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Lumin X1 or U1 + PS Audio DSD DAC

Hi all,

I really love my PS Audio DSD DAC and currently run it with an Innuos Zenith Mk3. I would like to replace the Innuos with a streamer-only device such as the U1, The downside to the PSA DAC is the plethora of boxes and cables it takes to get the best from it:

EtherRegen->Innuos->USB->Matrix SPIDIF (with LPS)->HDMI->PS Audio DAC

With the U1 the chain would be the same.

Though much more expensive I could get an X1, sell my PSA DAC and Innuos, and be done with all those boxes and cables.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts? I've never been a huge fan of the ESS DACs I've heard (Benchmark and Mytek) but they were levels below where the X1 is.

Would the X1 outperform tthe PSA DAC/U1 combo?

Thanks!
blazeby

Showing 1 response by azwill

azwill
100 posts
 
I can comment on Lumin X1 compared to PS Audio DSD, but I used my DirectStream DAC with microRENDU, not Lumin U1.  I initially ran DirectStream with USB, but later on added the Matrix X-SPDIF 2 and used I2S from from the Matrix to the DirectStream.   I still have all of that but not actively using.   The DS has always been a very reliable unit for me, but I prefer the Lumin X1 for both sound quality and simplicity.   The X1 is a network streamer DAC and must be connnected to the network to function.  Upstream of these I used a SMG SonicTransporter i5, which worked well for all.  I will be making a change there soon.

In my experience, the X1 has better imaging and soundstage plus dynamics have been superior for me.   Be advised that the X1 needs considerable burn-in time for best sound presentation.   I had read 400 hours, and believe that is a good projection.   I noticed much improvement after 100 hours and kept improving.   Lumin now offers an accessory remote control, which I have and like, but does not eliminate my use of iPad or iPhone when I am setting up/changing settings for the X1 and/or using the Lumin App for music control and selection.  I also have Roon, which does not require the use of the App, other than turning Roon Ready On or Off for the X1.  

I highly recommend the X1.       
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