Think ill just go with a lumin

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!

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.   

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

we are server and streamer specialists

we have found most major dacs to sound signifigantly better via usb 

we are a lumin dealer as well it is the dacs input implimentationas to which input sounds best.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect. nj

Dealers for:lumin,bricasti,nadnaim, 432evo servers