Streaming music
@willgolf My understanding is that the Lumin X1 is the only DAC with a fiber optical input. Have you tried this fiber optical input with something as simple as the following for $200, https://www.ui.com/unifi-switching/unifi-switch-8-150w/ If so, what did you use and how does it compare to USB or RJ45 copper input on the DAC? |
I have been very happy with the Auralic Aries G1. Excellent sound, and you can use it with either Roon or any DLNA client. Beware! Moving from a USB connection to a streamer will make things more complex, unless perhaps you are using Roon. Streaming setup has three main parts: server, client, and renderer (the streamer), and your home network must work very well. P.S. I auditioned a Classe CA-2300 and loved its sound. Great amp! |
i have had the Lumin A1 and X1. I loved them so much I got rid of my EMM Lab DAC which was also connected to them. The user interface is just so easy to use. I had 10,000 songs on a Synology NAS and I also used Tidal for new music. If you can step up there is a remarkable sound improvement as you go up the Lumin ladder. Wait for a used one. |
Teac NT-505 is excellent for $2k or less, uses Lumin interface program. Dual monoraul design; AK4497 dacs; full MQA; fully balanced throughout, including two torroidal power supplies, etc. Punches way above it's weight class. Lots of trickle-down technology from parent Esoteric's 5-figure dacs/streamers. |
I’ve done the Mac&DAC, and I’ve used streamers. My first two streamers were Bluesound Vault2 and an Oppo 105. I prefer both to the MacAir, but it wasn’t a tremendous difference. My latest streamer is a Bryston BDP3, and it’s definitely a step up the latter. It costs over 3 Grand, however so it should beat the average laptop |
