![]() ![]() I chose the stripped-down U1 mini because of (1) the huge cost difference despite similar functionality and active parts (2) knowing that the sonics of the U1 Mini could be further improved by addition of an external linear power supply to replace the Mini's internal switch mode power supply, thus mimicking the U1 arrangement, (3) not needing the highest DSD and PCM speeds offered by the U1, and (4) figuring that the power line and anti-vibration treatments I would be using with the Mini might further close any performance gap related to the difference in chassis construction between the solid-aluminum block U1 and the assembled aluminum pieces of the U1 Mini.īesides, if down the road I decide I really want the top Lumin streamer, I probably would not go with the U1. This meant either the Lumin U1 at $6,000 or the U1 mini at $2,000. Such two-way traffic might work via a USB hub, but, without testing it, I'm not sure. There are no "pre out/power in" jacks in digital equipment as there were in some old analog integrated amps and receivers. While every Lumin streamer has a digital output (even though they also have onboard DACs), as far as I know, no streamer allows output of a digital signal into a digital EQ, with the output of the digital EQ then being allowed back into that streamer's DAC. Unless the streamer incorporates digital parametric equalization (as the Aries G2 now does), that means I couldn't really use a separate digital equalizer and still use the DAC built into a streamer. ![]() Second, I want to be able to use an equalizer in the digital domain to do room correction for my Harbeth M40.2 speakers. First, I think my Benchmark DAC3 HGC is very natural sounding and don't want to give that up. These are automatically installed as released.Īs before with my choice of the Auralic Aries G2, I wanted to concentrate on a unit without a built-in DAC for two reasons. ![]() Lumin also seems to be one of the most responsive companies to fixing any glitches users discover, releasing periodic fixes as well as software/firmware enhancements. I did note, however, how much praise the Lumin units and the Lumin control app garnered both for sonics and for reliable, non-glitchy operation, as well as the supposedly top-notch GUI. I'm sure the sonics of the streamer of such a system can be bettered, but in terms of rock-solid reliability, using a "real computer" to tune to and stream directly from music streaming websites-much less connecting to local music files-holds no surprises or glitches to annoy you. I have found that out myself with my new headphone listening system built around my Dell all-in-one desktop computer, discussed here. Those who use general purpose computers for audio streaming have no idea how good they have it in terms of reliable, non-flaky functionality. Now, most high-end streamers are not known for ease of use or reliable functioning. The Lumin products started appearing on my personal audio radar following the problems I encountered with my Auralic Aries G2 (as described in this post in the Auralic's thread). ![]()
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