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Is it still worth buying a Lumin x1 in 2023?

Hello,

 

i currently have a Lumin D2 in my system, and i want to upgrade (I know ... typical audiophile problem :-) ).

My system is the following:

Speakers: Spendor sp100r2

Amp: Grandionote Shinai

Streamer: Lumin D2

Power isolation: Puritan PSM 156

Why do i want to upgrade?

I want "more of everything": more clarity, more details, more extension on both ends, better vocals, less digital sounding ... I like music, i don't want something too analytical. I want to be able to seat, enjoy and relax.

 

I've considering adding a DAC to my D2, but a local dealer told me that i should change my streamer and get a T3.

Initially i had this list of DAC in mind (5k price range):

  • T+A DAC 200 
  • Gen. Grand DSDac 1.0 Deluxe
  • Sould note D2
  • Aqua La Scala

Then, looking around, i found a great deal on a demo Lumin X1 ... a bit more than my budget ... but i can stretch.

Now my question: I read a lot of very positive review on the X1, but i'm a little nervous because it is a 5y old device ... and it will be a big investment, quesiton:

  • is it wise to go for a 5y old device
  • How long will i be able to enjoy it before services stop working on it?
  • Is it it better to get a new DAC and connect it to my D2 (and eventually upgrade to a more modern streamer later)?
  • MOST IMPORTANT: Will i get a better sound with the x1 compared to the D2 + a modern DAC in the 5k price range?

What do you all think?

 

best

 

T

 

128x128thibaultgeoui
gerrie
107 posts
 

For me keep the D2 and try another dac and look for the gustard, denafrips or topping d90SE.

chilli42
107 posts
 

Hi.  I have a Lumin X1.  I recently added a DAC - Weiss 502.  This was a massive step forward in the sound.  The biggest difference I have experienced next to new speakers.  I recently also added a LAN-optical network connection (Sonor) and input the optical to the X1 directly (this is nice feature of the X1 inputs).  Sorry I am not responding to your question on the D2 (I have never listened to one) but my instinct is a great DAC will be a game changer.  Also, as another poster mentions, the X1 will likely be upgraded or replaced sooner than later so there should be future opportunities to get the current X1 at a discount.

yyzsantabarbara
4,495 posts
 

The rep from Lumin on Audioshark web site posted to me that the X1 will be the flagship for a while longer. Of course, if he said otherwise, people would wait. This was told to me about 3 months ago.

thibaultgeoui's avatar
thibaultgeoui OP
11 posts
 

well it does respond to my question, even if it’s the x1 that you are using as a streamer and not the D2. It seems that the DAC part makes the biggest difference.

Now i can get a DAC as good as the Weiss for approx 6k … same price as i can get the X1 …

 

tough choice!

yyzsantabarbara
4,495 posts
 

When it comes to DACs the term better is really subjective. The differences between similar designed DACs is not that great to my ears. Streamers on the other hand (especially optical) seemed to have a bigger difference to me.

The X1 at $6K is a great deal. I got mine for $7K and I thought that was well worth it for one of the very best streamers and an excellent DAC.

 

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