AURALiC Vega G3 Reference Streaming DAC

The VEGA G2.2 streaming DAC represents the latest evolution in high-end DAC performance and cutting-edge analog circuit. AURALiC is at the forefront of digital audio technology, continuously pushing the boundaries with innovative new technologies. 

Streaming DAC

The VEGA G2.2 and G3 build upon the impressive features of their predecessor, the G2.1. They retain key features like 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 and G3 eliminates distortion and jitter by recording audio data directly into the Tesla G3 processing platform's system memory, bypassing the original clock signal.

Both VEGA G2.2 and G3 incorporate the advanced Tesla G3 platform, boosting processing power and capabilities. Dual 60fs Femto Clocks power the DAC operation and time the Tesla G3's data output to the DAC. This results in an unparalleled listening experience with exceptional detail, clarity, and precision, free from distortion or jitter.

The VEGA G3 takes the product line to a new level with state-of-the-art technologies. It integrates the Proteus X1 co-processing platform, setting a new standard for digital filtering and oversampling. Optimized for processing music signals from streaming content, the VEGA G3 enhances audio quality and improves the listening experience even with lower resolution music. It provides incredible depth, clarity, and detail, elevating the audio experience.

Compared to the G2.2, the VEGA G3 features an enhanced DAC design with a 30% reduction in distortion and noise and a 50% improvement in dynamic range. It also offers the option to run in Pure DAC mode, disabling internal streaming functions for a more traditional approach.

VEGA G2.2 and G3 offer advanced features and exceptional performance, surpassing benchmarks and satisfying even the most discerning listener.

Tesla G3

A New Era for Wireless Streaming

Built on a 64-bit ARM architecture, this revolutionary 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.

With these advancements, the Tesla G3 optimizes operations and enhances multitasking capabilities in all the new G2.2 and G3 series products, providing our customers with an unparalleled streaming experience.

Fusion DAC

When it comes to audio DACs, there are two primary designs: discrete ladder DAC and Delta-Sigma DAC. The discrete ladder DAC offers flexibility in tailoring sound but can suffer from non-linearities and reduced performance due to precision mismatches and temperature changes.

Delta-Sigma DACs are known for high accuracy, resolution, dynamic range, and low noise. However, their integration with complicated digital circuits limits customization and flexibility for designers.

AURALiC's Fusion DAC design in VEGA G2.2 and G3 combines the best features of discrete ladder and Delta-Sigma DACs. It bypasses most DAC chip functions and deploys proprietary clock reconstruction, digital filter, and oversampling technologies. This unique approach ensures exceptional sound quality and allows for customization and optimization to individual preferences.

AURALiC's proprietary implementation of the Fusion DAC represents a significant advancement in DAC design, offering exceptional performance and unparalleled sound quality.

Direct Data Recording

Both the VEGA G2.2 and VEGA G3 are 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, our DDR technology avoids using a PLL circuit as it cannot fully remove the distortion and jitter present in the original clock signal. Instead, we record the audio data directly into the Tesla G3 processing platform's system memory in binary format, bypassing the original clock signal entirely.

Next, a series of advanced digital filters and oversampling algorithms process the audio data, optimizing 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 and G3 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 Analog Volume Control

Analog 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. Analog volume control, however, can reduce both the signal level and noise floor, whilst retaining the system's dynamic range.

The VEGA G2.2 and G3 feature 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 and G3.

Analog Preamplifier

The VEGA G2.2 and G3 maintain 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 analog 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 and G3 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.

Proteus X1 Co-Processor

The Proteus X1 in the VEGA G3 is an advanced technology built around a Xilinx XC7A200T FPGA chip, featuring over 200,000 logic cells and 740 DSP slices. This chip shares the Tesla G3's 4GB DDR4 system memory, allowing for powerful data processing capabilities. Unlike in the ARIES G3, the Proteus in the VEGA G3 exclusively processes the signal with advanced digital filter and oversampling, ensuring that all input signals work at the DAC's optimal sampling frequency.

The algorithm running inside Proteus X1 of VEGA G3 is specially optimized processing music signal from online sources, whether it is through the built-in streamer or the digital inputs. This optimization significantly improves the listening experience for music that may not be available in highest resolution format.