2. digital
  3. 125171-19008

Will an Auralic Vega best my Meridian 508.24 significantly?

I'm interested in getting something like the Auralic Vega and driving it with the coax output of my Meridian 508.24. Comparing the measurements between the Vega and the 508.24's analog output is striking... the Vega looks FAR superior. It's clear though that with many of the measurements, the Vega is being fed a higher bit depth and sampling rate than redbook CD.

My question is, will I experience a monumental improvement in sound quality if the digital output of my Meridian is the input to the Vega, or would that require higher resolution formats?
sboje
rhljazz
1,253 posts
 

Significant improvement unlikely.  Why not look at a product that is truly innovative using proprietary technology instead of the same chip sets that almost everybody else is using.  The Chord Hugo will be a significant improvement.  Plus you get a headphone amp to go with the dac, and since it is battery powered, you don't need a high dollar pc either.

I use a Sony X779 ES as a transport with a Tara RSC digital cable to the Hugo.  Simply awesome.    

erik_squires
16,049 posts
 
I've seen DAC's with great specs be good sounding and terrible sounding. It's really nearly impossible to tell.  If you can't listen before purchasing, I suggest the Shiit as one I really like but also there is also ExaSound which let you return it after listening.

I expect the Shiit and ExaSound to be very different to your ears. :)
sboje OP
38 posts
 
I was up until 1AM reading reviews about that Schiit. Almost everyone seems to think it is fantastic, but it has to be on for an entire week to warm up! I would feel more comfortable with the purchase if there were a review by Stereophile showing measurements. There is a lot of hype and fanboyism surrounding Yggy. 

I can get a used Vega or the new Schiit YGGDRASIL for the same price. I like the clock and filter flexibility, and the design of the Vega. It would be disappointing to get it and find out that my CDP isn't good enough to lock in on the most precise clock mode over coax though. My biggest concern with the Auralic Vega is that there is only a 90 day warranty, and the company and its founders don't have a lot of history. In my experience, people offer short warranties for a reason. Maybe this is great fun for them, but they want the option to just move on to something else later. I'd like to see a greater commitment to their business and customers. 

The Schiit has a five year warranty and a 15 day return option too. If my Schiit broke down 8 years later, there is a decent chance I COULD get it repaired for a reasonable cost. On the downside, it does seem to be a quirky piece of gear with its outrageous warmup requirements and syncing issues.

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