Auralic has launched the Altair G2.1, a comprehensively featured streamer/DAC, developed to accept both digital and analogue sources. The Altair G2.1 is the first time the Altair concept has been elevated into Auralic’s range topping G2.1 series, combining extensive features with high quality performance. Altair G2.1, like its G1 counterpart, provides every function and feature in one compact, ultra-quiet box, in line with the G2.1 ethos.
It can be used as a stand-alone preamplifier with two analogue inputs and a resistive ladder volume control design that 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 analogue domain. The first input is a line-level analogue input, including home theatre bypass functionality, and the second is an in-house engineered moving-magnet phono stage for an elegant, direct, and quiet connection to a turntable.
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 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.
Altair G2.1’s physical construction, as with all G2.1 products, includes Unity Chassis II, a stealth-silent aluminum enclosure encapsulating a copper sub- enclosure that protects the internal electronics from outside interference, a “massive” aluminum base, and a six-spring suspension footer system. Altair G2.1 is priced at £4599/€4999/$5489 and is available now.