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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
emergingsoul
1,132 posts
 

I have a Lumin x1 and also a few stand alone dacs, which I know ignore.

The X1 is outstanding integration of a dac, it's very well done.

 

I hate dealing with standalone Dacs and all the connectivity issues.  I like separates throughout my system and found the dac within the X1 made a hell of a lot of sense. The fiber optic connection is very good.

 

 

chilli42
111 posts
 

Just to clarify … the DAC I purchased is the Weiss 502 Mk II

kirill_lac's avatar
kirill_lac
1 posts
 

@ thibaultgeoui

what did you choose finally? I have dan d’agostino progression with dali epicon 8 and trying to solve the same problem.


As a result, I settled on two devices: lumin x1 and esoteric n-05xd. I did not find any normal comparison on the Internet of two devices. Any recommendations?

 

mahler123
3,319 posts
 

5 years is an eternity in the the digital world.  I would buy a streamer of that vintage only at a major discount 

thibaultgeoui's avatar
thibaultgeoui OP
11 posts
 

@kirill_lac 

I'm haven't completely settled yet ... as @mahler123 says, i'm worried about the age of the device, although many reports says that it is still among the best.

So i keep going back and forth with buying a cheaper streamer such as an Eversolo DMP-A6 that gets great reviews (and given it's price, i could change it every 2-3 years), and add a 5K dac to it (T+A DAC 200, Soulnote D2, Danafrips Terminator ...) ... or get the X1 and enjoy it for as long as possible.

 

I was looking at reviews of the previous TOTL from Lumin (the S1) and even when the X1 was released, reviewers were saying that the S1 was still a good device.

 

Now ... i('m not sure it helps with your problem ... it doesn't really helps me decide :-)

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