Auralic Vega G2.2 Streamer/DAC/Preamplifier

Description

It also features a fully analog preamplifier section with a proper analog ladder resistor volume control, delivering an exceptional noise-free signal to our Class A ORFEO output modules. Its groundbreaking Fusion DAC operates independently of the source clock signal. Our DDR technology records audio data into the Tesla G3 platform’s memory, which is re-clocked using our 60-femtosecond technology for jitter-free performance. Combining our proprietary digital filtering and oversampling technology with a precise switching network for the final digital-to-analog conversion stage, the VEGA G2.2 delivers superior sound quality. These cutting-edge technologies culminate into a transformative DAC, setting a new standard in digital audio performance.

Introducing VEGA G2.2 with AURALiC’s proprietary Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology. DDR records audio data directly into Tesla G3’s system memory in binary format, and then processes and outputs it to the DAC with dual 60fs Femto Clock – one for 44.1x and another for 48x sampling frequencies, serving as a master clock independent of the input signal. Thanks to these cutting-edge technologies, VEGA G2.2 is immune to input signal distortion and jitter, delivering unmatched sound quality. Experience an unparalleled listening journey with stunning detail, clarity, and precision, free from any distortion or jitter.

Fusion DAC – A Groundbreaking in DAC design
AURALiC’s groundbreaking Fusion DAC design in the VEGA G2.2 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.

The Fusion DAC design empowers users with unparalleled customization and flexibility, enabling fine-tuning and optimization to match individual preferences. AURALiC’s proprietary implementation of this unique, in-house developed technology represents a significant leap forward in DAC design, delivering exceptional performance and unparalleled sound quality.

Analog Preamplifier

The VEGA G2.2 retain the successful analog preamplifier function from the original VEGA G2.1, now enhanced with an increased output level from 4.4V to 6V to cater to power-hungry amplifiers. 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. Additionally, a convenient home theater bypass mode is available for analog input channels, providing maximum flexibility for your audio setup.

Analog Volume Control

The VEGA G2.2 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 G2.2.

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 G2.2 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 G2.2 deliver unparalleled audio clarity and precision, revealing the true essence of your music.

Unity Chassis II
The VEGA G2.2 chassis has been designed as a double enclosure, where an outer case made from high-grade aluminum is supplemented with an inner layer made by nickel coated copper. A high-mass base and enhanced four-foot multi-spring suspension system complete the quiet, noise defeating performance of the VEGA G2.2’s Unity Chassis II.

Perfectly Balanced
VEGA G2.2 internal circuits are physically distributed to enhance overall balance. And with specially designed foot spikes that dampen and absorb vibrations, the VEGA G2.2 is always rock-steady, for ultra-smooth signal delivery.

Tesla G3 – A New Era for Wireless 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 4GB 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.

8X
Processing Speed

New quad-core 64-bit processor is eight times faster, ensuring a future-proof solution that adapts to the evolving digital streaming demands.

DMA
Direct Memory Access

Audio input and output channels connect directly to the processor’s core, resulting in an impressive 90% reduction in latency and jitter.

4GB
System Memory

Bigger system memory and data storage means fluid audio signal processing and support for even more advanced features at higher resolution.

Flexibility to Explore
When used as a streamer, VEGA G2.2 offers multiple input choices, enabling you to use your preferred music playback software effortlessly. It is 100% compatible with Open Home based control software like Bubble UPnP and Linn Kazoo, as well as being a certified Roon Ready 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 G2.2 – where choice meets premium audio performance.

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.

An Integrated Family of Devices
Built around cutting-edge transfer protocols, more powerful processing, and enhanced isolation engineering, G2.2 products are a new concept in component integration. Our flagship series of products provides ultra-fast connectivity, due entirely to Lightning Link. Everything from audio signal, to digital clocking, and control signals are easily handled by Lightning Link. Every G2 and G3 product boasts a Lightning Link connection port, allowing them to be connected together as a stack.

Lightning Link

The HDMI-type, 18Gbps high-speed connection provides ultra-fast two-way communication and boasts the only real jitter-free link in the world of high-performance audio. As an added bonus, all G2 and G3 products can be linked without worry, allowing them to work seamlessly, as one contiguous digital source for an astonishing musical experience.

Dual 60fs Femto Clock
With a dedicated, low-noise 0.8uV power supply to minimize phase noise and keep it as quiet as it is accurate, our 60 Femto Master Clock is amazingly precise for less jitter, and immaculate sound. Its 60 femtosecond cycles — that’s 60 quadrillionths of a second — set a new standard for signal timing. Temperature-regulated for consistent performance, this clock is always there to keep things rock-steady.

Galvanic Isolation
One of the VEGA G2.2’s high-speed galvanic isolators lies between the Tesla processing platform and its highly sensitive DAC circuitry. Data can flow across the isolator, even while it physically separates and shields the DAC from interference. The result is a whopping 80% reduction in noise levels compared to the original VEGA DAC.

Flexible Filter Mode
Flexible Filter Mode gives you a nuanced level of control over your audio output. Its various modes were developed using a combination of objective data models and subjective testing, with each mode offering a unique array of filters to match the sonic quality of the source. Whether it’s modes to tweak in-band ripple, out-band attenuation, ultrasonic filtering and more, you’ve always got the power to dial in the performance you want.

ORFEO Class-A Module
Inspired by classic analog circuit designs, ORFEO is capable of driving an array of loads to match the characteristics of a variety of amplifiers. Using small signal components with excellent linear qualities, thermally balanced and biased into Class-A, ORFEO has the power to drive loads as low as 600 ohms while keeping noise low — open loop distortion comes in at less than 0.001%.

Smart-IR Control
Smart-IR Remote Control lets your AURALiC device map its functionality onto any remote you’d like. Just let the device know which remote you prefer, and all of its operations (play/pause, volume control, track select, etc.) can be assigned to buttons just the way you like them.

Dual Purer-Power
The Purer-Power linear power supply reduces DC current noise by as much as 90dB with its power purification module. Using a specially designed transformer and unique wiring that minimizes vibration, noise from Purer-Power is kept below 1uV across the audible spectrum, leaving you to discover the details in your music, down to the last bit.

SPECIFICATIONS

Benchmark
Frequency Response: 20 – 20KHz, +/- 0.1dB*
THD+N: < 0.00012% (XLR); < 0.00015% (RCA), 20Hz-20KHz at 0dBFS Dynamic Range: 130dB (XLR), 20Hz-20KHz, A-weighted Streaming File Format
Lossless: AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, OGG, WAV and WV
Lossy: AAC, MP3 and WMA

Sampling Rate
PCM: 44.1KHz to 384KHz in 32Bit**
DSD: DSD64(2.8224MHz), DSD128(5.6448MHz), DSD256(11.2896MHz), DSD512(22.57892MHz)***

Control Software
AURALiC Lightning DS for iOS
AURALiC Lightning DS for web browser (device setting only)
OpenHome compatible control software (BubbleUPnP, Kazoo)
Roon (Roon Core required separately)

Audio Inputs
Digital Inputs: Lightning-Link, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink, USB Audio, HDMI eARC****
Analog Inputs: RCA (2Vrms maximum) with theater bypass function
Streaming Inputs: UPnP/DLNA Media Server, Amazon Music Unlimited, HighResAudio, KKBOX, Qobuz Sublime+, Netease Music, TIDAL/TIDAL Connect, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TuneIn, Internet Radio, RoonReady

Audio Outputs
Balanced: XLR (6V / 2V user selectable, output impedance 5ohm)
Unbalanced: RCA (6V / 2V user selectable, output impedance 50ohm)
Headphone: 6.35mm Headphone Jack (output impedance 5ohm)

Network
Wired: Gigabit Ethernet

Power Consumption
Standby: <0.5W Sleep: <10W Playback: 50W at max. Dimensions – W x D x H
13.4 x 12.6 x 3.7 in. (34cm x 32cm x 9.6cm)

Weight
20.5 lbs (9.3kg)

Product Finishing
Anodized aluminum case in matte black with nickel coated copper EMI shielding enclosure.

Contents
AURALiC VEGA G2.2 Streaming DAC
Power cord
USB Cable
Lightning-Link Cable
User’s guide

* Tested under Filter Mode Precise for all sampling rate
** 352.8KHz and 384KHz and 32bit are supported through streaming, USB and Lighting-Link input only
*** By ‘DoP V1.1’ or native DSD protocol through streaming, USB and Lightning-Link input only
**** HDMI eARC function to be added in firmware V10 in late 2023