[loving_it]

I just purchased a Auralic  Vega and Aries  , I also have a Classic 2 with a Soundsmith Zephyr MK/II .

I just compared the 2 with similar tracks and I just feel the TT has something the DAC does not .

Better bass , Warmer , just sounds so much better .  I'm going to give the DAC some more time to break in
before deciding .

I cant be alone on this ?

[sfox7076]

Depends on the DAC.  I have a love hate relationship with my TT.  I have a Thorens 160bmkii with an Ortofon 2M Black.  When it sounds great, it is better than almost any DAC I have ever heard (I have heard the Auralic series and was really unimpressed).  Then you put on a record that is poorly recorded or warped, or has static for no good reason, and I long for my DAC.  It's a constant struggle.  DSD helps a lot.

[loving_it]

Depends on the DAC.  I have a love hate relationship with my TT.  I have a Thorens 160bmkii with an Ortofon 2M Black.  When it sounds great, it is better than almost any DAC I have ever heard (I have heard the Auralic series and was really unimpressed).  Then you put on a record that is poorly recorded or warped, or has static for no good reason, and I long for my DAC.  It's a constant struggle.  DSD helps a lot.

Then you put on a record that is poorly recorded or warped, or has static for no good reason, and I long for my DAC.  It's a constant struggle.  DSD helps a lot.

Exactly     Just trying to go one way or the other , I really was not wanting to keep both but maybe it was meant to be

[paul79]

This is the typical reaction to digital, when one does not optimize for it, or does not let it settle in completely. Just like setting up a TT, selecting a good phono pre, cartridge, phono cables, etc.. It all matters.

You can get to the same satisfying end with both mediums.

Most DAC's thrive on good clean power to sound their best. Also, the digital source and the digital cables matter. One must also take measures to eliminate ground loops between digital components. Not to mention, burning in the DAC! They can be absolutely annoying until they settle down.

I find the Vega to be very transparent. One of the best under $10K DAC's out there. Plenty here will agree with this. It also happens to be the reference tool for most of the reviewers out there.

[loving_it]

  I wasnt bashing the Dac and did note I will be letting it break in . To my ears as of now my TT sounds better .   That might change who knows

[jtwrace]

IMO you can't compare the two formats.  They're very different in nearly every way. 

[loving_it]

Yes they are diffrent , but one might sound better to one person vs another . I will give the Dac time to break in before deciding which I perfer .

[paul79]

I think they can be compared musically, for sure.

[*Scotty*]

Several variables can affect the Auralic Vega's performance. The USB cable, the playback software, the power cord, footers and interconnects to name a few.
 USB cable and the playback software used are critical to extracting maximum performance from the Vega. If the operating system is Windows based Windows 8/8.1 then jRiver20 should be a first choice to try out.
At the end of the day the Auralic Vega will still sound different than a TT and it will be a matter taste as to which source is preferred with different program material. It will seldom be the case that exactly the same masters are used to produce a record and a CD or Hi-Rez file download.
Scotty
This thread should probably be moved as it does not conform to the circle guidelines.
See Link below.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=45439.0

[loving_it]

Several variables can affect the Auralic Vega's performance. The USB cable, the playback software, the power cord, footers and interconnects to name a few.
 USB cable and the playback software used are critical to extracting maximum performance from the Vega. If the operating system is Windows based Windows 8/8.1 then jRiver20 should be a first choice to try out.
At the end of the day the Auralic Vega will still sound different than a TT and it will be a matter taste as to which source is preferred with different program material. It will seldom be the case that exactly the same masters are used to produce a record and a CD or Hi-Rez file download.
Scotty

I'm using the Auralic Aries , Total Dac USB Cable - From what I hear the Vega needs a good break in period which I will do before deciding .

[*Scotty*]

What playback software and OS are you using?
Scotty

[geowak]

I've got a Schiit Audio Bifrost Uber in one digital system and a Benchmark DAC1 USB in another. It would be hard to go back to analog. I get immense enjoyment out of simple redbook CD playback on two cd players connected to these two DAC's. I think it comes down to individual preferences.... I don't think one is superior to the other.

[Quiet Earth]

If this is another digital vs. analog debate then forget about it. You won't get any consensus here.

I like records and CDs equally well. They are what they are so it is good to have both formats. Tape is fun too. Computer Audio is a continuous stream of excuses as to why I can't make it sound good so I hate it.

[G Georgopoulos]

If this is another digital vs. analog debate then forget about it. You won't get any consensus here.

I like records and CDs equally well.

why people say cd is not good now?,when it came out all went for it,
I still like the disc cd,it's convenient,maybe in the future i'll rip them,
but now noway,i also like records but now they are expensive,so cd
is what i want,it's not digital vs analog,it's what you can afford,i think...

[kingdeezie]

I have to agree with the OP.

My analog, for whatever reason, to my ears, just sounds so much more open, layered, and musical compared to my digital. Not to say that digital sounds bad, but it just can not compete. 

[paul79]

It all depends on where you lay your priorities. If you are a vinyl fan, that's where your money goes, and you buy a cheap DAC. Well folks, that is not really giving digital a chance now is it?

I am of the camp that digital can do things analog cannot, sonically. Call me insane, but I believe it to be the case here.

[G Georgopoulos]

I have to agree with the OP.

Not to say that digital sounds bad, but it just can not compete.

it cant compete?...

[kingdeezie]

It all depends on where you lay your priorities. If you are a vinyl fan, that's where your money goes, and you buy a cheap DAC. Well folks, that is not really giving digital a chance now is it?

I am of the camp that digital can do things analog cannot. Call me insane, but I believe it to be the case here.

I personally have invested equal costs and time into both sources.

it cant compete?...

Yes, IMHO, I get more satisfaction and musical enjoyment out of my analog. YMMV.

[paul79]

What dac's, players have you tried?

[rollo]

I just purchased a Auralic  Vega and Aries  , I also have a Classic 2 with a Soundsmith Zephyr MK/II .

I just compared the 2 with similar tracks and I just feel the TT has something the DAC does not .

Better bass , Warmer , just sounds so much better .  I'm going to give the DAC some more time to break in
before deciding .

I cant be alone on this ?

     DAC's require 500 hours to sound right. As of now an unfair comparison. Be patient.

charles