2. digital
  3. 159663-119399

Lumin U1 vs. Sonore SE

FWIW, I was with a couple of other audiophile folks in the market for a new Streamer.  I've pretty much settled on a Signature Rendu SE - single enclosure optical Rendu and linear power supply.  I've heard it several times and done several A-B-C comparisons and it always came on top.  Yesterday, based on my audio consultant's counsel, we did yet another A-B comparison with the Lumin U1.  Must admit that the styling of the Lumin is pretty sharp.  Both units are comparably priced (few hundred $ difference).  To the degree possible, we kept everything constant including tunes and cabling.

Once again, FWIW, the Sonore SE sounded noticeably better than the Lumin. It is not that the Lumin sounded poor, and I am certain that it would be a good addition to my system, but my money is now on the Sonore SE.  The SE's soundstage and clarity was simply a notch better than the Lumin.

System was a McIntosh 2700 Pre-Amp, two McIntosh monoblocks (1.2K, I think) and a pair of Sonus Faber Amatis.  Music was run through a Roon Nucleus.  

Humbly I will submit to you that I don't have the sharpest ear, but all three of us immediately noticed the difference after about 30 seconds of Liberty by Anette Askvik.  

Just sharing, not interested in debating.  Any other particulars folks need to know about the set-up?
pgaulke60

Showing 1 response by tonyptony

tonyptony
627 posts
 
(2) but in this case I run an ethernet cable from the switch to the Sonore Optical Rendu (optical converter);
(3) from the Optical Rendu, which converts the internet signal to an optical signal there by reducing all kinds of "noise", there is a double wired optical cable (not the usual toslink cable) that runs to the Signature SE Server.

I’ve been wondering how different / better this might be over using something like a GigaFoil in front of a non-optical Rendu (like a uRendu)?
More to discover