Lumin U2 mini vs Mac laptop sound test


I compared and performed a blind test for a listening friend of the following streamer set ups.

1. Router hard wire into Lumin U2 then AES into DAC

2. Wifi into Mac air, out of Mac air via cheap USB cables from my printer and an adapter to go from USB C to whatever USB termination goes into the DAC.

Conclusion.  My friend could not hear a diff.  I "think" I hear a difference but not confident I could pass a blind test. 

Rest of system:

SPL Director DAC/Preamp

SPL S1200 power amp

Kirmuss speaker cables 

Audio Solutions Figure M

I did this for knowledge and fun.  Please let me know any thoughts but I can not see how spending a lot of money for a streamer makes any sound difference. 

John

Love this stuff

johnah5

@johnah5 I have some hearing loss especially in one ear. The little hearing aids recover upper mids.

@wsrrsw 

I have the U2 Mini connected by ether cable then to the DAC in the Director. For comparison the mac was connected via wifi then into the Director. The reimyo was not in the chain for comparison

@johnah5 Undetstood. What RCA connects are you using? (Doubt that’s it but could be)

The power thing could/couldn’t be a factor too

Room?

@wsrrsw 

Using only XLR cables no RCA.  They are Mogami and another japanese brand so they are solid.  The USB cable was a cheap one that came with my scanner!  This should be a stark audible difference. Could be my room or other things but as mentioned I "think" I am hearing more diff in depth of soundstage with the Lumin. 

 

It's not surprising that your friend heard no difference. I've used multiple PCs / Macs / small board computers as a streamer (using USB and sometimes optical) and have heard no difference at all between them. 

 

Logically, it doesn't make sense that a streamer should make a difference as all it's doing is moving bits from point A to B. As long as the data gets to the DAC intact, then you have the exact same digital audio being converted to analog, no matter how it gets there.