*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY* THIS IS A TEST -- With this video, we are trialling a new way of doing things: the comments section below has been switched ON but will be *moderated by a third party*. The upshot? You get to leave a comment below the video and I don't get tied up by comment moderation to stay focussed on making the next video or podcast as well as keeping the Darko.Audio website and Patreon up to date. That means more content for EVERYONE. Our new third-party moderator is under strict instruction not to approve racist or sexist remarks, URLs, (the seeds of) conspiracy theories or the unsubstantiated ramblings of grumpy geezers.
Nice to see the comment are back if only temporarily. I've missed the discussion in the comments and hearing other's experience with the gear that you discuss.
Having owned the PSAudio DSDac (4 yrs run direct to amp) and into BHKPre 1yr, i would say one reason to buy the DSD IS the Bit-perfect Volume control with the amazing remote. You set the BHKPre to 40 and use the remote to change volume on either unit, but you can surf the DSD volume up and down with great precision making it an absolute joy to operate. The sound stage is enormous, accurate, precise, musical and stays that way at low volume, especially with the addition of the BHKPre. Another huge plus for PSAudio is they are family owned in BOULDER, CO, not China. The CEO is a phone call away, literally, and Customer service is personal and fast. DSD Designer, Ted Smith sends you a NEW operating system every year which you simply download, an amazingly underrated feature of owning the DSD. Have not heard the Auralic, but have listened to many reviewers comments. Great work as always John. Cheers mates.
I bought the Direct Stream Dac a couple of years ago when I decided to spend some money on myself while I could still enjoy it. I had been using the Schiit Uber Dac which for it's price ($300) was very good but the Direct Stream (($6,000 so it damn well should be) and am very happy with the sound of this more expensive Dac. I'm impressed at how it tames lesser bit eate tracks and makes them very enjoyable. The Auralic might well be able to sparkle more but I worry about what it might do with lesser tracks so for now I'll stay where i am.
Great review, but the best part about this is the return of comments! Thank you so much for opening us back to the wealth of knowledge that your viewers have and share with the rest of us.
Great video John, thank you! It’s worth mentioning that the PS audio DirectStream does not use a DAC chip, instead all the reconstruction logic is implemented in software developed in house and running not on a CPU or GPU but an FPGA. A very exotic type of programmable hardware. Most other manufacturers use ESS or BurrBrown chips to do the D/A. You quite rightly caveated the discussion at the beginning by emphasising that the DAC chip is not an indication of the quality of the product, but this implementation detail here matters. It allows the PS audio to receive firmware updates and stay up to day perpetually. In other words nothing is baked in so to speak, it’s all software running on FPGAs. It’s very, very impressive. I would hazard to add that another incredible advantage of this approach vs the conventional dedicated chip approach is that the issue of steep reconstruction filters and the artefacts they create is totally gone here, as in this case the reconstruction filters are not implemented using circuitry but done with software. Digging further down this rabbit hole gets even more interesting. This problem with reconstruction filters is a challenge in the D to A conversion of PCM music. The PS audio DAC however has another unique approach, it’s totally DSD based! It converts all input, whether PCM or DSD, to an up-sampled DSD and then the D to A conversion is done using that DSD signal. The advantage here is that the D to A conversion of DSD is much more direct and less technically fraught than PCM. The DirectStream PS audio DAC is a radically different product in many ways. Thanks for your videos, love the channel! 👌🏻🙏🏻
Thank you so much! You have broadened my hifi horizons. Thanks to you, I learnt about external DACS. and how to use an iPad to stream hi definition and cd quality audio. I then did some reading on top and purchased a Topping DAC which has modernised and improved my classic Arcam and Monitor audio system. For considerably less than the bluenode I was planning to buy. ( sadly my budget would not stretch to the Auralic). I am now as excited by music as when I bought my first CD player in 1985!
Thank you, John. Since discovering your channel a few months ago, you have expanded both, my knowledge of audio equipment and my “to check out” music list. I have really enjoyed the content and cinematic quality of your videos. ~Randy
I just got the Auralic Vega G1 and I am extremely happy with it. It blew away my previous DAC. It was expensive, but to me, it was worth every cent. It was like I bought a whole new system. Every dynamic changed. Absolutely brilliant! Love your reviews. Buy what you like/what you want and forget the rest.
Me too. That PI is a neat gizmo , even if I don't quite understand all the settings yet, If you settle on something better than Moode , plz put your experience in the comments as I find the interface awkward and would like to know what other people are doing
Paz, do you perhaps sit on a bucket in a pair of dungarees listening to your system ? Or did you eventually get electricity in the But an' Ben ? Either way you win the award for best use of the word "braw" in a comments section devoted to digital music. 😉
Love your reviews. Clearly expressed honesty is pretty rare... For those of us who have packed their turntable away (a decade ago?) I would heartily direct towards Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer output to mid level Chord DAC. Very happy with this combination. Greetings to one and All.
One thing that hasn’t gone unnoticed in your tests is your knowledge of music/albums. A lot of channels talk purely about specs and not how it actual delivers the albums you may listen to. Even though I will probably never afford a dac at this price, great video.
Nearly spat my tea out when I heard you say you'd put on some Bach. But no, it was Barker. Normal service resumed! Thanks for the Patti Smith recommendation. Paused the video to check it out, loved it, will buy it on CD. Oh, and the DAC sounds like it's good too.
I use a 25 year old DAC. Adcom GDA700. Laptop HP I5. WI-FI to it with the Chromecast audio. The little hockey puck. I use the optical out tos link to go to the DAC. I use Roon and Tidal. I have an external 1 terabyte HD for personal library.
Great review. Few things: PS Audio DSD has updates from a FPGA which gives you essentially multiple DACs to choose from. Also, adding a better 'clean source' such as a Sonore component or EtherRegen brings that spunk back to the DSD. The Aurelic piece does a great job at keeping clean signals clean. PS Audio offers a trade in at retail value deal so you can almost always get the DSD for much cheaper than 6-7K. Anyway, great review. Currently own both a DSD Jr and BHK Pre as well. Cheers.
My preference would be better articulation while retaining beautiful instrument tonality and that may be a combination of the positive attributes of the two units that you are reviewing. I own a PS AUDIO DSD DAC/STREAMER and find it more than satisfying. I am a listener in search or true musicality so I think that your description of my unit is accurate but I would like to hear a bit more fine detail but I can live with my current setup as the rest of my equipment is fast. I believe that what you are referring to in the aliveness of the music does not really address the instrument’s “attack” on the musical notes especially with percussive, plucked string and electronically synthesized instruments. Thanks for bringing comments back to your channel
I really enjoyed seeing the tear-down of this unit, would have been nice to see the DS guts as well. When speaking about the internal components, i find it important to point out the brand of capacitors used as well as the transformer type & overall weight. Great stuff!
I guess my concern with spending a significant amount of money on a DAC is that what you are hearing is partly software tuning, so that other than doing a clean conversion, software tuning can make it sound as wide, revealing, deep as you want. Just like those effects you can put on Winamp or Windows Media Player.
Great review as always. I have the PS Audio DirectStream which is a terrific machine, albeit with the odd foible. It will be interesting, when PS Audio release the next and last firmware upgrade for the DirectStream, whether that then leapfrogs the Auralic in sound quality.
Watching this with headphones and that chicken sound when "Remote Control" showed up was a pleasant surprise! It sounded coming from "outside" my headphones.
Great review, John. When I win some lottery money, I may consider both DACs. I do appreciate your reviews, since they open the mind regarding audio equipment, like reading Stereophile or What HiFi? mags. Doesn't hurt to dream a bit. Aztec Camera.............blast from the past!
I was very interested in the Vega G2.1 I ended up going to the Lumin U1 into my Meridian DAC, but as John adroitly points out in terms of functionality, it has meant needing further kit down the track when I eventually update my DAC. Seems like the SQ continues to be the main driver, but the functionality of hardware is a compelling point.
I didn't recognize your voice straight away, hope you are feeling well. Thank you for the comparison. I remember liking the Chord TT2 over the PS Audio Directstream in an audition. I couldn't quite articulate the difference but your description between these 2 reminded me of that PS audio sound that I did not prefer.
You should post an advanced owners review of the BHK pre. Good video. I have a Auralic Vega 2.0 with the BHK pre/M700 into Focal Sopra 1 for several years now and they can be a magical combo.
Not all DACs are created equally, and thus don't sound the same. The choice of chip is important, but less than flagship models can yield great results, especially if surrounded by components that allow for better voltage control, jitter reduction, etc. Dual mono designs are an expensive way to lower distortion and crosstalk, but won't help in the time domain, nor with macrodynamics or getting that "meaty" sound. The choice of reconstruction filter can not be overlooked, but neither can clocking, data buffering, amplification stages, power supply, magnetic shielding or microphony reduction due to physical vibration at this level. I wouldn't spend this amount on a DAC on my salary, yet I admire the incredible attention to detail, use of quality components and extensive functionality Auralic puts into its products.
The fact to have an analogue input is justa I usually wondered about why isn’t more common in other DAC, because I find it very convenient. With DAC with analogue input plus an active speakers, you get all the system. Of course you should add the sources.
There will be a PS-Audio DirectStream MKII coming out soon (mid 2021). The MKII will not include any native streaming functionality, in favour of less electrical noise and jitter. So this needs to be solved by an external streamer. BTW: Most DirectStream users don't recommend the internal streaming solution of the DAC as they get superior results with external streamers. Ah... I forget to mention: The latest Firmware release for the current DirectStream should also be ready any moment. If used with an external PreAmp, the PS-Audio DirectStream Volume should be set to 92. That's the recommended setting by Ted Smith.
I agree with your review and point of view. I have the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and and the PS Audio BHK Preamplifier (in addition to the PS Audio BHK 300 power amplifiers) and the DAC sounds much better with the preamplifier and not using the DAC's volume control. In fact, Paul, form PS Audio, has stated that this is the way he uses it and recommends that setup. Recently I added the Auralic Aries G2.1 in addition to the Wyred 4 Sound MS Music Server that I have been using for a long time (with the i7 package and 4TB of SSD). The Aries made a significant increase in all areas. I have yet to listen to the Innuos Zenith Mk 3 as there are no dealers around here, but I feel very satisfied with the Auralic. Can you do a comparison between the Innuos and the Auralic? Keep up the great work!
Jose, I have your system and considering the W4S MS for it's I2S output to the DSD, Now that you've added the G2.1 and assuming you switched platforms to LightningDS, what connection do you use between the W4S MS and the Auralic G2.1? and G2.1 to your DSD? USB for both?
Hey John, Nice video and production as always. Even though in general I agree with your some of your thoughts in the video, I think you leave some things open and vague - maybe even on purpose. You frequently mention technical terms and specs on devices but I’d like to see your thought process on how those things make an audible difference in you opinion, given that there are measurements that can prove one way or another (e.g. what’s the actual impact of a power supply to audio since we have conversion from AC to DC and serious filtering in order to achieve that). You also link to measurements on this video so I think it’s a fair ask, even though I know your channel’s stand on measurements and blind testing.
Great review✌️Yes two separate power supplies I have an old Burson dac ,it uses two different power supplies, I put it up against the Hugo and although the Hugo had more detail the Burson was smoother with a little more bass Reach . You are very correct about dac chips And the importance of a really well thought out and Analogue output stage.👍
Awesome work. What about a comparison of this price bracket vs the one click more expensive? Like the Bartok. Glad you turned comments on. Don't read the bad ones :D
John, thank you yet again...the Directstream is my aspirational DAC, to be paired wirh a Perfectwave SACD Transport BUT is terrific to hear it has a comparable competitor. The one thing that will always intrugue me are the iterations that Mr. Smith has and presumably will continue to provide. If any DAC can get it exactly to my listening preference, then options become a non-issue. But if offered a chance to have different options to choose from, am happy the Directstream exists🎶. Any Aurender reviews coming? Seen the Show interview one; hoping others might follow.
I liked the in-depth analysis. But I am still not sure why would dacs sound differently. There are two dacs/ streamers which I would like your review on 1. Marantz ND 8006 2. NAD C658
The main thing is the analog stage. If you took the exact same digital stage and gave it to different designers to build the analog stage, you could end up with some very different sounding components.
I have a suspicion that this fancy new chassis might actually be cheaper to produce than the cast-in-one-piece case of the G2 versions. Auralic are telling G2 owners that it is not worth upgrading on their forum, it's good to see a manufacturer not over hyping a new version.
Due to YOU.....it is your fault ....I bought an RME ADI2 DAC FS.....and .....I am happy with it, in any case I don't have 6K for this Auralic wich seems beautifully built. Now I need a streamer of equivalent quality.....so YOU MUST finish your job....show me streamers up to the task !
Technics 1210 spotted, my respect level just went up a fair bit more... having owned a set in the 90's from new, i wouldn't ever bother with anything else !
Hi JD, Would be really interested to see a video on your room treatment, what different treatments (and plants...) you have used now and in the past. Also because they look stylish. Cheers!
I am all for systemwide smaller footprint! However, being old-school, I much prefer the sonic properties of a fine carbon-based volume pot! Cheers… Keith
In my experience music streamed via Lightning DS sounds more dynamic and incisive than via Roon. Perhaps you can have the best of both worlds using Lightning DS to stream to the Directstream?
Has anyone addressed that an audiophile journey is as much about discovering who you are as a person as it is having a good sounding system? These metaphors, such as the curry example, work. In truth, our most interesting subject in this life may be ourselves, and directly after that, others. An audiophile journey is a journey into ourselves. The money is really secondary because you can discover nearly as much information about yourself and your relation to the world around you with a $200 headphone or a $7000 DAC. I have an older Arcam system that I will leave behind in the states as I move to Japan where a Buchardt A500 awaits me. On my desk will be a pair of Psi Audio A14s. That is where I will start my journey again. This is where I'm at NOW. It may change but this is a snapshot into my psyche as a 53 year old doublebassist who is moving to Japan. I'm convinced if we view our audiophile journey more in terms as discovering things about ourselves instead of attaining some kind of ideal or as a point of perspective with which to argue with others we would be far better off. The audiophile journey is a mirror and therapist that will never kick you off the couch, never over-charge you, never snicker behind your back as you drag your sad-sack self out into the light of day for another go at this thing called life. It is there for YOU. All this music to heal you, all this equipment to reveal so much information to you, it's a wonder we often see people reducing it to it's most shallowest terms. Special thanks for the REM shoutout.
Hi and thank you. I own an aural if Altair G1 which you have reviewed before. I’m quite happy. Have been upgrading my equipment and cables this past year and wonder if the step up to this new Vega is worth it. Appreciate your comments.
Thanks John ! You did great analysis from DACs functional and sounding image point of view to both great DACs in current market place, I am currently using Altair G1 and still not sure I will upgrade to Altair G2.1 ( All in one concept ) or totally change to Vega G2.1 ( just DAC ) may be share some of your 2 cents to me will be much appreciated. I had about 2T high res music files ( DSD256 and Other Flac...Wav...) and that is reason I love to connect HD to Altair G1 or G2.1 but if I switched to Vega G2.1 I will have to using computer ( i.e. Amazon Music HD streaming ) or network server ( my own local HD files ), But if sound qualities are major influential to my decision ( technically Vega G2.1 may be better DAC then Altair G2.1 )? Still explore what may be the gain switch to Vega 2.1 rather Altair G2.1...... BTW: I do love to put preamp between DAC and amplifier and my current set up is Altair G1 XLR to McIntosh C1100 preamp then to McIntosh 1.25W amplifier. Looking forward to hear you advice :)) Thanks Al
Thank you John for another exceptional review. I own an earlier Auralic Vega G2 and your comments mirror my own experience with this excellent DAC. Your description of the Vega G2.1 sonic signatures and how it grabs you constantly with its lively presentation is spot on. I have had my Vega G2 for three years and still loving it. Which Filter Mode did you use to assess the performance of the Vega G2.1?
Just love the music you continue to use as it is my laneway although yes Horses is a great album, agree to disagree. Thanks for the insights again and with the music I love.
Thanks for the great video, my question is what is a difference between a Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer and Vega shown here, why have a dedicated streamer unless it has to be better...? (Not talking about Dac part here)Thanks
Hi John, Since you’ve also reviewed the Mola Mola DAC, how does the Auralic compare to it? (Or perhaps the Vega G2.1 would need the Leo GX Clock to get on the same league as the Tambaqui DAC, sound-quality-wise?)
Add to comparison Lumin T2, it will be a good comparison. Plus Lumin works with Android platforms too. However, has no album art display only text, has no digital or analogue inputs.
There is "another" option that you could have used to compare, as Cary Audio has their DMS line, like the new DMS-700, or the older DMS-600 or DMS-550. Roon Ready, Tidal (with MQA), Qobuz, Spotify and Spotify Connect, including a front color screen for album art.
I appreciate all the music suggestions, do you have any playlists on the streaming services? I see a few that are using your name, but it would be great to see a genuinely curated list.
Hi John, you said in a previous video that your cd transport sounded better going into the directstream dac than using the bridge card in the direct stream. Does streaming with this aurelic beat out a cd transport ?
Really curious how much your personal setup changes now that you have the tune tot. I remember about 8 years ago the auralic vega was the dac to have. In particular it loved fleshing out micro details and dynamics. With a good pair of closed back headphones it created an amazing experiences. Little sounds would just bloom out of a beautiful black background and disappear back jnto the depths of he'll. Extremely erie
Interesting review thanks. I moved from the PS Audio Directstream junior to the Vega G2. Different price points of course but the Vega G2 was a big step up for me. Also love the G2 sound using its ‘pre’ functionality. PS Audio let me down with a unit that kept failing, ongoing issues updating to its ‘new’ op system and a terrible MConnect app. I do wish Auralic provided a remote.
From about five minutes to seven minutes I get lost. I find the connections and implementation of digital equipment a real confusion. I struggle with understanding the various cables on Naim gear, so maybe I need a few lessons in plugging things in, where, how and what with.
*PLEASE READ CAREFULLY* THIS IS A TEST -- With this video, we are trialling a new way of doing things: the comments section below has been switched ON but will be *moderated by a third party*. The upshot? You get to leave a comment below the video and I don't get tied up by comment moderation to stay focussed on making the next video or podcast as well as keeping the Darko.Audio website and Patreon up to date. That means more content for EVERYONE. Our new third-party moderator is under strict instruction not to approve racist or sexist remarks, URLs, (the seeds of) conspiracy theories or the unsubstantiated ramblings of grumpy geezers.
Thanks for bringing back the comments. You’re doing an awesome job!
Nice to see the comment are back if only temporarily. I've missed the discussion in the comments and hearing other's experience with the gear that you discuss.
"snap, crackle and pop"... you are just brilliant at describing hifi sysytems into words. My fav you tube site. Keep up the great work.
Having owned the PSAudio DSDac (4 yrs run direct to amp) and into BHKPre 1yr, i would say one reason to buy the DSD IS the Bit-perfect Volume control with the amazing remote. You set the BHKPre to 40 and use the remote to change volume on either unit, but you can surf the DSD volume up and down with great precision making it an absolute joy to operate. The sound stage is enormous, accurate, precise, musical and stays that way at low volume, especially with the addition of the BHKPre. Another huge plus for PSAudio is they are family owned in BOULDER, CO, not China. The CEO is a phone call away, literally, and Customer service is personal and fast. DSD Designer, Ted Smith sends you a NEW operating system every year which you simply download, an amazingly underrated feature of owning the DSD. Have not heard the Auralic, but have listened to many reviewers comments. Great work as always John. Cheers mates.
Love that you have the mellifluous tones of Jana's voice doing the intro. I miss her voice.
This man's life is a dream for every hi-fi user. The gear, the music, the passion, everything is just perfect. Keep up the good work John🎵🎧
Your lighting framing and overall video look is brilliant. Greetings to Olaf and all the masterminds behind the scenes👏
I bought the Direct Stream Dac a couple of years ago when I decided to spend some money on myself while I could still enjoy it. I had been using the Schiit Uber Dac which for it's price ($300) was very good but the Direct Stream (($6,000 so it damn well should be) and am very happy with the sound of this more expensive Dac. I'm impressed at how it tames lesser bit eate tracks and makes them very enjoyable.
The Auralic might well be able to sparkle more but I worry about what it might do with lesser tracks so for now I'll stay where i am.
Great review, but the best part about this is the return of comments! Thank you so much for opening us back to the wealth of knowledge that your viewers have and share with the rest of us.
Great video John, thank you!
It’s worth mentioning that the PS audio DirectStream does not use a DAC chip, instead all the reconstruction logic is implemented in software developed in house and running not on a CPU or GPU but an FPGA. A very exotic type of programmable hardware.
Most other manufacturers use ESS or BurrBrown chips to do the D/A.
You quite rightly caveated the discussion at the beginning by emphasising that the DAC chip is not an indication of the quality of the product, but this implementation detail here matters. It allows the PS audio to receive firmware updates and stay up to day perpetually. In other words nothing is baked in so to speak, it’s all software running on FPGAs. It’s very, very impressive.
I would hazard to add that another incredible advantage of this approach vs the conventional dedicated chip approach is that the issue of steep reconstruction filters and the artefacts they create is totally gone here, as in this case the reconstruction filters are not implemented using circuitry but done with software.
Digging further down this rabbit hole gets even more interesting. This problem with reconstruction filters is a challenge in the D to A conversion of PCM music. The PS audio DAC however has another unique approach, it’s totally DSD based! It converts all input, whether PCM or DSD, to an up-sampled DSD and then the D to A conversion is done using that DSD signal. The advantage here is that the D to A conversion of DSD is much more direct and less technically fraught than PCM.
The DirectStream PS audio DAC is a radically different product in many ways.
Thanks for your videos, love the channel! 👌🏻🙏🏻
im just here for your latest playlist to test my budget equipment with
LOL
Thank you so much! You have broadened my hifi horizons. Thanks to you, I learnt about external DACS. and how to use an iPad to stream hi definition and cd quality audio. I then did some reading on top and purchased a Topping DAC which has modernised and improved my classic Arcam and Monitor audio system. For considerably less than the bluenode I was planning to buy. ( sadly my budget would not stretch to the Auralic). I am now as excited by music as when I bought my first CD player in 1985!
Thank you, John. Since discovering your channel a few months ago, you have expanded both, my knowledge of audio equipment and my “to check out” music list. I have really enjoyed the content and cinematic quality of your videos. ~Randy
Thanks John, you have been a great inspiration in my return to hifi last year.
I just got the Auralic Vega G1 and I am extremely happy with it. It blew away my previous DAC. It was expensive, but to me, it was worth every cent. It was like I bought a whole new system. Every dynamic changed. Absolutely brilliant! Love your reviews. Buy what you like/what you want and forget the rest.
Cheers JD. I just finished building my Pi-Fi. Just boom Digi hat. Plugged in to the Schitt Modi 3. Braw. Now jus have to learn Moode.. 🤯🙏🦕
Me too. That PI is a neat gizmo , even if I don't quite understand all the settings yet, If you settle on something better than Moode , plz put your experience in the comments as I find the interface awkward and would like to know what other people are doing
Paz, do you perhaps sit on a bucket in a pair of dungarees listening to your system ? Or did you eventually get electricity in the But an' Ben ?
Either way you win the award for best use of the word "braw" in a comments section devoted to digital music. 😉
Speaking on behalf of grumpy geezers everywhere--great review! Thanks, John.
Love your reviews. Clearly expressed honesty is pretty rare... For those of us who have packed their turntable away (a decade ago?) I would heartily direct towards Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer output to mid level Chord DAC. Very happy with this combination. Greetings to one and All.
One thing that hasn’t gone unnoticed in your tests is your knowledge of music/albums. A lot of channels talk purely about specs and not how it actual delivers the albums you may listen to. Even though I will probably never afford a dac at this price, great video.
i like the idea of comparing functionality at high end
Nearly spat my tea out when I heard you say you'd put on some Bach. But no, it was Barker. Normal service resumed!
Thanks for the Patti Smith recommendation. Paused the video to check it out, loved it, will buy it on CD.
Oh, and the DAC sounds like it's good too.
Really like how John emphasizes these are his views, others may have others, and doesn't try to force anything down your throat. Well done.
I use a 25 year old DAC. Adcom GDA700. Laptop HP I5. WI-FI to it with the Chromecast audio. The little hockey puck. I use the optical out tos link to go to the DAC. I use Roon and Tidal. I have an external 1 terabyte HD for personal library.
awesome!
BTW - been listening to PURPLE MOUNTAINS non-stop for a month now, thanks to you. It's a great album!
Great review. Few things: PS Audio DSD has updates from a FPGA which gives you essentially multiple DACs to choose from. Also, adding a better 'clean source' such as a Sonore component or EtherRegen brings that spunk back to the DSD. The Aurelic piece does a great job at keeping clean signals clean. PS Audio offers a trade in at retail value deal so you can almost always get the DSD for much cheaper than 6-7K. Anyway, great review. Currently own both a DSD Jr and BHK Pre as well. Cheers.
My preference would be better articulation while retaining beautiful instrument tonality and that may be a combination of the positive attributes of the two units that you are reviewing.
I own a PS AUDIO DSD DAC/STREAMER and find it more than satisfying. I am a listener in search or true musicality so I think that your description of my unit is accurate but I would like to hear a bit more fine detail but I can live with my current setup as the rest of my equipment is fast.
I believe that what you are referring to in the aliveness of the music does not really address the instrument’s “attack” on the musical notes especially with percussive, plucked string and electronically synthesized instruments.
Thanks for bringing comments back to your channel
Came for the review, stayed for the new music ideas.
I really enjoyed seeing the tear-down of this unit, would have been nice to see the DS guts as well. When speaking about the internal components, i find it important to point out the brand of capacitors used as well as the transformer type & overall weight. Great stuff!
I guess my concern with spending a significant amount of money on a DAC is that what you are hearing is partly software tuning, so that other than doing a clean conversion, software tuning can make it sound as wide, revealing, deep as you want. Just like those effects you can put on Winamp or Windows Media Player.
Enjoyed the video. The Auralic internals look very impressive.
Great review as always. I have the PS Audio DirectStream which is a terrific machine, albeit with the odd foible. It will be interesting, when PS Audio release the next and last firmware upgrade for the DirectStream, whether that then leapfrogs the Auralic in sound quality.
Have you heard of a "last" firmware upgrade for the DirectStream? Is it nearing the end of its lifecycle?
The DSD was a great option when it first came out and I owned one then but it's been surpassed and you can certainly buy more DAC for the money now.
What beautiful construction. That is quite the setup you have going on. Love the Wilson's too!
Watching this with headphones and that chicken sound when "Remote Control" showed up was a pleasant surprise! It sounded coming from "outside" my headphones.
I just looked around for a chicken in my house 😂 and I also have headphones on.
Great review, John. When I win some lottery money, I may consider both DACs. I do appreciate your reviews, since they open the mind regarding audio equipment, like reading Stereophile or What HiFi? mags. Doesn't hurt to dream a bit. Aztec Camera.............blast from the past!
I was very interested in the Vega G2.1 I ended up going to the Lumin U1 into my Meridian DAC, but as John adroitly points out in terms of functionality, it has meant needing further kit down the track when I eventually update my DAC. Seems like the SQ continues to be the main driver, but the functionality of hardware is a compelling point.
I didn't recognize your voice straight away, hope you are feeling well. Thank you for the comparison. I remember liking the Chord TT2 over the PS Audio Directstream in an audition. I couldn't quite articulate the difference but your description between these 2 reminded me of that PS audio sound that I did not prefer.
I listened half way then I looked at the price... this is a gateway video! OMG
You should post an advanced owners review of the BHK pre. Good video. I have a Auralic Vega 2.0 with the BHK pre/M700 into Focal Sopra 1 for several years now and they can be a magical combo.
Not all DACs are created equally, and thus don't sound the same.
The choice of chip is important, but less than flagship models can yield great results, especially if surrounded by components that allow for better voltage control, jitter reduction, etc.
Dual mono designs are an expensive way to lower distortion and crosstalk, but won't help in the time domain, nor with macrodynamics or getting that "meaty" sound.
The choice of reconstruction filter can not be overlooked, but neither can clocking, data buffering, amplification stages, power supply, magnetic shielding or microphony reduction due to physical vibration at this level.
I wouldn't spend this amount on a DAC on my salary, yet I admire the incredible attention to detail, use of quality components and extensive functionality Auralic puts into its products.
The fact to have an analogue input is justa I usually wondered about why isn’t more common in other DAC, because I find it very convenient.
With DAC with analogue input plus an active speakers, you get all the system. Of course you should add the sources.
There will be a PS-Audio DirectStream MKII coming out soon (mid 2021). The MKII will not include any native streaming functionality, in favour of less electrical noise and jitter. So this needs to be solved by an external streamer. BTW: Most DirectStream users don't recommend the internal streaming solution of the DAC as they get superior results with external streamers. Ah... I forget to mention: The latest Firmware release for the current DirectStream should also be ready any moment. If used with an external PreAmp, the PS-Audio DirectStream Volume should be set to 92. That's the recommended setting by Ted Smith.
Good to know as I have the Junior I picked up for a song compared to the Senior.
I agree with your review and point of view. I have the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and and the PS Audio BHK Preamplifier (in addition to the PS Audio BHK 300 power amplifiers) and the DAC sounds much better with the preamplifier and not using the DAC's volume control. In fact, Paul, form PS Audio, has stated that this is the way he uses it and recommends that setup. Recently I added the Auralic Aries G2.1 in addition to the Wyred 4 Sound MS Music Server that I have been using for a long time (with the i7 package and 4TB of SSD). The Aries made a significant increase in all areas. I have yet to listen to the Innuos Zenith Mk 3 as there are no dealers around here, but I feel very satisfied with the Auralic. Can you do a comparison between the Innuos and the Auralic? Keep up the great work!
Jose, I have your system and considering the W4S MS for it's I2S output to the DSD, Now that you've added the G2.1 and assuming you switched platforms to LightningDS, what connection do you use between the W4S MS and the Auralic G2.1? and G2.1 to your DSD? USB for both?
I LOVE my Vega G1. But that G2.1 is smoking hot. Just not ready to upgrade at this point. Thanks for all you do John! And Olaf!
As my favorite Thai restaurant owner is fond of saying "Remember, hot in- hot out!"
Yep. violent delights have violent ends
Congrats on an accurate and excellent video.
Hey John,
Nice video and production as always. Even though in general I agree with your some of your thoughts in the video, I think you leave some things open and vague - maybe even on purpose. You frequently mention technical terms and specs on devices but I’d like to see your thought process on how those things make an audible difference in you opinion, given that there are measurements that can prove one way or another (e.g. what’s the actual impact of a power supply to audio since we have conversion from AC to DC and serious filtering in order to achieve that). You also link to measurements on this video so I think it’s a fair ask, even though I know your channel’s stand on measurements and blind testing.
Great review✌️Yes two separate power supplies I have an old Burson dac ,it uses two different power supplies, I put it up against the Hugo and although the Hugo had more detail the Burson was smoother with a little more bass Reach . You are very correct about dac chips And the importance of a really well thought out and Analogue output stage.👍
Awesome, thank you for turning on comments.
Thank you for that wonderful comparison John .
Awesome work. What about a comparison of this price bracket vs the one click more expensive? Like the Bartok.
Glad you turned comments on.
Don't read the bad ones :D
Oh by the way. Nice to see higher end speakers. Hope you have the opportunity to try higher end amps too. Nice mix of price points on your channel.
he previously did mola mola. Out of my league...
John, thank you yet again...the Directstream is my aspirational DAC, to be paired wirh a Perfectwave SACD Transport BUT is terrific to hear it has a comparable competitor. The one thing that will always intrugue me are the iterations that Mr. Smith has and presumably will continue to provide. If any DAC can get it exactly to my listening preference, then options become a non-issue. But if offered a chance to have different options to choose from, am happy the Directstream exists🎶. Any Aurender reviews coming? Seen the Show interview one; hoping others might follow.
Thank you for the reference to The KLF, a perfect excuse to revisit the chill out this Come Down Dawn, I had missed it.
Gone Again is fantastic. There's nothing like Patti Smith singing Beneath the Southern Cross to put your small troubles into perspective.
The curry metaphor had my mouth watering! I'll take the Jalfrezi! Love the colour and passion of John's reviews. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
John, great review and also great music as always. Thank you In a Thousand Ways.
I liked the in-depth analysis. But I am still not sure why would dacs sound differently. There are two dacs/ streamers which I would like your review on
1. Marantz ND 8006
2. NAD C658
The main thing is the analog stage. If you took the exact same digital stage and gave it to different designers to build the analog stage, you could end up with some very different sounding components.
I have a suspicion that this fancy new chassis might actually be cheaper to produce than the cast-in-one-piece case of the G2 versions. Auralic are telling G2 owners that it is not worth upgrading on their forum, it's good to see a manufacturer not over hyping a new version.
My buddy has the vega g2 and a denafrips Terminator. He loves both.
Due to YOU.....it is your fault ....I bought an RME ADI2 DAC FS.....and .....I am happy with it, in any case I don't have 6K for this Auralic wich seems beautifully built.
Now I need a streamer of equivalent quality.....so YOU MUST finish your job....show me streamers up to the task !
That is a beautifully crafted DAC on the inside! I would want a clear cover on it if I owned one😁
Well done, sir. You seem honest and passionate as usual.
Thks John! Love to hear review of Vega 2.1
Technics 1210 spotted, my respect level just went up a fair bit more... having owned a set in the 90's from new, i wouldn't ever bother with anything else !
Thanks, John. I presume you'll be checking out the PS Audio DirectStream MK II at some stage. It's a pity it loses the touch screen, though.
Enjoy your videos an now have the ability follow up with a question. Hope it continues.
Hi JD, Would be really interested to see a video on your room treatment, what different treatments (and plants...) you have used now and in the past. Also because they look stylish. Cheers!
I am all for systemwide smaller footprint! However, being old-school, I much prefer the sonic properties of a fine carbon-based volume pot! Cheers… Keith
Just want to say I enjoy your content. Just get to the product and how it interacts with your music. It’s always about the music!
Good thing they put those fancy new feet on the G2.1 so you could stack it on top of a PS Audio DSD.
Everything you say about this DAC is how I would describe the sound of the Totem Tribe Tower.
I continue to daydream .....
Thanks John!
Thanks for explaining things in a way that I can digest! Lol
In my experience music streamed via Lightning DS sounds more dynamic and incisive than via Roon. Perhaps you can have the best of both worlds using Lightning DS to stream to the Directstream?
Darko test the dac with a cd transport. Audiolab vs Cambridge
Lots of insights here, as usual, man. Thanks.
Thanks for a great video, John. I think it looks like a Naim.
Has anyone addressed that an audiophile journey is as much about discovering who you are as a person as it is having a good sounding system? These metaphors, such as the curry example, work. In truth, our most interesting subject in this life may be ourselves, and directly after that, others. An audiophile journey is a journey into ourselves. The money is really secondary because you can discover nearly as much information about yourself and your relation to the world around you with a $200 headphone or a $7000 DAC. I have an older Arcam system that I will leave behind in the states as I move to Japan where a Buchardt A500 awaits me. On my desk will be a pair of Psi Audio A14s. That is where I will start my journey again. This is where I'm at NOW. It may change but this is a snapshot into my psyche as a 53 year old doublebassist who is moving to Japan. I'm convinced if we view our audiophile journey more in terms as discovering things about ourselves instead of attaining some kind of ideal or as a point of perspective with which to argue with others we would be far better off. The audiophile journey is a mirror and therapist that will never kick you off the couch, never over-charge you, never snicker behind your back as you drag your sad-sack self out into the light of day for another go at this thing called life. It is there for YOU. All this music to heal you, all this equipment to reveal so much information to you, it's a wonder we often see people reducing it to it's most shallowest terms. Special thanks for the REM shoutout.
I do love the super high end comparisons, I guess this is why people like it on top gear when people drive £500k cars.
Hi and thank you. I own an aural if Altair G1 which you have reviewed before. I’m quite happy. Have been upgrading my equipment and cables this past year and wonder if the step up to this new Vega is worth it. Appreciate your comments.
Thanks John ! You did great analysis from DACs functional and sounding image point of view to both great DACs in current market place, I am currently using Altair G1 and still not sure I will upgrade to Altair G2.1 ( All in one concept ) or totally change to Vega G2.1 ( just DAC ) may be share some of your 2 cents to me will be much appreciated. I had about 2T high res music files ( DSD256 and Other Flac...Wav...) and that is reason I love to connect HD to Altair G1 or G2.1 but if I switched to Vega G2.1 I will have to using computer ( i.e. Amazon Music HD streaming ) or network server ( my own local HD files ), But if sound qualities are major influential to my decision ( technically Vega G2.1 may be better DAC then Altair G2.1 )? Still explore what may be the gain switch to Vega 2.1 rather Altair G2.1...... BTW: I do love to put preamp between DAC and amplifier and my current set up is Altair G1 XLR to McIntosh C1100 preamp then to McIntosh 1.25W amplifier. Looking forward to hear you advice :)) Thanks Al
I believe the Vega 2.1 is also a streaming DAC.
Thank you John for another exceptional review. I own an earlier Auralic Vega G2 and your comments mirror my own experience with this excellent DAC. Your description of the Vega G2.1 sonic signatures and how it grabs you constantly with its lively presentation is spot on. I have had my Vega G2 for three years and still loving it.
Which Filter Mode did you use to assess the performance of the Vega G2.1?
Just love the music you continue to use as it is my laneway although yes Horses is a great album, agree to disagree. Thanks for the insights again and with the music I love.
How does the Vega compare with the Bartok?
I would love to see a discussion comparing the Vega 2.1 with the Bartok.
I suspect it does not compare, if it would he would have said in the video
I love my little Topping VX1 !
Loved your Indian food analogy John, as I am an Indian living in the USA :) Also, did you buy a new pair of Wilsons? Your review model was white!
Thanks for the great video, my question is what is a difference between a Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer and Vega shown here, why have a dedicated streamer unless it has to be better...? (Not talking about Dac part here)Thanks
Hi John,
Since you’ve also reviewed the Mola Mola DAC, how does the Auralic compare to it?
(Or perhaps the Vega G2.1 would need the Leo GX Clock to get on the same league as the Tambaqui DAC, sound-quality-wise?)
Not even close mate.
I wish to see you review holo audio may and compare it to tambaqui.
Though I can't afford Any. 😂
Add to comparison Lumin T2, it will be a good comparison. Plus Lumin works with Android platforms too. However, has no album art display only text, has no digital or analogue inputs.
There is "another" option that you could have used to compare, as Cary Audio has their DMS line, like the new DMS-700, or the older DMS-600 or DMS-550. Roon Ready, Tidal (with MQA), Qobuz, Spotify and Spotify Connect, including a front color screen for album art.
Sabre has specific sound signature, I had couple of SABRE DACs and same "digital" flavour exists...
Nice review John. I think you'd like the Wharfedale Lintons and would welcome a review
05:42 Did I hear Xiaomi MiBox ... That's my Gadget of the Year !!!
I appreciate all the music suggestions, do you have any playlists on the streaming services? I see a few that are using your name, but it would be great to see a genuinely curated list.
Hi John, you said in a previous video that your cd transport sounded better going into the directstream dac than using the bridge card in the direct stream. Does streaming with this aurelic beat out a cd transport ?
Really curious how much your personal setup changes now that you have the tune tot. I remember about 8 years ago the auralic vega was the dac to have. In particular it loved fleshing out micro details and dynamics. With a good pair of closed back headphones it created an amazing experiences. Little sounds would just bloom out of a beautiful black background and disappear back jnto the depths of he'll. Extremely erie
Interesting review thanks. I moved from the PS Audio Directstream junior to the Vega G2. Different price points of course but the Vega G2 was a big step up for me. Also love the G2 sound using its ‘pre’ functionality. PS Audio let me down with a unit that kept failing, ongoing issues updating to its ‘new’ op system and a terrible MConnect app. I do wish Auralic provided a remote.
How about Highfi rose RS150 Sounds much better and beautiful look And it does a lot Thank you
From about five minutes to seven minutes I get lost. I find the connections and implementation of digital equipment a real confusion. I struggle with understanding the various cables on Naim gear, so maybe I need a few lessons in plugging things in, where, how and what with.