@yyzsantabarbara i have not had the X-1 in for a detailed evaluation. I have heard it though and am familiar with Lumin’s sound. The DAC I would say you must listen to is one I am about to write up. The Soul Note D-2. USB is unquestionably the best input. There is a rich story behind the brand founders experience but that has led to some really incredible and natural sounding products. You can add a 10 MHz clock to take performance to the next level. The biggest issue is that it is DAC only so no volume control. If you can live with that, it might be worth an audition.
Analyzing DACs
As I am new to the hifi hobby, reading various product reviews and noting the details of the test environment have made me very confused. I understand Stereophile is the hifi bible. In the publication’s DAC published tests the reviewers almost always tested the DAC connected directly to the amplifier. I think I understand why—nothing in the chain influencing the DAC sound. Is that the correct assumption? If that’s the case why incorporate a preamp if the DAC has a preamp section that is a common feature even on high end DACs? I’m in the market for a new DAC. I’m trying to avoid unnecessary components if possible. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
- ...
- 108 posts total
@verdantaudio That sounds interesting. If you are a dealer for that unit lest talk a bit more offline. I will send you a DM later. |
@yyzsantabarbara I am a dealer now. Several people had reached out to me and about the brand so I bought a sample. It is as good as they described. |
I own three of the Dacs measured in ASR’s Best USB Dac Review. Regarding sound quality of each, their spot on the list reflects my view exactly. However, the high ranking SMSL Sanskrit ll lost function of it’s USB input soon after getting it, as did the remote. It is also the cheapest of the Dacs I own. It is the best sounding to my ear, but my other two have not had any problems. Very disappointing, but as said, "cheap is cheap"! |
- 108 posts total