Cm6td,
Thank you for your detailed post.
unfortunately, I HAVE tried the “critical listening mode” option and I’m told that my device is incompatible. |
I don’t need a DAC, just a high quality streamer.
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Patrick,
I’m streaming Qobuz and Idagio with a WiFi connection using an iPad. As I’ve said, I don’t want a built-in DAC, and I’m not ripping stored music or CDs. No Roon.
The Lumin Mini seems to fit the bill. |
I ordered the Lumin mini.
We’ll see (or hear) how it sounds! |
The Lumin U1 mini sounds very interesting. However, I read a Google post saying that it’s SQ was no better than the Bluesound node 2i.
Any thoughts on that?I already have a streamer (discontinued Arcam RPlay) which sounds better than the Bluesound in my comparison.
I’m using the streamer just to access streaming sites, I don’t have a library of files. |
Missti,
I’m afraid you’re right.
But it’s good to try and get a consensus. |
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All interesting comments, but I’m going to try the streamer I ordered and if it isn’t an improvement, I have 60 days to return it and get my money back. |
I canceled my order
I determined that the Lumin is too sophisticated for my needs. I only want a streamer that is hi res capable (which for whatever reason my Arcam RPlay is not) and has improved SQ. I don’t need to access stored files or transfer a CD collection. Also, I learned that I would need an external WiFi source to run the Lumin. I don’t want to make this so complicated.
So, I’m just looking for a simple streamer with better sound quality.
I would consider retrying the Bluesound because I know it is hi res capable, but when I made a head to head comparison with my Arcam, the Arcam sounded better.
. |
Ianrmack,
Sorry, I neglected to mention I’m using a Benchmark DAC 3B.
I may retry the Bluesound with it, as the last time I used the BS, it was with a different DAC. |
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Spiritofradio,
I appreciate your missing me.
Since I got a wonderful DAC (Benchmark) and high res audio disc digital extractor (GeerFab,) I’ve been more in the digital realm and neglecting records lately. As the novelty wears off, I’ll be getting back to them.
As far as the streamer goes, I’ll see if the Node 2i is any better with the Benchmark than it was with the previous DAC. I’m actually fairly pleased with how good a job WiFi does. I just want to investigate hi res streaming which my Arcam is incapable of. |
Unfortunately, my RPlay Arcam model, although ostensibly designed with hi res,
has been incompatible with my DACs. Otherwise, the sound is quite impressive. |
Well, I received the Node 2i and compared it with the Arcam RPlay. With the new DAC thrown into the mix, preliminary tests show the results are the same as with my previous comparison. Comparing the same selections, the Node, even in hi res format, doesn’t sound as good as the Arcam in normal resolution.
I’ll do more testing to make sure, but the odds are I’ll return the Bluesound, and hold on to the Arcam. |
Really, the difference in SQ isn’t even close. The Arcam is fuller, richer and more detailed with much better soundstaging. I guess I didn’t realize how good I had it.
I don’t know why they discontinued it. Probably because of the incompatibility problems. |
