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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
jr19
49 posts
 

i love my T-2. Qobuz is my music store. i have very weak skills with the computer and apps, and it's frustrating for me at times. when the music starts playing it's all worth it. i have a black T-2 and the finish is Beautiful. sofaman summed it up accurately for me.

leotis
182 posts
 

Had Lumin T2 but used the USB output to a Yggdrasil DAC. Sounded better to me in the sense of R2R DAC in Yggy vs Delta Sigma DAC in T2. So I replaced T2 with Lumin U1 mini (with Sbooster PS) to Yggy. If you want flexibility U1 (or U1 mini) to DAC of your choice.

audiophile_zone's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
audiophile_zone
3 posts
 

Sadly the U1 Mini is no more, same old story, can't get the parts. To clarify, the D2 has both a digital and analog output that can be selected in the app, specs below per the distributor:

DEDICATED DIGITAL OUTPUT STAGE TO AN EXTERNAL DAC:
BNC SPDIF: PCM 44.1kHz–192kHz, 16–24-bit,
DSD (DoP, DSD over PCM) 2.8MHz, 1-bit / DSD64

Hope this helps!

 

 

nolojunko
34 posts
 

All things being equal (budget limits, tech' advancements, desired SQ level), I'd never employ a combo DAC/streamer - never.  I faced the same decisions as you; and after decades in HiFi and equipment swapping, I, too, pretty much started over once I added digital into the system equation.  I am so glad I went with a separate DAC and streamer.  My DAC is here to stay for a while...a long while; but the streamer will likely change due to rapid tech advances in price, SQ, and software/OS/APP stability and options.  It is easy these days to buy a super high end DAC for a relatively modest price - in fact so good that many would see no need to move up.  With streamers, it's a little different.   

zoophaugus
27 posts
 

On another note since we are talking about Lumin streamers. What is the general consensus from other Lumin owners regarding the preferred digital output to their EXTERNAL DAC?

I have a U1 mini with an upgraded LPS feeding my Yggdrasil via AES/EBU cable which is definitely superior to the DAC’s USB input. Keep in mind the DAC’s USB is from 2 previous generations. Its the USB gen 3 that it came with when I purchased it and have not bothered with any Usb board upgrades. How ever there have been 2 USB board upgrades now which are said to have considerable better sound quality, mainly the last one (unison).

I figure Lumin must have spent considerable effort into making the USB output of high quality.

Should I consider the USB board upgrade on my DAC to utilize Lumin’s USB output?

What do other Lumin users recommend or prefer out of personal experience regarding AES/EBU or USB?

Thanks in advance

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