AURALIC VEGA S1 Streaming DAC

Description

At its core lies AURALiC’s proprietary Fusion DAC, a groundbreaking innovation the seamlessly integrates the finest elements of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs. In addition to this advanced DAC technology, the VEGA S1 incorporates Direct Data Recording (DDR), Galvanic Isolation, Analog Volume Control and Analog Preamplifier features derived from the acclaimed VEGA G2.2, ensuring a listening experience characterized by unmatched detail and precision. Based on the values of choice, natural sound, and reliability, our philosophy is a fundamental part of every product we design. Sonically, we engineer both our software and hardware to ensure a neutral and natural sound, allowing you to tailor your musical taste through speaker choice and room setup.

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.

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 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.

AURALiC’s proprietary Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology 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 S1 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.

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.

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: Coaxial, Toslink (2), USB Audio
Streaming Inputs: Network shared folder, USB Storage, USB CD Drive, UPnP/DLNA Media Server, Amazon Music Unlimited, HighResAudio, KKBOX, Qobuz Sublime+, Netease Music, TIDAL/TIDAL Connect, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, TuneIn, Internet Radio, Roon Ready

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

Network
Wired: Gigabit Ethernet

Power Consumption
Standby: <0.5W Sleep: <10W Playback: 30W at max. Dimensions – W x D x H
20.7cm x 29cm x 8.5cm (8.1 x 11.4 x 3.3 in.)

Weight
4.0kg (8.8 lbs)

Product Finishing
Anodized aluminum case in matte black

Contents
AURALiC VEGA S1 Streaming DAC
Power cord
Quickstart Guide

* Tested under Filter Mode Precise for all sampling rate
** 352.8KHz and 384KHz and 32bit are supported through streaming, USB input only
*** By ‘DoP V1.1’ or native DSD protocol through streaming, USB input only
****Roon Ready available upon completion of certification