The new Sirius is a hi-fi-grade streaming music server system that provides a high-performance solution for the storage and playback of digital music. Developed in partnership with Innuos, Leema’s ex-BBC engineers have combined audiophile performance with the convenience of a UPNP/DNLA-compatible music server.
Sirius is the latest edition to Leema’s flagship Constellation range. It features a raft of audiophile-grade components centred on a powerful server-grade main circuit board with a high-speed quad-core processor with up to 8 gigabytes of system memory.
The app-controlled server is available with huge storage reserves in two gigabyte increments up to an impressive eight terabytes. Sirius incorporates a high-performance TEAC optical drive for the one-time bit-perfect transfer of CD data to the hard drive.
Its straightforward operation makes digitising large music libraries simple. Sirius offers backup for CD audio, right up to lossless FLAC files and supports WAV, AIFF, ALAC, OGG Vorbis, AAC and MP3; USB 3.0 is available for audio backups.
A key feature of the Sirius is its high-quality DAC. The server benefits from an integrated asynchronous USB DAC based on a high-end ESS Sabre DAC chip and Xmos USB interface. The DAC supports 16, 24 and 32 bit-depths, from 44.1kHz up to 384kHz with DSD 64, 128 and 256 also supported. For consumers already invested in a high-end DAC, the Sirius’ ultra-low-noise USB output offers Class 1, Class 2 and DoP external connections. Balanced outputs via XLR and unbalanced outputs via RCA are also offered.
In a further nod to its audiophile credentials, Sirius benefits from a dual-Ethernet connection: one for routers and one for dedicated streamer connections. The device is compatible with a wide range of playback systems including: SONUS multi room; Naim Mu-so/Uniti; Denon HEOS; Squeezebox; Linn DS; Pioneer N-50A; Cambridge Audio CXN and Denon 720AE.
Further features include editable metadata and album art, support for Tidal, Spotify, BBC iPlayer and internet radio, plus simple importation from computers, USB and NAS drives. There’s also a three-way linear power with a dedicated supply for the DAC.
The Sirius will be available in Nov/Dec priced at £3,955.
About Leema Acoustics
Leema Acoustics is an internationally respected manufacturer of high-performance audio products founded by two ex-BBC sound engineers. Leema products are proudly hand-made in Wales using UK- and European-sourced components.
Founded in 1998, Leema Acoustics’ unique design processes, fanatical attention to detail and pursuit of accurate sound reproduction have seen the company win numerous press accolades in recent times. Today’s Leema Acoustics incorporates the latest technology into a product range that covers electronics, loudspeakers and cables, delivering complete high-performance audio solutions to consumers, with the benefits of expert design, UK hand-assembly and local component sourcing.
