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Looking for a true upgrade in sound quality

I currently stream Qobuz and Tidal through my Lumin T2. I have had this about 4 years. I have AT&T fiber optic internet to the house the ethernet cable direct to the Lumin. About 30' of cable from the router to the device. I was thinking of using the Lumin only as a streamer and adding a conceivably better DAC. Is this a legit way to go about a more resolving sound. To my ears there is a slight veil over everything and maybe a little etched overall, bass response is great. I was also hoping for a recommendation for the DAC if this is a good option. $6,000 budget new or used is fine. I have had very good luck with used equipment over the years. Thanks, Allen.

backwash
baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,407 posts
 

A 30 ft length ethernet cable needs some type of clean-up right before the Lumin. Start with the SmoothLAN network filter from Stack audio and for under $300 you may very well get some of the improvements you are looking for. If not, you can return it for a full refund.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
561 posts
 

I added an ANSUZ MAINS 8 with active Tesla Coils that actually change the structure of the current going into all your electronic pieces and it's the single biggest improvement in sound I've ever added. Mike@ Hi- Fi Loft  NYC.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,437 posts
 

+1@baylinor

Adding a passive filter right before the Lumin should smooth out / improve the sound. I would do this before you spend money on a DAC.

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
563 posts
 

I don't have enough $ to recommend a nice DAC but I hear lots of talk about Laiv, Holo Audio and others, tubes or no tubes. for example.  Sure, the signal comes from a cheap box somewhere but once you get the sinal in your house you need good solid connections and I use contact enhancer.  Sometimes the connections can oxidized otherwise.  Noise filters and a power conditioner helped as well. I am assuming you have updated power cords.  I also isolated each piece.  You can spend as much as you want on filters, etc.  A separate DAC is not a waste either. 

 

backwash OP
58 posts
 

The rest of my system is pretty decent. It consists of a Modwright KWH 225I integrated, Tyler Acoustic Woodmere II speakers, an OPPO 105 for disks, Panasonic SP 10 TT with Dynavector SUT and Ortofon MC10 cart. All synergistic Reasearch Tessla apex cabling. Stereo Rythmic F12 subs. Room is lightly treated with GIC bass traps in front corners and some homemade absorption at first reflection points. The veiled portion of the sound is in the mid to upper midrange. Thanks, Allen. 

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