With completely customizable looks, Auralic’s new LightningCast next-gen multi-room streaming protocol, Lightning DS, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay II, a CD transport, a DAC, line level input, and optional Phono input, the Aquila X3 Streaming Media Processor sure has a lot to offer.
Let’s start with the customizable looks because it’s a nice-to-have feature+ for people who care about the look of the things they put in their home—the Aquila X3 comes with your choice of Jet Black, Space Grey, and Titanium Gold trim colors, while surface panel options include aluminum, plastic, solid walnut wood, natural slate, and marble!
Being an Auralic product, the Aquila X3 is filled to the brim with the company’s tech. The Aquila X3 is built on Auralic’s Tesla G3 platform while sporting Lightning Cast, their new multi-room streaming protocol. Playback control and more comes courtesy of Auralic’s tried & tested Lightning DS app while also supporting Roon and any OpenHome-based control software. The onboard DAC is Auralic’s latest proprietary Fusion DAC Gen II and they’ve also managed to integrate the LEO Clock for good measure.
Inputs and outputs are aplenty with a single ended RCA line level input, optional Phono input, and a host of digital inputs (2x Toslink, Coax, HDMI eARC, USB, and Ethernet) while outputs include both XLR and RCA. And don’t forget about the Aquila X3’s outboard variable-frequency external PSU that offers user selectable regen frequencies and “clean AC power”. What’s more, those outputs can be run in fixed or variable output mode so you can add preamplifier to the Aquila X3’s already long list of functions.
Auralic’s new Aquila X3 Streaming Media Processor is coming in April 2025 from AURALiC’s premium dealers with a retail price of $14,999.
Here’s the press release from Auralic:
Beaverton, Oregon, USA, January 20, 2025 – AURALiC is proud to introduce the AQUILA X3 Streaming Media Processor, a groundbreaking addition to its product line. This release marks a significant step forward in both design and technology, showcasing a bold new design language and cutting-edge streaming innovations.
The AQUILA X3 features full-width enclosure with a sleek, modern appearance, a vibrant 14-inch touchscreen display, and a modular architecture that allows users to customize and upgrade their device over time. At the core of the AQUILA X3 is AURALiC’s proprietary Tesla G3 streaming platform supported by Direct Data Recording (DDR), Galvanic Isolation and many other unique technologies. AURALiC developed an intuitive new software interface for AQUILA X3 and LightningCast, AURALiC’s next-generation multi-room streaming protocol. This advanced platform seamlessly integrates with leading streaming services, including Lightning DS, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay II and more.
Designed for flexibility and future readiness, the AQUILA X3 provides a wide array of connectivity options in its base configuration. These include Ethernet and WiFi, two Toslink inputs, one Coaxial input, USB Audio ports (USB-B at the rear and USB-C on the front), HDMI eARC, USB 3.0 for external storage, and a built-in CD transport. Users can tailor the device to their specific needs with optional modules, choosing between digital and analog output configurations or both. The analog output module incorporates AURALiC’s latest proprietary Fusion DAC Gen II, Integrated LEO Clock, ORFEO Class A output module and ORFEO passive analog volume control, delivering unparalleled sound quality. Additionally, an optional analog and phono input module allows for flexible signal processing, offering either an analog-only signal path or onboard ADC functionality for recording and processing via the Tesla G3 platform. For those seeking expansive storage, an 8TB of NVMe optional internal storage is also available.
Powering this advanced system is AURALiC’s latest Variable-Frequency External PSU. Utilizing Class AB regeneration technology with up to 400Hz user selectable regen frequency, the power supply generates clean AC power that feeds into linear power modules, eliminating EMI noise and contamination from the power grid completely. This unique design results in a pristine power source and an exceptionally dark audio background, enhancing every listening experience.
The AQUILA X3 is not only a technical tour de force but also a visual statement. For the first time in AURALiC’s product line, users can fully customize the aesthetic of their device. Available trim colors include Jet Black, Space Grey, and Titanium Gold, while surface panel options span aluminum, plastic, solid walnut wood, natural slate and marble. These surface panels are designed to be easily interchangeable, allowing the AQUILA X3 to seamlessly complement any home décor, from traditional to contemporary. This customization ensures that each AQUILA X3 reflects the personal taste and style of its owner.
Speaking about the new product, Xuanqian Wang, founder and chief designer of AURALiC, remarked, “AQUILA X3 represents the pinnacle of both manufacturing and digital audio technology. We’ve pushed every boundary to create this masterpiece. Back in 2017, we required multiple separate enclosures to achieve this level of technology. Now, we’ve integrated everything into a single, beautiful unit with even better performance and sound quality. The AQUILA X3 is also the reason we made the decision to cancel the G3 product line. With this newer style and exceptional value, we felt it was important to launch our new flagship under the ‘X’ series instead of adhering to the previous design philosophy. AQUILA X3 embodies everything we envision for the future of AURALiC.”
Starting at $14,999 USD (approximately €14,499 EUR / £11,499 GBP, excluding VAT and taxes), the AQUILA X3 will be available through AURALiC’s premium dealers starting in April. Each unit is custom-built to order, with customers able to design and visualize their configurations using a tool (x3.auralic.com) on AURALiC’s website. Dealers will also provide samples of trim colors and surface materials to help customers make their selections.
