DETHONRAY Pegasus SG1
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One device for one function – I admire Anson’s unique and stable approach of developing masterpieces in every audio hardware niche… Let’s be honest, even a perfect device with limited functionality is risking to be buried down by millions of all-in-one mere consumer choices just because it is more convenient to use… DSLRs are almost out of the consumer market, as well as voice and video recorders, book readers, DAPs, etc. Most of the users would still agree that prosumer or pro-level stand-alone devices deliver much better quality but who cares if the content is made for and consumed in social networks? Personally, I regret the times when everyone tried to acquire the best shot out of 24-36 frames instead of storing thousands of useless files… That is why all Dethonray products impress me this much – they build a reference to those good old times when everything was designed for “pro”, forcing users think and progress.
Pegasus SG1 is not an exception. It is a sixth masterpiece developed by Anson and released in June 2022 that fills Bluetooth audio niche in Dethonray lineup. DTR1 DAP was the first, followed by Honey AMP. Later came one of the best bundle in portable HiRes audio world consisting of DTR1+ and Tender 1 planar IEMs and now comes the Pegasus. Here is the corresponding retrospective picture from the official Dethonray website:
All of those devices are highly rated by the reviewers and respected by both – audio “fans” and “philes”. Personally, I am using DTR1, DTR1+ and Tender 1 for a long time and can state that both DAPs and Tender IEMs still remain the ultimate audio performers with no problems in technical aspects either. Moreover, those devices had already gained some magic aura around and turned to collectibles. I still wouldn’t call Dethonray a “boutique” brand since boutique means something extravagant and limited in amount but not necessarily having high quality of the production. Opposingly, Dethonray is managing to deliver high quality of functioning along with similarly high quality of the production even despite smaller volumes compared to market mastodons. Therefore, I would rather name Dethonray as high-end brand working in the respective niche.
So, the Pegasus SG1 – what is it designed for? Here are the specs first:
As can be seen from the specs – Pegasus main and the only purpose is acting as Bluetooth receiver -> processing the incoming stream -> converting to audio signal. It incorporates various popular audio codecs, including the HiRes LDAC (24bit/96kHz). Outputs presented by both – 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BL ports. The main feature shared across all Dethonray devices is also present in Pegasus technical design – DPPU (Desktop Plus Power Unit)：
There is one additional feature that is very important but rarely stated about Pegasus: the ability to change sound signature by different FW versions. It comes with “Rhapsody” FW by default and can be changed to “Serenade” FW on behalf of a user. I’ve seen such implementation once before in Tempotec / Hidizs USB DACs that really did a job of changing the sound to user preference. This is much more convenient than replacing Op-Amps or any part of the hardware but still requires some understanding and PC skills.
Back to Pegasus SG1 description:
It comes in black box regular for all Dethonray devices. Box is stiff and perfectly does a job of securing its components. Single layer inside consisting of foamy insert with the cutout that holds Pegasus at place. Than goes the beauty – Pegasus SG1 resting there with its perfectly polished glass top cover facing outwards and tiny aluminum bezel around.
I’ve seen 4 body colors available: purple, red, black and mint and I can say that red and purple look punchy.
Dethonray logo underneath front glass panel has multicolor LED backlight that resembles the device current state.
Another beautiful element is the volume knob that combines clever design for comfortable grip with peculiar shape, appropriate color and matt finish.
Both output ports are located on the top edge. All control buttons gathered on the left edge.
Bottom edge holds type-C charging port and the additional LED indicator that duplicates front facing logo in its behavior.
Very neat, strict and beautiful design at the same time. Feels rigid and comfortable in hands. The only drawback is that placing it in a pocket with keys, phones or other stuff might leave the marks on its perfect surfaces. Jello-stickers would definitely help here.
Pegasus SG1 in operation:
Since the Pegasus is a BT receiver, first thing to do after initial charging is to connect it over Bluetooth to any audio source. Of course, the best performance can only be achieved with the sources capable of LDAC or apt-X HD codecs. Most of the recent phones, tablets and DAPs would surely support at least one. Although, Apple users would still be limited to lossy AAC codec instead due to Apple closed politics on that (devices for the professionals, I bet).
There is no multipoint feature in Pegasus, therefore – only 1 device at once. But the previously connected would be stored in BT controller memory for fast reconnection in the future.
The process of pairing is very fast, LED comes of a help to show whether Pegasus is still pairing (blinks) or has already paired (constantly lit). You would only have to choose PEGASUS SG1 under phone BT available devices and tap on connect. Most of the sources would state codec that is being used for audio transfer between the devices. In my case it is the most capable LDAC (Xiaomi Redmi Note 8Pro). Unfortunately, battery status is not being transferred from Pegasus to phone. Dethonray claims around 8 hours of continuous performance with SE and 6 hours with BL output. Real world tests proved those figures right.
Upon the connection, there are 3 buttons on Pegasus that work as expected: PLAY|PAUSE, NEXT and PREVIOUS. Buttons feel tight, no rattling. The additional two-way switch is designed to change from low to high gain depending of the headphones impedance. It is really better to stay off selecting high gain for IEMs lower than 16Ohms or it might be damaged. Volume knob has pleasing feel of tight travel and comfortable grip. It acts pretty accurately, delivering smooth volume change in both directions. Much more convenient than discrete volume buttons found in phones, USB DACs and in some DAPs that change it quite abruptly. Here you can select any desired levels, starting with the barely heard ones.
Pegasus stays stays cold during operation with only slight warming up while the battery takes charge. Type-C port is only used for charging | FW upgrades but the function of USB DAC is not available.
FW change:
As said before, this BT DAC has two different firmware versions. Rhapsody (default) is more assertive and Serenade is more calm and melodic in its signature. Changes in sound are audible but not vital. It is more about rounding some edges and slightly changing the entire timbre. Personally, I prefer Serenade version over Rhapsody for its slightly added warmth and smoothness. Phapsody is better for more aggressive and rhythmic genres.
Here is the link to FW download on Dethonray website: LINK
The process of switching to another FW is quite cumbersome but doable. Here are the steps:
The sound:
Pegasus SG1 is impressive. Sounds linear with the emphasis on mids which sound thick and pleasingly warm. Sound perception is natural and balanced. Quite hard to notice any discrepancies that would disclose its wireless connection.
ass is well-resolved and emphasized. This bleeds into mid bass and affect the entire sound with such pleasing warm and thick strokes. Fortunately, mid bass section is still maintaining great dynamics and tightness to sound juicy. Mids stand out as the central part of the presentation and deliver voices and instruments naturally. No hisses or sibilants even with sensitive IEMs. Lows definitely have more impact on mids than treble. Slight lack of texturing due to BT connection but still feels very musical due to accurate and smooth delivery. Despite wireless connection, treble is well-extended, with no abrupt nuances. Good clarity and correct balance with other ranges without any emphasis makes treble very accurate and appealing, leaving the whole sound closer to the dark side.
Great choice of tuning for such BT DAC. Possibly the best to go away from dry and analytical approach to very musical one that also hides some imperfections.
Conclusion:
Pegasus SG1 is the best sounding Bluetooth DAC among all BT audio devices of al types I’ve tried so far. IEMs with BT lace, BT earhooks, TWS, BT ultra-portable DACs – all suffered from apparent wireless connection limitations especially noticeable on abrupt treble and limited extensions. It might be the outcome of device hardware size, design or multifunctional abilities when some are developed appropriately and some are just for show. Pegasus, on its turn, is made for one function and made perfectly: in terms of design, logics and performance. It uses the best BT codecs possible, shows no hiccups in operation and makes the sound truly appealing. Moreover, it sounds almost indistinctive to very good portable wired setup combinations. Feels like with the Pegasus SG1, going wireless is no longer a compromise either with headphones or in desktop use with active speakers or amps.
Link to Pegasus SG1 at AliExpress: LINK
Link to Pegasus SG1 at Amazon: LINK
Specifications：
Port：Input Bluetooth
Output 3.5 Single End/4.4 Balance
Bluetooth audio transmission format support:
SBC，MP3，AAC，APT-X , APTX-L，APTX-LL，APTX-HD，LDAC
Performance：
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
THD 0.06%
SNR 104db
MAX. POWER OUTPUT：
Single End 2.9Vpp（32Ω）
Balanced 2.8Vpp（32Ω）
Others
DAC Chip ES9038Q2M
Chassis CNC aluminum alloy
Dimensions 117.5 x 59.2 x 16（mm）
Weight 186g
Battery Life 3.5 ：8 hours 4.4 ：6 hours
Charging 5V 2A/3.5 Hours
Battery 2000 mAH
Introduction
I am pleased to be supporting yet another boutique manufacturer. That is not to say I do not want to support the larger manufacturers, but to say, the smaller firms need our support, if they deliver on sound quality. Dethonray Pegasus SG1 certainly does deliver on sound quality.
The Pegasus SG1 takes Bluetooth to another level, the sound quality is an amazing experience. I rediscovered some of my IEMs.
Disclosure
I bought the Pegasus SG1 and I chose to review it.
I have never been paid by anyone to review anything. I do not and have never used affiliate links on any product I review. Reviewing is a hobby for me. I spend so much time with the items I review that if I do not like them, I do not review them. I rate items I review based on their price range, compared to similar items I have heard in the price range.
All opinions I express here are my own with no influence from anyone. No one has editorial control or influence over the contents of this review. I avoid reading or watching reviews of items I intend to review. I make an effort to ensure that I give the reader factual information, if I make a mistake please let me know. I appreciate your feedback.
Form
The Pegasus SG1 not only looks good and solid, pick it up and feels solidly built. Consistent with the Dethonray ethos of simplicity, the device is a rectangular block made of CNC aluminium alloy which looks and feels incredibly good quality. The quality reminds me of very expensive DAPs and DAC/Amps. At dimensions of 117.5mm x 59.2mm x 16mm, the Pegasus SG1 looks much bigger in pictures than in the hand and comes in at a weight of 186g.
The surface feels smooth to the touch with a finish that helps maintain a grip on all sides but the front of the device is a dark glass which has the Dethonray logo on it. The Pegasus SG1 is about half the front area of my front area of the Shanling M7 DAP but thinner, and twice the size of the Fiio BTR7 but only slightly thicker than the BTR7.
My one criticism is that the corners of the device are sharpish. It is not going to cut you, but the corners are sharper than I would ideally like for my use case, which is as, a daily use, go anywhere device, which you have with you all the time. I had the same criticism of the Fiio BTR7 but that came with a case, albeit a dull case, until the release of the more refined case. Thankfully, the Pegasus SG1 does have a case, which appears to be in keeping with the aesthetically pleasing design of the device but it was out of stock when I bought my device. I could not wait so I made what I call my Bat case, more about that later.
The sharp edges on the angular design is the single point I would take away from the design of this device. Other than that, the device feels absolutely wonderfully tactile with the frosty smooth but grippy coating on all sides, except the front which is covered in a black screen, which is glass. The one departure from the retangular design is the top of the device which is beautifully and gently recessed to accommodate protect the volume wheel from accidental touches.
Features
The device is offered in various pastel colours, red, green, purple, and black. There is a gold version intended for headphones. The colour contrast between the pastel coloured versions and the gold 3.5mm, 4.4mm outputs and the volume wheel is delightful to my eyes, but appears to stand out less on the gold version. The gold version only comes with 4.4mm output. Slotting the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks into their slots feels firm and robust, while the physical control buttons and wheel feel solid with a click sound befitting of a top quality device. Whether you are running your fingers over the buttons or clicking them into action, the entire device just feel premium.
Physical Layout and Functions
As stated the top has the volume wheel, 3.5mm output socket and a 4.4mm output socket. The front has a black screen and the right side (looking at the front of the device) and back both have no buttons, ports or indicators. The bottom of the device has an LED battery level indicator and a USB C port.
There are physical 5 controls on the device, the volume wheel (top) the play/pause, next track and previous track, all four on the left side (when the front of the device is facing you) and finally the gain switch, which offers high and low gain.
Switching gain is two stage, your gain switch only takes effect when you move the volume wheel. That volume wheel! What a wonderful piece of art it is. This must be a design classic, it is essentially a circle at the base, which gently tapers into a trianglular shape at the top, and reminds me of the inverse of the orange juice squeezing device, simple yet effective (image below). It is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is tactile and gives you good quality feedback when using it blind, whether in the dark or in your pocket. Lest I forget while caught up in the design, the volume wheel also switches the device on and off.
Internal Electronics Function
The Pegasus SG1 uses the Sabre DAC ES9038Q2M.
Anson, who modestly calls himself, the Chief engineer(actually he owns the firm) tells me the Pegasus SG1 uses a unique Desktop Plus Power Unit (DPPU) he designed. With a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.06% and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of 104db, the system uses a customised dual high density power system which I am told is designed to provide High Fidelity music reproduction while maintaining separation between the digital and analogue power circuits to ensure noise from the digital circuit does not interfere with the source. It is described as akin to a DAP with amplifier but with minimal pathway with hard soldering thus no compromises. Technical bits are not my thing but it all seems to translate to good quality reproduction of music.
A bit more about Anson. He worked for various audio firms, if I remember correctly, amongst them, Hifiman, and decided to branch out on his own with the aim of producing affordable, good quality audio gear. My view is that at this rate, we have exciting audio devices to look forward to from Anson and Dethonray.
The type C connection is also used to switch firmware thus for updates and to alter the sound signatures, as and when the user pleases. The firmware switch solution is much cheaper than Ibasso's detachable AMP units, some of which cost almost as much as the $400 cost of the Pegasus SG1.
My experience and quirks of the Pegasus
Here I want to expand on what to expect from the device. It feels very pleasant to hold (apart from the sharp corners).
From the moment you touch the device switch on the device and music pipes through your earphones, you realise you have something different.....something special in your hand and superb sound quality in your ears.
The volume wheel gives you both an audible and firm click when you switch the device on and off. It also glides smoothly to increase volume, while giving you correct resistance to avoid a sudden burst of volume. Just note, the safety feature when you switch from low gain to high gain and vice versa. It is important to get used to it because although a safety feature, if you forget a slight movement of the volume wheel may trigger the high gain you set and give you more volume than expected. You also have the opposite, which is wondering why your device sounds faint, when the volume is low, and that could be because the device is waiting for you activate the high gain you set by just slightly moving the volume wheel. The controls require a firm press on the buttons, which reduces accidental activation.
Note: The device is a bluetooth input only device, it cannot be connected via wire. It simply has no such option. It uses various Bluetooth codecs including SBC, AAC, MP3 APTX, APT-X APTX-L APTX-LL and LDAC The bluetooth sensor is at the front (black screen) of the device which lights up with the Dethonray logo, avoid blocking the logo area.
Battery life is said to be around 6 hours using the 4.4mm output and 8 hours using the 3.5mm output. My experience is not far from that. It must be said that battery consumption varies with all devices depending on the load on the circuit, thus, you draw more power from the device using the balanced circuitry, a hard to drive monitor or playing at high volume in high gain. Even when playing a bassy track, with lots of sub-bass, using a bass biased set of monitors all of which make demands on the battery, this device reproduces good quality bass, as described below, all of which require more power.
I found that the Pegasus SG1 does not appear to charge using my Samsung cable, but it comes with a very good cable which, for me, gives a full charge in less time than the quoted 3.5 hours. The Pegasus SG1 had a full charge in less than 3 hours from a flat battery. The charging time should not matter for stationary use as the circuit is designed with low noise to allow the device to be charged while playing, making it flexible for ease of use.
The battery is stated as 2000 mAh. The LED battery level indicator at the bottom of the device glows green to indicate battery discharge rate of between 100% and 70%; blue glow for 69% to 30% and red glow for less than 30%. I have to say, the colour as a measure of battery use is an approximate guide.
My experience is that I got approximately 3 hours 15 minutes on green, less than 2 hours on blue, but red only lasted about, 5 to 10 minutes. At another stage, the colour changed from green to blue when I switched off and on the device, so as I stated above it is simply a guide. On that occasion my settings were, volume at 140 on my phone, feeding the device the volume which was on High Gain at 3 O'clock (with facing me). I was using the balanced output. Late night listening. Yes! Again, the load varies with each set of monitors, volume and even the demands of the tracks, we play.
When the battery is low, the sound from the device will click on and off intermittently. I have the same on my Littlebear B4X and I much prefer that to a sudden loss of sound as happens on other devices. However, unlike the Littlebear B4X you can continue listening to the SG1 while charging.
Sound quality generally
Remember, your music quality is dependent on the quality of the recordings and the headphones or earphones you use.
What Pegasus SG1 offers is the ability to bring out good quality sound, via firmware two different sound signatures which allows you to get synergy for your different headphones and earphones in your collection. My comments on the sound are based on the Rhapsody sound signature as set out below.
For me, the quality of the Pegasus SG1 is in its ability to render viseral sub-bass, great definition in mid-bass and a full and informative midrange absolutely brilliantly, The highs are detailed and ectended, but to my ears not elevated.
Despite being advertised as 20Hz-20kHz it seems to dig deeper. Good bass quality is determined by a good extension into the sub-bass region, so you can feel the nore weight and hear the well defined notes so you can hear the variations in the notes and that gives you good note weight, all this in a bluetooth only device, well done, Dethonray.
The Pegasus SG1 gives us the option to switch software. The tuning options currently available are Serenade and Rhapsody. My testing was done on the Rhapsody, which is my preference.
Bass
The Pegasus SG1 presentation: The sub-bass goes deep and visceral. Mid-bass is well controlled but when required hits with good quality note weight, as always your music recording quality and monitors may limit the quality but where the monitors are capable, the Pegasus SG1 will deliver exceptionally good quality bass.
Chris Stranding: Bossa Blue
Mids
Mids are neutral to my ears, thus not elevated or recessed. The presentation is full, giving both voices and instruments a wonderfully whole sound without being too foward. The mids give you plenty information from your music without being shouty. I have had lots of fun listening to guitars, pianos, saxophones and gentle but full presentation of both male and female voices.
Angelic Kidjo: Batonga
Marc Brussard: Cry to me
Highs
Treble gives you good extension with tons of information without harshness or sibilance. The Pegasus SG1 gives your monitors quite airy treble, of course depending on the tuning of your monitors in the first place. I did not have one moment throughout my three weeks of testing when I thought a track sounded shrill or sibilant.
Wolfgang Meyer and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra: Cavelleria Rusticana Intermezzo
Presentation
Imaging is precise and distinct.
Dynamic range is exceptional.
Instrument separation is exceptional and matches the best DAPs I have heard.
My favourite instrument, the xylophone comes across exactly as I would hear it live, two-tone, first the strike on the bars and the amplification from below, separation is such that when listening to the xylophone, it is just magical, to my ears.
The Pegasus SG1 gives you an expansive perception of stage. All earphones and headphones I heard on the device seem to have the benefit of expansive presentation, which is better than on the Shanling M7, a DAP which I count as one of the best. However, when it comes to stage I will give my vote to the Pegasus SG1, somehow it gives my earphones a bit more in expansive presentation.
Comparisons
From right to left, Mi Mix, Shanling M7, Pegasus SG1, Fiio BTR7, Fiio BTR5, Mpow, Taotronics TT-BA08 and Mpow.
All these devices are DAC/Amps with Bluetooth input and have at least 3.5mm output.
The Mi Mix being a phone and the Shanling M7, a DAP, may be a bit out of place here but they serve to illustrate the point I am making. Apart from the Shanling M7, the Pegasus SG1 sounds the best to my ears.
The HAAFEE HA11, which I forgot to include in the photograph uses the same Sabre DAC ES9038Q2M as the SG1 but falls short of the Pegasus SG1 on sound quality. The sound on the HA11 does not have the same precision and also lacks the technical performance of the Pegasus SG1.
My Bat case, just for fun.
Conclusion
There are times when you get your hands on a classic but it is only by the effluxion of time that you recognise something as a classic, my view is time will show the Pegasus SG1 as a classic, both in design and reproduction of music.
It breaks the barrier between Bluetooth audio and wired audio, above all the outstanding sound quality surpassing many portables and even some fixed units I have heard.
Enjoy your music !
Port：Input Bluetooth
Output 3.5 Single End/4.4 Balance
Bluetooth audio transmission format support:
SBC，MP3，AAC，APT-X , APTX-L，APTX-LL，APTX-HD，LDAC
Performance：
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
THD 0.06%
SNR 104db
MAX. POWER OUTPUT：
Single End 2.9Vpp（32Ω）
Balanced 2.8Vpp（32Ω）
Others
DAC Chip ES9038Q2M
Chassis CNC aluminum alloy
Dimensions 117.5 x 59.2 x 16（mm）
Weight 186g
Battery Life 3.5 ：8 hours 4.4 ：6 hours
Charging 5V 2A/3.5 Hours
Battery 2000 mAH
Introduction
I am pleased to be supporting yet another boutique manufacturer. That is not to say I do not want to support the larger manufacturers, but to say, the smaller firms need our support, if they deliver on sound quality. Dethonray Pegasus SG1 certainly does deliver on sound quality.
The Pegasus SG1 takes Bluetooth to another level, the sound quality is an amazing experience. I rediscovered some of my IEMs.
Disclosure
I bought the Pegasus SG1 and I chose to review it.
I have never been paid by anyone to review anything. I do not and have never used affiliate links on any product I review. Reviewing is a hobby for me. I spend so much time with the items I review that if I do not like them, I do not review them. I rate items I review based on their price range, compared to similar items I have heard in the price range.
All opinions I express here are my own with no influence from anyone. No one has editorial control or influence over the contents of this review. I avoid reading or watching reviews of items I intend to review. I make an effort to ensure that I give the reader factual information, if I make a mistake please let me know. I appreciate your feedback.
Form
The Pegasus SG1 not only looks good and solid, pick it up and feels solidly built. Consistent with the Dethonray ethos of simplicity, the device is a rectangular block made of CNC aluminium alloy which looks and feels incredibly good quality. The quality reminds me of very expensive DAPs and DAC/Amps. At dimensions of 117.5mm x 59.2mm x 16mm, the Pegasus SG1 looks much bigger in pictures than in the hand and comes in at a weight of 186g.
The surface feels smooth to the touch with a finish that helps maintain a grip on all sides but the front of the device is a dark glass which has the Dethonray logo on it. The Pegasus SG1 is about half the front area of my front area of the Shanling M7 DAP but thinner, and twice the size of the Fiio BTR7 but only slightly thicker than the BTR7.
My one criticism is that the corners of the device are sharpish. It is not going to cut you, but the corners are sharper than I would ideally like for my use case, which is as, a daily use, go anywhere device, which you have with you all the time. I had the same criticism of the Fiio BTR7 but that came with a case, albeit a dull case, until the release of the more refined case. Thankfully, the Pegasus SG1 does have a case, which appears to be in keeping with the aesthetically pleasing design of the device but it was out of stock when I bought my device. I could not wait so I made what I call my Bat case, more about that later.
The sharp edges on the angular design is the single point I would take away from the design of this device. Other than that, the device feels absolutely wonderfully tactile with the frosty smooth but grippy coating on all sides, except the front which is covered in a black screen, which is glass. The one departure from the retangular design is the top of the device which is beautifully and gently recessed to accommodate protect the volume wheel from accidental touches.
Features
The device is offered in various pastel colours, red, green, purple, and black. There is a gold version intended for headphones. The colour contrast between the pastel coloured versions and the gold 3.5mm, 4.4mm outputs and the volume wheel is delightful to my eyes, but appears to stand out less on the gold version. The gold version only comes with 4.4mm output. Slotting the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks into their slots feels firm and robust, while the physical control buttons and wheel feel solid with a click sound befitting of a top quality device. Whether you are running your fingers over the buttons or clicking them into action, the entire device just feel premium.
Physical Layout and Functions
As stated the top has the volume wheel, 3.5mm output socket and a 4.4mm output socket. The front has a black screen and the right side (looking at the front of the device) and back both have no buttons, ports or indicators. The bottom of the device has an LED battery level indicator and a USB C port.
There are physical 5 controls on the device, the volume wheel (top) the play/pause, next track and previous track, all four on the left side (when the front of the device is facing you) and finally the gain switch, which offers high and low gain.
Switching gain is two stage, your gain switch only takes effect when you move the volume wheel. That volume wheel! What a wonderful piece of art it is. This must be a design classic, it is essentially a circle at the base, which gently tapers into a trianglular shape at the top, and reminds me of the inverse of the orange juice squeezing device, simple yet effective (image below). It is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is tactile and gives you good quality feedback when using it blind, whether in the dark or in your pocket. Lest I forget while caught up in the design, the volume wheel also switches the device on and off.
Internal Electronics Function
The Pegasus SG1 uses the Sabre DAC ES9038Q2M.
Anson, who modestly calls himself, the Chief engineer(actually he owns the firm) tells me the Pegasus SG1 uses a unique Desktop Plus Power Unit (DPPU) he designed. With a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.06% and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of 104db, the system uses a customised dual high density power system which I am told is designed to provide High Fidelity music reproduction while maintaining separation between the digital and analogue power circuits to ensure noise from the digital circuit does not interfere with the source. It is described as akin to a DAP with amplifier but with minimal pathway with hard soldering thus no compromises. Technical bits are not my thing but it all seems to translate to good quality reproduction of music.
A bit more about Anson. He worked for various audio firms, if I remember correctly, amongst them, Hifiman, and decided to branch out on his own with the aim of producing affordable, good quality audio gear. My view is that at this rate, we have exciting audio devices to look forward to from Anson and Dethonray.
The type C connection is also used to switch firmware thus for updates and to alter the sound signatures, as and when the user pleases. The firmware switch solution is much cheaper than Ibasso's detachable AMP units, some of which cost almost as much as the $400 cost of the Pegasus SG1.
My experience and quirks of the Pegasus
Here I want to expand on what to expect from the device. It feels very pleasant to hold (apart from the sharp corners).
From the moment you touch the device switch on the device and music pipes through your earphones, you realise you have something different.....something special in your hand and superb sound quality in your ears.
The volume wheel gives you both an audible and firm click when you switch the device on and off. It also glides smoothly to increase volume, while giving you correct resistance to avoid a sudden burst of volume. Just note, the safety feature when you switch from low gain to high gain and vice versa. It is important to get used to it because although a safety feature, if you forget a slight movement of the volume wheel may trigger the high gain you set and give you more volume than expected. You also have the opposite, which is wondering why your device sounds faint, when the volume is low, and that could be because the device is waiting for you activate the high gain you set by just slightly moving the volume wheel. The controls require a firm press on the buttons, which reduces accidental activation.
Note: The device is a bluetooth input only device, it cannot be connected via wire. It simply has no such option. It uses various Bluetooth codecs including SBC, AAC, MP3 APTX, APT-X APTX-L APTX-LL and LDAC The bluetooth sensor is at the front (black screen) of the device which lights up with the Dethonray logo, avoid blocking the logo area.
Battery life is said to be around 6 hours using the 4.4mm output and 8 hours using the 3.5mm output. My experience is not far from that. It must be said that battery consumption varies with all devices depending on the load on the circuit, thus, you draw more power from the device using the balanced circuitry, a hard to drive monitor or playing at high volume in high gain. Even when playing a bassy track, with lots of sub-bass, using a bass biased set of monitors all of which make demands on the battery, this device reproduces good quality bass, as described below, all of which require more power.
I found that the Pegasus SG1 does not appear to charge using my Samsung cable, but it comes with a very good cable which, for me, gives a full charge in less time than the quoted 3.5 hours. The Pegasus SG1 had a full charge in less than 3 hours from a flat battery. The charging time should not matter for stationary use as the circuit is designed with low noise to allow the device to be charged while playing, making it flexible for ease of use.
The battery is stated as 2000 mAh. The LED battery level indicator at the bottom of the device glows green to indicate battery discharge rate of between 100% and 70%; blue glow for 69% to 30% and red glow for less than 30%. I have to say, the colour as a measure of battery use is an approximate guide.
My experience is that I got approximately 3 hours 15 minutes on green, less than 2 hours on blue, but red only lasted about, 5 to 10 minutes. At another stage, the colour changed from green to blue when I switched off and on the device, so as I stated above it is simply a guide. On that occasion my settings were, volume at 140 on my phone, feeding the device the volume which was on High Gain at 3 O'clock (with facing me). I was using the balanced output. Late night listening. Yes! Again, the load varies with each set of monitors, volume and even the demands of the tracks, we play.
When the battery is low, the sound from the device will click on and off intermittently. I have the same on my Littlebear B4X and I much prefer that to a sudden loss of sound as happens on other devices. However, unlike the Littlebear B4X you can continue listening to the SG1 while charging.
Sound quality generally
Remember, your music quality is dependent on the quality of the recordings and the headphones or earphones you use.
What Pegasus SG1 offers is the ability to bring out good quality sound, via firmware two different sound signatures which allows you to get synergy for your different headphones and earphones in your collection. My comments on the sound are based on the Rhapsody sound signature as set out below.
For me, the quality of the Pegasus SG1 is in its ability to render viseral sub-bass, great definition in mid-bass and a full and informative midrange absolutely brilliantly, The highs are detailed and ectended, but to my ears not elevated.
Despite being advertised as 20Hz-20kHz it seems to dig deeper. Good bass quality is determined by a good extension into the sub-bass region, so you can feel the nore weight and hear the well defined notes so you can hear the variations in the notes and that gives you good note weight, all this in a bluetooth only device, well done, Dethonray.
The Pegasus SG1 gives us the option to switch software. The tuning options currently available are Serenade and Rhapsody. My testing was done on the Rhapsody, which is my preference.
Bass
The Pegasus SG1 presentation: The sub-bass goes deep and visceral. Mid-bass is well controlled but when required hits with good quality note weight, as always your music recording quality and monitors may limit the quality but where the monitors are capable, the Pegasus SG1 will deliver exceptionally good quality bass.
Chris Stranding: Bossa Blue
Mids
Mids are neutral to my ears, thus not elevated or recessed. The presentation is full, giving both voices and instruments a wonderfully whole sound without being too foward. The mids give you plenty information from your music without being shouty. I have had lots of fun listening to guitars, pianos, saxophones and gentle but full presentation of both male and female voices.
Angelic Kidjo: Batonga
Marc Brussard: Cry to me
Highs
Treble gives you good extension with tons of information without harshness or sibilance. The Pegasus SG1 gives your monitors quite airy treble, of course depending on the tuning of your monitors in the first place. I did not have one moment throughout my three weeks of testing when I thought a track sounded shrill or sibilant.
Wolfgang Meyer and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra: Cavelleria Rusticana Intermezzo
Presentation
Imaging is precise and distinct.
Dynamic range is exceptional.
Instrument separation is exceptional and matches the best DAPs I have heard.
My favourite instrument, the xylophone comes across exactly as I would hear it live, two-tone, first the strike on the bars and the amplification from below, separation is such that when listening to the xylophone, it is just magical, to my ears.
The Pegasus SG1 gives you an expansive perception of stage. All earphones and headphones I heard on the device seem to have the benefit of expansive presentation, which is better than on the Shanling M7, a DAP which I count as one of the best. However, when it comes to stage I will give my vote to the Pegasus SG1, somehow it gives my earphones a bit more in expansive presentation.
Comparisons
From right to left, Mi Mix, Shanling M7, Pegasus SG1, Fiio BTR7, Fiio BTR5, Mpow, Taotronics TT-BA08 and Mpow.
All these devices are DAC/Amps with Bluetooth input and have at least 3.5mm output.
The Mi Mix being a phone and the Shanling M7, a DAP, may be a bit out of place here but they serve to illustrate the point I am making. Apart from the Shanling M7, the Pegasus SG1 sounds the best to my ears.
The HAAFEE HA11, which I forgot to include in the photograph uses the same Sabre DAC ES9038Q2M as the SG1 but falls short of the Pegasus SG1 on sound quality. The sound on the HA11 does not have the same precision and also lacks the technical performance of the Pegasus SG1.
My Bat case, just for fun.
Conclusion
There are times when you get your hands on a classic but it is only by the effluxion of time that you recognise something as a classic, my view is time will show the Pegasus SG1 as a classic, both in design and reproduction of music.
It breaks the barrier between Bluetooth audio and wired audio, above all the outstanding sound quality surpassing many portables and even some fixed units I have heard.
Enjoy your music !
C4PPY
Does it support Aptx Adaptive?
ChrisOc
@C4PPY, there is no mention of APTX Adaptive on Dethonray website:
https://www.dethonray.com/zh/pegasus-sg1-2/
It appears APTX Adaptive is limited to Android devices with Qualcomm's chipset.
https://www.dethonray.com/zh/pegasus-sg1-2/
It appears APTX Adaptive is limited to Android devices with Qualcomm's chipset.
The package is simple and inside you get documentation and charging cable and the SG1.
The device looks amazing and is made well too.
Connecting was easy and it worked well with the multitude of devices used and IEM / Headphones tried out on it.
The device has two firmware options available. One is more musical and the other is smoother with details.
The SG1 utilizes the ES9038Q2M DAC chip, an ADPPU {Advanced Desktop Plus Power Unit} developed By Dethonray. It is an advanced power system designed for high-Res sound performance with independent paths for both digital and analogue circuits. Similar to higher-end Amp/ DAC systems, but with a minimal path and hard-soldered joints for best performance with no compromises in quality.
The Pegasus SG1 supports the SBC, AAC, APT-X, APTX-L, APTX-LL, APTX-HD, and LDAC codecs.
Sound:
The device presents with a nice crisp and Neutral sounding presentation it has good dynamics and details were impressive for a Bluetooth Device. There was no ground noise detected and even very low impedance IEM were handled perfectly. The balanced output worked superbly and was a welcome addition. LDAC on this device was so enjoyable I forgot that it was a wireless device on many occasions.
Bass: presented well balanced with good overall performance without added boost like most BT amp/DACs
Mids: sounded full and had better details than I've heard on most wireless.
Treble: Is clean and open with a good extension and clarity.
Soundstage: Is natural in width and depth with good imaging and accuracy.
Afterthoughts: I found the technicalities and resolution of the SG1 to far exceeded my other BT devices, I can see by the internals and overall design why this is a premium product and looking at it on the outside just proves it all over again. This is my favorite BT device.
Redcarmoose
LDAC sounds as good as lossless to me! This thing is so cool looking!
c69k
Awesome review and video too. Thank you.
I have to sell some of them, I have too many over the years. Yes, the DTR1 looks interesting, although the price is eye watering. Hopefully, the next one will be just as good or even better.