Auralic Vega S1 DAC

Our Quick Take

From the moment we installed the Vega S1 into our reference system, our thoughts were "No way this is a $2000 DAC". It was giving our reference Merason DAC 1 MK2 a run for it's money on detail, beating it on soundstage, and with a little tweaking of the tone and filter modes we had it sounding so good we weren't anxious to get the Merason back in the system. Is it as good? Well, it's different. The Vega S1 had better soundstaging, and somewhat better depth and fore size, but did not have all of the bass drive and warmth the DAC 1 MK2 has.  Vocals were more of an emphasis with the Auralic. Meaning it was more prominent in the stage, whereas the Merason was a little further back, like between the speakers. The presentation of the Merason says "relax and enjoy", while the Auralic would say "sit up and pay attention". I hope that makes sense.

Bottom line: Auralic greatly exceeded my expectations with the performance and features of the S1. On sound alone it is an incredible value. Add the features like preamp and streamer functionality and it's a runaway hit in my opinion.

Feature Rundown

• Built-in streamer
• Internal linear power supply, with upgrade path to an outboard linear supply.
• Resistor ladder analog passive preamp
• Loudness compensation
• Tone modes (Clear or Mellow. Mellow is quite nice)
• Filter modes
• Galvanic Isolation
• Dual 60 fs clocks
• Pure DAC mode - turns off streaming hardware for lower noise floor (Needs a transport or streamer in this mode).
• Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music available in streamer mode
• Apple Airplay

The S1 series is the latest entry-level audio streamer and DAC from Auralic. Powered by AURALiC’s cutting edge Tesla G3 streaming platform, the S1 series inherits premium audio technologies from the acclaimed G2.2 reference products, including Direct Memory Access (DMA), Direct Data Recording (DDR), Fusion DAC, Galvanic Isolation, and more.

Vega S1 Streaming DAC

The VEGA S1 represents the pinnacle of AURALiC's state-of-the-art DAC technology, showcasing excellence in both hardware and software realms. At its core lies AURALiC's proprietary Fusion DAC, a groundbreaking innovation that seamlessly integrates the finest elements of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs. In addition to this advanced DAC technology, the VEGA S1 incorporates Analog Volume Control and Analog Preamplifier features derived from the acclaimed VEGA G2.2, ensuring a listening experience characterized by unmatched detail and precision. Breaking new ground, AURALiC introduces two pioneering technologies in the VEGA S1: PureDAC mode and Tone Mode adjustment. PureDAC mode empowers the VEGA S1 to disable all streaming and network-related functions, dedicating all resources to digital signal processing and conversion tasks. In this mode, the VEGA S1 utilizes Direct Data Recording technology to store music signals from any digital or USB input in the past hour to Tesla G3’s system memory, allowing users to replay music from any point at any time. Furthermore, the 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.

Auralic Vega S1 Reviews

• HiFi + (PDF)
• A British Audiophile (YouTube)
• HiFi Pig
• Litemagazin (Germany)
• The Ear (PDF)

S1 External Purer-Power Supply Unit

For those seeking an even higher level of audio quality, AURALiC offers an optional upgrade: the S1 External Purer-Power Supply Unit. This unit bypasses the internal power supply of the ARIES S1 and VEGA S1, doubling the power capacity for enhanced performance. Featuring two dedicated transformers and Purer-Power low noise power supply circuits, the upgraded unit ensures a total galvanic isolation between the Tesla G3 processing circuit and audio circuits. This separation eliminates interference and minimizes noise, resulting in superior sonic performance that elevates your listening experience to new heights.

FAQ

[1] Where does the S series fit in the Auralic range of products?

'S' stands for 'Sound,' our latest product line designed with an unwavering focus on delivering unparalleled sound quality within its price range.


[2] Why do you think there is a need for a product like this in the market?

AURALiC stands as a pioneering force in high-performance streaming, with a decade of dedicated experience. Witnessing a significant surge in the adoption of streaming technology, we acknowledge a concerning trend: the saturation of the entry-level market with products boasting abundant features but subpar sound quality. In an industry driven by the pursuit of high fidelity, prioritizing impeccable sound reproduction remains paramount. Thus, rather than inundating our products with numerous features, many of which may go unused by customers, we have committed our resources to maximizing sound quality within the constraints of our price range.

[3] Who should consider the S1 products?

For customers with existing streaming experience and equipment, our aim is to provide an uncompromising solution focused solely on delivering superior sound quality within their budget, eschewing the distractions of unnecessary features.

[4] What are the internal differences between the S1 and the G1.1 series?



The S1 harnesses the technological advancements of the G2.2, yet from a circuitry standpoint, it stands as a completely distinct entity, diverging entirely from the G1.1. The G1.1 is our feature focused product line while the S1 is our sonic performance focused product line.

[5] Why did you decide to offer the S1 power supply? What benefits does it bring?

The compact footprint of the S1 presents a unique engineering challenge in balancing performance and power capacity within its confines. To address this, we've incorporated an external power supply with doubled power capacity, housed in a separate metal enclosure. This strategic design not only enhances circuit performance but also minimizes EMI noise interference to the audio circuitry. Additionally, the inclusion of an external power supply provides customers with the flexibility to elevate sound quality without the need to replace their existing streamer.

[6] Does it defeat the internal power supply of the ARIES / Vega S1, or work with it?

The S1 and its external power supply are equipped with a proprietary communication data link. When the S1 detects the presence of the external power supply, it automatically deactivates its internal power supply. Additionally, we advise customers to disconnect the AC power cord from the main unit, further diminishing noise originating from the AC line for optimal audio performance.

[7] How does it differ from the ARIES / Vega S1’s internal power supply?


The external power supply enhances overall capacity twofold, encompassing improvements in transformer size, capacity array, and linear voltage regulation circuitry within its design.