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Lumin upgrade - built-in or separate DAC?

I've got the rest of my system sounding nice enough and since I mostly use my NAS or stream Tidal nowadays, I want to upgrade my digital front end from a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ and Bluesound Node 2 (used as a streamer only) to something better. My local audio store says I will notice a huge improvement if I upgrade the streamer only and continue to use my current (Mytek) DAC. He suggested going with the Lumin U1 mini and a Sbooster linear power supply. I am already using a Sbooster for my DAC and have a Shunyata power cord on my Node 2. 

Does anyone have experience going from separate streamer and separate DAC to a combined unit? 
My thought is that if I have an "all in one" streamer/DAC, I can get rid of having to use 2 units that need cables to connect and less wires/connection in the signal path and ultimately better sound.

Here's what I'm considering (in no particular order):

*Save $ for about a year to buy the Lumin X1
*Buy a used Lumin S1
*Buy the full size Lumin U1 and use my current Mytek DAC
*Buy the Lumin U1 mini, another Sbooster and use my current Mytek DAC.

The rest of the system is pretty good (in my humble opinion). I have all the other pre-requisites such as good speakers, amp, speaker cables, dedicated lines with 10ga wiring, digital cable, interconnects. The other items I'm working on is room treatment and making stands to get the speakers right at ear level. 



 
veerossi
jaybe
740 posts
 
I like the idea of separates. To me the DAC as a separate upgrade path might have the most potential for achieving the sound you ultimately want. It's the route I've been taking anyway.
veerossi OP
169 posts
 
It might be worth mentioning: 

The Lumin S1 and the X1 are streamer/DAC combos, but as I understand it, they can also be used with a separate/external DAC- in case better DAC's come around later.

three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@veerossi 


When you say you're looking to upgrade to "something better" what qualities are you looking to improve upon? You will need to spend a bit to get a significantly better DAC (which would make the most difference) but if you did that you'd certainly want a better streamer as well.  I like the flexibility of separates so I'd probably get the U1 Mini w/SBooster now and see if that gets you to musical bliss...at least for a while Over the next months or year to come perhaps you'll identify DACs that appeal to you and the U1 mini definitely is suitable for standalone DACs of much higher cost and refinement.  
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
I may have a better idea for you. Be patient while it comes to the U.S. but meanwhile check out the new 432EVO streamer. There are three levels to choose from. Take a look.
veerossi OP
169 posts
 
When you say you're looking to upgrade to "something better" what qualities are you looking to improve upon?
three_easy_payments

I hope to get the same level of sound improvement as when I changed from the Node 2 DAC to the Mytek. I hope to have a wider soundstage and a little more impact. I have plenty of depth, but it's all behind the speakers. Just like all the other upgrades, I can only hope it delivers something better than what I have now using the Node 2 as the streamer.

It seems the only way to really learn anything in this hobby is to experiment- which means $$. 

In a covid free world, I wish there were some kind of audio shop or club that hosts an event every so often where they showcase the difference in cables, amps, DAC's, streamers, cartridges, etc. I'd be an instant customer. It'd take the sales people and BS out of the equation and my ears could do the buying. It's hard to trust buying from my local shop since they are a mfg, distributor and retailer. I've never heard them recommend anything they don't sell. I get they have to stay in business, but still. 
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