2. digital
  3. 190606-153063

Looking for a true upgrade in sound quality

I currently stream Qobuz and Tidal through my Lumin T2. I have had this about 4 years. I have AT&T fiber optic internet to the house the ethernet cable direct to the Lumin. About 30' of cable from the router to the device. I was thinking of using the Lumin only as a streamer and adding a conceivably better DAC. Is this a legit way to go about a more resolving sound. To my ears there is a slight veil over everything and maybe a little etched overall, bass response is great. I was also hoping for a recommendation for the DAC if this is a good option. $6,000 budget new or used is fine. I have had very good luck with used equipment over the years. Thanks, Allen.

backwash
zlone
691 posts
 

A capable system indeed. Try the tweaks for the network, hopefully that smoothes things out. As for DAC’s I will second the Merason suggestion, I have a Reuss, very natural. 
 

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jji666
537 posts
 

You could try a different DAC.  Many people who actually understand networking are very skeptical of network tweaks.  Switches and network cables don’t have a sound, except silence when not working.

soix
9,606 posts
 

Many people who actually understand networking are very skeptical of network tweaks. Switches and network cables don’t have a sound, except silence when not working.

@jji666 Many people who understand networking refuse to just use their ears because they’ve convinced themselves something can’t possibly make a difference. You’ve also said streamers have no sound so let’s consider the source here. It’s fine to be skeptical, but dismissing something without hearing it is arrogant and ignorant — but it’s a lot easier, I’ll give you that.

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jji666
537 posts
 

Why the name calling and assumptions?  I've used hundreds of network cables, dozens of switches and routers.  

What I said about streamers was that they weren't something to "match" with analog components as tone controls - i.e. to add warmth to a cold system type of thing, and that matching a DAC was the better bet to "mate" with that OP's gear, as that OP asked (different thread). 

This OP asked if there might be a sound improvement from using an outboard DAC versus what's built into his streamer.  I think there might be and would well prioritize that over questionable network tweaks. My suggestion is to focus budget on a core component like a DAC.  

soix
9,606 posts
 

What I said about streamers was that they weren't something to "match" with analog components as tone controls

@jji666 No, in that other thread you literally said word for word that streamers have no sound just like you did about switches and network cables here.  I’ll go find it and copy it here if needed.  If you wanna walk that back somehow, fine, but you absolutely said that streamers have no sound so don’t try to say otherwise. 

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