I have owned both the Bartok and now the X1. The X1 has a totally new design and was developed as a closed loop system. Lumin can update firmware, (FPGA) and software remotely. The Lumin is based on broadcast grade components and engineering. I have not heard anything better than the X1 and that includes products costing almost twice as much. Need to read the Hi Fi Plus review from the UK and the Audiophile Style review from Chris (Formerly the computer audiophile). The X1 is the most analog sounding digital streamer, renderer, DAC that I have ever heard. Pixel Magic Systems, their parent company is a real innovator. The dual mono Lundahl transformer couplings and new external dual mono AC to DC power supply, in my mind is the icing on the cake. The X1 is the end of the road for my search in in end audio streaming.
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?