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Lunim T2 vs Cary Audio DMS 600

Hello Fellow Audiophiles,

I currently am looking to upgrade to a quality streamer/DAC combo and after a few months of research have pretty much narrowed it down to the above units which I intend on demoing.  I am interested in internet radio, Roon, and Tidal (as well as my own music on my NAS).  I have a full McIntosh system and am going to list my Media Bridge shortly.  I would like to keep my budget in the $4000-$6000 range, but closer to $4000 now if possible.  I am wondering what thoughts/experiences fellow members may have.  Thanks.
spipa

Showing 2 responses by decathlon1991

decathlon1991
220 posts
 
I had both units and Benzman is correct on several things. I had the Lumin T2 first and sold it and bought the Cary DMS600. Since I was listening to tube amplifiers and a tube preamp, the Cary matched up well with the setup. The AKM sound smoother with slightly fuller bass while the Sabre sound brighter with maybe a bit more detail. The AKM can process the digital sampling rate from 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz while the Sabre dac processes 44.1–384 kHz. The Cary has much more flexibility plus you can use your CD Player as a transport and connect into the Cary to take advantage of the DAC’s built into the unit. It all depends on what sound you’re looking for. Both units are upgradable with their firmware. The Lumin software posed a bit of a problem but there IT was pretty good. I haven’t had any issues with the Cary thus far. It has been excellent. Both pieces are well built. For me, I love that I can use a phone (Android or an iPhone), a computer, or a tablet to control the Cary. What you saw on the screen of the Cary unit is what you saw on the hand device. Also connecting to a Roon Nucleus was very easy and convenient especially for ripping. I hope that helps.
Enjoy the music
decathlon1991
220 posts
 
I would compare the Cary DMS600 to the Lumin X1 their top of the line unit. The Lumin X1 cost almost twice as much as the Cary unit. The Lumin X1 has a digital sampling rate from 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz. That’s comparable to the Cary DMS600 which has the same rate. The Lumin T2 (current unit) and the T1 (the older model) is comparable to the Cary DMS550 (current unit) or the DMS500 (the older model). The Cary DMS600 is $6,999.00 & the Lumin X1 is $13,990.00. Both great choices but I went with the Cary DMS600 because of the warm sound that works well with my tube preamp and the monoblock tubes. Not dismissing the Lumin T2 or the great X1. My choice wasn’t based on price. It was based on what works for my system and how I access the application. For example, I have over 40K invested in my turntable. My cartridge alone cost more than my Cary DMS600. I’m just being honest and and this was a choice for me. Make sure it is a solid choice for you.

Enjoy the music
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