[ebag4]

Looking for observations regarding the differences (sound or operation) between an Auralic Aries/Vega combo and the Lumin A1?

All opinions appreciated.

Best,
Ed

[jarcher]

Lumin A1 is going to sound warmer & cost you at least $1500 more than the Auralic combo, which will also do higher orders of DSD (DSD 64 only for Lumin). If you like a warmer sound or have a lean system, go for the Lumin. Otherwise go for the Aurallc combo.

[ebag4]

Lumin A1 is going to sound warmer & cost you at least $1500 more than the Auralic combo, which will also do higher orders of DSD (DSD 64 only for Lumin). If you like a warmer sound or have a lean system, go for the Lumin. Otherwise go for the Aurallc combo.

Thanks for the reply, looks like that would be a sideways move at best, I currently run the Aries Vega combo.  I am driving GR Research Wedgie OB with Servo Subs, the Wedgies are driven by a Bottlehead 300B amp, so I don't need warmth.  The Vega is actually a good fit, just wondering where I would have to go to get additional improvement.  Recently recieved a microRendu and Sonic Transporter trying out Roon.

Best,
Ed

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Give a listen to the PS Audio DSD.  I prefer it over the Vega which underwhelmed me.  The PSA allows you to change the sound with different software versions.

[jarcher]

While I on the other hand was very underwhelmed by the PS Audio DS DAC. Managed to sound dark and brittle at the same time. Have heard dacs at under $2k that sounded a lot better. Nice casework though.

Also I don't want my DAC to change sound with every firmware "upgrade". If I buy something it's because I like the way it sounds and not to be a Guinea pig / ongoing beta tester for every firmware "improvement".

If you want the detail and pace of the auralic but looking for the next step up in resolution and refinement, I'd suggest a Berkely alpha 2 DAC or Chord Hugo TT. This will probably be my next DAC upgrade (I own the Vega). The Hugo TT is arguably the better value with greater feature set.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

My experience with the PSA is different.  It sounds anything but dark and I like dark and warm. I had one in my system and have 2 friends that have them.  The various software versions are a nice touch for people that may want to tailor the sound for their system or if they change their system.  But we all have individual likes and dislikes.  I personally use a Luxman DA-06 for its very analog darker warmer sound.  And I have had the Hugo Chord, Marantz NA-11s1, Cary 200-TS, PSA DSD and Wyred 4s DSDse with the femto upgrade in my system.

The Hugo Chord does not have the air, transparency , wide sound stage, resolution nor the detail and tight bass that the PSA has.  The Chord sounded darker to me but it is very musical.  It is a very good sounding DAC though.

It is all about system matching.

[jarcher]

I have not heard all iterations of the various firmware upgrades to the PS Audio DS DAC. What I will say about the Chord dacs in general - 2qute, Hugo, and Hugo TT is that they are very resolving but smooth and musical. I have not had anyone describe them as "dark". The little Mojo is voiced a bit warmer for the portable market with lower fi sources.

To some degree I think this is a matter of taste. The dacs you've described - Luxman, Marantz and Cary and many PS Audio are all known to be on the warmer side of the spectrum. I'm quite surprised you find the Hugo "darker" or less resolving / spacious by comparison, which is the opposite of what I and others I know who've heard and compared them would describe.

Once again : there's no substitute for direct experience and ebag4 would be best demoing for himself. If I had most 300B amps though I would want something more on detailed and dynamic end of the spectrum that's not bass shy.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I have not heard all iterations of the various firmware upgrades to the PS Audio DS DAC. What I will say about the Chord dacs in general - 2qute, Hugo, and Hugo TT is that they are very resolving but smooth and musical. I have not had anyone describe them as "dark". The little Mojo is voiced a bit warmer for the portable market with lower fi sources.

To some degree I think this is a matter of taste. The dacs you've described - Luxman, Marantz and Cary and many PS Audio are all known to be on the warmer side of the spectrum. I'm quite surprised you find the Hugo "darker" or less resolving / spacious by comparison, which is the opposite of what I and others I know who've heard and compared them would describe.

Once again : there's no substitute for direct experience and ebag4 would be best demoing for himself. If I had most 300B amps though I would want something more on detailed and dynamic end of the spectrum that's not bass shy.

I am not saying that the Hugo is not resolving or have air.  It has all that but not as much as the PSA or my Luxman.  It is more musical and warmer than the PSA.

[ebag4]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen.  Synergy is always important, no less so in my case.  I wouldn't want an overly warm presentation as that may be too much in conjunction with the balance of my system.  Preferences come into play as well, we all hear differently.  With that said, this comment hits the proverbial nail on the head:

If you want the detail and pace of the auralic but looking for the next step up in resolution and refinement, I'd suggest a Berkely alpha 2 DAC or Chord Hugo TT.

The Vega is a good match for my system, not too warm, good detail, etc..  I will be looking into DACs that reportedly have these qualities.  Of course the differences between my equipment and the  "next step up" seems to be getting smaller and smaller.

Thanks again,
Ed

[jarcher]

Of course the differences between my equipment and the  "next step up" seems to be getting smaller and smaller.

So true. On the Vega vs the Hugo TT I thought the improvement (resolution / refinement) was maybe on the order of 20%. So not something that hits you over the head, but noticeable if you pay attention and the rest of your system is up to snuff. Of course to us OCD audiophiles, a 20% improvement is a huge deal 

[JackD]

Maybe just save up and move to the new Chord Dave or wait for the Resonance DAC with the same chipset.