2. digital
  3. 155638-139109

Auralic Vega DAC: How's it compare in 2020?

I have a Dennafrips on order but no one is sure when it will get here so I'm thinking of buying another DAC to feed my audio habit while I wait. My research has led me to believe that the Auralic Vega DAC may be one that I would enjoy and is available at a reasonable price. What I question is how good is it compared to the newer designs with the much newer DAC chips?  After all, the Vega, apparently superb for its day, is based on the ES9018. 

The Vega would replace a Sabaj D5 ES9038Pro based DAC.  You probably have not heard a D5, but it is very good and much better than the DAC in the Node 2i.  I do not use a preamp.

I stream TIDAL Premier through a Node 2i.  The amp is a Classe AMP2, class D, into B&W 705S2.  

What do you think?  
chinook9

Showing 1 response by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,121 posts
 
I owned a VEGA for several years (sold it for a DAC-preamp with DSP). I suspect that the VEGA will sound really good -- it is a fine DAC -- but not necessarily better than the one you are using now. Let’s face it, "better" is quite subjective when it comes to today’s DACs.

The VEGA has an extremely transparent and neutral character, not harsh or grainy and yet with no added warmth.

Hope that helps.
More to discover