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

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. 

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.

 

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.