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Lumin U1 vs. Sonore SE

FWIW, I was with a couple of other audiophile folks in the market for a new Streamer.  I've pretty much settled on a Signature Rendu SE - single enclosure optical Rendu and linear power supply.  I've heard it several times and done several A-B-C comparisons and it always came on top.  Yesterday, based on my audio consultant's counsel, we did yet another A-B comparison with the Lumin U1.  Must admit that the styling of the Lumin is pretty sharp.  Both units are comparably priced (few hundred $ difference).  To the degree possible, we kept everything constant including tunes and cabling.

Once again, FWIW, the Sonore SE sounded noticeably better than the Lumin. It is not that the Lumin sounded poor, and I am certain that it would be a good addition to my system, but my money is now on the Sonore SE.  The SE's soundstage and clarity was simply a notch better than the Lumin.

System was a McIntosh 2700 Pre-Amp, two McIntosh monoblocks (1.2K, I think) and a pair of Sonus Faber Amatis.  Music was run through a Roon Nucleus.  

Humbly I will submit to you that I don't have the sharpest ear, but all three of us immediately noticed the difference after about 30 seconds of Liberty by Anette Askvik.  

Just sharing, not interested in debating.  Any other particulars folks need to know about the set-up?
pgaulke60
oczed
40 posts
 
I am curious to hear if there are any other recent comparisons between the Lumin U1 and Sonore SE w/optical upgrade?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
I’m interested in that comparison as well. I have the OpticalRendu which I really like. I have thought about upgrading to the Signature Rendu SE which now comes with the same optical module. But there just isn’t enough info out there. Another product that is highly recommended is Wolf Audio Luna R. 
thegreenman
44 posts
 
hi @pgaulke90 

can I ask if you have gotten your Signature rendu and how does it sound?

what do you connect it to (front end)? do you need a music server or just a NAS drive or  ??

sorry am no good at digital/tech stuff :p

Regards
Ben
pgaulke60 OP
302 posts
 
@thegreenman 
 
Yes, I do have the Sonore all set up.  Not sure I have all the correct names for these things but here it goes.

(1) I have a ethernet switch close to the stereo. It is amazing how many places it goes to;
(2) but in this case I run an ethernet cable from the switch to the Sonore Optical Rendu (optical converter);
(3) from the Optical Rendu, which converts the internet signal to an optical signal there by reducing all kinds of "noise", there is a double wired optical cable (not the usual toslink cable) that runs to the Signature SE Server.
(4) From the Signature SE it goes straight into my stand alone DAC via USB, if I remember correctly.

All my streaming is via ROON with a Tidal subscription behind it, and all my personal digital collection on an internal SSD in the Roon Nucleus.  I am a very happy Roon & Tidal Subscriber.

In my mind, it sounds lovely.  I'm quite satisfied.  Very strong soundstage and the dynamics are only limited by the source recording.

I have now heard a couple different set-ups that use this optical conversion and it always sounds great.  The A-B comparison between a signal optically converted versus a straight ethernet connection always showed the Optical Conversion being a superior sound.  The $15K Lumin X1 Streamer/DAC provides this optical option, which in my mind shows that it should be taken seriously.

Hope this gets to your questions
tonyptony
617 posts
 
(2) but in this case I run an ethernet cable from the switch to the Sonore Optical Rendu (optical converter);
(3) from the Optical Rendu, which converts the internet signal to an optical signal there by reducing all kinds of "noise", there is a double wired optical cable (not the usual toslink cable) that runs to the Signature SE Server.

I’ve been wondering how different / better this might be over using something like a GigaFoil in front of a non-optical Rendu (like a uRendu)?
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