Thread: Lumin + Roon

Originally Posted by MtnHam

Additionally, I have read some user comments that the SQ when using Roon is inferior to that when using Tidal via the Lumin alone. Is this true?

I never noticed lower sound quality using Roon
On the contrary, to me, using Roon delivers better SQ

Originally Posted by Projectman

I bet you are one of a very few that hear better sound with Roon.

As compared to what? (Disclaimer: I am a Roon user but do want to know other’s opinions as to what sounds better).

Maybe I am one of the few but here is my experience with my Lumin U1 Mini

I tried some comparisons with my MDR Z1R + TA H1ES headphones and amplifier with ´Source Direct’ music ie non altered audio (no DSP, no upsampling) => my verdict is that there is no identifiable difference on my side

I tried with DSD upsampling => clear advantage for Roon
Also my Lumin can resample up to DSD128 while it can play DSD256. And Roon of course upsamples to DSD256 so that my Lumin plays it

Lastly, Roon enables some very interesting DSP features like Crossfeed, volume headroom maangement and some parametric EQ options very useful for my headphones => there is no possible comparison as these features are not possible within Lumin but my verdict is that it greatly improves the sound of the previous step already identified as better on my side

And there is also something related to the design of the screen display of the Lumin

I really dislike the fact that music played within Lumin shows necessarily the track number played and the total tracks of the queue. This is to my point of view not a good design because display becomes full of things and not as minimalist as in my taste. Especially when playlists are played. What is the purpose of showing something like "69/286" in a display already tiny? I asked Peter if I can interact with screen display to decide to not show the track numbers but I was told it is impossible

When music is played with Roon there is no such track numbers display ie only track name, track artist and technical information which is as minimalist as I like it. And there is little more space to show longer track names/artists. I really hope this will not change. If this changes in the future then I hope the user will have the freedom to display/not display track numbers

But again this is something very personal