AURALiC Altair G2.2 Streaming DAC/Preamp

A high-end Roon Ready streaming DAC with multiple outputs, DSP, analog volume, and a great control app.

Auralic has poured 10 years of state-of-the-art digital research and development into the G2.2. series. It comes with the future in mind, with the ability to accommodate upcoming streaming features and keep you on the cutting edge of technology for years to come.

The highly acclaimed Altair gets the G2.2 update and now runs on Auralic’scutting-edge Tesla G3 platform, integrating Fusion DAC design, Direct Data Recording (DDR), and Galvanic Isolation technologies.

The refined analog preamplifier section with precise analog ladder resistor volume control, ensures an unparalleled noise-free signal, seamlessly interfacing with Class A ORFEO output modules. Catering to discerning audiophiles, the ALTAIR G2.2 delivers high-resolution audio from diverse sources, whether online streaming services, files stored on NAS drives, or vinyl records on a turntable. Connect an optical drive to rip or play CDs.

Fusion DAC

Auralic’s groundbreaking Fusion DAC design in the ALTAIR G2.2 combines the finest elements of discrete ladder and delta-sigma DAC designs, creating a new standard in audio excellence. This innovative approach involves modifying a high-performance, manufacturer DAC chip by bypassing most of its functions, such as PLL, digital filter, and oversampling circuits. In its place, Auralic deploys its proprietary clock reconstruction, digital filter, and oversampling technologies, ensuring that only the precise switching network inside the DAC chip is utilized for the final digital-to-analog conversion stage. The result is an extraordinary sound quality that elevates the listening experience to new heights.

Analog Preamp

The Altair G2.2 retains the successful analog preamplifier function from the original Altair G2.1, now with an increased output level from 4.4 V to 6 V to cater to power-hungry amplifiers. The ORFEO class-A output modules ensure the balanced output can drive loads well below 600 ohm with minimal performance degradation.

Users have the option to disable the preamplifier function through software and reduce the output level to 2 V, allowing for seamless integration with external preamplifiers. Additionally, a convenient home theater bypass mode is available for analog input channels, providing maximum flexibility for your audio setup.

Analog Volume

The Altair G2.2 used a highly regarded true analog ladder resistor volume control. By employing eight coil-latch relays, this volume control system consumes no power and emits no EMI noise when inactive, ensuring noise-free and distortion-free control. Once adjusted, the system remains electronically transparent.

Specifications

Sampling Rates
PCM: 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz in 32 bit
DSD: DSD64 (2.8224 MHz), DSD128 (5.6448 MHz), DSD256 (11.2896 MHz), DSD512 (22.57892 MHz)

Control Software
AURALiC Lightning DS for iOS
AURALiC Lightning DS for web browser (device settings only)
OpenHome compatible control software (BubbleUPnP, Kazoo)
Roon (Roon Core required separately)

Inputs
Digital: 2 x coaxial, Toslink, USB Audio, HDMI eARC
Analog: Line-stage (2Vrms max.), MM Phono (0.3Vrms max.)

Streaming Inputs: Network shared folder, USB drive, USB CD drive, UPnP/DLNA media server, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Qobuz Sublime+, Internet Radio, AirPlay,  Spotify Connect, TuneIn, Internet radio, RoonReady

Audio Outputs
Digital Outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink
USB Output: USB Host to compatible DAC

Network
Wired: Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless: 802.11b/g/n/ac Tri-Band WiFi

Power Consumption
Standby: <0.5 W
Sleep: <10 W
Playback: 50 W at max.

Dimensions (WDH): 13.4″ x 12.6″ x 3.2″ (34 x 32 x 8 cm)

Weight: 22 lb (10 kg)