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Is it still worth buying a Lumin x1 in 2023?

Hello,

 

i currently have a Lumin D2 in my system, and i want to upgrade (I know ... typical audiophile problem :-) ).

My system is the following:

Speakers: Spendor sp100r2

Amp: Grandionote Shinai

Streamer: Lumin D2

Power isolation: Puritan PSM 156

Why do i want to upgrade?

I want "more of everything": more clarity, more details, more extension on both ends, better vocals, less digital sounding ... I like music, i don't want something too analytical. I want to be able to seat, enjoy and relax.

 

I've considering adding a DAC to my D2, but a local dealer told me that i should change my streamer and get a T3.

Initially i had this list of DAC in mind (5k price range):

  • T+A DAC 200 
  • Gen. Grand DSDac 1.0 Deluxe
  • Sould note D2
  • Aqua La Scala

Then, looking around, i found a great deal on a demo Lumin X1 ... a bit more than my budget ... but i can stretch.

Now my question: I read a lot of very positive review on the X1, but i'm a little nervous because it is a 5y old device ... and it will be a big investment, quesiton:

  • is it wise to go for a 5y old device
  • How long will i be able to enjoy it before services stop working on it?
  • Is it it better to get a new DAC and connect it to my D2 (and eventually upgrade to a more modern streamer later)?
  • MOST IMPORTANT: Will i get a better sound with the x1 compared to the D2 + a modern DAC in the 5k price range?

What do you all think?

 

best

 

T

 

128x128thibaultgeoui
jonstine
15 posts
 

Question about Leedh processing. Not sure if there’s a better more relevant thread, but a quick search didn’t yield anything…

Leedh processing is great, but one of the reasons I haven’t been using Leedh is because I have a decent DSD library, and Leedh would not work on DSD formats (they simply wouldn’t play). It was also documented in the Lumin/Leedh instructions that DSD wasn’t supported and would need to be converted.

Well, I got new amps with much more gain and I needed a little attenuation, so I flipped back on Leedh (being a few months since I last tried it), and kept on moving. BUT, I just realized I’ve been listening to DSD files as well, without converting them to FLAC. I double and triple checked to make sure native DSD was actually being attenuated by the Leedh processing and it is.

Was this a known or announced recent update to the Lumin/Leedh processing that it can now work with DSD? Can’t find any info on it on any of the forums, but is is 100% working on my U2 Mini right now.

jonstine
15 posts
 

Correction: DSD 64/128/256 formats are definitely playing through Leedh processing without needing to be converted, however DSD512 does not play at all when Leedh is enabled. Disabling Leedh allows normal DSD512 playback. But DSD 64/128/256 are all playing through Leedh without conversion which is a fantastic surprise!

macdude
187 posts
 

I would hold out for a Lumin X1 with the new processing engine found in the U2/mini.

It's a huge step up from the older models.

bill_k
918 posts
 

Lumin doesn't make hardware upgrades to their existing models, so when they come out with an upgrade to the X1 it would likely be an entirely new model. There has been no official announcement of a new flagship model but I also expect one to be coming in order to keep up with changes in the rest of their line.

jwcinsd
17 posts
 

I found this thread tonight as I’m finally considering trading in my S1 for an X1 but I know the D3/T3 came out last year so I was thinking that the X2 might come soon. Anyone with inside information? This thread was started 10 months ago stating imminent release!
 

I went from a MacMini to Aurender, to Auralic, to a D2, then T2, and then S1. With the steady updates, I’ve been super happy with the S1 and it’s still above a T3 for me. With the updates, I wouldn’t be opposed to an older X1, but I’m curious what features the X2 may have. I’m also looking at the Esoteric N1XD and possibly a Bartok APEX. 

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