The VEGA G2.1 is first and foremost a performance-focused DAC. Every aspect of the VEGA G2.1’s engineering has been designed to push the boundaries of sonic performance, reshaping data into a vibrant, emotionally rewarding musical performance — but its engineering is only half the story. The always-evolving architecture of the VEGA G2.1 combines high-end DAC performance and feature-rich online streaming, emerging as the heart of your digital source. While it may not house the ARIES G2.1 server capabilities, VEGA G2.1 streaming is based on the Lightning Streaming framework, so favorite AURALiC features like On-Device Playlists, Memory Caching, Gapless Playback, and Bit-Perfect Multi-Room are all at your fingertips. With support for every audiophile format and resolution up to 32bit 384khz PCM and DSD512, the stellar VEGA G2.1 is the embodiment of what high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion should be.
A one-of-a-kind Master Clock DAC
For the ultimate in Jitter-Free Operation
A persistent desire to continue innovating has gone into the creation of the G2.1 line and the all-new VEGA G2.1, resulting in engineering innovations that continue improving the already great sound of our best performing DAC. With a completely new internal architecture focused on isolation techniques via a copper enclosure and an advanced multi-spring suspension system, the VEGA G2.1 continues its ride along the cutting edge. Advanced galvanic isolation and always-in-control, hyper-accurate Dual 72 Femtosecond clocks contribute to the extraordinary clarity and precision of the VEGA G2.1.
Master Clock DAC
The completely redesigned architecture of the VEGA G2.1 allows it to accomplish something amazing: it is the first DAC ever that operates independently of the source signal’s frequency.
Unity Chassis II
The VEGA G2.1 chassis has been designed as a double enclosure, where an outer case made from high-grade aluminum is supplemented with an inner layer of copper. A high-mass base and enhanced four-foot multi-spring suspension system complete the quiet, noise defeating performance of the VEGA G2.1’s Unity Chassis II.
Perfectly Balanced
VEGA G2.1 internal circuits are physically distributed to enhance overall balance. And with specially designed foot spikes that dampen and absorb vibrations, the VEGA G2.1 is always rock-steady, for ultra-smooth signal delivery.
Beautifully quiet
The VEGA G2.1 introduces sophisticated galvanic isolation and Unity Chassis II techniques that drastically reduce the potential for electro-magnetic interference, for an extraordinarily pure, clean sound. And the VEGA G2.1 is 10% quieter than the our VEGA G2.
Customized DAC Chip
There wasn’t a DAC chip on the market that could satisfy our requirements for sonic performance with the all-new VEGA G2.1. That’s why we used a modified Sabre DAC chip scheme, optimized for audio signal processing of resolutions up to DSD512. It’s just one more way we made sure everything inside the VEGA G2 lives up the premium standard of the entire G2 line.
Fully Passive Volume Control
Precise control, distortion free, noise free. The only way to get all three is to painstakingly construct a R-2R resistor ladder network — and that’s exactly what we’ve done for the VEGA G2.1.
Invisible
Eight coil-latch relays remain entirely passive when not in use, drawing no power and producing exactly zero EMI noise. Once set, the VEGA G2.1’s volume control system remains electronically invisible — one more detail that helps the VEGA G2.1 push the boundaries of sonic performance.
Display Brilliance
A 4.0-inch true color in-plane switching high-resolution display provides complete operational feedback: input channel, volume, sampling rate, playback status, and configuration settings.
Tesla G1
Scalable Power, Custom-Built for Streaming Audio
Our Tesla G1 hardware platform is the processing engine that gives the VEGA G2.1 the power and flexibility it needs to meet the demands of modern high-resolution streaming. Designed around a high-performance Quad-Core Cortex-A9 processor running at 1GHz, Tesla G1 sports 1GB DDR3 RAM and 4GB of storage. Automatic updates keep the Tesla G1 platform outfitted with the latest features and support, so your device is always ready for peak performance and up-to-the-minute functionality.
Turn Your Home Network into a Music Streaming Ecosystem.
We developed Lightning OS to be the highest-quality streaming environment you’ve ever heard. A meticulously-crafted software architecture designed specifically to work hand-in-hand with the powerful Tesla hardware platform found in AURALiC streaming products, Lightning OS is full of cutting-edge innovations that bring your music to life like never before. Connect to all your of high-resolution sources, take control with user apps like Lightning DS or Roon, and meet true audiophile streaming.
Flexibility to Explore
Connect every source you’ve got to the VEGA G2.1 using its full array of ports. Traditional AES/ EBU, Digital Coaxial, and TOSLINK ports are all galvanically isolated for enhanced performance. Access network resources like UPnP/DLNA media servers, high-resolution Internet Services and Internet Radio via Ethernet.
An Integrated Family of Devices
Built around cutting-edge transfer protocols, more powerful processing, and enhanced isolation engineering, G2 and G2.1 are a new concept in component integration. Our flagship series of products provides ultra-fast connectivity, due entirely to Lightning Link. Everything from audio signal, to digital clocking, and control signals are easily handled by Lightning Link. Every G2 and G2.1 product boasts a Lightning Link connection port, allowing them to be connected together as a stack.
Lightning Link
The HDMI-type, 18Gbps high-speed connection provides ultra-fast two-way communication and boasts the only real jitter-free link in the world of high-performance audio. As an added bonus, G2 and G2.1 products can be linked without worry, allowing them to work seamlessly, as one contiguous digital source for an astonishing musical experience.
Dual 72fs Femto Clock
With a dedicated, low-noise 3uV power supply to minimize phase noise and keep it as quiet as it is accurate, our 72 Femto Master Clock is amazingly precise for less jitter, and immaculate sound. Its 72 femtosecond cycles — that’s 72 quadrillionths of a second — set a new standard for signal timing. Temperature-regulated for consistent performance, this clock is always there to keep things rock-steady.
Galvanic Isolation
One of the VEGA G2.1’s high-speed galvanic isolators lies between the Tesla processing platform and its highly sensitive DAC circuitry. Data can flow across the isolator, even while it physically separates and shields the DAC from interference. The result is a whopping 80% reduction in noise levels compared to the original VEGA DAC.
Flexible Filter Mode
Flexible Filter Mode gives you a nuanced level of control over your audio output. Its various modes were developed using a combination of objective data models and subjective testing, with each mode offering a unique array of filters to match the sonic quality of the source. Whether it’s modes to tweak in-band ripple, out-band attenuation, ultrasonic filtering and more, you’ve always got the power to dial in the performance you want.
ORFEO Class-A Module
Inspired by classic analog circuit designs, ORFEO is capable of driving an array of loads to match the characteristics of a variety of amplifiers. Using small signal components with excellent linear qualities, thermally balanced and biased into Class-A, ORFEO has the power to drive loads of up to 600ohms while keeping noise low — open loop distortion comes in at less than 0.001%.
Smart-IR Control
Smart-IR Remote Control lets your AURALiC device map its functionality onto any remote you’d like. Just let the device know which remote you prefer, and all of its operations (play/pause, volume control, track select, etc.) can be assigned to buttons just the way you like them.
Dual Purer-Power
The Purer-Power linear power supply reduces DC current noise by as much as 90dB with its power purification module. Using a specially designed transformer and unique wiring that minimizes vibration, noise from Purer-Power is kept below 1uV across the audible spectrum, leaving you to discover the details in your music, down to the last bit.
Specifications
Benchmark
Frequency Response: 20 - 20KHz, +/- 0.1dB*
THD+N: < 0.00012% (XLR); < 0.00015% (RCA), 20Hz-20KHz at 0dBFS
Dynamic Range: 130dB, 20Hz-20KHz, A-weighted
Streaming File Format
Lossless: AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, OGG, WAV and WV
Lossy: AAC, MP3, MQA** 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: Lightning-Link, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink, USB Audio
Analog Inputs: RCA Line-stage (2Vrms maximum)
Streaming Inputs: uPnP/DLNA Media Server, native TIDAL and Qobuz Sublime+ streaming, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, RoonReady
Audio Outputs
Balanced: XLR (4.8Vrms at 0dBFS, output impedance 5ohm)
Unbalanced: RCA (4.8Vrms at 0dBFS, output impedance 50ohm)
Headphone: 6.35mm Headphone Jack (output impedance 5ohm)
Network
Wired: Gigabit Ethernet
Power Consumption
Playback: 50W at max.
Dimensions - W x D x H
13.4 x 12.6 x 3.7 in. (34cm x 32cm x 9.6cm)
Weight
21.0 lbs (9.5kg)
Product Finishing
Anodized aluminum case in matte black with copper EMI shielding enclosure.
Contents
AURALiC VEGA G2.1 Streaming DAC
Power cord
USB Cable
Lightning-Link Cable
User's guide