Article: Lumin X1 Review

[EvilTed]

On 3/29/2020 at 8:22 AM, crisarg said:

Did you miss your analog setup now?

 

Cristian

No, actually I brought it back and bought a new EAR 912 Tube Preamp :)

It took around 16 weeks to get it hand built in the UK, through two lockdowns but it was worth it.

 

When I received the X1 in March 2020, I'd already taken down the turntable and boxed it.

Now I can do a fair, A-B comparison between the 2 across PCM, MQA and Hi-Res FLAC.

The answer is that the analog is more 3D and believable whereas the X1 can get bit annoying over time. 

The X1 just doesn't sound as organic as the analog.

Put on a first pressing that was recorded without digital in the studio and it will will get your toes bopping and you'll have a shit-eating grin on your face.

The X1 never elicits that emotion in my system.

I can't put my finger on what the issue is.

The X1 does all the right things in the bass, midrange and high end.

It just doesn't put them together in the same way.

Does that make sense?

It's just not as cohesive.

I've tried everything, including a recently added 0.6 DC OCC silver cable from Audio Sensibility.

I just can't get it to have either the tone or feel of the analog system.

I wish I could :(

 

I now use the X1 for researching records on Discogs and more background listening.
I now have the itch to replace the X1.

Maybe I need to start looking at MSB ladder DACs to give me the sound I get from analog?

 

 

 

 

 

[crisarg]

Thanks for the detailed answer!
 

Seems we are in the same park, I too enjoy the analog setup more than digital. ;)

 

Don’t go the MSB route, their DAC’s sound mighty fine but not analog and you’ll be disapointed again.

 

I would suggest you keep your actual setup since it’s excellent and just enjoy the music!
 

In fact, you helped me a lot! I won’t look to upgrade to X1 from my Linn Selekt DSM, I’ll try to improve my analog setup instead! :)

[RDSChicago]

I just purchased an X1 and have a Lampi Big 7. I keep on comparing each DAC and I have to say that I am enjoying the X1 immensely as both a DAC and streamer. I didn’t imagine it would be as weighty or as musical as the Lampi but I’m happily surprised it is. Very impressive DAC besides being an excellent streamer. And the optical set up is noticeably more quiet than straight Ethernet cable into the DAC.