2. digital
  3. 167271-119399

Gryphon Diable 300 DAC vs. Lumin X1 DAC

Greetings folks,

I'm about to do an A-B test between the DAC in the Gyphon Diable 300 (integrated amp) versus using the DAC in the LUMIN X1 Streamer.  I'm doing my best at understanding the architectural / technical / specification difference between the two DACs before I actually get it all hooked up for listening.  This is working toward the potential purchase of the X1 as a streamer upgrade.

The Gryphon Diable DAC (a separate add-on purchase, btw), has a Sabre ES9018 High-End D/A converter, if that helps. Not sure what technical specs would be helpful here.

The Lumin X1 DAC has Dual ES9038Pro SABRE DACs featuring 140dB dynamic range. Plus a bunch more specs.

Anyway, would appreciate any insights you knowledgeable DAC-goners have about the difference in the two DACs.  Anything significant in the architecture of the two, of the components they use to build?  Yada Yada Yada

And no, please don't suggest any other models at this point.  This is an A-B comparison right now.  

Remember, this is just educating myself before the actual listening takes place.

Thanks in advance
pgaulke60

Showing 3 responses by pgaulke60

pgaulke60 OP
292 posts
 
@jayrossi13 

Recommendations from my audio consultant, and listening to what has been put into fellow audiophile's listening rooms.  I heard the Gryphon and Lumin X1 independently, but never side by side.
pgaulke60 OP
292 posts
 
@jayrossi13 

I understand your point. 

What we are trying to do is isolate the DACs while keeping everything else constant as we can.  Trying to figure out which DAC sounds better, the Lumin X1 DAC or the Gryphon DAC.  

All streaming will come through a Roon Nucleus, with Tidal. Same source, same speakers, same integrated amp.  Difference, I hope will be the two DACs.  Likely will need some different cabling as well.
pgaulke60 OP
292 posts
 
Sorry folks, my phrasing may be confusing. The correct way to put it would be to say a Roon Nucleus will be used as the core and all streaming will come through the X1 as the end point either as a streamer into the Gryphon DAC or as a streamer DAC combo. You cannot use an X1 as a core.

@OCZED  As eluded to in my original post, I am working up to the comparison.  More to come on that front.
More to discover