Network Audio Players/Servers

Auralic's Vega DAC has witnessed improvements in processing speed, functionality, file format handling and technical performance since its first-gen platform was tested [HFN Jan '14] right up to the most recent G2.1 [HFN Oct '22]. This new G2.2 variant sees improvements in PSU capacity and filtering, clock precision and data buffering ('DDR' or Direct Data Recording) while other core features – including the 'Fusion' DAC, the R-2R analogue volume control and Class A 'Orfeo' analogue output stage – are broadly unchanged. Tested here in fixed output mode the maximum output drops to 2.15V but the A-wtd S/N ratio is still a hugely impressive 110dB (re. 0dBFs) and the output impedance an entirely 'interconnect cable agnostic' 275mohm (0.28ohm). Distortion remains a low 0.00015-0.00025% from 20Hz-20kHz/0dBFs [see Graph 1] while jitter is suppressed to a state-of-the-art ~10psec over all sample rates and inputs.

The latter is a function of both the ESS Sabre DAC's inbuilt technology and Auralic's own data/clocking management, but the real customisation comes in the form of its alternative digital filters – Precise, Dynamic, Balance and Smooth – the latter two having been updated over the Vega G2.1. The first three filters are linear phase types with progressively lower tap lengths, lower group delay and lower 130dB, 122dB and 63dB stopband rejections, respectively. Responses reach –0.05dB, –0.8dB and –2.2dB/20kHz with 48kHz data; –0.6dB, –11dB and –5.6dB/ 45kHz with 96kHz files and –1.7dB, –14dB and –8.7dB/90kHz with 192kHz media, respectively [black, red and blue; Graph 2]. The 'Smooth' filter is a minimum phase type [green traces, Graph 2] with the same roll-off and stopband performance as 'Balance' but with much reduced 'time domain' distortion. PM