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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. 

kjl1065
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,476 posts
 

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."

tom8999
159 posts
 

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!

rhyno's avatar
rhyno
650 posts
 

i've not heard the aurender N20, but i will say this about the Lumin u2x which i own:

1) use USB out, no other conneciton sounds as good

2) turn off ALL unnecessary settings

3) do NOT use the Lumin app as it sounds terrible. JPlay has clearly better sonics (i've not tried roon)

4) take proper care of networking ahead of the lumin (no SMPS, best case is an optical stage into the Lumin)

provided the following, the u2X is at parity with my Jays Cd3mk2 transport. streaming has finally caught up at a reasonable price. 

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