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.
