Auralic Vega G2.2 - Streaming DAC

Auralic has continued its legacy by releasing four new products, which include the Auralic Vega G2.2 Streaming DAC. The Vega G2.2 represents a generational shift in the technology platform while maintaining the understated elegance and classic design of the G series.

The Auralic VEGA G2.2 build upon the already impressive foundation of their predecessor, the G2.1, retaining key features such as the AURALiC’s proprietary Fusion DAC structure, Direct Data Recording (DDR), Galvanic Isolation, passive analog volume control, and analog pre-amplifier.

The unique architecture of VEGA G2.2 avoids using a PLL circuit as it cannot fully remove the distortion and jitter present in the original clock signal. Instead, it records the audio data directly into the Tesla G3 processing platform's system memory in binary format, bypassing the original clock signal entirely.

As a result of these cutting-edge technologies, the VEGA G2.2 are immune to the input signal's distortion and jitter, delivering the highest level of sound quality possible.

Tesla G3 Platform

The VEGA G2.2 incorporates the advanced Tesla G3 platform, providing a significant boost to their processing power and capabilities. Additionally, new dual 60fs Femto Clocks powers the DAC operation and times the Tesla G3's data output to the DAC.

The VEGA G2.2 represents a significant upgrade to an already impressive benchmark, offering advanced features and exceptional performance that will satisfy even the most discerning listener.

Fusion DAC

AURALiC's Fusion DAC design in the VEGA G2.2 is a pioneering technology that combines the best features of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DAC designs. This innovative approach uses a high performance, manufacturer DAC chip as a basis for modification. Most of the DAC chips’ functions, such as PLL, digital filter, and oversampling circuits are bypassed, and instead AURALiC's proprietary clock reconstruction, digital filter, and oversampling technologies are deployed.

This unique approach ensures that only the precise switching network inside a DAC chip is used for the final digital-to-analog conversion stage, resulting in exceptional sound quality. This Fusion DAC design facilitates a unique level of customisation and flexibility, providing users with the ability to fine-tune and optimise the DAC to their individual preferences.

Overall, AURALiC’s proprietary implementation of this unique, in-house developed technology represents a significant advancement in DAC design, offering exceptional performance and unparalleled sound quality.

Direct Data Recording

The VEGA G2.2 is equipped with AURALiC's proprietary Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology. Unlike traditional DACs that rely on a Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuit to reconstruct the incoming clock signal, Auralic's DDR technology avoids using a PLL circuit as it cannot fully remove the distortion and jitter present in the original clock signal.

Next, a series of advanced digital filters and oversampling algorithms process the audio data, optimising it for the best possible performance. To power the DAC operation and time the Tesla G3's data output to the DAC chip, a dual 60fs Femto Clocks - one for 44.1x and another for 48x sampling frequencies - acts as a master clock, independent of the input audio signal.

As a result of these cutting-edge technologies, the VEGA G2.2 are immune to the input signal's distortion and jitter, delivering the highest level of sound quality possible. The result is an unparalleled listening experience, with stunning detail, clarity, and precision that is free from any distortion or jitter.

Passive Analogue Volume Control

Analogue volume control is widely regarded as the superior approach for achieving high-performance audio playback. Whilst digital volume control can accurately reduce the signal level, it cannot reduce the noise floor level of the output signal. As a result, when using digital volume control to attenuate the signal by a large amount, the system's dynamic range is inevitably heavily compromised.

Analogue volume control, however, can reduce both the signal level and noise floor, whilst retaining the system's dynamic range. The VEGA G2.2 features a true analog ladder resistor volume control that delivers exceptional and noise-free control without introducing any distortion. This volume control system includes eight coil-latch relays that remain inactive when not in operation, consuming no power and emitting no EMI noise. Once the system is adjusted, it remains electronically invisible, thereby further enhancing the already outstanding audio performance of the VEGA G2.2.

Analogue Preamplifier

The VEGA G2.2 maintains the successful analog preamplifier function from the original VEGA G2.1. This feature has been enhanced in the new design, with the output level increased from 4.4Vrms to 6Vrms to meet the demands of even the most power-hungry amplifiers.

Additionally, the ORFEO Class-A output modules ensure that the balanced output can drive loads well below 600ohm with minimal degradation in performance. If desired, users can disable the preamplifier function through software, with the option to reduce the output level to 2Vrms, allowing for the use of external preamplifiers. In addition, a convenient home theater bypass mode is available for analogue input channels.

Galvanic Isolation

Modern high-end DACs are capable of providing exceptional dynamic range that can reveal minute details in the original recording. However, achieving such a dynamic range requires extremely clean clocks, power supplies, and signal feeding into the DAC.

To ensure that no noise can be coupled into the DAC circuit, the VEGA G2.2 are equipped with high-speed galvanic isolators that are strategically positioned between the Tesla G3 processing platform and the ultra-sensitive audio circuit. These isolators provide physical separation and protection against interference for the DAC whilst enabling data transfer.

Technical Specifications

Further Information

Auralic Vega G2.2 - User Manual