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Lumin X1 and headphones amplifier: what to do ?


Hi,

I sold my Pro iDSD DAC/Streamer and bought a Lumin X1.

Unlike the iDSD there  is no headphone output on the Lumin.

I own Focal Clear headphones.


So I have to purchase a headphone amp.


I have seen ´´Analog only ´´ amps : Single Ended  /  XLR in and XLR out only.

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://homemedialimited.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Senheiser-HDVA-600-Back.jpg&imgrefurl=https://homemedialimited.co.uk/product/sennheiser-hdva-600-headphone-amplifier-dac/&tbnid=IDnrUXhaNOqG2M&vet=1&docid=eTZ76KqejSskaM&w=800&h=800&q=hdva+600+sennheiser&source=sh/x/im


https://mjolnir-audio.com/product-selection/

I have seen amps. with balanced connections and  a DAC included : USB , Coaxial , Optic..

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/digital-headphones-amplifier-hdv-820

https://matrix-digi.com/en/products/321.html

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/aune-s6-pro-review-a-maestro-is-disciple-clothes/


Lumin X1 rear panel

https://images.app.goo.gl/JCV5o4tMqmqBRrXm7


The main Lumin utilisation will be for music playback with my Acurus ACT4 via balanced input.

On occasion, I will use my headphones.


Is it possible , the good sound of the Lumin not to be altered ( colored ) by headphones amplifire , if connected with XLR cables only ( input and output ) ?

 if I use the midend DAC ( digital inputs )of an  headphone amp. , will I miss something from the Lumin on a sound stand point  with my  headphones ?

I must underline tha the USB and  digital audio  on the Lumin are output only.


Any one , have suggestions on how I can get the best of both units ?

Thanks





128x128maxwave

Showing 6 responses by maxwave

maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
I forgot to mention that I use my Focal Clear headphone with a 4 pin 
balanced cable.
The headphone amplifier must has this feature.
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@nekoaudio 
Many thanks.

I will take a look at the Bryston  BHA-1
My dealer, who sold me the Lumin also sells Bryston.
I don’t know what you mean by ´´low output ´´ mode.
I not very technical.
And yes, I prefer my system  to be all balanced.

Regards

maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@nekoaudio 

Interesting informations
I understand now ,what ´´low output  ´´ and ´´ low gain configuration ´´ are  all about.
I have never figured out that , Headphones amplifier’s selection could be that  complex.

Thanks 
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@spinaker01 
Thanks for the information about Audioshark site.
I have registered and I am going to try to reach Wklie.

I am wondering if I would  have been better of , buying the Matrix Element X instead of the LuminX1. I have read that Tidal , Qobuz , 
etc , will be implemented with a futur firmware updates.
The headphones  issue would be solved.
Audiophile  regrets ...as usual.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@spinaker01 

I can confirm that with the LuminX1 , you can run unbalanced and balanced output at the same time.
I have purchased Pro-Ject  Head Box  DS-2 B   Headphone amplifier.
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
Pro-Ject  Head Box  DS-2 B   Headphone amplifier  bypass  section 
does not add  any sound coloration to the LuminX1 . I am very satisfied  about this feature.
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