Playback of any track MQA or NON-MQA below 96khz is not playing. UI to GAIA is connected via USB. Using AudioQuest Carbon HDMI, yet to test with Fiber.
If i Disable the External clock sync then all the tracks plays. Do you think one of the clock cable is damaged?
Swap the clock cables.
I removed the clock cables and put them back… everything works now… I followed the criss-cross config earlier too… I guess I attached the clock cables when the unit was switched off earlier and this time it was powered on…
The SQ is surely better… the Bass is punchier… 
Elton John is living with his SACRIFICE…
I will update once I use the Fiber cable… Thank you @wklie
Hmm, are you saying that’s not possible?
The GAIA reportedly works very well with the Avatar CD transport. I was less certain about its role with a T+. Glad to read you are pleased. Did you ever discuss online (cannot recall) whether you used slow or fast filter on the T+? I am currently using neither.
I have not used OS or any filter yet… My understanding is the filter comes into play if OS is activated, Please correct me if I’m incorrect.
Does the GAIA also need to burn in?
Yes filters are for OS. Many would say that burn in is mandatory, I know that Denafrips does.
I believe they burn in all of their equipment for 100 hours before shipping out…so the folks at Frips have given you a bit of a head start. 
I was wise in that I traded my entire system plus $2695.00 for a Playstation 5 and got an extra controller.
Seriously, the sound did change over weeks of use. That DAC is a beast in size.
Hello @wklie Peter, I can confirm Active Fiber HDMI Cables doesn’t work…
Hi All,
I have the Ares II connected to an AURALiC ARIES MINI currently via Toslink and was experimenting with using USB to connect instead. The Ares II is recognized by Roon when plugged directly into the core, however when via the Aries I get the below?
You’re good. Roon sees the DAC.
“Unidentified device” just means Roon can’t automatically configure the device.
ta.
Had it on for a week and thinks it’s cracking. One more question…
Never once have I seen anything other than the “1x” and “44.1k” indicators lit, is that normal?
Simon, how disappointing. The Ares II is cracking?
Still looking for a used gen 2 Ares is anyone is interested in letting theirs go.
Funny, cracking as is Northern for great!
got mine direct from Alvin…
I do not know what streaming service(s) you are using, but hi-res files light up lights beyond 1x and 44.1k. Similarly, SACDs lights reflect the resolution. Speaking solely as an owner of the Terminator and then Terminator Plus. I do not have first hand experience with your DAC.
Can anyone advise on “best” settings for the connecting of my Ares II to an Auralic Aries Mini please.
I’ve buggered about with so many settings and configurations I think I need to reset!
This is my current signal path which suggests I’m fine to the Mini, however a lack of change on the lights of the Ares when switching files to hi-res maybe suggests maybe that’s what i need to be looking at.
Set MQA capabilities to No MQA Support, because both your steamer and the DAC do not support official MQA.
Enable MQA Core Encoder.
Thank you, that’s worked!
Really appreciate your help.
