Lumin X1 dont see many virtual audiogon systems with this?

jumia,

I do not agree with blanket statement that Lumin X1 is not liked by audiophiles, but do agree there are audiophiles that may priortize desire for additional and various inputs or other needs for their system.  The X1 is an ethernet optimized combination streamer DAC.  I am one of those people who like to have all kinds of options, but admit I may rarely, if ever, use all the options on the equipment I have,  plus the expense of purchasing that way.  The X1 is much more streamlined (no pun intended).  You do have RJ45 ethernet input as well as fiber optic ethernet option (still rare, but a very nice option) for input.   I pull music from Qobuz and from my local storage on my music server.  The USB port on the X1, at least currrently, is for attaching USB music storage, not for a transport or other device.  I have optical SPDIF connections on a variety of devices, but cannot recall when I last used such--been some years for sure.  

My priority was not for connecting a TV to my 2-channel DAC.   I have a hometheater prepro with potential of 11 channels and various surround sound codecs and DACS that I use for that.  You could explore exaSound, for one, if multichannel higher end DAC is of interest.  The Mola Mola Tambaqui does have multiple digital inputs.   I suggest you download the Tambaqui manual, if you have not yet done so, to read on these and what bandwidth specs for each type and DSD compatibility.  I currently do not use a separate transport.  Though I do enjoy reading on new CD and CD/SACD transports, I have not pursued one--still have a CD/SACD player  not now in use.   Many of these new units have streamers and DACS themselves.

I do have other DACs with more I/O's, but 2 of them not currently in use--the X1 sounded better.  They also require separate bridge or streamer for ethernet. 

This level of audio is a significant investment, and there are a great many fine choices out there.  There are multiple professional reviews out there on the Lumin X1, with some being far more informative than some others.  If you have not read this one, it is a worthwhile read, https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/lumin-x1-review-r860/?tab=comments#comments

I do believe my friend mcslipp just bought one of those to run direct into a active speakers he's really liking it perhaps he'll chime in.

I have owned the D-2, A-1 and then upgraded to the X-1.  I also own a U_1 mini.  When I purchased the X-1 I sold my Emm Lab DAC and Laufer Teknik memory player.  The X-1 is the best DAC under $19k period.  

I loved the Lumin App ( no need for Roon or anything else).  The sound quality was dramatic between all of the Lumin series that I owned.  The X-1 just plain elevated my music enjoyment.

I disagree that it is not popular.  At $14k it is not inexpensive.  I recently sold my X-1.  While I was selling mine there were 4 other X-1's on the market.  They all sold.  I had 5 offers on mine.  

Why did I sell it if I thought it was so great?  I was intrigued by what an all tube system would sound like.  I purchased a Lampizator Pacific which cost double of the X-1.  While I am super happy with the Pacific, I then had to order a source for my music.  Consequently, I had to fork out another chunk of money for a Lucas Audio LMDS music server.  Further, I am going to have to sign up for Roon or some variant.  All of this is in the one box X-1.  I hate to say this but the sound of the X-1 is only slightly marginal compared to the Pacific.  So take that as a major win for the X-1.  

Tidal and Qobuz are part of the software and they work great.  I found Spotify to be two steps below in terms of sound quality.  The other item is that you can hook up fiber optically which will improve the speed and dynamics of what you are listening to. 

If you get a chance to buy and X-1, you will be a happy camper!

Lumin ap doesnt have commentary about albums which is a big deal.

why use lumin ap when roon is available??

I have Roon and use Roon at times and LUMIN App at others.  Roon has a very rich interface, which can supply considerable info on the album and artists.  The LUMIN App sound quality, to me, is clearer and a bit more dynamic (turn off Roon option in App for best quality) while Roon is a bit softer and more rounded to me.   I am more apt to listen to App for more critical listening, while using Roon more often when doing other things in the house as well as listening to music.  I most often do use Roon vs App for its convenience and bridging of genres and expanded playing of artists' music in my library and available on Qobuz.  LUMIN App is included with the LUMIN products at no additional charge, while Roon and Qobuz are fee based.  I enjoy using all 3 of these.  LUMIN is Roon Ready so obviously not a case of user not being able to use it with subscription or trial, but sound quality of LUMIN App is very enjoyable.  I have not been doing upsampling on LUMIN App nor via Roon at this point, so cannot provide my opinion on possible differences in sound quality when doing so on those options.