Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Clean and open sound with an excellent sense of timing
- Features technology from the flagship AURALiC products at a more accessible price point
- Fusion DAC offers a nice sound stage, transparency, and gentle details
- Can function as a streamer, DAC, and preamplifier, offering versatility
- Supports Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, and CD playback
Product Considerations
- No Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring an Ethernet connection
- Lightning DS app is only supported on iOS devices
- Screen and font size can be small, making it difficult to read the display
- As a streamer, it froze up a couple of times
- Cannot be used as a streamer going to another DAC—it's built-in streamer with its own DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega S1 is a purist piece, while the EverSolo DMP-A8 focuses on features and user interface—the S1 has a more musical insight
- Vega S1 is a level above the Gustard R26 in terms of resolution
- The S1 is more transparent and gentle in its presentation than the Live Harmony DAC
- Vega S1 has virtually all the features found in the AURALiC Vega G2.2, but when combined with the S1 Purer-Power it approaches its sound quality too
Takeaway: The AURALiC Vega S1 is a versatile device that acts as a streamer, DAC, and preamp with excellent sound quality. It's a great option for those looking for a high-end audio experience without the flagship price tag.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Altair
- Positioning: Positioned as an all-in-one digital source in Auralic's lineup.
- Description: Offers a comprehensive set of features, including a high-performance DAC, network streaming, and local file management, making it ideal for users new to network-based digital audio. It combines the streaming capabilities of the Aries with the DAC performance of the Vega, but at a more accessible price point, making it suitable for those with budget constraints or smaller setups. Unlike the standalone Aries and Vega, provides a one-box solution, which is perfect for users seeking simplicity and space-saving without needing separate components.
Aries
- Positioning: Serves as a streaming processor and transporter, designed to enhance existing DAC systems.
- Description: Excels in providing high-resolution streaming capabilities, making it a great choice for users who already own a DAC and want to improve their network audio setup. It offers advanced streaming features and digital outputs, but lacks a built-in DAC, which differentiates it from the Altair and Vega.
Vega
- Positioning: Auralic's high-performance DAC with streaming capabilities, focusing on sonic excellence.
- Description: Stands out with its superior digital-to-analog conversion, offering exceptional sound quality for discerning listeners. It features advanced technologies like ORFEO Class A output modules, which are not present in the Altair, providing a richer and more detailed sound.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
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3/1/2022
Vega S1
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Manufacturer's notes
The VEGA S1 inherits AURALiC's innovative technologies from the VEGA G2.2. 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.
Manufacturer Specs
- 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
- Sampling Rate PCM: 44.1KHz to 384KHz in 32Bit
- DSD Support: DSD64(2.8224MHz), DSD128(5.6448MHz), DSD256(11.2896MHz), DSD512(22.57892MHz)
- Digital Inputs: Coaxial, Toslink (2), USB Audio
- Balanced Output: XLR (6V / 2V user selectable, output impedance 5ohm)
- Unbalanced Output: RCA (6V / 2V user selectable, output impedance 50ohm)
- Power Consumption: Standby <5W, Sleep <15W, Playback 30W max
- Dimensions: 20.7cm x 29cm x 8.5cm (8.1 x 11.4 x 3.3 in.)
- Weight: 4.0kg (8.8 lbs)
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Average Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used Products
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103
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8
Founded
2009
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Brand Page
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AURALiC
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit our
Vega G2.2
page
Product Page
Aries G2.2
6099
6099
/
7
Reviews
AURALiC
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit our
Aries G2.2
page
Product Page
Altair G2.2
6099
6099
/
4
Reviews
AURALiC
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A versatile 'one-stop solution' for preamp, streaming, and digital-to-analog conversion needs
- A precise, clear, detailed and dynamic sound, conveying inner subtleties of complex musical arrangements
- Features the Tesla G3 platform, with faster processing, reduced jitter and galvanic isolation to minimize electrical noise
- High-quality build with a sleek design and a high-resolution display
- Supports various streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, AirPlay2, TIDAL, Qobuz and Roon
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app may have some quirks and be less intuitive in design, requiring extra steps for navigation
- The Altair G2.2 does not work with Android devices directly, requiring the use of alternative apps
- Adjusting filters via the app pauses playback briefly
- The app design could be more intuitive
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.2 is a feature-rich streaming DAC preamp that delivers a compelling and highly capable sound. With its advanced technology and versatile functionality, it's an excellent choice for upgrading a digital audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit our
Altair G2.2
page
Product Page
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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DAC 200
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What else competes at this price?
Altair G1.1
3249
/
Released
2022
AURALiC
The new ALTAIR G1.1 Digital Audio Streamer, with its robust Wi-Fi connectivity and analog output, is a clean one-box solution for all your digital music. It offers a vast number of features and functions, allowing you to stream music from virtually any source. Play from locally stored files on your network, a USB drive, an optional integrated hard drive, as well as AirPlay 2.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-constructed with a chassis made from thick anodised aluminum plates
- Ready to work with the vast majority of signal formats and sources in the digital realm
- Excellent sound quality that is accurate, unforced, clean, detailed, and natural
- Easy to set up and simple to use with a streamlined design
- Integrates a DAC, preamplifier, server, and wireless streamer into one unit
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only compatible with iOS devices
- Has no digital outputs for connecting external DACs, master clocks, and DDCs
- Using the internal digital volume control drops performance down a little
- No remote control is provided, but a smart remote control can be programmed to control a host of functions
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Gustard R26, the AURALiC Altair G1.1 has almost identical sound quality, but it is better built and has a color screen and DSP engine
- The Altair G1.1 is not as refined or revealing as the AURALiC Aries G1.1 with a good DAC
- The AURALiC Altair G1.1 has more air and insight than a Naim streamer
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G1.1 is a superbly constructed streaming DAC that is easy to hook up and provides a simple hifi solution. Offering excellent sound quality with a clean and natural character, it makes it a great choice for those looking for a one-box digital solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Altair G1.1
Page
Product Page
Aries G1.1
3249
/
Released
2022
AURALiC
The new G1.1 version of our groundbreaking ARIES wireless streaming transporter is ready to deliver high-resolution streaming music to your home audio system. Drawing on cutting-edge technologies from our premier G2.1 line, the ARIES G1.1 can stream audiophile-grade resolutions up to DSD512 and PCM 384 wirelessly.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid build quality using quality materials like thick aluminum plates and an anodized silver base plate for improved damping of vibrations.
- Clear and open soundstage with very good layer separation, providing a neutral and high-resolution output.
- Controlled using the Lightning DS app (iOS only), which is considered intuitive and easy to navigate with attractive album artwork display.
- Supports a wide array of streaming services and platforms, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Roon.
- Ability to rip and play CDs via a USB disc drive, offering thorough error detection and correction during the ripping process
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only supported on Apple iOS devices, which may disappoint Android and Windows users.
- The display is considered okay but not as sharp or vibrant as some cheaper alternatives, and the small settings text may be difficult to read for some users.
- Some users may find that the benefits are not fully realized unless paired with a system of a certain caliber (DAC, amp, speakers).
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. AURALiC Aries Mini—the G1.1 offers improved performance, with reduced lag in the app and increased processing power.
- Vs. EverSolo DMP-A6—the ARIES G1.1 has a more open presentation, greater staging, and more space.
- Vs. AURALiC Aries G1—the G1.1 extracts a more polished, clean, and refined result and is melodically superior.
- Vs. Melco N10 (direct USB output)—the ARIES G1.1 adds substance and focus to the sound, making imaging more precise and timing pacier and engaging compared to the direct output of the Melco.
Takeaway: The AURALiC Aries G1.1 is a well-featured streaming transport that delivers a high-quality and neutral sound, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles looking to upgrade their digital source, with particular emphasis on high-quality digital to analog converters or full systems. With its comprehensive feature set and intuitive app, it's designed to be a versatile and user-friendly addition to any system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Aries G1.1
Page
Product Page
Wandla
2933
/
Released
2023
Ferrum
With WANDLA, we are making a statement to the current and next generation of music lovers. WANDLA represents tomorrow's standard of high end digital-to-analog conversion.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique features and impressive performance in a compact form factor
- Exceptional build quality
- Larger, responsive, and intuitive touchscreen UI
- Considered by one reviewer to be the best sounding DAC they have heard under $3,000
- Genuinely neutral and lifelike sound signature, without compromising resolving capability
Product Considerations
- Expensive, at $2,800 or 2,800 euros, which is a significant investment
- Limited display viewing angles, due to using a TN panel instead of an IPS, VA, or OLED
- Hypsos power supply is a subtle upgrade, not necessarily worth the extra cost unless already owning other Ferrum products
- Stock power supply is not as good as the Hypsos
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Gustard X18, Wandla lacks the sterile presentation, offering a more genuine neutral sound
- Compared to EverSolo DAC Z8, Wandla is closer to a true neutral sound signature and overall more realistic sounding
- Compared to Holo May KTE, Wandla was happily trading blows on outright soundstage size, and resolution was pretty much on par
- Compared to Chord Dave, Wandla provides similar sound and performance at a more attractive price
- Compared to Rockna Wavedream Signature, Wandla has similar liquidity and refinement but at a fraction of the price
Takeaway: The Wandla is an impressive DAC focused on sound quality, offering a number of unique features and customizability options. It is a great option for those looking for high end sound in a small package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Visit
Wandla
Page
Product Page
DAC204
3495
/
Released
2024
Weiss
Dare we call the DAC204 a Swiss army knife? It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering's product offering. Use the DAC204 for easy switching between multiple units with digital outputs — including a computer or mobile with USB out — and enjoy the pristine and low-jitter conversion to analogue audio from the unit's outputs. The DAC204 can also convert DSD audio to PCM and offers a digital output in the AES/EBU format.
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Precise, accurate, and musical sound, delivering what the disc or file was created to sound like
- Excellent jitter suppression, getting the most out of digital sources
- Versatile, it can be used as a digital format converter
- Weighty, full-bodied—tape or vinyl-like—sound
Product Considerations
- The stock power supply can be improved with a higher quality 6 to 9 volt supply or the Weiss PSU-102
- High-resolution sampling frequencies via USB of 352.8 and 384 are down sampled to half their value at 176.4 and 192
- May be a bit too harsh, even for some systems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Some reviewers preferred the Weiss DAC204 to the Chord Dave due to impressive detail and holographic 3D imaging, although the Weiss is not as sharp or dynamic
- The DAC204 is considered to be on the same level of sound quality as the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Cutest
- The DAC204 sounds just like the 501, despite being significantly less expensive and lacking the DSP, preamp, display, and remote control features
- The Weiss DAC204 is more open, dynamic, and punchy, while the Meitner is all about the midrange with beautiful and rich vocals
- The Weiss DAC204 brought more of everything making music sound more present, more physical, and more engaging in comparison to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC
- The main difference noted between the Weiss and the Totaldac d1-unity was one of body and weight
Takeaway: The Weiss DAC204 is a compact and versatile DAC that delivers high-end sound quality. A good fit for those who want a DAC that provides natural, realistic reproduction and accuracy without extra features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
Visit
DAC204
Page
Product Page
Harmony DAC
2700
/
Released
2023
Laiv
We're pushing the technology and design limits to bring you outstanding audio experiences. Meet our newest creation: the Precision Crafted DAC. With cutting-edge machining techniques, like CNC (Computer Numerical Control), our DAC raises the bar for audio quality, style, and toughness.
Laiv Audio's Harmony DAC uses EXICON lateral MOSFETs to replicate tube sound without tube drawbacks, and features a discrete R2R ladder network controlled by an Intel Altera Cyclone FPGA for precise sound quality. The brand stands out for its modular design approach that allows easy upgrades, and its unique unboxing experience includes a metal warranty card and a cardboard spike-aligner for precise setup.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
- Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
- Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
- The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.
Product Considerations
- The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
- Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
- It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
- Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
- Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
- Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
- Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
- Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.
Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Laiv Audio's Harmony DAC uses EXICON lateral MOSFETs to replicate tube sound without tube drawbacks, and features a discrete R2R ladder network controlled by an Intel Altera Cyclone FPGA for precise sound quality. The brand stands out for its modular design approach that allows easy upgrades, and its unique unboxing experience includes a metal warranty card and a cardboard spike-aligner for precise setup.
Visit
Harmony DAC
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Clean and open sound with an excellent sense of timing
- Features technology from the flagship AURALiC products at a more accessible price point
- Fusion DAC offers a nice sound stage, transparency, and gentle details
- Can function as a streamer, DAC, and preamplifier, offering versatility
- Supports Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, and CD playback
Product Considerations
- No Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring an Ethernet connection
- Lightning DS app is only supported on iOS devices
- Screen and font size can be small, making it difficult to read the display
- As a streamer, it froze up a couple of times
- Cannot be used as a streamer going to another DAC—it's built-in streamer with its own DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega S1 is a purist piece, while the EverSolo DMP-A8 focuses on features and user interface—the S1 has a more musical insight
- Vega S1 is a level above the Gustard R26 in terms of resolution
- The S1 is more transparent and gentle in its presentation than the Live Harmony DAC
- Vega S1 has virtually all the features found in the AURALiC Vega G2.2, but when combined with the S1 Purer-Power it approaches its sound quality too
Takeaway: The AURALiC Vega S1 is a versatile device that acts as a streamer, DAC, and preamp with excellent sound quality. It's a great option for those looking for a high-end audio experience without the flagship price tag.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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