From Denafrips Pontus to Lumin

@paoz what are you using for control app? Would you use Lumin app via UPnP if you make the switch? 
Asking because while I preferred the Lumin app over many other UPnP/DLNA options, changing to Roon was a revelation UX-wise. If you are considering similar, that might affect your decision on the hardware. Cheers,
Spencer

I use the Innuos Zen 3, as a streamer and hard drive to store my CD’s, into a Denafrips Iris DDC and then i2S from that into the Pontus. I love the Denafrips sound.

@paoz  I'm using USB, only because I was already heavily invested in it and have optimized around it over the years.

If you have a choice, I2S is excellent as well as being a much less 'pricey' path.

@david_ten  thanks. With Terminator are you using USB or i2s?? 

is it better keep dac and streamer separate?

Pros and cons to both approaches.

THE Only Way for you to know is to bring in the Lumin and compare it head to head with your current front end source chain.

my Denafrips Pontus (with sotm 200ultra / sotm500 / sotm tx usb ultra)

What you have is very good. I recommend separating the sound quality/ performance choice and the convenience (all-in-one) choice and evaluate each on their own merits. There will be compromises / tradeoffs, no matter the outcome, and only you can make that call.

I’ve chosen to go with separate components for my source needs / requirements (computer audio front end) and have a mix of Small Green Computer / Sonore / SOtM / SR feeding my Denafrips Terminator DAC.

All the best!

the doubt is even if buying a dac / streamer all together can be considered an upgrade?
or is it better keep  dac and streamer   separate?

@paoz - Lumin U1 into PS Audio Directstream DAC in main listening room and second U1 into T&A DAC 8 DSD in my home office.

I can’t comment on the Denifrips as I have never heard one. As an owner of the Lumin T1 I can state that it is an incredible sounding unit that works flawlessly. This is a completely realized product from an established manuafacturer. Jackd is correct that they have a Sabre chip in the S1 but most of their others utilize the Wolfson. Not sure how the two compare. All have great reviews as an all in one streamer/dac solution. The new x1 is supposed to be incredible

There are two different Lumin sounds. Part of the lineup uses ESS and the other part Wolfson chips so it matters which sound profile you prefer as to which you may like better.  

I dont understand why  you ll move to u1?
S1 Is Better with Internal or external stream?
Can i ask what Is your final set up? @sfseay

I love my Lumin S1, but will move to the U1 since I don’t need the internal DAC.  I have had many different Aurenders [N100H, X100L! N10) and also own an Auralic Aires G2.  The Lumin is vastly superior to all the above, but at its price new it should be.