New DACs High End Munich 2023

I totally get not wanting tubes in your DAC or tube equipment. I spoke with a lot of CJ guys before demoing and purchasing the Lampizator. It pairs well with my CJ equipment. I’m the opposite. I have tubes in everything except the streamer. Yes, even the CD player has 2 tubes. I replaced a Bryston BDA-2 that I kept after selling a BDP and preamp. It never paired well with the vintage CJ amp. Once I found the ET3se in mint condition, I started looking for a new DAC. I’ve had the Amber for almost a year. Despite not having a power button on the front plate, it’s been a nice addition. I just purchased the Lumin U2. I preferred it over the Bricasti M3. As you may know, some consider it’s design and firmware more future ready. Unlike some audio geeks, I find myself returning to classic equipment, similar to what CJ has to offer instead of the latest and greatest. If you’re patient and lucky, you can find some incredible CJ equipment, have CJ service/upgrade caps etc as needed and end up with something really special.  

Coincidentally, I also bought a Lumin U2 a few days ago, I’m running it with a Rockna Wavedream XLR DAC, a Big Hattor passive preamp and a SimAudio Moon W8 power amplifier, and I don’t regret the purchase (before that I had a DIY audioPC costing about 4k EUR). Even though the Lumin U2 is still far from complete burnt in, I like the sound of it.

Enjoy your new streamer.

No problems with the internet on my end. I understand questioning a new users recommendation or just blowing it off. However, being rude or condescending is a bit much - the first response. I’ve used the internet extensively for a very long time - personally and professionally. If you noticed, I was not seeking advice as you mentioned, just offering up a consideration. I just purchased a Lumin U2 mini without seeking advice on this site. I guess I don’t fit the profile you imagine or normally experience on this site. I was a member of this site years ago, two email addresses and forgotten passwords ago. I usually don’t read posts on this site. I’m a third time user… I joined again to make a simple purchase. 

@rubicon15 Welcome to the Forum, I watched this forum for quite few years before I joined, I see too many posts with similarities to your own experience being met.

Not too long after joining I took a few low blows from the 'old guard', I am still here a few years on and stand strong in my corner.

It looks like your initial entry requires a few extra implements to help pass over some of the hurdles you are being presented.

I have read your first post, your recommendation clearly makes a reference to considering a used item, as well as what I assume is a latest model.

Seeing as there is no links added to anything used, and the present used market using HiFi Shark as  a reference for a Amber 3, shows the only model presently for sale is in Eastern Europe.

I doubt you are the Vendor of a Amber 3 located in the Country Czechoslovakia. 

I think the confrontation is unnecessary and you if the confronters can be the bigger person, you should be feeling much more welcomed.    

Thank you for the follow up pindac. I sincerely appreciate the insight. I’m confident that no one in this group condones condescending or rude behavior. I’m definitely not a vendor or someone trying to dump a used Amber 3. The Amber 4 is the newest entry level DAC. I usually take a fair amount of time to research and demo different components. I’m also fairly patient if I’m considering a used piece of equipment. I don’t look for the best deal. I look for the highest quality piece of equipment I can find. I’ve bought and sold a lot over the years. Like many users, I wish I would have kept a few signature pieces - speakers, reel to reel, Mac amp… I’m more into classic audio equipment, not necessarily the latest and greatest DAC on the market. I will keep your advice in mind moving forward. Thanks again