2. digital
  3. 152226-1288

Lumin X1 or dCS Bartok

Both of these beasts look like they could be that “forever purchase”. These are basically the newest offerings from both well respected companies and are within spitting distance of each other price wise  (without the Bartok headphone option installed). Anybody heard both and able to comment?
spinaker01

Showing 3 responses by azwill

azwill
100 posts
 
jriggy, 

If you have not seen, you might want to check out https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/57261-sonore-compact-disc-digital-audio-streaming/

It's an interesting idea.  Used microRendu units are pretty reasonable and 2.8 card from Sonore to update to use the idea not very expensive.  It appears to me you could access the cd stream from Roon.
azwill
100 posts
 
ozzy,

Yes, the X1 has a single USB that can be used either for input or output.
azwill
100 posts
 

I have several DACs including the X1, which I have had for several years.   It has been a very solid and good sounding piece for me.   I have not heard the Bartok.  I have thought about selling it, but have not acted on that,   Lumin has been excellent on software updates and responding to customer questions an issue online.   Leedh Processing was a no charge additional update, and is very good.  I prefer to use a preamp, Makua, which, I have preferred but not by a great margin.  I have added a new piece in my system that has a USB input and my Antipodes K50 G4 has a single USB output.   I had read an independent review and later from Lumin that USB from the Lumin could be used as a digital out where the X1 would act solely as a player and USB could be connected to another USB DAC.  I love options and tried this into the Makua USB option in the DAC (Tambaqui).   The sound is different but very, very good.   Doing this requires the user to configure output from the X1 from Analog to USB (SPDIF also an option) via the Lumin downloadable app.  Lots to like about the X1. 

 

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