Auralic is a China-based company focused on the upper end of digital audio. In addition to producing some very fine amps and pre amps, the company also designs balanced headphone amplifiers and top-tier DACs. The newest digital entry is called the VEGA ($3,500), but Auralic prefers the label of DAP over DAC, the “P” not standing for player in this case, but processor. The term “computer” has also been making many guest appearances on the audiophile red carpet as of late, but honestly, what digital product doesn’t have some form of computer in it these days? It is perhaps a bit ironic then in this case, that the term Digital to Audio Computer would land us back to the same acronym. Compared to other budget DACs the VEGA features a whole host of options buried in its on screen menu, definitely lending itself to the more full functioning processor terminology than much of its younger company.
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