Everything @nubiann is saying is true regarding Lumin. I was introduced to their products by an audiophile friend of mine. I am currently running a D2, T2 and X1 in different systems. Rock solid performance. Sonically stunning. Plays at the apex level. Updates so fast and often even Roon can't keep up with Lumin at times. Go to Lumin's web page and click on "support", under that click on "firmware release notes". Every update they have ever done is listed and explained. You are already a member of the Lumin family. Sometimes we want to try something else. Your call. Yes Peter Lee (I think that is his name) is not local but as stated they respond so fast. Basically what I see Lumin doing is making the absolute best products they can without all of the "extras". They are cutting edge. They cut to the chase. And they are extremely transparent in all that they do. Take care and happy listening!
Upgrading streamer transport Lumin U2X Vs. Aurender N20
My current streamer is a Lumin U2 mini with a LHY Linear power supply. My Dac is a Weiss 204 with a Modwright Linear Power supply. Seeking to upgrade my dac to a Berkely Alpha Series 3 with their USB audio interface. I am used to the operation of my Lumin U2 mini that works with Qobuz. Is there anybody that has compared the sound of the Aurender N20 to the Lumin U2X . I did call Aurender and they provide phone support. Spoke to a rep who is out of Minnesota who was very knowledgeable and helpful. Lumin provides a Hong Kong number, but not sure the quality of their support. The Lumin retails for $11,000 and the Aurender $13,500.00. Any thoughts would be appreciated. By the way, Aurender provides storage that I don't need.
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If you are going to use Coax etc. then you need the best clock possible in the streamer and a premium cable. I ended up putting 95% $$ into the DAC, 5% into the streamer! Perhaps extreme but it works for me. In general the optical plastic S/PDIF is is to be avoided unless you are in a noisy EMF environment. AT&T glass seems to have disappeared, 25 years ago that was the ultimate connection. Upper end Aurenders have first class clocks and they recommend Coax over USB; but that depends on the DAC. Often, only USB supports hi-res DSD streams, that is a limitation in some DACs. Google the following: what protocol is used by async USB connection to dac it is an excellent technical description of the process, and explains why a well engineered USB DAC is insensitive to the data source. Its summary: "This asynchronous approach is why many audiophiles prefer USB DACs over optical/coaxial, as it significantly reduces timing errors (jitter) for better sound quality. "
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I can recommend Aurender and Berkley being a good match. My previous system was the Aurender N20 going into a Berkeley Reference 3 via AES. The sound was dynamic and clean. Drums had snap. Music was never bright. Kept the Aurender N20 and changed to a Nagra Tube DAC. Nagra is more laid back. There are times I wish I had the Berkeley in the stable. Good luck with your decision.
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In the 13.5 range you might consider a Grimm MU1. Here's one for 9K. "Internal Roon Server and recent upgrade allows it to work with Tidal Connect and DNLA/UPnP." |
I just want to second Audiovicker - I am a retired Chemist - not a EE - I chose to use LUMIN over 10 years ago. I own a LUMIN T2 and another LUMIN D2 in two separate systems in my home. My sound quality via my Krell SS integrated amps pushing my Maggie's (Peter Gunned 1.6qrs and 1.7is) is amazing to this day. I also have had great service from LUMIN (I abused my T2 initially and it was repaired under warranty at no cost to me except for shipping. The upgrades from LUMIN are constant and seamless. Merry Christmas and Happy listening! |
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