purification module. Cambridge Audio's network players CXN (V2) and Edge NQ now also support Roon's "RAAT" protocol. I've also heard the G2 versions many times. But as you say, auditioning is key and you might come back with an entirely different opinion on ALL of the above!!! The Vega G.1 is probably won't be on my horizon any time soonbut I'm glad you are really happy with it. Leema Acoustics Elements Streamer. . the customers positive feedback for the work we do. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 | Hi-Fi Choice Auralic Altair G1 | The Ear Does Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, MQA, etc. No WiFi? As an entry point to the AURALiC ecosystem, the ALTAIR G1 offers a comprehensive number of features and functions. auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn Those are the best. By NAD M10. Like the Vega G2.1, the all-new Altair G2.1 is a streaming DAC that features the Chinese/American manufacturer's top-of-the-line Tesla platform, complete with dual Femto clocks, for the best streaming hardware AURALiC know how to make but . The second generation of our ActiveUSB provides more than just asynchronous control over USB data for enhanced accuracy and precise re-clocking to reduce jitter. I use the LUMIN U1 Mini with a PS Audio DS DAC and am very happy with that combination. I have read good things about the Cambridge Audio 851n and their CXN v2; $1,500 and $1,100, respectively. I traded my NAD M10 in and am awaiting delivery of a new M33, sometime in mid to late August. Tidal /Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105--> Supra 8-->EtherRegen--> Fiber--> opticalRendu /CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's. I would like to hear comparisons with Lumin U1 mini and also Teac NT-505. Certain appliances requires Annual Maintenance. Sound Media Group Pty Ltd moon neo mind vs bluesound node 2 - katyviolinshop.com In the last day or so Dale and I have been comparing notes on the Auralic usingwireless and having just had my wireless system updated to the latest 6 version my G2.1 sounds excellent using wireless. Apr 26, 2021. Am I missing something, in all this? Does spending more genuinely result in better sound quality? I'm running the auralic vega. https://us.auralic.com/products/altair-g1 I know which one I'd rather have, especially when you think about the app that controls the Cambridge vs the app that controls the Auralic. It feels good. Audiolab 6000N Play. So in the lineup the G1 looks like the black sheep of the family. I have been using Apple products for a long time and we have plenty of iPads and iPhones to use as controllers ? The CXN was my first dip into thedigital/streaming world and I'm sure there are plenty of better options out there, at a price. Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2. The Altair does seem to offer everything I am looking for in a single box solution. Particularely interested in the Auralic Altair and the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, as they both add apple play, along with the Qobuz (I subscribe to both) and the fact that they have balanced output. . StereoNET (Australia) is part of an international network of publications owned wholly by Sound Media Group (Australia). So I personally would really consider the G1 over Mini. Rod. Sai Service Centre is one of the best repair and service providers in and around Trichy, The main differences between these two categories are that members of the VEGA family of products focus on the onboard DAC's sonic performance and do not offer server capabilities, whereas ALTAIR products all offer a comprehensive set of features (including server capabilities for local file-based music management and Wi-Fi connectivity) at a The Altair would have been excellent, but forme though, a no regrets outcome drove me further up the Auralic food chain to a Vega G2.1, at considerably more doshthan the Altair. (I am 75 years young). I also thought Audirvana sounded better in my system. The services as they are now are for me unusable. I also used to have a Cambridge 851N, which while good, is not in the same league as the Auralic products. Cost stays below most options or combos from Lumin and Auralic, but above a Node + balanced tube dac like the Musical Paradise. Like the Vega G2.1, the all-new Altair G2.1 is a streaming DAC that features the Chinese/American manufacturer's top-of-the-line Tesla platform, complete with dual Femto clocks, for the best streaming hardware AURALiC know how to make but . Leema Acoustics Elements Streamer. I can use REW and have the mics, etc.. to analyse the setup and then just add some low end EQ in to, hopefully, tame a few room modes. I do have an Apple Music subscription that I listen to when out and about using wireless ear-buds and I can stream that via AirPlay (1) to the CXN. the customer can trust us. We developed Lightning OS to be the highest-quality streaming environment youve ever heard. An enormous memory cache means reduced network noise and dramatically reduced open circuit time for improved sound quality. It also has a streamer and an excellent ES Sabre DAC. Auralic is Hi Fi. I pass preamp from it. DXD upsampling features as standard and an extensive range of DSP filters provide broad choices to suit personal preferences. If spending a lot, then do yourself a favour and make really sure you like the UI of the controller app - often this will be the biggest difference in a price bracket rather than the DAC quality used. The Mac is limited by a noisy power supply. And yes, Qobuz replay was as good as replay from local and LAN 16bits/44.1kHz files. Auralic G1 no idea on the level of the dac but Auralic does make excellent products with both MQA and Roon capability. 11/09/2019. As always, I'm happy to hear Lumin devotees to persuade me otherwise ?. Because I already have the cxn, the barrier of entry is lower with the Modwright mod. Powered by Invision Community. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. With the ALTAIR G1, AURALiC has updated the design of the original ALTAIR to include a new-look chassis that boasts a larger and much-improved display, a new Tesla G2 computing/processing platform, a newer DAC chip, and enhanced networking technology. MAQ is noticeably better. It offers a vast number of features and functions, allowing you to stream music from virtually any source. Its various modes were developed using a combination of objective data models and subjective testing, with each mode offering a unique array of filters to match the sonic quality of the source. Not the best solution compared to the iOS interface, but you can live with it. Auralic G1 no idea on the level of the dac but Auralic does make excellent products with both MQA and Roon capability. . The new device accepts and processes both analog and digital sources. Comparing balanced analogue outputs, the CXN (V2) matches the AURALiC on soundstage width and height but not on depth. AVForums.com is owned and operated by M2N Limited, It doesn't seem to have any WiFi specs that I can find. Auralic combines the Altair G1 digital music-streamer with the benefits the premium G2.1 series offers, creating the new Altair G2.1. I figure it was advanced enough that it was not going to be outdated in my lifetime. But when i use usb from mac (running desktop tidal) to vega dac it upsamples it to 384 as opposed to standard. The Auralic Altair G1 has the matte finish that does get a bit dusty and is a fingerprint nightmare but overall the quality is evident from this and all Auralic products. Could make a difference. Despite the cost of household items are getting increased day by day, we used to collect the Heimo And Edna Korth 2020, Auralic's DS is often preferred, BUT is iOS only. In addition the Altair G1 at the same price as the Aries G1, has same streaming functionality, a DAC, and is a preamp with the option to fit a solid state . I have tweaked my current system within an inch of its life and really enjoy the sound quality it offers most of the time so I am hopeful that a step up in class to the Altair G1 will keep me very happy for the foreseeable future. A2A have some great deals on Aurender products at the moment. A server will do a much better job of cataloguing your music collection, unlike a streamer. Guts: 851N: CXN V2: Not so beefy guts lol. The age old issue of diminishing returns. . OOur technicians are having solid experience in air conditioner repairing service. Auralic Aries Mini with sbooster - big gap Sonore microRendu with LPS-1 Sotm sms-200 with sbooster Auralic Aries femto with sbooster Sonore ultraRendu with LPS-1 I'm interested how you rate other streamers from experience. I have the cxn cambridge streamer fed into it. So far nothing have been able to reach the sq of the Moon MiND 180 through AES/EBU and with the original 12v SBooster. I've experienced major improvements along the way. Very prescient of you, Snoop! Do I have that right? Agreed, but from what I understand from his reviews, the two have different sound signatures. auralic altair g1 vs cambridge cxn . Jonasse Budget: I hope to get something for $1,500 or so but would spend up to perhaps $4,000 for a substantially better product (that is, a more than marginal improvement in sound quality). I also tried an Aries G1 to replace the streamer portion of the Cary. Rua Particular 05 B, Km 24,5 Coordenadas Geogrficas: -23.4277069,-46.7907854. The Altair has no digital out for example, so you cant plug it into an upgradedDAC down the track. Bluesound Node 2i,for streamer..Has a good usable Android/iOS App..Connects all the time (had such a lag and issues with Lightning DS from auralic)I download FLAC into folders on my Mac mini..and create assorted playlists on the app..So cool..