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Streamers - Auralic, Aurender, Lumin, others...

Any recommendations, please? :)
I'm looking for a streamer only – without a DAC.

I’ve been leaning toward the Auralic Aries S1 since it’s reasonably priced and available pre-owned. It also has a coaxial input, so I could connect my CD player as a transport. I’d mostly use it as a Roon endpoint, as I run Roon on a Mac Mini and really enjoy it — especially for its great music recommendations.

I’ve read some threads here, and many of you seem to love Aurender and Lumin. Has anyone had a chance to compare them with the Auralic?

Thanks!

gabriel123
rwalsh07
42 posts
 

Just got the T8.  A/B'd to my Lumin U1 mini, the Lumin sounds better.  Wider soundstage and cleaner highs.  I really wanted to like the T8, unfortunately it's going back.  I hate to say it, but I convinced now that the T8 is overhyped.

Post removed 
gabriel123 OP
91 posts
 

I should add that after plugging the Lumin straight into the wall instead of a random non-audiophile power strip, it started working really well. Ugh...

 

lanx0003
1,933 posts
 

After reading various trustworthy reviews and taking advice from a VinShine owner, here is my general impression of several noteworthy streamers:

T8 » Volumio Rivo+ > Lumin U2 mini (w/ 'official' LPS mod) >> Lumin U1 mini.

Because the T8 has a brighter house sound, I still consider the Rivo+ to be the better streamer. However, I will likely retain the T8 for my warmer-sounding rig, as it pairs exceptionally well in that system. With dual LPS, fully isolated ports, an extremely dark background, huge soundstage with pin-point imaging, and a smooth app experience, what’s not to like!

gabriel123 OP
91 posts
 

Thanks - that’s another vote for the Volumio, which is surprising given its price tag. I’ll definitely check it out after returning the Lumin U2 Mini. I was also planning to audition the T8 and the full-size U2. 

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