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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
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 :-)

thibaultgeoui's avatar
thibaultgeoui OP
11 posts
 

and Lumin s1 still goes for ca. 4k on the used market. And i can get the X1 for 6k (with my Lumin D2 as trade-in)

thibaultgeoui's avatar
thibaultgeoui OP
11 posts
 

Soooooo … i ended-up getting a T+A DAC 200. It was a cheaper option than the Lumin x1 and i liked the flexibility of more input and output as well as the more modern platform and the fact that i can update the streamer separately.

From a sonic perspective it’s still new so i can’t draw too many conclusions, but right out of the box i’m getting more extensions and better tones than the D2. So i’m quite happy so far. Thanks everyone for the advices

azwill
97 posts
 

Congratulations and happy listening!    

davehg
85 posts
 

Congrats. I went through the same journey  - D2, then traded for a T2 (still have in another system), then contemplated the big leap to the X1. The X1 is everything others have said, a massive leap from the D2. I listened to the T3, the X1, and a Bartok. I paid about $8k for the X1 and have never regretted it. 
 

I did upgrade the Ethernet switch to an Optical switch and it helped further improve the sound.

 

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