Mini Review of Lumin T3X Network Player
I thought I’d post a few thoughts after having this in my system for almost a month.
I was looking to improve upon the Node N130 with LHY LPS and BlackIce Tube DAC that had very good NOS tubes. Strictly streaming from Qobuz and SXM Radio. No local files.
I initially thought I’d upgrade the streamer, but after a used Aurender failed to connect with my DAC I decided to simplify and consolidate 3 boxes into one.
Innuous and Lumin seemed like top ranked options and I chose the Lumin T3X knowing the Conductor App wasn’t as well liked as Innuos Sense - I figured I used Qobuz connect anyway.
Ultimately the T3X ticked all the on-paper boxes: dual DACs, linear power supply, optical fiber, etc. It seemed like a lot of value especially as the new X2 is over $10K more.
Set up was as simple as it can get. I let it run for a few days before paying close attention but the initial impression was WOW, this is gonna be good.
And it was. Just way more of everything: more detail, clear and crisp highs, bigger but tighter bass, better imaging/soundstage. Absolutely black background.
And one slick looking box.
Also, other than a decent power cable, you no longer have to think about audiophile USB and Ethernet cables/filters, switches etc.
A "high end" optical fiber patch cable is $15! Copper to fiber media converter and 2 SFP modules $70.
The system is highly configurable via the app, which works well for that purpose, but I don’t like the Conductor app for music. But with JPLAY, Qobuz and Tidal Connect, how much does that matter. For me not at all.
NOTE: Digital is not my primary source for "serious" listening so my goal was the best combination of SQ / simplicity / aesthetics at a reasonable price, rather than building a "reference" system.
@kirkwallace Thanks, and thanks for the correction. I’ve now deleted the Conductor app! Of course I expected a big improvement over the Node but with a decent Tube DAC in the original chain, I was hoping I wouldn’t end up with something clinical. And it was bit of a leap of faith. My original digital upgrade budget was $1K after also getting a new phono stage the previous week, so obviously I blew that up and had some splainin’ to do:) Luckily all my old gear sold in a few days!
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@macg19 question for you. You mentioned streaming SXM. Can you share how that is implemented with the T3X? SXM is an important app for my streaming purposes but I rarely see it implemented outside of Bluesound or as a sideload to Eversolo. The ability to play it on a device like a high quality Lumin would be fantastic! I appreciate your response!
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@ctlesq Hi! SXM is important to me as well. It's my #1 source for casual listening in the house, cars, portable devices. I use AirPlay from a newer iPad to the Lumin but an iPhone works as well, as would an older iPad but ideally you would have am iOS device that supports AirPlay 2, although AirPlay 1 will work. AirPlay to the Lumin sounds way better than native from BluOS to my previous Tube DAC and is easy to connect and switch back and forth between Connect and SXM. You don't need to touch the Lumin App at all once AirPlay is enabled. The only thing to be aware of is AirPlay uses the iOS device as a processor not a remote control like Qobuz Connect, so it wears the battery down fast. I just leave the iPad plugged in most of the time.
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@macg19 tga k you very much for that detailed explanation. I like the Eversolos and they fit a need for the moment, but down the road upgrading to a Lumin would be fantastic. This is helpful information towards that goal. |
