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Is it still worth buying a Lumin x1 in 2023?

Hello,

 

i currently have a Lumin D2 in my system, and i want to upgrade (I know ... typical audiophile problem :-) ).

My system is the following:

Speakers: Spendor sp100r2

Amp: Grandionote Shinai

Streamer: Lumin D2

Power isolation: Puritan PSM 156

Why do i want to upgrade?

I want "more of everything": more clarity, more details, more extension on both ends, better vocals, less digital sounding ... I like music, i don't want something too analytical. I want to be able to seat, enjoy and relax.

 

I've considering adding a DAC to my D2, but a local dealer told me that i should change my streamer and get a T3.

Initially i had this list of DAC in mind (5k price range):

  • T+A DAC 200 
  • Gen. Grand DSDac 1.0 Deluxe
  • Sould note D2
  • Aqua La Scala

Then, looking around, i found a great deal on a demo Lumin X1 ... a bit more than my budget ... but i can stretch.

Now my question: I read a lot of very positive review on the X1, but i'm a little nervous because it is a 5y old device ... and it will be a big investment, quesiton:

  • is it wise to go for a 5y old device
  • How long will i be able to enjoy it before services stop working on it?
  • Is it it better to get a new DAC and connect it to my D2 (and eventually upgrade to a more modern streamer later)?
  • MOST IMPORTANT: Will i get a better sound with the x1 compared to the D2 + a modern DAC in the 5k price range?

What do you all think?

 

best

 

T

 

128x128thibaultgeoui

Showing 2 responses by goldprintaudio

goldprintaudio's avatar
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 

X1 at $6k is a very nice deal.....I would grab it and not look back!  As nice as the D2 is, I think you'll be surprised at how good the X1 is. 

goldprintaudio's avatar
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 

Unfortunately, it's going to be a little hard to answer all your questions as I doubt there many people that have heard a D2 with your listed dac options versus an X1.  

Will the X1 eventually become obsolete, sure....but so will every other streamer that's out there currently. Even at 5+ years of age, the X1 is still one of the best streamers on the market (Imho).  We really are not seeing a ton of new streaming features in the near future that would lead to short term obsolescence.  

I personally lean towards one-box streamers as my preference, but if you really would like to have a separate dac, you may actually want to consider swapping your D2 for a U2/U2 Mini in combo with one of the dacs you are considering.  

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