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Lumin X1 or U1 + PS Audio DSD DAC

Hi all,

I really love my PS Audio DSD DAC and currently run it with an Innuos Zenith Mk3. I would like to replace the Innuos with a streamer-only device such as the U1, The downside to the PSA DAC is the plethora of boxes and cables it takes to get the best from it:

EtherRegen->Innuos->USB->Matrix SPIDIF (with LPS)->HDMI->PS Audio DAC

With the U1 the chain would be the same.

Though much more expensive I could get an X1, sell my PSA DAC and Innuos, and be done with all those boxes and cables.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts? I've never been a huge fan of the ESS DACs I've heard (Benchmark and Mytek) but they were levels below where the X1 is.

Would the X1 outperform tthe PSA DAC/U1 combo?

Thanks!
blazeby
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
242 posts
 
The last Innuos update has made Experimental Mode much more stable.  I rarely have drop outs and the benefit in SQ is worth it.
oczed
35 posts
 
Bumping this old thread to see if anyone else has comparisons of the Lumin X1 vs the PS Audio DSD + Lumin U1 combo.  Any insight is appreciated.  
azwill
91 posts
 
I can comment on Lumin X1 compared to PS Audio DSD, but I used my DirectStream DAC with microRENDU, not Lumin U1.  I initially ran DirectStream with USB, but later on added the Matrix X-SPDIF 2 and used I2S from from the Matrix to the DirectStream.   I still have all of that but not actively using.   The DS has always been a very reliable unit for me, but I prefer the Lumin X1 for both sound quality and simplicity.   The X1 is a network streamer DAC and must be connnected to the network to function.  Upstream of these I used a SMG SonicTransporter i5, which worked well for all.  I will be making a change there soon.

In my experience, the X1 has better imaging and soundstage plus dynamics have been superior for me.   Be advised that the X1 needs considerable burn-in time for best sound presentation.   I had read 400 hours, and believe that is a good projection.   I noticed much improvement after 100 hours and kept improving.   Lumin now offers an accessory remote control, which I have and like, but does not eliminate my use of iPad or iPhone when I am setting up/changing settings for the X1 and/or using the Lumin App for music control and selection.  I also have Roon, which does not require the use of the App, other than turning Roon Ready On or Off for the X1.  

I highly recommend the X1.       
willgolf
933 posts
 
I had a Lumin A-1 acting as a transport between an EMM LAB Dac 2V and Laufer Teknik Memory player.  I sold all three and went with the Lumin X-1.  The sound quality was way better than my previous system and I echo the comment above.

One aspect of Lumin I love is the App.  It is easy to use.  You do not need Roon or any other music storage.  It incorporates Tidal and Qobuz seamlessly.  I have mine tied to a 4tb Synology NAS with over 10,000 music titles on it.  It integrates super easy with the Lumin App.  

I have also had the D2 and now own a U-1 mini for my theater room.  The combination of the Lumin App and sound quality make it hard to beat by any DAC / Streamer under $18k imo.  
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