Auralic
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 Digital Audio Streamer
Best high-end streamer for audiophiles seeking a versatile, all-in-one analog hub.
The AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 is a versatile digital audio streamer and preamplifier designed for high-performance audio enthusiasts. It seamlessly integrates both digital and analog sources, delivering a dynamic and transformative sound experience. Built with AURALiC's renowned G2.1 series ethos, it offers extensive features in a compact, ultra-quiet chassis. The ALTAIR G2.1 boasts powerful preamplifier functionality with an analog volume control and Class A Orfeo Output Modules for ultra-low noise and distortion. It includes two pure analog inputs: a line-level input with home theater bypass and a moving-magnet phono stage for turntables. Advanced processing is handled by the Tesla G2 platform, complemented by Dual Femto Second Clocks for precise timing and reduced jitter. It supports a wide range of streaming services and high-resolution formats up to DSD512 and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM.
$6099.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
44
/ 481
#44 in Stereo Music Streaming Devices
Price vs Category Average
+62%
Above average
Streaming Inputs
Network shared folder, USB Removable Drive, uPnP/DLNA Media Server, TIDAL and Qobuz, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, SongCast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, RoonReady
/ Network shared folder, USB Removable Drive, uPnP/DLNA Media Server, TIDAL and Qobuz, Internet Radio, Spotify Connect, SongCast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, RoonReady
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking reference-grade clarity and expansive soundstage performance
- Modern listeners needing an all-in-one high-resolution digital command center
- Design-conscious owners valuing premium build quality and sophisticated aesthetics
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers prioritizing value over high-end luxury components
- Traditionalists preferring simple plug-and-play interfaces over app-based ecosystems
- Vinyl enthusiasts requiring direct analog inputs for turntable integration
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Dual Femto-Second clocks ensure jitter remains virtually non-existent during playback.
Build Construction
The Unity II copper-shielded chassis provides exceptional isolation from external interference.
Streaming Versatility
Seamlessly bridges high-res network files with nearly every major streaming service.
Analog Integration
Dedicated phono stage and line inputs make this a true preamp.
Processing Power
The Tesla G2 platform handles complex high-resolution files with effortless speed.
Vibration Control
Six-spring footer system effectively decouples the unit from mechanical resonance.
Key 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
Digital-to-Analog Converter Built-in
Yes
Features
- Precision machined Unity II Chassis with Copper Enclosure for superior shielding.
- Advanced Tesla G2 hardware platform for powerful processing.
- Femto-Second Clocking dramatically reduces jitter and noise.
- Dual Purer-Power linear power supplies for isolated power delivery.
- Enhanced six-spring footer/base system for vibration damping.
- Analog, Resistive Ladder Volume Control for ultra-quiet signal.
- Two analog inputs: one line-stage and one MM phono stage.
- Supports a wide array of streaming services and file formats, including high-resolution audio.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the AURALiC ALTAIR G2.1 Digital Audio Streamer for its exceptional sound quality and robust build. Users frequently highlight the immersive and detailed audio reproduction, noting a significant upgrade to their listening experience. The device's elegant design and premium materials also receive strong appreciation, reinforcing its high end appeal. Its intuitive control app further enhances the user experience, making sophisticated audio accessible.
Know before you buy
Yes, the ALTAIR G2.1 features a dedicated moving-magnet (MM) phono stage, allowing you to connect a turntable directly to the unit without needing an external phono preamp.
Yes, it includes a high-quality analog resistive ladder volume control and Orfeo Class A output modules, making it fully capable of driving a power amplifier directly.
Absolutely. The ALTAIR G2.1 is Roon Ready, meaning it will appear as an endpoint in your Roon software for seamless integration with your existing library and streaming services.
The home theater bypass allows you to integrate the ALTAIR G2.1 into a surround sound system by letting an external AV processor control the volume for those specific inputs, effectively turning the ALTAIR into a pass-through device.
While you can use Roon or other OpenHome-compatible software, AURALiC’s own Lightning DS app is the primary interface for managing your library, streaming services, and device settings.
The Unity II chassis features a copper enclosure that provides superior electromagnetic shielding, while the six-spring footer system isolates the sensitive internal components from external vibrations that can introduce noise.
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$6099