Auralic / Altair G1

The AURALiC Altair G1 is a true one-box high-end digital source: network streamer, DAC, digital preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and optional music library in a single elegant chassis. For listeners who want the full AURALiC Lightning ecosystem without assembling a multi-component stack, the Altair G1 remains one of the smartest and most complete solutions of its generation. Built around AURALiC’s Tesla platform with dual femto clocks, Purer-Power linear supply, and the excellent Lightning DS control app, the Altair G1 is designed as a genuine just-add-amplifier digital hub. Balanced and single-ended analogue outputs, multiple digital inputs, Roon Ready operation, broad streaming-service support, and useful filter and volume options make it flexible enough for both simple systems and more ambitious setups. This is AURALiC’s classic all-in-one done properly.

“That Auralic Sound — crisp, clean, delicate clarity — also holds true for the Auralic Altair G1. … the G1 is one quiet performer.” — Michael Lavorgna, Twittering Machines

“Don’t think of the Altair G1 as a cheap Auralic, think of it as a great value music streamer.” — Jason Kennedy, The Ear

If you want one refined component to handle streaming, conversion, and system control with real musical engagement, the Altair G1 still delivers. Easy to live with, richly featured, and true to AURALiC’s quiet, clear house sound, it is an outstanding way into serious network audio at a very attractive preowned price.