Auralic Polaris streaming amplifier

[ianlenco]

For sale my Auralic Polaris streaming amplifier. Bought in April 2020 from Loud and Clear in Edinburgh, I’m the first owner. Original price of this amp was £2875 but as it is discontinued dealers sold off their stock and I took advantage of this. There are still one or two around at approximately £1900 if you want a new one or buy this one in immaculate condition.

https://i.imgur.com/Ev3XbNgh.jpg#gWPQG

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https://i.imgur.com/P36sTzSh.jpg#gWPQG

https://i.imgur.com/8EgLuJBh.jpg#gWPQG

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https://i.imgur.com/ZFfqdHwh.jpg#gWPQG



Very well reviewed, here’s a few examples where you can get more information about this complex but simple to use amplifier.

https://darko.audio/2017/03/auralic-polaris-21st-century-boy/

https://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/auralic-polaris-integrated-amplifier-streamer-dac

https://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/auralic-polaris-integrated-amplifier-streamer-dac

https://hifipig.com/auralic-polaris-all-in-one-streaming-amplifier/


Basically the Polaris is a 120 watt into 8 ohms amplifier (Hypex modules) which has a built in DAC and streaming capability so you can link to Qobuz, Tidal or any other streaming service.
Flexibility continues with two line inputs one of which can be configured as a mm phono stage, the other as line in or line out.
If you are so inclined you can also slip a hard disc inside to play all your FLAC files without the need for external storage or you can plug in a USB hard disc.
Two caveats;
the mm phono stage sounds good but is a little insensitive so you have to crank up the volume a bit. Depends of course on the sensitivity of your speakers
The control app, Lightning DS, which is very good only works on iOS so you’ll need an iPhone or iPad to control the Polaris

So if you fancy a brilliant replacement for all your boxes this is it or if you are rich then maybe this is the ideal hub for a second system.

£1400 including insured UK mainland postage. Payment via Paypal friends and family.

[willbewill]

Beautiful piece of kit.

[itskeith]

I've bought a few bits from Ian before and he's a good guy to deal with.
Bump from me ...

[ianlenco]

Thanks guys. I should have said that I have all the original packing materials for posting but if anyone wants to collect I can knock off £30 postage costs. It is a beautiful machine and sounds fabulous but I've recently put together a second system from bits and pieces and it reminded me how much I like fiddling with hifi. For music I'd keep this no problem but for the hifi hobby there's nothing to fiddle with :)

[ianlenco]

4 months warranty still left on the Polaris

[Lawrence001]

Thanks guys. I should have said that I have all the original packing materials for posting but if anyone wants to collect I can knock off £30 postage costs. It is a beautiful machine and sounds fabulous but I've recently put together a second system from bits and pieces and it reminded me how much I like fiddling with hifi. For music I'd keep this no problem but for the hifi hobby there's nothing to fiddle with :)

I know exactly what you mean, I'm always trying things to reduce the box count and I always go back to at least 3 in the chain, I can't believe I've actually settled on an integrated at last. GLWS :)

[ianlenco]

I've been using this over the weekend with both Qobuz hi res files and stored flacs on an attached USB hard disc. Both sound quite excellent in detail soundstage etc. When I'm using it I think why bother changing, it's such a compact, living room friendly device of high quality. Then that itch starts again :eek: so I am open to offers.

[ianlenco]

As no one seems interested in this superb amp streamer I've applied ointment to my itch :lol: It's really no hardship to keep this excellent machine as I doubt I'd end up with anything better sounding for my budget.

[ianlenco]

I've decided I am definitely going in a different direction so this is up for sale again.
Price reduced to £1200. Do read the reviews!

[hifinutt]

Fab bargain..I would buy it but still enjoying the last lot of amps I bought off Ian!!! Brilliant one box solution

[loonytunes]

My wife would be so pleased to see the box count go down to one from - well - many bits and bobs all over the show ... she would probably pay for it from her own personal savings!

[ianlenco]

.......and it takes an internal hard drive if you so want :)

[ianlenco]

I do have an internal 500mb SSD which I can include in this deal if required.

[ianlenco]

If anyone has an Innuos Zen or similar streamer with internal storage and would be interested in a part exchange please let me know. The Polaris has these features built in.

Cheers, Ian

[ianlenco]

Another part exchange option. I'm looking for a good quality preamp with either built in phono stage or a DAC - if it has both even better.

[ianlenco]

I would like to thank those folks who were tempted by this but didn't pull the trigger. I've always loved the Polaris for both it's convenience and it sound quality but it was limiting my opportunities to play with my system. Today something arrived to totally change my mind about selling. Auralic has a great reputation for its dac/streaming abilities and I've been searching for something that would do the same but included an analogue line input for vinyl use. To be honest I've struggled to find anything. So I ordered an Hypex ncore power amp from Audiophonics to see if using the Polaris as a pre would give me the upgrade I wanted. Some of you nerds will know that the Polaris has a pair of Hypex UCD units rated at 180w into 4 ohms. The ncore units are supposed to be better - they are certainly more expensive and the NC252MP are rated at 250w into 4 ohms so certainly more powerful. So I switched the Polaris into pre mode and plugged it into the ncore amp. To say I'm happy with the result is an understatememt, it's just as fabulous bashing out heavy bass effortsly as it is playing delicate female vocals.

So, once again, thanks for not buying this. I now have an upgrade path for now and in the future.
No longer for sale :)

[struth]

the best upgrades are the unexpected ones..:)

[ianlenco]

So true.......

[willbewill]

So true.......

Yep they are - the Audio Detail was mine this week

[Weeman1973]

Good call Ian, as you say Auralic have a wonderful reputation with their streamers etc.

I'm on the same hunt as you were - a decent DAC / Pre Amp that will also allow me to add my TT into my system.

[friendly]

Yep they are - the Audio Detail was mine this week

Malcolm, I take it you’ve helped Ian out with his box count 😂😂😂
I’m due a visit up to Mark to increase my box count but these restrictions are ...well...restricting me.

[ianlenco]

Stop being so tight and pay the postage :lol:

[itskeith]

Yeah: good result Ian :)

Look forward to hearing it ... sometime.

[friendly]

Stop being so tight and pay the postage :lol:

I would but the Welsh Police now stop the English from entering Our Green And Promised Land :rfl::sheep:

[Firebottle]

Nice one Ian, I'll be down when we can :D

[ianlenco]

......and you'll be more than welcome!