From separate streamer and DAC to al-in-one suggestion
I'm contemplating moving from my setup:
Lumin U1 Mini w/sbooster LPS -> Audio Mirror Tubadour SE III DAC
to an all-in-one unit. I will use it strictly as a Roon endpoint. Since there are no R2R NOS type streamers, I've been looking at the AK based ones, like
Rose RS150
Cary DMS-600/650
Also rest of system is Omega 98db speakers, Slagle Autoformer Preamp -> Oliver Sayes 421a based tube amp.
Wonder if I'll be happy with the latest sigma/delta dacs in a all-in-one type unit. Anyone else made a similar move to mine?
@lalitk at $2800 the LUMIN T2 is tempting to try. I also researched and really intrigued with your mention of the Merging+player. If I could find a used one ~$6k I’d definitely snap it up to try but looks like they rarely come up used. @testrun getting a SGC i5 might be my next small step. Could add it to my network rack and move Roon off my Mac mini. |
Lumin T2 is a easy recommendation since you’re already familiar with Lumin and it has what appears to be an outstanding DAC based on Sabre ESS Pro Dual Chips. Given the used price difference between U1 mini with s/booster and T2, T2 is a no brainer. The thing is, you can weigh in on suggestions made here all day long but won’t truly know which DAC is going to sound best until you start auditioning them in the context of your system. As far as Merging goes, +player doesn’t show up as often as +nadac (dac only version). |
One of the best moves I made was getting my ROONS core off a MAC mini and onto a SGC ST. It might be a small step but its significant. I put it in the back of my cabinet , dont even know it's there.
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Unless you’re looking for a big change in sonic character from your current DAC I’d recommend just upgrading the streamer and get more goodness from what you already have. I don’t think you mentioned what Ethernet and USB cables you’re using, but those make a big difference too while you’re in upgrade mode. |
