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  1. #1
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    Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    So can the Lumin output signal to both XLR & RCA in order to power powered external subs?

    ozzy

  2. #2
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    I asked this concerning the A-1 and was told no.
    Not sure if the X-1 will be any different.
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    NM

  4. #4
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by ozzy View Post
    So can the Lumin output signal to both XLR & RCA in order to power powered external subs?
    On Lumin X1 / S1 / A1 / T1 simultaneous connection of XLR and RCA would degrade the signal, but how much or little it is hard to say.

    For using a sub, try using the high-level input such as those from REL (which favors the high-level input).
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  5. #5

    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by wklie View Post
    On Lumin X1 / S1 / A1 / T1 simultaneous connection of XLR and RCA would degrade the signal, but how much or little it is hard to say.

    For using a sub, try using the high-level input such as those from REL (which favors the high-level input).
    I tried the high-level input of a REL S/510 and my impression was that it didn't integrate the sub as well as a wired connection (XLR or RCA). I'm starting to think the REL high-level input option is a marketing gimmick aimed at covering all the possible connectivity options to not lose a sale.

    Is any X1 owner using the XLR outputs to go direct to their amp and the X1 RCA output to drive a sub-woofer? If yes, did you experience any degradation of signal or sound quality?

  6. #6
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by cycles2 View Post
    Is any X1 owner using the XLR outputs to go direct to their amp and the X1 RCA output to drive a sub-woofer? If yes, did you experience any degradation of signal or sound quality?
    Unfortunately one person's experience isn't necessarily going to translate into someone else's experience.

    you could try to determine the likelihood (degree) of degradation when using both XLR and RCA outputs simultaneously by knowing the input impedances on your two downstream components. In simple terms, the two loads are seen in parallel by the output transformer. Ideally both devices' impedance are seen as very high resistive loads.
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  7. #7
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by cycles2 View Post
    I tried the high-level input of a REL S/510 and my impression was that it didn't integrate the sub as well as a wired connection (XLR or RCA). I'm starting to think the REL high-level input option is a marketing gimmick aimed at covering all the possible connectivity options to not lose a sale.

    Is any X1 owner using the XLR outputs to go direct to their amp and the X1 RCA output to drive a sub-woofer?
    If you think the REL high level input is not performing to your expectation, please try the low level RCA input and see if it's better or worse.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  8. #8
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Is any X1 owner using the XLR outputs to go direct to their amp and the X1 RCA output to drive a sub-woofer? If yes, did you experience any degradation of signal or sound quality?

    I would like to know also.

    ozzy

  9. #9
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Well I just connected (4) JL Audio F-113 subs (2 as master 2 as slaves) into the Lumin via the RCA outputs and I do not hear any difference with the main speakers connected to my tube amps via the XLR outputs on the Lumin.
    So far, I think it sounds great! I will have to re-adjust my subs though since they are running off the single ended outputs and are probably 3db down from the Balanced outputs.
    Lumin, I think you are wrong stating it won't sound good this way! Perhaps with different subs maybe, but I have no issue.

    ozzy

  10. #10
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    I'm glad it sounds great to you and I'm happy to be disproved this way. The RCA is 6dB down from the XLR output.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  11. #11
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    wklie,

    6db down wow!
    I do notice the large difference in the subs effectiveness.

    ozzy

  12. #12
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    And that difference between SE and Balanced outputs is an industry standard.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  13. #13
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Understood, thanks.
    I had to increase the subs volume to 3/4 to mesh with the mains.
    Sounds really good though.

    ozzy

  14. #14
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Wklie,

    Well I stand corrected. You are correct.
    After much going back and forth, the Lumin X1 does sound purer with using only the one output to the main speakers. Now to figure out how to incorporate my (4) JL Audio F-113's without using a preamp...

    ozzy

  15. #15
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    ozzy

    Are the JL's line level only?
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  16. #16
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Yes.

  17. #17
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    ozzy

    I don't know of a solution then unless the CR-1 will accomplish what you need.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  18. #18
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    wklie, Jack,

    I have been told to ask about using XLR Balanced y connectors. That would resolve the 6db difference but would the sound quality still suffer?

    ozzy

  19. #19
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    As you are going to have to use splitters it still may not sound the same even if you use splitters from the same cable model as your balanced cables only your ears will know and it may not be a cheap experiment depending on the cables you normally use.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  20. #20
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    So I went an ordered (2) of the Jensen Iso-Max SP-2SX 2 Channel speakON Speaker Level to XLR Line Level Converter Adapters. The plan is to connect them with short (same type of speaker cabling) to my speakers and then connect the XLR out to the JL Audio sub.
    I ordered 2 because the mono blocks and speakers are not too close together and I wanted to keep the cables short.
    Does this seem like a good plan?

    ozzy

  21. #21
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    The SP-2SX uses transformers to provide the isolation and pad the voltage. As shown in the graphs on Jensen's website, this is going to introduce some degree of distortion based on the voltage level and frequency, but it may not be audible to you at your listening volume. (Or it may be pleasing to you.)
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  22. #22
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Well I got the (2) Jensen Iso Max SP-2SX today. I used a balanced 1/2M Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 to keep the XLR connections short as per the instructions. First listen, everything seems to works fine, no hum, all (4) JL F-113 subs are working, but I will have to listen more intently to be sure and perhaps recalibrate the F-113’s.

    ozzy

  23. #23
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    ozzy

    That's the solution that Ted always recommended for people who wanted to do what you're doing with the DS Sr.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  24. #24
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    I am really digging the seamless integration, everything sounds great! I don’t even have to recalibrate the JL- F113’s.
    For those of you without subwoofer outs ( most of 2 channels folks) or use tube amps and want to add subs, this is the ticket.

    The only negative is Jensen never replied to my emails, and I even left several phone messages. I even talked to a lady who said she would forward my message and still no reply. Not a good way to do business in my opinion.

    But again, I can highly recommend this approach to adding subs to a system.

    ozzy

  25. #25
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    An alternative approach is to use the high-level input from REL or another subwoofer. That's what I use.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  26. #26
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    wklie,
    I think that is what the Jensen unit is doing.

    ozzy

  27. #27
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Hi @ozzy, how is your solution with the dual Jensen converter solution working? I have a very similar situation with a pair of JL Audio Gothams and was very intersted in your solution. Any perceived sound quality issues either with the subwoofers (where you would most likely hear them) or any where else? Interestingly I have a similar placement issue and was wondering if they carried mono versions of these converters and may have to instead get a pair of them as well!

    Thanks
    Anil

  28. #28
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Anil,
    Those converters are the ticket. No issue, the sound quality is awesome, very pleased. Unfortunately, Jenson doesn't make a mono version of this unit. So, yes you will have to buy 2 if you want to use short balanced cables as per the directions. Its just a one time purchase though, we paid enough for our equipment so might as well get it right and then sit back and enjoy the solution!

    ozzy

  29. #29
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    I'm glad it's working well for you. This looks like the best solution for Lumin customers wishing to use a subwoofer without a high level input.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  30. #30
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by ozzy View Post
    Anil,
    Those converters are the ticket. No issue, the sound quality is awesome, very pleased. Unfortunately, Jenson doesn't make a mono version of this unit. So, yes you will have to buy 2 if you want to use short balanced cables as per the directions. Its just a one time purchase though, we paid enough for our equipment so might as well get it right and then sit back and enjoy the solution!

    ozzy
    Great thanks, ozzy!

  31. #31

    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    Quote Originally Posted by ozzy View Post
    So I went an ordered (2) of the Jensen Iso-Max SP-2SX 2 Channel speakON Speaker Level to XLR Line Level Converter Adapters. The plan is to connect them with short (same type of speaker cabling) to my speakers and then connect the XLR out to the JL Audio sub.
    I ordered 2 because the mono blocks and speakers are not too close together and I wanted to keep the cables short.
    Does this seem like a good plan?

    ozzy
    @ozzy Great to hear about your Jensen Iso-Max approach with your X1. For my situation, my subs only allow RCA inputs. I noticed the Jensen ISO Max is available with different connector options and am wondering if the SP-2SN is what I need. BTW, you're correct, Jensen customer support in non-existent.

    Thanks,
    Brian ...

  32. #32
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    Re: Lumin X1 Direct to Amps?

    cycles2,

    I think Jensen does makes a RCA version, but I'm not sure. And, I suppose you could always get some Cardas adapters (RCA/XLR)
    Good luck!

    ozzy

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