New from Leema is Sirius, a streaming music server incorporating a DAC and CD ripper. Developed in partnership with British server specialist Innuos, Leema have combined audiophile performance with the convenience of a UPNP/DNLA-compatible music server. Sirius is the latest edition to Leema’s flagship Constellation range. It features a raft of audiophile-grade components centred on a powerful server-grade main circuit board with a high-speed quad-core processor with up to 8GB of system memory.
The app-controlled server is available with huge storage reserves in 2TB increments up to 8TB. Sirius incorporates a high-performance TEAC optical drive for bit-perfect transfers of CD data to the hard drive. An integrated asynchronous USB DAC based on an ESS Sabre DAC chip and Xmos USB interface allows Sirius to support 16, 24 and 32 bit-depths, from 44.1kHz up to 384kHz with DSD 64, 128 and 256 also supported. For consumers already invested in a high-end DAC, the Sirius’ ultra-low-noise USB output offers Class 1, Class 2 and DoP external connections. Analogue outputs in balanced and single ended varieties are provided.
Sirius offers backup for CD audio, right up to lossless FLAC files and supports WAV, AIFF, ALAC, OGG Vorbis, AAC and MP3; USB 3.0 is available for audio backups.
Sirius benefits from a dual-Ethernet connection: one for routers and one for dedicated streamer connections, negating the need for an external switch. The device is compatible with a wide range of playback systems including: SONUS multi room; Naim Mu-so/Uniti; Denon HEOS; Squeezebox; Linn DS; Pioneer N-50A; Cambridge Audio CXN and Denon 720AE.
Further features include editable metadata and album art via the app, support for Tidal, Spotify, BBC iPlayer and internet radio, plus simple importing from computers, USB and NAS drives. The Sirius will be available in Nov/Dec priced at £3,955.