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Gryphon Diable 300 DAC vs. Lumin X1 DAC

Greetings folks,

I'm about to do an A-B test between the DAC in the Gyphon Diable 300 (integrated amp) versus using the DAC in the LUMIN X1 Streamer.  I'm doing my best at understanding the architectural / technical / specification difference between the two DACs before I actually get it all hooked up for listening.  This is working toward the potential purchase of the X1 as a streamer upgrade.

The Gryphon Diable DAC (a separate add-on purchase, btw), has a Sabre ES9018 High-End D/A converter, if that helps. Not sure what technical specs would be helpful here.

The Lumin X1 DAC has Dual ES9038Pro SABRE DACs featuring 140dB dynamic range. Plus a bunch more specs.

Anyway, would appreciate any insights you knowledgeable DAC-goners have about the difference in the two DACs.  Anything significant in the architecture of the two, of the components they use to build?  Yada Yada Yada

And no, please don't suggest any other models at this point.  This is an A-B comparison right now.  

Remember, this is just educating myself before the actual listening takes place.

Thanks in advance
pgaulke60
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Knowing just how good their amps are.
I thought Gryphon would have been smarter than that, and use R2R for their best digital conversion products, but no. Their digital stuff has never been as well excepted sonically as their amps have been

Cheers George
oczed
33 posts
 
I concur with the other replies that you're minimizing the overall value of the X1 by not factoring in the streaming function within the unit.  It's a top class streamer on its own and should surpass the Nucleus by leaps and bounds in that area.  If you're seriously considering the X1, it's best to look at it as a total package.  Just my $0.02.
low325
41 posts
 
I have a Diablo 120 w/dac that I love.  But recently got a X1 for future upgraditis-purposes, if anything.  Lumins take so long to break in but so worth it.
oczed
33 posts
 
How would you compare the Diablo to the X1?
pgaulke60 OP
289 posts
 
Sorry folks, my phrasing may be confusing. The correct way to put it would be to say a Roon Nucleus will be used as the core and all streaming will come through the X1 as the end point either as a streamer into the Gryphon DAC or as a streamer DAC combo. You cannot use an X1 as a core.

@OCZED  As eluded to in my original post, I am working up to the comparison.  More to come on that front.
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