2. digital
  3. 184520-166368

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
christianb5s4
237 posts
 

@jwcinsd The good thing about Lumin is you're starting with excellent hardware, but they continually update firmware even on older devices. For example, an X1 is still excellent like many components. 

 

I am curious having a U1 with X1 power supply to see what comes of the new version. But at that level, it's at best incremental improvement and more realistically, just slightly different. 

average_joe
3 posts
 

I run an x1 and I really like it. I haven't compared it to others in the.peer group, but feel satisfied with performance. It did benefit quite a bit from power cables and interconnects. I'd recommend it based on my experience. 

admranger
144 posts
 

The new Lumin T3X is a one box X1-ish dac, or so it seems.  I hope they offer an upgrade for us early T3 adopters...<sigh>

 

@average_joe What cables did you find worked the best for your X1?  I friend prefers the Transparent brand (I don't recall the exact version/model he has) for his X1.

 

fburkeen's avatar
fburkeen
7 posts
 

X1 will handle 44.1 - 768kHz, 16-32bits...  with 192/24 being audibly better than vinyl to my ear, I can't see the hardware running out of gas as long as firmware updates can keep up with format changes.

I had concerns Lumin would have an X2 soon when I bought my X1 10 months ago...  now I have no such concerns and around 1000hrs of the most natural, musical sounding source I've ever heard.  No hesitation to recommend it to anyone.

More to discover