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Lumin X1 and headphones amplifier: what to do ?


Hi,

I sold my Pro iDSD DAC/Streamer and bought a Lumin X1.

Unlike the iDSD there  is no headphone output on the Lumin.

I own Focal Clear headphones.


So I have to purchase a headphone amp.


I have seen ´´Analog only ´´ amps : Single Ended  /  XLR in and XLR out only.

https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://homemedialimited.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Senheiser-HDVA-600-Back.jpg&imgrefurl=https://homemedialimited.co.uk/product/sennheiser-hdva-600-headphone-amplifier-dac/&tbnid=IDnrUXhaNOqG2M&vet=1&docid=eTZ76KqejSskaM&w=800&h=800&q=hdva+600+sennheiser&source=sh/x/im


https://mjolnir-audio.com/product-selection/

I have seen amps. with balanced connections and  a DAC included : USB , Coaxial , Optic..

https://en-us.sennheiser.com/digital-headphones-amplifier-hdv-820

https://matrix-digi.com/en/products/321.html

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/aune-s6-pro-review-a-maestro-is-disciple-clothes/


Lumin X1 rear panel

https://images.app.goo.gl/JCV5o4tMqmqBRrXm7


The main Lumin utilisation will be for music playback with my Acurus ACT4 via balanced input.

On occasion, I will use my headphones.


Is it possible , the good sound of the Lumin not to be altered ( colored ) by headphones amplifire , if connected with XLR cables only ( input and output ) ?

 if I use the midend DAC ( digital inputs )of an  headphone amp. , will I miss something from the Lumin on a sound stand point  with my  headphones ?

I must underline tha the USB and  digital audio  on the Lumin are output only.


Any one , have suggestions on how I can get the best of both units ?

Thanks





128x128maxwave
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@nekoaudio 
Many thanks.

I will take a look at the Bryston  BHA-1
My dealer, who sold me the Lumin also sells Bryston.
I don’t know what you mean by ´´low output ´´ mode.
I not very technical.
And yes, I prefer my system  to be all balanced.

Regards

nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
If you read some of the posts in the AudioCircle Bryston BHA-1 thread (linking directly to a relevant post) you'll see that the some people order their BHA-1 in a "low gain" configuration, because otherwise the XLR output on the back is too high/loud for their speakers. In the default configuration, they had to turn the BHA-1 volume knob very low otherwise their speakers were too loud.
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@nekoaudio 

Interesting informations
I understand now ,what ´´low output  ´´ and ´´ low gain configuration ´´ are  all about.
I have never figured out that , Headphones amplifier’s selection could be that  complex.

Thanks 
spinaker01
491 posts
 
I have a Lumin  T1 and you really can’t run the balanced and unbalanced outputs both connected. Must be one or the other. Not sure if the X1 is the same or not. Best to check on the Audioshark site, the Lumin designer (Wklie) is a regular on there and very helpful.
maxwave's avatar
maxwave OP
924 posts
 
@spinaker01 
Thanks for the information about Audioshark site.
I have registered and I am going to try to reach Wklie.

I am wondering if I would  have been better of , buying the Matrix Element X instead of the LuminX1. I have read that Tidal , Qobuz , 
etc , will be implemented with a futur firmware updates.
The headphones  issue would be solved.
Audiophile  regrets ...as usual.

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