2. digital
  3. 167271-119399

Gryphon Diable 300 DAC vs. Lumin X1 DAC

Greetings folks,

I'm about to do an A-B test between the DAC in the Gyphon Diable 300 (integrated amp) versus using the DAC in the LUMIN X1 Streamer.  I'm doing my best at understanding the architectural / technical / specification difference between the two DACs before I actually get it all hooked up for listening.  This is working toward the potential purchase of the X1 as a streamer upgrade.

The Gryphon Diable DAC (a separate add-on purchase, btw), has a Sabre ES9018 High-End D/A converter, if that helps. Not sure what technical specs would be helpful here.

The Lumin X1 DAC has Dual ES9038Pro SABRE DACs featuring 140dB dynamic range. Plus a bunch more specs.

Anyway, would appreciate any insights you knowledgeable DAC-goners have about the difference in the two DACs.  Anything significant in the architecture of the two, of the components they use to build?  Yada Yada Yada

And no, please don't suggest any other models at this point.  This is an A-B comparison right now.  

Remember, this is just educating myself before the actual listening takes place.

Thanks in advance
pgaulke60
willgolf
933 posts
 
I can't speak to Gryphon but I have had 4 different Lumin Dac's including the X-1.  I think the Lumin X-1 is the best sounding DAC under $19k.  I also love the simplicity of the APP and accessibility to Tidal and Qobuz.  I am really anxious to hear how the shootout goes.  Gryphon is a great amplifier brand.  I just don't know if their DAC's are as good as their amplifiers.
jayrossi13's avatar
jayrossi13
182 posts
 
OP:

Out of curiosity, how did you narrow down your list to these two devices without having a general idea of their specs?
pgaulke60 OP
292 posts
 
@jayrossi13 

Recommendations from my audio consultant, and listening to what has been put into fellow audiophile's listening rooms.  I heard the Gryphon and Lumin X1 independently, but never side by side.
jayrossi13's avatar
jayrossi13
182 posts
 
It's difficult to directly compare an integrated amp with an optional DAC module and no streaming capabilities against a streamer with DAC capabilities and no amplification. The only functional overlap they have is the DAC.

If you’re looking at a streamer upgrade, the Diablo 300 + DAC is not going to give you that capability.

This is like comparing a car against a boat: they both transport people and can be powered by combustion engines, but the car isn’t going to do you a lot of good in the ocean.





More to discover