When I owned/used the PS Audio Direct Stream Dac it was set at 100 with balanced out to a Ayre KX-20-5 Preamp.
ozzy |
Now there's a real listener...his own audio chair!
Congrats!
ozzy |
Thanks Azwill, and yyzsantabarbara for the information. It is a lot to digest.
The ER with upgraded clocks and power supply did improve the sound quality.
But the biggest improvement at least to me on the Lumin X1 was using Fiber cable.
The cat cable from the router/modem needs to be converted to fiber by some device and the ER works just fine.
ozzy |
azwill,
What have you settled on for a cat cable to connect to the EtherRegen input?
ozzy |
I guess, so you are saying you have tried running a fiber cable to the Lumin X1?
If so, what transceiver's did you use?
ozzy |
wsrrsw,
I’m not sure I fully understand.
I don’t care about side A or side B on the EtherRegen. The only side where the fiber cable goes out on the EtherRegen is what I route to the Lumin X1. The other side is used for the Cat 5 cable input from the modem. I use cat 5 because it has less metal than the cat 7-8 versions.
I am using the Lumin app.
This configuration produced a much fuller, expanded soundstage than when using a cat cable to the Lumin. The sound is very enjoyable at least with my system. If you are not doing this you are missing out on the sound quality potential of the Lumin. IMHO that is...
ozzy |
wsrrsw,
Please also use the fiber cable from the EtherRegen, it will make a big difference.
ozzy |
wsrrsw,
BTW,
There is an ad's right now on Audiogon for the AfterDark Queen clock and the power supply.
ozzy |
Oh, you will still need a BNC cable for the AfterDark clock to the EtherRegen. I am using a Nordost Valhalla.
ozzy |
Finally found the Transceiver that I use:
Finisar SFP FTLF1324P2BTL 4.25 Gbps Long Wavelength Optical Transceiver Module
ozzy |
Still searching for the transceiver info.
Power Supply:
AFTERDARK. BLACK MODERNIZE LPS X GIESEMANN OCXO 10M EDITION
DC cables:
DC-GAC4 Gotham GAC-4/1 11301 UltraPro Star Quad DC(JSSG360) Cable
ozzy |
Yes, the clock is to improve on the EtherRegen clock. I bought the AfterDark clock that is supposed to mate well with the EtherRegen, I think it is called the Queen. If you buy the AfterDark power supply for the clock it has 2 power outputs, one for the Uptone and the other for the AfterDark clock.
Yes, I put a QSA red inside the Lumin power supply. I also moved the Synergistic orange fuse to the AfterDark power supply.
Oh, the fiber optic cable was from what was available from Amazon. That stuff is relatively cheap.
I did however buy a pretty good transceiver for the Lumin to plug in the fiber cable.
And, if you want to spend more money, the Critical Mass footers are very good under the Lumin.
ozzy |
wsrrsw,
When you and others can, also try the X1 with the EtherRegen, AfterDark clock and power supply and fiber cables.
ozzy
|
No extra computer needed. You will need a iPad or a similar device to select songs.
BTW, I also go straight to my mono block amps. (no preamp).
ozzy |
mauidj,
I will do my best, I have an 8TB external hardrive plugged into the usb port that has all my music on it and I just use the Lumin app.
I stream Qobuz daily but the X1 is Roon capable.
BTW, they just added 40 high quality radio stations.
So all of this is possible.
ozzy |
kzs70,
So, I think I owe you an apology.
I did have to install a transceiver into the X1, its been a while, and I can blame it on the fact that I'm old... and I forgot.
As I now recall, I did buy a pretty good transceiver to use with it. So don't cheap out on that one. And, I eventually added a Uptone Ethernet converter for the conversion to fiber.
Also, for the conversion to fiber, use cat 5 cable. Stay away from the higher 6,7,8 they have more shielding in them.
Big upgrade for me though over the Ethernet cable.
Again, sorry I confused you.
ozzy |
aberyclark,
Yeah, I would think so. The Lumin does have periodic firmware upgrades now too.
ozzy |
mecani,
Can you translate to English?
Thanks,
ozzy |
The fiber connections confuse the heck out of me.
How about using a Ether Regen?
ozzy
|
So are you guys saying that using a fiber connection is better than ethernet?
ozzy |
Wow! It keeps improving past 9 months!
Thanks for that info.
ozzy |
three_easy_payments,
Yes, I am using the Stillpoints Ultra SS under the X1. I just tried it without the Stillpoints and I prefer it with the Stillpoints. The SS provide a more focused image in the soundstage.
BTW, the sharpness has disappeared quite a few hundred hours ago. Sounds really good to me.
ozzy |
mecani,
I have about the same amount of hours on my X1. I would say it will probably improve at a more gradual rate going forward, based on what I have read.
When is the end of improvement? Who knows? I am very happy at this point.
Enjoy!
ozzy |
kren0006,
I can’t believe how much fuller and immersive the soundstage is. The surround sounds better than my home theater equipment! Solo’s leap out at you. Again, I say it sounds through the speakers like listening with headphones. It took a while to get to this point compared to the sound the first week, it has improved leaps and bounds since then.
It is truly better, quantitatively 2X or more over the PS Dac. It should though, it costs 2x more! Well worth the extra cost in my opinion. I’m lucky I was able to trade in and sell several pieces of equipment to make the cost difference less painful.
ozzy |
rossb,
Well I switched back to the native rez and I agree with you.
But man, I am getting some wide open soundstage! I was just playing Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out- "Sympathy For Devil" and the guitar solo’s are way off to the extremes. And, I have played this tune many times! What an excellent Dac!
ozzy |
Thanks. I think I will play it @ the DSD 512 for a while then switch back.
ozzy |
I reread an online review of the Lumin X1 I think it was the Absolute Sound and in that review they suggested running the X1 output in DSD 512.
I just tried it and so far it does sound very good. Better stage presence.
ozzy |
kzs70,
I use my Lumin X1 with a Cerious Technologies Graphene Matrix power cord.
Due to selling my Bryston BDP-2 and the PS Dac to purchase the Lumin X1, I now have an extra one for sale.
Its listed on audiogon now if your interested.
ozzy |
kzs70,
Any improvement yet?
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks of continuous music playing 24/7 on my X1.
Really digging it.
I just received the SR orange fuse for it today.
ozzy
|
kzs70,
You need to let it run 24/7 to get some more hours on it quickly.
ozzy |
azwill,
Different power cords do work differently with each component, that I know for sure.
Question:
Do the feet on the X1 come off? Placing the large Stillpoints under it only allows for them to be placed at the edges due to the X1 feet. I haven't turned it upside to check if the feet are removal, but from what I can tell there appears to be no screw in them.
ozzy |
Well its now been 8 days. Close to 200 hours since starting the Lumin X1. At this point, the soundstage has moved way back and way wide. I have never experienced this even with all the add on devices I had used. That is; with my Bryston BDP-2/ PS Audio Dac combo i.e. Uptone ISO Regen, SOtM usb, Core Power perfect usb. etc. With that combo there was a nice left, right and center, but with the Lumin X1 there is an all encompassing soundstage. Sorta like using headphones.
kzs70,
Not sure where you are in the breakin in process with your X1 but hang in there it does change quite a bit.
Still haven’t received the SR fuse yet. Darn USPS...
ozzy
|
kzs70,
Congrats on your purchase, I ordered my X1 on blind faith, not the best way. I am using Stillpoints Ultra SS under mine, later on I will experiment with different footers.
I have now about 150 hours on the X1 and it is mellowing out more and more daily. I’ve been playing Qoboz HR around the clock.
It did start out pretty harsh. Funny that the PPT Omega mats affected the sound so much, but they do have a magnetic backing so that may be part of the issue. Or it may be whatever the PPT are made of affects the streaming and/or the electronic components inside the X1.
I ordered the SR orange 2.5A slow blow, because just as you stated the SR tend to blow faster than others.
ozzy |
Now this is very interesting. At least to me.
I placed a Perfect Path Tech (PPT) Omega mat and some of the cards on the Lumin X1 and on the external power supply. I placed them on it from the day I received the X1.
I noticed that I was getting a upper/mid high frequency glare and limited lower bass response, but I thought it was due for the need of more break in time.
Today, I removed the PPT Omega mat and the cards from the X1 and to my surprise the sound quality blossomed and became much more enjoyable and smooth.
Come to think of it I also did not place a PPT Omega mat under my former streamer- Bryston BDP-2.
So, since the X1 also contains a dac with lundal transformers it seems that what ever the PPT Omega mat / cards are made of, it conflicts with the Lumin X1.
ozzy |
Here is what Source Systems LTD/ Lumin commented on via email about the Lumin break in time.
" All good digital takes 400-500 hours to
begin to sound its best. Then it gets better and better even
after that. You can leave it on with or without music
playing."
ozzy |
Noble100, Tim,
I first ordered a Apple I-Pad via Amazon but it must have been a resold unit because it already had a password and couldn’t be unlocked. Apple was no help.
Knowing that the X1 was on the way to me, I went to the local Best Buy and bought a Samsung 10.1. Tablet
It seems to work and do what a good remote does, so I am happy.
ozzy
|
Thanks, I wonder if it would matter the type of resolution playing through it? Probably not, but if I play Qoboz I'll find a higher rez file to loop.
I'm going to find the sleep setting.
ozzy |
three_easy-payments,
Thanks. I noticed there is only and on/off breaker type switch in the back of the power supply so its probably designed to be left on all the time.
BTW, I just ordered a SR orange fuse for it.
ozzy |
bwguy,
Thank you for the info/help.
I have been playing the X1 for about a day via Qoboz. The plan is to let it play 24/7 for a few weeks.
Do you think there should always be music playing through it or is just having the unit on enough?
ozzy |
jaybe,
At this point, it is a little harder sounding compared to my Bryston/PS Dac combo in which I had for many years. It's not dark that's for sure.
But, I have read elsewhere that the Lumin X1 takes several hundred + hours to sound its best. So, I will give it time.
ozzy |
Well finally received the X1.
It was a little confusing at first and I had to do a factory reset. Then after trial and error and a few swearing sessions it started to work.
And... it is playing the songs from my 8TB external Hard drive just fine.
First impression, perhaps a little sharp sounding, but its new and I assume a break in adventure is needed.
ozzy |
fdpdk,
Thank you for your reply. I am really looking forward to getting it.
It looks like Fed Ex has screwed up the shipment. So, hopefully it will be sorted out soon.
ozzy |
noble100,
I sent you a PM
ozzy |
azwill,
Thanks for the very detailed comparison. I too have owned the PS Direct Stream for a long time and went thru many of the firmware iterations. It’s been good and dependable but I think its time to move on.
I only have the Stillpoints Ultra SS footers and that’s what I will at least use initially under the X1.
And, I am going to use a external drive plugged into the X1 but Qoboz will be streamed via a ethernet cable to the X1.
Many have mentioned to connect up a NAS unit for my recorded music but I am not too sure how to achieve that. I’m kinda old, perhaps later though. Also, the fiber optic cable and the Ether Regen has been recommended and eventually I will look into them.
Thanks also for the info on the long break in time needed, I’ll need to be patient. Which is not my nature and it cost a lot...
Based on the Fed Ex tracking the X1 is to arrive tomorrow but tracking and actual delivery has been spotty these days.
ozzy |
Well I ordered the Lumin X1 and traded in my PS Direct Stream. I hope I did the right thing.
We'll see...
ozzy |
azwill,
When you can please update your impression of the sound quality between the two Dac's.
It would be very helpful.
ozzy |
kren0006,
Thanks. The Bartok was on my short list. But for some reason I am going after the Lumin. Maybe its the way it looks?
ozzy |
three_easy_payments,
Thanks, I am going to the Lumin to reduce components, cables etc, but I am very much hoping for improved sound quality.
ozzy |
noble100,
Thank you so much for your reply.
I am presently using a Bryston BDP-2 with my hard drive attached to it and then to the PS Dac. The Bryston and the hard drive works flawlessly.
The Lumin would stream line my set up. I am hoping the sound quality will be as good or better than the PS Dac.
No way to compare both. So I am trusting the on line reviews (risky) and hoping some Audiogon members can reply.
ozzy |
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