Can I use ARIES without Lightning DS?

ARIES is compatible with other UPnP/OpenHome control software such as Kinsky, Kazoo, BubbleUPnP.

If you choose not to use Lightning DS, you will not have access to the ARIES extra features such as Streaming, Internet Radio, Songcast, and Airplay.  

For the ARIES hardware setup, such as network connection, output channel, those functions can only be set up by Lightning DS.