Network Audio Players/Servers

This generational uplift from Auralic's G1 platform [see HFN Feb '21] sees improvements in processing speed, functionality, file format handling and technical performance. The latter is the focus of this report where the Altair G2.1 clocks-up a very high 4.9V output from a remarkably low 200-300mohm source impedance. Not only will this drive any interconnect/amplifier combination but, with a suitable adapter, would also serve as a very effective secondary headphone amplifier. This is a function of Auralic's self-titled 'Orfeo' output stage which, tag-teamed with ESS's tried-and-tested 9038 DACs, maintains a fabulously low 0.00003-0.0003% distortion (20Hz-20kHz) over the top 15dB of its dynamic range [see Graph 1, below]. Although Auralic specifies its own master clocks for the Altair G2.1, the jitter rejection performance of these ESS DACs is already well proven. Here, digital jitter is vanishingly low, with a correlated figure of <15psec across all sample rates and inputs. The lack of any uncorrelated, noise-like, jitter is reflected in the sharpness of the central J-test signal [see Graph 2, below] and this typically bodes very well indeed for the stability and focus of stereo images.

In similar vein, the S/N is a very wide 117dB (A-wtd, re. 0dBV) and resolution good to ±0.02dB over a 100dB dynamic range and ±0.2dB over a full 110dB dynamic range, suggesting an effective 20-bit resolution for the Altair G2.1. Once again both digital and analogue engineering is at play here, the latter also assisting in the super-wide 135dB midrange channel separation, falling to a still-impressive 105dB at 20kHz. The channel balance is good to ±0.03dB, as expected with Auralic's precision ladder volume control. From whatever angle you choose to view, the Altair G2.1 has no obvious blind spots... PM