In February 2017 I purchased a Chord 2Qute DAC and was amazed at the quality of sound I got while listening to CD's via a separate transport. So much so, I decided I would like to dip my toe in the water of ripping my CD collection to a music server and also give streaming a try.
After a period of research and reading various reviews I concluded that the Auralic Aries Mini was the 'one to have' at the budget end of the market and I was impressed with range of options it offered and of the very fine reviews it was receiving.
I purchased this one in mid-March 2017 (£449) along with a WD 1tb SSD (£290) and having downloaded Auralic's excellent Lightning DS control app, I ripped most my CD's and also enjoyed access to the Tidal streaming service (Qobuz is offered too) as well as internet radio.
The sound quality played through my 2Qute has continued to amaze me and so I purchased a SBooster Best of Two Worlds Power and Precision Eco linear power supply (£260) having read a further review which concluded that the addition of a linear power supply improved the already excellent performance of the Mini yet further. The SBooster was reported to outperform Auralic's own separate linear power supply.
Unfortunately, soon after acquiring the SBooster I was advised that the linear power supply only offers significant enhanced performance when using the Mini's onboard DAC. In my case the Mini has only been used as a music server and streaming node through the 2Qute and Auralic themselves have confirmed that the addition of a linear power supply when used this way will offer little benefit.
So impressed have I been with the convenience and sound quality I have obtained from the Mini that I have recently agreed the sale of my fairly high-end turntable and I have decided to reinvest the proceeds into a better quality digital based system. I have just purchased a new Melco server and am wanting to sell the Aries Mini and SBooster to help part-fund the new acquisition.
Both items are less than 5 months old, are in mint condition and will be provided in their original boxes. I suspect the SBooster may not even be fully run in. The 15-16v SBooster will work with a variety of equipment as listed on the SBooster website.
Happy to sell these as a pair or individually.
Asking £510 including UK delivery for the Aries Mini including the 1tb SSD and £195 including UK delivery for the SBooster linear power supply.