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AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 Digital Audio Streamer

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SKU: NEW-ACALTG21
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AURALiC's ALTAIR G2.1 is a fully featured streamer for both digital and analog sources. It delivers transformative, dynamic sound for the demanding high-performance audio enthusiast.

    $6,099.00
    $6,099.00
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    Newest Version of AURALiC's Acclaimed ALTAIR Preamp/Streamer

    AURALiC's ALTAIR G2.1 is a fully featured streamer developed for both digital and analog sources. It delivers transformative, dynamic sound for the demanding high-performance audio enthusiast.

    The ALTAIR model name has always stood for extensive features and functionality. The ALTAIR G2.1 marks a new chapter, because it's the first time the ALTAIR concept has been incorporated and elevated into AURALiC’s world-renowned G2.1 series – combining an extensive feature set with top-quality performance. The ALTAIR G2.1, like its G1 counterpart, provides every function and feature from AURALiC, but in one compact, ultra-quiet box, in line with the G2.1-series ethos.

    Powerful Preamplifier Functionality

    ALTAIR G2.1 has been developed with properties and features that ensure its performance is considered “next-level” and allow for it to be used as a stand-alone preamplifier. The onboard analog volume control, similar to that on the VEGA G2.1 and based on a resistive ladder design, provides ultra-quiet signal, no matter the input. Class A Orfeo Output Modules allow for an ultra-low-noise and low-distortion signal in the analog domain.

    ALTAIR G2.1 also houses two separate all-analog inputs, completely bypassing the digital structure and maintaining a pure analog signal from input to out. The first is a line-level analog input, including home theater bypass functionality, and the second is an in-house engineered moving-magnet phono stage for an elegant, direct, and quiet connection to a turntable.

    Next-Level Processing Power

    With so many demands placed operationally upon the ALTAIR G2.1, the choice of processor was simple. ALTAIR G2.1 utilizes the most powerful of the Tesla platforms, which has more-than-ample headroom to handle the challenging number of features and functions found in any AURALiC component.

    Finally, Dual Femto Second Clocks deliver precisely-timed signals, greatly reducing associated jitter. ALTAIR G2.1 can be controlled by Lightning DS (on Apple iOS devices), is also compatible with other OpenHome-based control software, and is Roon-ready as well. ALTAIR G2.1 can deliver a growing number of streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify Connect, with more to come soon.

    Unity Chassis II

    ALTAIR G2.1’s physical construction, as with all G2.1 products, includes Unity Chassis II, a stealth-silent aluminum enclosure encapsulating a highly-effective copper sub-enclosure that protects the advanced internal electronics from outside interference, a massive aluminum base, and a six-spring suspension footer system, all resulting in a quiet, sublime, musical performance.

    Perfectly Balanced

    The ALTAIR G2.1's internal circuits are physically distributed to enhance overall balance and performance. And with specially designed foot spikes that dampen and absorb vibrations, the ALTAIR G2.1 is always rock-steady, for ultra-smooth signal delivery.

    Tesla G2: Platform Made for Sound

    In 2014 AURALiC developed the original Tesla hardware platform with the goal of creating a high-performance, upgradable platform optimized for audio sound quality. Working hand-in-hand with AURALiC's control interface and innovative software features, it was the most powerful processing platform available for digital music playback and streaming. Now there’s Tesla G2, which is 50% faster, with twice the processing resources. Tesla G2 is the hardware powerhouse behind the sonic excellence of the G2 line.

    Dual Purer-Power Linear Power Supplies

    AURALiC gave the ALTAIR G2.1 two of its ultra-quiet Purer-Power linear power supplies, galvanically isolating them from each other in the obsessive quest to reduce noise for better sonic performance. Processing and display power is completely separated from sensitive audio components that operate on their own dedicated supply. Interference between the separate areas is reduced to zero, so all you’ll hear from the ARIES G2.1 is the music.

    Dual Femto Clocks

    Dual Femto Clocks have got you covered no matter how you like to connect. With two separate, super-accurate clocks cycling on the order of quadrillionths of a second, you’ll enjoy extremely low jitter and better sound. One clock takes care of digital outputs, and the second regulates USB output, so you can be sure your musical signal is always rock-steady.

    ORFEO Class-A Module

    Inspired by classic analog circuit designs, ORFEO is capable of driving an array of loads to match the characteristics of a variety of amplifiers. Using small signal components with excellent linear qualities, thermally balanced and biased into Class-A, ORFEO has the power to drive loads of up to 600ohms while keeping noise low — open loop distortion comes in at less than 0.001%.

    Excels with Streaming Services

    As a digital hub, the ALTAIR G2.1 functions as a Roon Endpoint, can stream subscription music services such as Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify Connect, and offers Bluetooth, Airplay, and SongCast for a multifaceted and varied set of feature needs.

    Supports the Highest Resolution Digital Music Formats

    ALTAIR G2.1 supports both streaming and conversion of all of today’s highest-resolution digital music formats, up to DSD512 and PCM in 32-bit/384 kHz, and it stays up to date with OTA updates from AURALiC. Lightning Streaming is the foundation for ALTAIR G2.1’s streaming functionality, and as always that means On-Device Playlists, Memory Caching, Gapless Playback and Bit-Perfect Multi-Room features are part of the package. The Lightning DS control app for iOS supplies all playback and browsing features, and there’s a web admin for setup and configuration. ALTAIR G2.1 also supports Spotify Connect and RoonReady features.

    Product Features

    Overview

    • Precision machined, Unity II Chassis, with Copper Enclosure
    • Advanced Tesla G2 hardware platform
    • Femto-Second Clocking dramatically reduces noise.
    • Dual Purer-Power linear power supplies.
    • Enhanced six-spring footer/base system.
    • Analog, Resistive Ladder Volume Control.
    • Two Analog Inputs: one line-stage, one phono stage

    Streaming Inputs

    • Network shared folder
    • USB Removable Drive
    • uPnP/DLNA Media Server
    • TIDAL and Qobuz
    • Internet Radio
    • Spotify Connect
    • SongCast
    • AirPlay
    • Bluetooth
    • RoonReady

    Supported File Formats

    • AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA

    Supported Digital Formats

    • PCM at 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz at 16-32 bits
    • DSD64 to DSD 512

    Digital Inputs

    • Ethernet streaming (up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD 512)
    • USB Audio Device (up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD 512)
    • AES/EBU, Coax, Toslink (up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
    • HDD

    Analog Outputs

    • Balanced Output (THD <0.0002%, DNR >124 dB)
    • Singled-Ended Output (THD <0.0003%, DNR >121 dB)

    Analog Inputs

    • Line Input (Single-Ended) with home theater bypass
    • MM Phono Input

    Control Software

    • AURALiC Lightning DS
    • Roon
    • Third Party OpenHome compatible control software

    New Lighting V10 Firmware Update

    AURALiC continually improves and enhances its Lightning DS firmware. Now available is the latest Lightning V10 firmware update via OTA updates for all AURALiC G series and S series products (as of April 26 2024). Please read AURALiC's latest software release note here:

    https://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/206579677-Current-Device-Firmware

    New V10 Features

    • New 'Playing' interface design allows interface to show currently activated processing features, internal processing frequency, tone mode setting
    • Added Tone Mode control
    • Added PureDAC Mode (VEGA G2.2)
    • Added Lightning Server support (VEGA G2.2)

    New V10 Improvements

    • Updated Lightning Link communication protocol, preparing for new features in the coming update
    • Improved KKBox playback format compatibility

    New V10 Fixes

    • Some radio station links won't play properly - Fixed
    • AirPlay stopped working after iOS 17.4 update – Fixed

    Product Specs

    Streaming Inputs

    • Network shared folder
    • USB Removable Drive
    • uPnP/DLNA Media Server
    • TIDAL and Qobuz
    • Internet Radio
    • Spotify Connect
    • SongCast
    • AirPlay
    • Bluetooth
    • RoonReady

    Supported File Formats

    • AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA

    Supported Digital Formats

    • PCM at 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz at 16-32 bits
    • DSD64 to DSD 512

    Digital Inputs

    • Ethernet streaming (up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD 512)
    • USB Audio Device (up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD 512)
    • AES/EBU, Coax, Toslink (up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
    • HDD

    Analog Outputs

    • Balanced Output (THD <0.0002%, DNR >124 dB)
    • Singled-Ended Output (THD <0.0003%, DNR >121 dB)

    Analog Inputs

    • Line Input (Single-Ended) with home theater bypass
    • MM Phono Input

    Control Software

    • AURALiC Lightning DS
    • Roon
    • Third Party OpenHome compatible control software

    Product Warranty

    Parts & Labor 1 Year AURALiC Warranty Information

    "...this excellent digital front-end combines ease of use and flexibility, and then layers on a crisp, clean and gutsy sound as adept at crashing out boogie as it is summoning up all the atmosphere of a classical concerto or intimate jazz trio."

    - Andrew Everard, Hi-Fi News Magazine, October 2021


    "...the G2.1 definitely is an improvement compared to the entry-level G1 in all parameters, which is clearly perceptible in the sound. Thus, using better components has in no way become an end in itself. In absolute terms, it is certainly a lot of money, one is asked to spend here, but it is a sensible long-term investment as well."

    "Exemplary workmanship meets good handling meets diverse equipment meets sound. In one sentence: Everything is right here, the customer gets an excellent device in every respect. The additional price compared to the cheaper G1 is also justified."

    - Michael Lang, Stereo Magazine, October 17, 2021


    "The Altair G2.1 is a fine allrounder, its strengths lie where Auralic usually shines, in streaming and digital to analogue conversion, in this respect it’s a serious contender for your budget at the price. You don’t get the Lightning Link option found on more dedicated G2.1 units but you do get almost everything most listeners need in a single, superbly executed product. What’s more it works beautifully without an ethernet cable. But ultimately it’s about the sound quality delivered with digital files and that is in the premier league."

    - Jason Kennedy, The Ear, September 22, 2021


    "The ALTAIR G2.1 is a joy to use, being simple enough to set up and yet feature-rich. Being able to set up and change parameters and inputs directly from the Lightning app is a breeze and total without drama."

    "The phonostage is very good being quiet, revealing, and dynamic and will satisfy the vast majority of people who are not dyed-in-the-wool vinylistas."

    "When you consider you are getting a quality streamer, DAC, preamplifier, phonostage, and headphone amplifier in one compact, good looking unit, I’d say the ALTAIR offers pretty good value for money and if you break it down into its component parts it starts to make good sense from a financial perspective. I’d have one in a heartbeat were I looking to slim down the system."

    - Stuart Smith, HiFi Pig, September 17, 2021


    "Whether used as a streamer, a DAC with CD transport, playing back material stored on a hard drive, or spinning vinyl LPs, the Altair G2.1 sounded excellent – extremely clean and highly detailed, with outstanding clarity and definition, especially at lower frequencies. Bass had a weight and authority that was impressive, allowing you to hear the pitch of the notes clearly, while sounding immediate and articulate. Basically, it sounded like all the usual crud, hash, and noise had been removed, allowing you access to the music without unwanted additives."

    "Auralic's new Altair G2.1 is one of the best sounding streaming DACs I've heard at or near the price. Its combination of serious sound, fine connectivity, and unusual versatility will be everything that's needed for many people. So if you're in the market for something like this, you owe it to yourself to audition the Altair G2.1. And me? I definitely want one – simple as that!"

    - James Michael Hughes, StereoNET North America, August 2, 2021

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