Aries is a dedicated network player and streamer and connects wirelessly, by ethernet, by AirPlay, or by USB. Output is via USB, AES, coax, or optical to your DAC. Superior built-in features, support, sound quality, and upgradability/future proofing. Control is through iPad (no monitor/keyboard/mouse required). Of course it supports all music formats. As a newer and throughly modern product it is being supported with constant firmware updates.