The fourth award of 2024 goes to Auralic’s VEGA S1. The VEGA S1 is a streaming DAC with an optional external Purer-Power linear power supply unit. It retains all the important stuff from the G2.2 flagship products, like the galvanic isolation that lies between the Tesla processing platform and its highly sensitive DAC circuitry. However, the unit has removed headphone output, WiFi, Bluetooth, and other peripheral features to deliver a high-quality wired streaming DAC platform at a highly competitive price.  In the review, we said:

Sonically, this is magic… the VEGA S1 is effortless with the Angel 6 power amplifier.

And we commented:

The PSU addition is a step up…it is impressive, thoughtful and very Auralic.

Of the ‘Outstanding’ VEGA S1, we concluded:

… it is the clean, crisp resolving sonic signature that sets this VEGA S1 apart at this price level…

Congratulations to Auralic for the VEGA S1 and this Best of 2024 award.

Auralic VEGA S1 with external CD player using the preamplifier section into a Moor Amps Angel 6

Auralic VEGA S1