Linn vs Lumin

**Mike** · January 23, 2014, 07:58 AM

Did someone do a Linn vs Lumin shootout last night? Hmm....

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**MDP** · January 23, 2014, 11:51 AM

Well,well,well. That didn't take long for you to do your "Mother Superior" dance, did it ?

A little background information. Mike and I are very good friends. We talk almost every day. We are both opinionated and a little stubborn. If I want Mike to get something I like,he usually won't do it,or he will fight me all the way. I'm kinda the same with him.

I've been trying to get him into a Linn streamer for 2 yrs. He fought me tooth and nail. His biggest excuse was it doesn't do DSD. So he finally finds the Lumin,which does handle DSD,and jumps on the streamer bandwagon. And now he finally loves his digital playback ! I'm actually very happy for him, he's now enjoying a lot more music,which is great !!

Last night Jock brought his Lumin over for a little comparison with the Linn Akurate DS. The Lumin sounded a little better than the Linn, it wasn't a huge difference but it was enough that I ordered one this morning. It's a very musical sounding streamer and I preferred it over the Linn. Nothing against the Linn,it's a fantastic player in it's own right. But in my system, the Lumin is just a little better.

So...............yes Mike, you were right

**MDP** · January 23, 2014, 02:52 PM

That sure was hard to say !!!

**highEndguy** · January 23, 2014, 03:12 PM

Hahahahahha

**highEndguy** · January 23, 2014, 03:14 PM

Now I definitely want one

**the professor** · January 23, 2014, 04:14 PM

The Lumin is a very very good streamer. Once it fully broken in, I'll be able to truly compare it to the Linn Klimax. I figure a couple of weeks should do the trick.

So far, it's much closer than one would think because of the cost of each.

**NorthStar** · January 23, 2014, 05:56 PM

This is the kind of feedback everybody loves to read about.

* Nice avatar Mark!
** Mike your avatar is cool too, in a different way.
*** Nelson, your avatar is ok.

**the professor** · January 23, 2014, 06:00 PM

Man - I guess I don't count.

How's my avatar?

You can say it! Don't hold back.

Originally Posted by NorthStar

This is the kind of feedback everybody loves to read about.

* Nice avatar Mark!
** Mike your avatar is cool too, in a different way.
*** Nelson, your avatar is ok.

**MDP** · January 23, 2014, 06:09 PM

Jock, even if it doesn't improve during break in, I'll still be happy !!

**the professor** · January 23, 2014, 06:15 PM

Agreed! I know I'm happy with mine right now.

**NorthStar** · January 23, 2014, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

Man - I guess I don't count.

How's my avatar?

You can say it! Don't hold back.

There's nothing new with yours Jock. ...Same old thing.

**Mike** · January 23, 2014, 11:02 PM

Mark and Jock were right - network music players are vastly superior. When I think about all the DACS I went through, I just shutter. To me, buying a DAC is like buying half a car. The DAC manufacturer has no clue what USB cable you are using, whether you're using a Mc, Windows or Linux machine, whether you are using a laptop or desktop, what your hardware looks like (SSD VS HD or soundcard or PS), they have no idea what software you are using, etc. Too much of a crapshoot.

**Ritmo** · January 24, 2014, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Last night Jock brought his Lumin over for a little comparison with the Linn Akurate DS. The Lumin sounded a little better than the Linn, it wasn't a huge difference but it was enough that I ordered one this morning. It's a very musical sounding streamer and I preferred it over the Linn. Nothing against the Linn,it's a fantastic player in it's own right. But in my system, the Lumin is just a little better.

So...............yes Mike, you were right

WOW! Congrats Mark!

**sharkmouth** · January 24, 2014, 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Mark and Jock were right - network music players are vastly superior. When I think about all the DACS I went through, I just shutter. To me, buying a DAC is like buying half a car. The DAC manufacturer has no clue what USB cable you are using, whether you're using a Mc, Windows or Linux machine, whether you are using a laptop or desktop, what your hardware looks like (SSD VS HD or soundcard or PS), they have no idea what software you are using, etc. Too much of a crapshoot.

...Ha! Mike, they're for smart people, j/k. By the way this isn't directed at you specifically but if it fits, put the pants on & swim a lap or two.... For mine I'm subscribing to the "do your homework" group. You need to be very switched on to what triggers your good sound bad sound likes & dislikes & suit the dac with the appropriate cables & power supply etc, that will deliver the sound that you want. The biggest & most overlooked factor when it comes to digital is isolation. Why people spend 10, 20 30k on a t/t in the isolation department & then proceed to rubbish digital really shits me. Have a look at those really exceptional t/t & you will see some extravagant isolation going on there that would absolutely floor most if they knew what it cost to incorporate the said isolation into the final figure, everything counts & that count adds up! Simply put, it doesn't mean one is better than the other, what does matter is application, cables, what are they made of, your likes dislikes to the same properties of the metal & it's soundings etc,thoughtful matching so that the "synergy" is an easy given in said system, not all & very few pieces of gear/components gel well together for a complete sound without one or 2 numbers of the sound wave graph spiking like hell out of control & it has to sound like the thang that can put you to sleep at the start of the song & make you want to run a marathon by the end!! Simple huh!!!!! Then again, if it's that easy, why wouldn't you take the network player? Me? I'm not the retiring type.....yet!

**MDP** · January 24, 2014, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

WOW! Congrats Mark!

Thanks Mike ! You should really think about getting in on this group buy. Once you put a streamer into that great system of yours, you won't look back !!

**socfan12** · January 25, 2014, 09:43 AM

Congrats, Mark! Wow, I know you are careful when it comes to switching gear. You've must've heard something special in the Lumin to give up the Linn!

Congrats again!!

**Cavl** · January 25, 2014, 10:27 AM

Congratulations, Mark, on the new Lumin. I'm also considering the Lumin and currently have a Linn Klimax. I had enjoyed the Akurate DS before moving to the Kimax, which was a pretty big step up, so Im curious if anyone has compared the Klimax with the Lumin. Im considering the Lumin primarily for its DSD capabilities, but am curious how it compares with the Linn on standard and hi-Rez PCM. Thanks in advance for comments.

Van

**Mike** · January 25, 2014, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Cavl

Congratulations, Mark, on the new Lumin. I'm also considering the Lumin and currently have a Linn Klimax. I had enjoyed the Akurate DS before moving to the Kimax, which was a pretty big step up, so Im curious if anyone has compared the Klimax with the Lumin. Im considering the Lumin primarily for its DSD capabilities, but am curious how it compares with the Linn on standard and hi-Rez PCM. Thanks in advance for comments.

Van

Jock has both and compared. If DSD is what you are after, I think it's a lateral move sonically, but a step up functionally. But Jock can better explain the subtle nuances.

**the professor** · January 25, 2014, 10:35 AM

It's dangerously close.

I want to give the Lumin another week to break in before any true opinion but after 3 days the Lumin had all of the promise to pass the Klimax DS in SQ.

I have another week on it now but haven't listened to it yet. Ill report later once I wake up my ears to listen.

Originally Posted by Cavl

Congratulations, Mark, on the new Lumin. I'm also considering the Lumin and currently have a Linn Klimax. I had enjoyed the Akurate DS before moving to the Kimax, which was a pretty big step up, so Im curious if anyone has compared the Klimax with the Lumin. Im considering the Lumin primarily for its DSD capabilities, but am curious how it compares with the Linn on standard and hi-Rez PCM. Thanks in advance for comments.

Van

**MDP** · January 25, 2014, 11:08 AM

Thanks Allen, Thanks Van !! The Lumin will be here Monday

**Paul** · January 25, 2014, 11:09 AM

Mark. Congrats ! Is the lumin group buy is still in place ? Are they only come in Silver ?

**Mike** · January 25, 2014, 11:10 AM

Yes Paul - still going (for now). You can upgrade to black for $500 and there is a much longer lead time on Black (2-3 weeks min). But yes, it's an option.

**Cavl** · January 25, 2014, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Thanks Allen, Thanks Van !! The Lumin will be here Monday

Enjoy! and keep us posted...

Van

**Cavl** · January 25, 2014, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by the professor

It's dangerously close.

I want to give the Lumin another week to break in before any true opinion but after 3 days the Lumin had all of the promise to pass the Klimax DS in SQ.

I have another week on it now but haven't listened to it yet. Ill report later once I wake up my ears to listen.

Thanks Jock, I'll be very interested in your opinion.

Van

**MDP** · January 26, 2014, 09:31 PM

Well, the Lumin will be here tomorrow !! I can't wait

**the professor** · January 26, 2014, 10:08 PM

After listening yesterday and again tonight.

Anybody want to buy a 6 month old Linn Klimax DS?

Not really anything else to say. The Raidho D3s have never sounded so good.

Originally Posted by Cavl

Thanks Jock, I'll be very interested in your opinion.

Van

**Ritmo** · January 26, 2014, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Well, the Lumin will be here tomorrow !! I can't wait

Congrats Mark! Really happy for you.

**mdkim** · January 26, 2014, 10:35 PM

Jock:

Interesting.

Your Linn was run through your Naim correct? Have you tried the digital output from the Lumin (if it has one)? I'm curious if what makes the Lumin "work" is its internal DAC or just the way the music (data) is handled via Ethernet.

**Ritmo** · January 26, 2014, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

After listening yesterday and again tonight.

Anybody want to buy a 6 month old Linn Klimax DS?

Not really anything else to say. The Raidho D3s have never sounded so good.

Wow Jock!

I spoke with Mark yesterday. He is really excited about his coming in tomorrow. It must be one heck of a streamer!

**the professor** · January 26, 2014, 10:41 PM

Linn is run directly into the Dag preamp.

And no I haven't tried the digital output. I guess I could bypass the steamer portion of the Naim NDS and try that. The Linn can't do that.

Hmmmm. Interesting question.

Originally Posted by mdkim

Jock:

Interesting.

Your Linn was run through your Naim correct? Have you tried the digital output from the Lumin (if it has one)? I'm curious if what makes the Lumin "work" is its internal DAC or just the way the music (data) is handled via Ethernet.

**mdkim** · January 26, 2014, 10:49 PM

Jock:

That's right why would you run an analog signal anywhere but into your pre. That was a dumb Q

. I've been drinking.

Anyways, if you're inclined to try the digital out I'm very interested in your observations.

**socfan12** · January 26, 2014, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Well, the Lumin will be here tomorrow !! I can't wait

Originally Posted by the professor

After listening yesterday and again tonight.

Anybody want to buy a 6 month old Linn Klimax DS?

Not really anything else to say. The Raidho D3s have never sounded so good.

Congrats to you both! Wow, to displace the mighty Linn is quite an accomplishment!

**Mike** · January 26, 2014, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by the professor

After listening yesterday and again tonight.

Anybody want to buy a 6 month old Linn Klimax DS?

Not really anything else to say. The Raidho D3s have never sounded so good.

Congrats Jock. I sure do love mine. I've only played two records since December. Gasp!

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**MDP** · January 26, 2014, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

Congrats to you both! Wow, to displace the mighty Linn is quite an accomplishment!

Allen, no BS, you know I never buy anything new. I wasn't planning to buy anything except maybe an amp or new speakers. I was sure I had the sources that I wanted, This was a shock to me !!

But, I still reserve judgement until I have the Lumin in my system for a week or so.

**MDP** · January 26, 2014, 11:17 PM

Van, Paul, and Mike. Thanks a lot !! I'll let you know how it measures up to the Linn. But if first impressions are right, I think I'll be happy

**tunes** · January 27, 2014, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Congrats Jock. I sure do love mine. I've only played two records since December. Gasp!

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If the kronos needs a home where it will be loved, let me know

**Mike** · January 27, 2014, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by tunes

If the kronos needs a home where it will be loved, let me know

The Kronos is in a big time holding pattern.

**VT Skier** · January 27, 2014, 01:31 PM

Here you go tunes:

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/tu...st-bethesda-md

**tunes** · January 27, 2014, 05:08 PM

Hi Jon,
Thanks for posting the link. That table's been up on the gon for many months. Not sure why, other than even at 50% of list, these things are still a lot of coin so as to not fly off the shelves

Mike's is likely in mint condition

**Audioseduction** · January 27, 2014, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I've only played two records since December. Gasp!

I've never played records in my system. oops, I don't own a turntable either.

**Mike** · January 27, 2014, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Audioseduction

I've never played records in my system. oops, I don't own a turntable either.

Talk to Bart and Charles and see what they thought of the Lumin. Charles was smitten. Bart was too....but he's in listening room renovation mode right now. George - you have to come over and hear this (and my Cary 300b/845 amp that had Charles going crazy for it.). I heard John (the owner of Cary) was at the meeting on Saturday? Sorry I missed it.

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