Aries Mini

About the Aries Mini

The AURALiC Aries Mini is a compact wired and wireless network audio streamer with integrated DAC designed to upgrade existing hi‑fi systems. It is built on AURALiC's Tesla hardware platform featuring a 1 GHz quad‑core ARM Cortex‑A9 processor, 512 MB DDR3 RAM and 4 GB internal storage, enabling high‑resolution playback and advanced streaming functionality. The internal ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC supports PCM up to 32‑bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (quad‑rate), with digital outputs over USB and S/PDIF and full‑resolution playback available via the analog RCA outputs and USB; optical and coaxial S/PDIF are limited to 24‑bit/192 kHz. It handles a wide range of formats including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA, covering both lossless and lossy files at common and high sampling rates. Connectivity includes Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), dual‑band 802.11ac Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0 for external drives and USB DACs, plus coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs and unbalanced stereo RCA analog outputs. The Aries Mini supports major streaming services and protocols such as Tidal, Qobuz, WiMP, vTuner internet radio, Spotify Connect (via firmware update), AirPlay, Songcast, Bluetooth streaming, DLNA/UPnP, and can act as a Roon Ready endpoint in later firmware revisions. Control and library management are provided by AURALiC's Lightning DS software for iOS, with built‑in Lightning Server and compatibility with UPnP/DLNA media servers like MinimServer, Twonky, Asset UPnP and JRiver. The unit has a compact footprint of approximately 135 × 135 × 28 mm and weighs around 0.5 kg, and includes an internal bay for an optional 2.5" HDD or SSD to store a local music library without requiring a separate NAS. Typical power draw is low, and the external switch‑mode power supply can be replaced by an optional AURALiC linear power supply for potential performance improvements. The Aries Mini is available in black or white finishes.