Lumin X1 or U1 + PS Audio DSD DAC


Hi all,

I really love my PS Audio DSD DAC and currently run it with an Innuos Zenith Mk3. I would like to replace the Innuos with a streamer-only device such as the U1, The downside to the PSA DAC is the plethora of boxes and cables it takes to get the best from it:

EtherRegen->Innuos->USB->Matrix SPIDIF (with LPS)->HDMI->PS Audio DAC

With the U1 the chain would be the same.

Though much more expensive I could get an X1, sell my PSA DAC and Innuos, and be done with all those boxes and cables.

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts? I've never been a huge fan of the ESS DACs I've heard (Benchmark and Mytek) but they were levels below where the X1 is.

Would the X1 outperform tthe PSA DAC/U1 combo?

Thanks!
blazeby
Yes, the X1 is a very well designed product.  You get a lot of benefits from having everything so well integrated in one chassis.
Yes, or you could do some research on the product itself.  They have a great website with lots of info.
Do you use Roon to manage your music--ie., core is running in the InnuOs?
If you use Roon and jettison your existing chain you will now need a dedicated Roon server. 
After many different configurations on Roon core integration (two different Lenovo i7 laptops, i5 and i7 full sized pc's, and finally a mac mini), I have found the best result from running Roon core on the InnuOs Zenith MK III. I would NOT sell the InnuOs if I were you.
If you got rid of all your current stuff in favor of one streamer you might satisfy your desire to simplify but you will likely take a step backward in performance.
Perhaps keep the InnuOs Zenith MKIII and your current stuff and maybe get a new rack or way to organize the layout?
Of course if you don't use Roon then the Lumin sure seems like a convenient way to go.

Yes, roon user here. I've tried running the Innuos as a core, an end-point, and as a core in experimental mode. The last option has definitely the SQ but is too flaky with frequent skipping.

TBH, there's not really any SQ diff running the first two configurations.