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Lumin upgrade

Hello:

I’m thinking about upgrading my Lumin U2 mini to the new Lumin U2, and would like your feedback.

My current front end is comprised of the Lumin U2 mini, powered by an SBooster LPS. It’s fed Qobuz via Ethernet from an optical cable coming from a Cisco switch, (converted to copper Ethernet just before the mini, using a cheap converter box with a Jameson LPS wall wart and a short Furutech CAT6 cable).

I’m using an Audioquest Coffee USB cable to feed a Benchmark DAC3 HGC, which runs balanced into a Benchmark AHB2 amplifier. The AHB2 draws current from a separate 20A power line, and uses Kimber cable speaker cables to drive a set of ATC SCM40s.

My listening space is about 16’ wide, with a 35’ length, and has basic treatments at first reflection points, on the ceiling above the listening position, as well as corner bass traps. I listen to pop, mid-later century rock, vocal and combo jazz, and some folky stuff too, usually at moderate (70-75 dB) levels.

My question is, will the upgrade to the Lumin U2 provide a substantial improvement to the sound (soundstage, smoothness, depth, etc), and, is my system resolving enough that I’ll be able to hear it? I do have mild tinnitus in my left ear, with commensurate HF loss, but most days my hearing is still quite reliable.

I was considering an Aurender as my next upgrade, but then saw the new U2 (with excellent price/trade-in for my U2 mini from a local dealer), so thus the questions.

Thanks to all in advance for any advice/opinions.

JAMES

jimboman
jimboman OP
64 posts
 

Hi @dbt   thanks for the playlist recommendation. I’ve got a 14 hour list on repeat now. Should be up to 200 hours by this coming weekend.  On a side note, Lumin recommended leaving the DAC on during burn in, unless you’re using a tube DAC. 

I’ve been listening in periodically during the past few days, and it really seems that the tunes are generally more holographic with the U2. Definitely a next level improvement. I’m really enjoying the music and feel that the next upgrade to ‘open up’ the system a bit more might be some better XLR interconnects, and maybe a speaker cable upgrade at some point in future.

I’m using the Lumin USB output, with an Audioquest Coffee USB cable. My Benchmark DAC3 HGC doesn’t have AES, although I’ve heard that interface sounds very good as well.  At this point, I see no need to try the optical or coax inputs - especially given that the U2 has an optimized USB output. Although, it’s always fun to experiment!

Best, JAMES

dbt's avatar
dbt
71 posts
 

@jimboman It sounds like you are on the right track!  I use Cardas Clear XLR interconnects and speaker cables, with Audioquest power cords.  I always preferred USB music playback because I could play the highest sample rates with my Holo Audio DAC, but my music files and Qobuz max out at 24/192 kHz and I don’t upsample.  I have one DSD64 music file, that’s the highest sample rate music file I own.  If you have an AES cable, then it’s a free demo for you.  
 

Have a Happy New Year!

jimboman OP
64 posts
 

Happy New Year!

After probably about 300 hours of running in the Lumin U2, I'm loving it.  It's a solid performer, running with no issues.  Pumping out the music in a very satisfying manner.

There is more detail, more musicality, more presence, more 'depth' to the soundstage and dynamics.  Overall, a very solid upgrade to my system.

Not much else to say, other than that I'm demoing some XLR interconnects now.  Enjoying the process.  So much listening to do!

Best, JAMES.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,349 posts
 

@jimboman got my answer to the question on how you are connecting streamer to dac. So did the U2 opened up the top end a bit? It should be a nice step up in resolution from the Mini. 

jimboman OP
64 posts
 

@audphile1 Definitely opened up the top end.  Feels like a lot more of the tracks have a holographic presentation, much more open than the U2 mini/Sbooster.

Resolution is also greater.  I'm enjoying hearing much deeper into the recordings.

Of course, it's not always great.  On one tune, (Black Crows, not something I usually listen to) I think I heard analog distortion, which I'd not heard before.  Maybe it was something on my end, but it definitely wasn't something I heard before.  Of course, I've compounded the degree of difficulty by testing some new XLR interconnects...heh heh.  Oh yeah, and a pair of jumpers.  The fun goes on!

That said, I can 100% vouch that the Lumin U2 is a keeper in my system!

JAMES.

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