2. digital
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Think ill just go with a lumin

Starting out anew. reading all of the post into the wee evening hours, and getting more and more confused, I think I may just get a Lumin DAC/streamer combo. D2 or T2 i suppose, maybe an S1 if i can find one a little cheaper and I scrimp and save a little more.

My situation is rebuilding from scratch, so waiting for pieces to come together. Going with a Mac MA 352, and a pair of devore o96 speakers. Smallish room, just plan on streaming and putting a turntable onto the system, but nothing else. Figure i will just subscribe to tidal or Qbouz for the convenience, although anything appl conected is a plus. Will have a hard wire connection and decent wifi. I suppose i am most worried about how technology may change, and whether I should go R2R, but that rabbit hole started to make my head hurt.

If anyone has some opinions, either it wont work or seems like a solid approach, views are much appreciated.

 

skiforbagels
highpeakrider
43 posts
 

You need to list what you need the streamer to deliver and work forwards.

Tidal
Tidal Connect
Qobuz
Spotify Connect
Roon
Local Files

Find a streamer that delivers what you need, lots are only going to give you what the API allows.

 

willgolf
936 posts
 

I have had the U-1 mini, D2, A1 and X1 from Lumin all purchased from Dave Lalin aka AudioTroy in New Jersey and I live in Arizona.  Lumin is a wonderful DAC / Streamer and the APp is super easy to use.  I would highly recommend Lumin and AudioTroy.  My advice is that each step I took the sound just got better.  Reach as far as you can.

highpeakrider
43 posts
 

Copied from another forum…..

 

In the latest The Absolute Sound the $399 IFi Zen Stream is co Music Server of the year with the $39,000 Linn Klimax DSM/3.

Of the Zen Stream they say “may well be the most hassle-free, flexible, and high-quality music streamer currently available…”

skiforbagels OP
2 posts
 

Can’t say that I’m less confused, but at least I know a lot more about the components.  
 

I really am not married to specific audio sources.  My cds are not sacd quality so don’t care about them that much. Apple Music has been a go to, but adding a qobuz or tidal at $20/ month is not an issue.  Really a clean slate, with streaming from a good monthly service provider and phono my end goal.  
 

This conversation has made separate components more interesting, if anything at lower $$s, mistakes are less costly.  
 

thanks again all. 

ghdprentice
7,022 posts
 

Ok. On reading professional reviews. This confused me early on,  a long time ago. But reviews should say, “for the money”. So, if you see an A rated $1.5 K component and a $10K component grouped in the same category.. you can be sure the $10K will blow away the cheaper one. For the money is always implied. I have heard and owned many in the same categories.

 

As far as choices. Only streaming and vinyl is appropriate in 2021. Do Qubuz… most audiophiles choose for best sound quality and largest selection of hi Rez streaming. As far as components. You have to put something together to start with. Get yourself a reference. Then you can read about the components you have and see if you want to upgrade and how.

 

Nothing wrong with starting with an integrated… you can always upgrade the DAC and use as a streamer… until you can upgrade the streamer. Make sure you like the MAC sound, it is very well liked… but to me is best for rock music only. Provided you like the sound, good choice. If you are unsure then go listen to an all MAC system somewhere, see what you think. I personally love the sound of Audio Reserach, but that is why there are different brands.

Overall, good approach. Did I see the speakers? These will be really important choices in a small room.

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