AURALiC VEGA S1 Streaming DAC

The Ear Review — Hifi+ Review

Fusion DAC - A Groundbreaking in DAC design

AURALiC's groundbreaking Fusion DAC design in the VEGA S1 combines the finest elements of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs, creating a new standard in audio excellence. This innovative approach involves modifying a high-performance, manufacturer DAC chip by bypassing most of its functions, such as PLL, digital filter, and oversampling circuits. Instead, AURALiC deploys its proprietary clock reconstruction, digital filter, and oversampling technologies, ensuring that only the precise switching network inside the DAC chip is utilized for the final digital-to-analog conversion stage. The result is an extraordinary sound quality that elevates the listening experience to new heights.

Analog Preamplifier

The VEGA S1 retains the successful analog preamplifier function from the VEGA G2.2. The ORFEO Class-A output modules ensure the balanced output can drive loads well below 600ohm with minimal performance degradation. Users have the option to disable the preamplifier function through software and reduce the output level to 2V, allowing for seamless integration with external preamplifiers.

Analog Volume Control

The VEGA S1 incorporate a highly regarded true analog ladder resistor volume control, which is recognized as the superior method for achieving high-performance audio playback. Unlike digital volume control, which accurately reduces the signal level but cannot address the noise floor, analog volume control reduces both the signal level and noise floor while preserving the system's dynamic range. By employing eight coil-latch relays, this volume control system consumes no power and emits no EMI noise when inactive, ensuring noise-free and distortion-free control. Once adjusted, the system remains electronically transparent, further enhancing the exceptional audio performance of the VEGA S1.

Galvanic Isolation

In the pursuit of exceptional dynamic range that unveils intricate details in original recordings, modern high-end DACs demand utmost cleanliness in clocks, power supplies, and signal feeding. The VEGA S1 meet this challenge by incorporating high-speed galvanic isolators, strategically positioned between the Tesla G3 processing platform and the ultra-sensitive audio circuit. These isolators ensure complete physical separation and protection against interference, safeguarding the DAC from any noise coupling while enabling seamless data transfer. With these advanced features, the VEGA S1 deliver unparalleled audio clarity and precision, revealing the true essence of your music.

Flexibility to Explore

VEGA S1 offers multiple input choices, enabling you to use your preferred music playback software effortlessly. It is 100% compatible with OpenHome based control software like BubbleUPnP and Linn Kazoo, as well as being a certified RoonReady endpoint for optimized performance within your Roon ecosystem. Enjoy the convenience of TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect support, and experience seamless compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 protocol. Elevate your music experience with the VEGA S1 - where choice meets premium audio performance.

Tesla G3 - A New Era for Streaming

Built on a quad-core 64-bit architecture, our Tesla G3 streaming platform delivers eight times the processing capability of its predecessor. Equipped with 2GB of DDR4 system memory, the Tesla G3 can easily handle even the most demanding processing tasks, making it a future-proof solution which will accommodate the rapidly evolving digital audio landscape.

The Tesla G3 platform also employs Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology for its audio input and output channels, enabling all audio-related hardware and software to access the system memory directly. This significantly reduces latency and jitter by 90% compared to Tesla G2, giving us more flexibility to fine-tune the performance and sound quality of our products.

Lightning DS is the ultimate control app designed exclusively for our streaming devices. Experience the power of seamless music management with our user-friendly interface, putting you in complete control. Browse and play your favorite tunes from various sources, including local files, streaming services, and internet radio, all with ease. Our app's intuitive layout and efficient navigation make it a must-have for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

CD Playback and Ripping

Still have some love for your old CDs? Not to worry; you can plug a generic USB CD drive into your VEGA S1 then choose to play a CD, rip a CD while playing, or just rip.

As with AURALiC’s Lightning file streaming, our unique CD playback feature uses the same advanced, jitter-reducing Memory Playback technology. CD data is first read, and compared several times for accuracy into the system cache before playing. The result is elimination of potentially induced jitter from the transport, canceling any negative effects from the quality of your chosen CD drive, potentially improving performance beyond what’s offered from competitors’ CD players.

Tone Mode Adjustment

Tone Mode adjustment refines the output sound character of the DAC by incorporating harmonic elements into the music signal, based on a model rooted in auditory psychology. This innovative feature enhances the listening experience, elevating the VEGA S1 to new heights of audio excellence and musical enjoyment.