It seems like ages since we first met the Aurora and it was finally officially launched at High End Munich earlier this year. However, I got hands and ears with the production version last week. Last night I saw it on the shelves of the Knightsbridge department store known as Harrods.
If you are somehow unfamiliar with the Aurora, this is iFi's new wireless music system that pulls together a unique collection of proprietary technologies to deliver a, frankly, impressive sonic experience.
The Aurora is not only different on the inside. The outside is clad in bamboo slats that are placed by hand, and the whole unit is supported by an aluminium frame.
The system sports six drive units nestled behind the bamboo fins that curve around Aurora's sides. Additionally, there are a further two bass radiators underneath. The system's control panel sits front and centre, with touch-sensitive controls and an OLED display inlaid with bamboo. Oh, that display comes on when it senses your hand is close to it.
The Aurora connects to a home Wi-Fi network, enabling you to stream music via mobile apps, or play audio files stored on networked devices such as computers and NAS drives. Of course, Bluetooth is also included.
The Aurora is hi-res audio enabled, supporting data up to 32-bit/192kHz without conversion or down-sampling via Wi-Fi, USB or Ethernet cable. Bluetooth streaming also delivers much better sound quality than is typically the case, engineered by iFi to be less 'lossy' than off-the-shelf Bluetooth solutions. All the latest 24-bit Bluetooth codecs are supported, including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC and HWA.
Price and availability
The iFi Aurora all-in-one wireless music system is available now at an RRP of £1,399 including VAT.
For more information, head on over to iFi Audio or read the full spec run-down in our Aurora article.
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