2. digital
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Ditching Lumin T2 - Lumin U1 Mini or Bluesound Node 2i

Live and you learn.  I love this streamer, BUT, I'm not convinced I'm getting the most from it's excellent DAC because my Anthem STR is converting the signal back to digital (for subwoofers and ARC) then reconverting using the Anthem's DACs. 

The Anthem does sound excellent mind you!  But I really wanted the pure Lumin sound and there's no way to not double process the signal if I want to use subs or ARC. 

So now the question is......  Would a Lumin U1 mini (streamer only) really be that much better than a Bluesound Node 2i just for streaming?
I do like BluOS better than Lumin's app but I also use Roon which is love/hate.
dtximages

Showing 3 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,567 posts
 
The Anthem is a nice piece, and ARC is kind of cool, but it doesn't sound natural to me when engaged. If you can't bypass all that crap in the Anthem, I would consider a different integrated that lets you enjoy the high quality source you have rather than downgrade your source. 
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@dtximages What kind of subwoofers do you use?  They typically provide controls to allow you to shape their sound.  I use 4 subwoofers and don't use any type of bass management.  Of course using multiple subs helps eliminate the need for those controls.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@dtximages If you use all 4 subs, you're going to have a lot less issues with bass management, basically set your levels and crossover points, make sure nothing is out of phase, and you should have great bass.  That's probably over-simplifying a little, it takes some time spent listening and tweaking a bit to get things exactly where you want them.

I have two SB13 Ultras and two Rythmik F25s.  I don't even have an app, just the plate amplifier controls!
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