Lumin U1 vs Lumin U1 mini + sbooster?

Is sbooster a safe mod to do on the U1 mini? Doesn't it void warranty

I agree 100% with Grant here @tvad ..... one can be very happy with a MacMini setup, like he is, and like I am too...

I run a late 2012 MacMini (2.3GHz I7 quad processor) with 16Gb ram, a Samsung 860 Pro solid state drive, with an Akiko USB stick on one of the USB ports.  I am using USB out to a Gustard U16 DDC that gives me an AES/EBU output for my DAC.

I have an HDPlex 200W linear power supply which I will use to power my MacMini when the MMK power kit arrives sometime in April, from Uptone Auido.

The point is, like Grant, I listened to an audiophile streamer (an Innuos Zen mk3) in my system, directly compared to the MacMini setup, and while I may be in the minority here, I really preferred the MacMini.  This is with the stock power supply.  

@tvad  impressive. I wonder if you would get a further gain with a better PSU on the mac mini ?

I own a Lumin T2 and do not feel a need for an outboard dac. Using the T2 with an outboard dac defeats the design purpose.  I went from a MacMini to the Lumin....the change was stunning and obvious to me, something I liked. However, everyone's ears and gear is different. YMMV.

Maybe he has some high end PSU on his mac mini ?

Surprising posts, agreed.  Dedicated streamers tend to win out from the old PITA computer setups.  Is what it is I guess.

I am surprised by your findings. There is simply no way that a Mac Mini will outperform a dedicated steamer.  Something else must have been at work here

Have you tried any other streamers like SOTM 200 ultra?

I guess for me, going from my gaming PC direct to my dac vs any kind of streamer would make more of a difference because a mac mini is likely inherently much less noisy than a gaming pc.
But interesting findings indeed.  Im actually not all that surprised by your findings with the sbooster. Looking under the hood it seems the u1 mini has a pretty solid isolated SMPS.

I would agree with that Dealer.  But the sbooster is big, ugly and your Lumin will require internal modifications that void your warranty.  Your choice.  Contact me if you want either

I do know 1 dealer of both sotm and lumin who states that U1 mini + sps 500 is about 80% of the U1. But would love other opinions.

This is a good question.

anyone?