Battle of the Older DAC


Would this be a simple choice for you?

Looking at upgrading my DAC and at similar price points have options of an Auralic Vega (2013) and a Schiit Yggdrasil OG A2 (2018?) 

I have heard the Auralic and it is impressive, but the reputation of the Yggy looks solid.

Would be keen to hear from anyone who has experience of both or if the choice is clearer that it appears to me.

As ever, would love to hear your thoughts.

 

incoming

What about older EMM LABS DAC with matching Transport. Optical Done Right! Only thing is it has no volume Control. What do you think of using Gold point passive volume Control in that situation? Ed Meitner was the genius behind that digital technology back in the day! Changes in power supplies etc. are where things get interesting! The DAC's themselves are not the key to modern improvement over the older stuff! I don't stream either! Too many possible problems! I like physical media etc. So instead of moving forward in newer stuff I went the other way ! I do have a Ayon tube CD player and also have used a Berkeley Alpha DAC with a Synchro Mesh Jitter reducing device with great results. So who knows! I like the build of the EMM LABS though over 15 years old still sounds great! Good buy too I thought for around $3k for both DAC and SACD Transport. 

@incoming Ah gotcha I didn't catch the link strangely the same Dac is being sold for $2150 but someone on USAM.

Nothing wrong with many of the options outlined by others, but well, there's a LOT of DACs out here now compared to years ago. If you can believe this guy, the Geshelli Dayzee DAC, maxed out with the Sparkos or the Burson V7 Vivid op-amps gives a lot for the money, even runs with the Yggy just fine. Note, Geshelli sells options for better looking cases for a bit more $$$.

https://youtu.be/S6qaO1f30-4

@jallan I've been out of high end stereo for years, but I just inherited my dad's system with exact same CAL components.  The transport isn't working, so I've taken it into a shop for diagnostics and hopefully, it won't cost and arm & leg to repair.  Curious to see how the Alpha has stood up to the test of time.  Curious if you've ever compared the Alpha to a less expensive Schiit, like the Modi+ or Modi Multibit?