Lumin X1 Review

[Mike]

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2018/1...edium=facebook

[FDPDK]

I had the Lumin X1 on loan , to see how the difference is from my Lumin T1 , and i can only say it was a really great experience . It was really good.

[Ritmo]

I had the LUMIN X1 on loan for a weekend at home - courtesy of Mike. It performed flawlessly, sounded better than the S1 (more natural, better micro dynamics, touch warmer) and it looks great.

[steinkrieg]

I love mine... a very solid upgrade from the S1. Still need to try the fiber connection but it’s so good already that I’m not in a rush.

[BlueFox]

Good to know. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet, but plan to. I will move the S1 to the HT/spare stereo when I do. Since I will be retiring the end of April this might be the last high-end purchase.

[Mike]

http://www.audiophile-magazine.com/b...sais/lumin-x1/

[Ritmo]

Their conclusion is a little less airy than the S1 but a touch warmer with more musical weight. That’s a good description and similar to what I heard when I had the X1 at home for a few days. Nice review!

[dznutz]

Im currently using an X1 and it has been, by far, the best sounding front end (and most expensive) I have ever owned. Its intuitive and super smooth user interface sets it apart, even the Aurender would sometimes give me trouble and dropout, never with the Lumin. I prefer feeding its analog outputs directly into an amplifier as that gives me the lowest noise floor possible. The X1 also has 6v rms output on the balanced outputs so it can drive any amplifier out there.

[wklie]

http://www.audiophile-magazine.com/b...sais/lumin-x1/

In the review Joël Chevassus states:

"It is without doubt the streamer that in my system has developed the most structured sound stage."

"The strength of the LUMIN X1 remains this stereophonic image of a hallucinatory precision."

"Lumin X1 is a very exceptional digital transport, very precise...the X1 brings you extra resolution"

"There is this sense of urgency and visceral energy that remains a very addictive character trait of the Lumin X1, and that difference in terms of performance, between the previous S1 and the new flagship, justifies in itself the move upmarket."

[dimfer]

Love my X1 as well

[vinci92]

http://www.audiophile-magazine.com/b...sais/lumin-x1/

I'm curious. Are there other streamers with dacs out there that offer as much resolution and depth? It seems that the optical connectivity has a lot to do with it. I love mine too.

Home:* Focal Scala Utopia - LuminX1 Optically Bridged - Primaluna Premium HP

Cottage: Devore 0/96 - Lumin D1 Optically Bridged - Pathos TT Aniversary

[Andik777]

I'm curious. Are there other streamers with dacs out there that offer as much resolution and depth? It seems that the optical connectivity has a lot to do with it. I love mine too.

Home:* Focal Scala Utopia - LuminX1 Optically Bridged - Primaluna Premium HP

Cottage: Devore 0/96 - Lumin D1 Optically Bridged - Pathos TT Aniversary

Congratulations!! very nice the X1 Sorry I see that the Lumin has the legs of IsoAcoustics, change the sound as they say in the different forums? I ask you why after changing the Cambridge 851N for Lumin D2 the basses were increased, sometimes it is even annoying. Thank you very much. Greetings.

[wklie]

why after changing the Cambridge 851N for Lumin D2 the basses were increased, sometimes it is even annoying.

Please burn in the D2 7x24 for two weeks.

[Andik777]

Please burn in the D2 7x24 for two weeks.

Thanks for the response, sir. In that I am, I leave the equipment on 5-6 hours per day. Greetings.

[wklie]

Thanks for the response, sir. In that I am, I leave the equipment on 5-6 hours per day. Greetings.

Please keep the D2 always powered on. Use the Idle Sleep function if desired.

[Andik777]

Please keep the D2 always powered on. Use the Idle Sleep function if desired.

Thank you very much, so as not to mess up this post, send me a private message. Greetings.

[wklie]

I've received this e-mail from a happy Lumin X1 customer:

Peter I have around 400 hours on my X1 now and it is scary good, the best digital I have ever heard. If you told me 5 years ago digital will sound like this I would have said no way, no way it will ever come close to vinyl but on some double and quad downloads it is getting real close.
Thanks for a great product.

[wklie]

Mono and Stereo mentioned the WestminsterLabs - Lumin X1 DC upgrade cable as well:
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2018/1...able-from.html

[wklie]

A user told me about his Lumin X1:

The streamer sounds great and has been fully broken in with over 500 hours of 24/7

[wklie]

Another user said:

I bought the X1. Really impressive and a next level compared with my T1.

[BlueFox]

Another month or so and I will order mine. I have to say that the X1 power supply on the S1 is also a very good upgrade.

[Ritmo]

My brother just received an X1. We set it up yesterday in 15 minutes - got to love that!

We listened for a couple of hours. So, how did sound? He was smiling the entire time. And, it’s not broken in yet! Lumin has another winner with the X1.

[lscangus]

Another month or so and I will order mine. I have to say that the X1 power supply on the S1 is also a very good upgrade.

Is an expensive upgrade which offers tremendous value.

[Ritmo]

I did get an X1 as well. I've had it setup for a little over one week. The X1 has certainly been a worthwhile upgrade. Kudos to Lumin.

[FDPDK]

Mike , congratulations on your X1.

[wklie]

A Japanese audio magazine tested Lumin X1 with SOtM sNH-10G, and output to several DAC:
https://online.stereosound.co.jp/_ct/17250487

[Ritmo]

Thanks Peter!

Used Google translator to learn about the reviewer’s observations.

Overall, the reviewer is very positive on the X1. Feels it is definitely a step up from the S1 and suggests to the reader to keep an eye on what may come from Lumin over the next few years.

[wklie]

Overall, the reviewer is very positive on the X1. Feels it is definitely a step up from the S1 and suggests to the reader to keep an eye on what may come from Lumin over the next few years.

Wow you have better Google translate reading skill than me!

[BlueFox]

I was going to get an X1, but will now wait for what is coming.

[Ritmo]

I was going to get an X1, but will now wait for what is coming.

Get the X1. It’s excellent; a true upgrade to the S1. And, BTW, I really liked my S1.

[wklie]

I was going to get an X1, but will now wait for what is coming.

The flagship status of X1 is not going to be changed any time soon.

[wklie]

Lumin X1 review from Taiwan:
https://review.u-audio.com.tw/review...?reviewid=1617

My translation of some parts of it: [brackets are mine]

[Lundahl Transformer]

For the output, X1 not only has analog RCA and XLR outputs but have digital outputs as well. Therefore it can be used as a pure streamer [for an external DAC] too. Analog outputs adopt a design similar to some Lumin models before - there are Lundahl output transformers following the DAC hardware circuitry so that the amplified signal goes through the transformers before being output. Why does it need this extra hardware? This is because output transformer has a characteristic of filtering out high frequency noise. Transformers have a native bandwidth limitation, so signals outside the bandwidth do not get transmitted. This way, very high frequency noise associated with digital audio is naturally eliminated. In addition, output transformer has a tuning effect and make the sound richer.

[Fiber network vs copper network]

Before getting the X1, I'm very curious about its SFP fiber network interface: What SQ difference does the SFP fiber network offer as compared to RJ45 copper network? If we need to do this comparison [completely], both the NAS and switch should use SFP connection, so the distributor lent us their QNAP TS-251B NAS and QSW-804-4C switch. QNAP high-end models of NAS have expansion capability, including this TS-251B with a QNAP LAN-10G2SF-MLX network card with 10GbE using SFP+ interface. The QSW-804-4C contains both RJ45 and SFP+ ports, letting us conveniently compare the sound difference between the two. To listen to fiber network, use fiber cable to connect to the switch and the NAS SFP+ port. To listen to copper network, use RJ45 network cable to connect to the switch and NAS built-in Ethernet port. [Note: Unlike what this review may imply, it is not essential for the NAS to have fiber network in order to enjoy the fiber network in Lumin X1.]


This is QNAP QSW-804-4C with both RJ45 and SFP+ ports. The fiber in the left connects to the X1 SFP port. The middle RJ45 connects to [uplink] switch. The black cable in the right connects to the NAS SFP+ network expansion card.


Fiber network requires a small SFP transceiver.


This is QNAP TS-251B NAS with PCIe expansion slot filled with QNAP LAN-10G2SF-MLX network expansion card to support SFP+ 10GbE transmission.

What are the differences between the two sound? SFP fiber has a black background with a pure sound, it feels more liquid, soft, delicate, layered, balanced and open. RJ45 copper network has quite a clean background, but sounds to have a little impurity compared to fiber network, the sound has a bit high frequency frizz and is less smooth than fiber. However, RJ45 is sharp and energetic. Comparatively, fiber seems a bit softer. In terms of soundstage, RJ45 is more focused on centre and saturated with a clear theme. Fiber expands to two sides and is more open and is extremely balanced. Basically, I believe fiber and RJ45 has different personalities and each has its pros. Objectively, I believe fiber offers more details, layers and is full of potential. RJ45 is more variable depending on the cabling. X1 provides two types of connection and two sounds to choose from, letting the user to match their own equipment and tastes.

In addition, Lumin also allows for another type of connection topology: use the X1 RJ45 port to connect to the switch, then the SFP port to bridge the NAS SFP+ network card. This way, a SFP switch is not necessary to enjoy the advantage of fiber network.


[Listening Impressions]

The following review uses Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 pre-amp and NuPrime Evolution One amp， driving Aurum Cantus Grand Harmony speakers.


I quite like the pure sound and smooth voice from fiber, and the rich layers and contrast brought by full details. So I start with fiber listening, playing Janos Starker, Bach Suites for Solo Cello. With the support of X1 black background, rich details from SFP fiber are more obvious, letting me hear that when the bow hair stops, the chamber resonance decays gradually in the air. In double stops, the resolution between two notes is very good, reflecting the details. The cello sounds a little sticky, not deliberately polishing a bright smoothness, giving the texture of friction among the strings. In addition, the shape of the cello appears very correct, with a precise image and proper scale. Low mids sound a little wet, making the tone more attractive.


Cannonball Adderley, Somethin' Else: X1 soundstage is more focused and centred, especially suitable for a small Jazz band. Through the X1 playback, each instrument, each drum beat is shown with precise imaging, with excellent separation between each instrument, letting me "see" the band with realism. Besides, X1 not only plays with clear imaging, but different frequencies and proportion of sounds are strictly presented without blurring or exaggeration, and it does not have bloated bass.

X1 also supports Roon Ready in addition to UPnP OpenHome, letting me to listen to familiar music from my Roon Server on QNAP HS-453Be [TS-453Be ?] NAS. My HS-453Be does not have the fiber network card, so it is connected via RJ45. In this setup, Janos Starker, Bach Suites for Solo Cello plays with clearer shape of strings with even better contrast, giving deeper musical emotion.


Eric Clapton, Old Love: X1 is adept at this. Weak sounds are presented without strain. Strong sounds play with rich layer variations. It combines with transparent tonality and appropriate liquidity and wetness, listening to this feels great, and 13 minutes do not feel long at all.

Chris Babida, Tsai Chin, To Encounter - Chris And Friends track 1: X1 once again presents a focused and centered image with a clear shape as its strength, making the voice realistic with a dense texture and temperature thereby making it deeply emotional. I believe X1 will absolutely charm audiophiles who like listening to voices.


X1 is so great at Bagatelle music, Jazz and Rock, what about symphony? With 37th Tapei Int'l Audio & Art Show CD: even though the X1 soundstage is not too wide, the structure of the orchestra is very excellent - treble, mid, bass distribution is orderly and not messy. In particular, the front, mid, back separation and layers can easily be recognized. The resolution of whole frequency spectrum is equally good with a clean bass. Even complex music is handled by X1 easily.

It is not common for a source to be like X1 that simultaneously has rich functionality, convenient operation, elegant appearance, small physical size, HiFi grade design and manufacturing, and high level of audio reproduction, fitting any requirement of any demanding user. X1 also offers a rich listening experience, through its fiber or copper network, or its upsampling, bringing different tuning possibilities for sound quality. X1 is not complex to setup yet it has the most complete specifications and supported services. X1 will not disappoint.

[tdflance]

New to this forum. I just upgraded from the MyTek DAC+ and Auralic Aries streamer to the X1. This was the last piece of my audio chain that I wanted to upgrade(at least for now). The X1 is amazing out of the box. The detail is amazing. I have music on vinyl that I vowed would never play via digital. The other evening, my wife wanted to hear something that i typically only play on vinyl. After listening to it through the X1, I won't be touching that particular vinyl again. Great experience. BTW, i'm utilizing the Optical.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[aKnyght]

...BTW, i'm utilizing the Optical.

this is the future -- i would be interested to learn how you are delivering the optical signal to the X1... FMC, router/switch with SFP ports, etc.

glad you are liking the X1 - great piece of gear.

[tdflance]

Thanks, and my name is Sean BTW. Regarding optical. I've attached a pic of the simple setup. My router is the netgear nighthawk. TP Link.jpg

[Evo-No-Revo]

Having owned Lumin products; D1 and U1, I have been paying attention to the X1 and the reviews slowly coming out. I am rather serious about acquiring one in the near future.

But I did see when looking for other ethernet streaming dacs in the Roon Ready products from Roon's website, the new entry level DSC Bartok streaming DAC. It is has a headphone amplifier option available. I am not interested in that.

I want to use an ethernet input on my DAC and just let USB fall away from my whole.

I figure no one has compared the two but they are destined to be compared at some point. The Lumin X1 and DCS Bartok are similarly priced.

Anyone have any input as to the different implementation of these two players?

As much as I like the Lumin app, I use Roon so that's not of much importance to me.

I mostly listen to prog rock, classic rock, folk and some electronic stuff. I am not much on classical or jazz, although I certainly listen to it..

[vinci92]

Having owned Lumin products; D1 and U1, I have been paying attention to the X1 and the reviews slowly coming out. I am rather serious about acquiring one in the near future.

But I did see when looking for other ethernet streaming dacs in the Roon Ready products from Roon's website, the new entry level DSC Bartok streaming DAC. It is has a headphone amplifier option available. I am not interested in that.

I want to use an ethernet input on my DAC and just let USB fall away from my whole.

I figure no one has compared the two but they are destined to be compared at some point. The Lumin X1 and DCS Bartok are similarly priced.

Anyone have any input as to the different implementation of these two players?

As much as I like the Lumin app, I use Roon so that's not of much importance to me.

I mostly listen to prog rock, classic rock, folk and some electronic stuff. I am not much on classical or jazz, although I certainly listen to it..

I didn't auditioned the Bartok, but I read that the dCS products more treble emphasized compared to the X1, wich would be much more natural and musical.

Home: Focal Scala Utopia, Primaluna HP Premium, Lumin X1

Cottage: Devore Orangutan 0/96, Pathos TT Aniversary, Lumin D1

[Evo-No-Revo]

Thanks for the input vinci92. That is useful.


I really miss my DAVE. I wonder how DAVE with some sort of network device like dcs Network Bridge would compare (hypthetically) to the X1? I do prefer musicality more than ultimate resolution in the end. I guess that is more in the nature of the music I listen to.


I am using a Luxman L-509X integrated with Martin Logan 13a. I like the simplicity of the X1 but have gotten really good results with Chord DAVE. The DAVE has been around a few years now. I don't know if Chord is working on the next DAVE or not.

[vinci92]

Thanks for the input vinci92. That is useful.


I really miss my DAVE. I wonder how DAVE with some sort of network device like dcs Network Bridge would compare (hypthetically) to the X1? I do prefer musicality more than ultimate resolution in the end. I guess that is more in the nature of the music I listen to.


I am using a Luxman L-509X integrated with Martin Logan 13a. I like the simplicity of the X1 but have gotten really good results with Chord DAVE. The DAVE has been around a few years now. I don't know if Chord is working on the next DAVE or not.

I own a 2Qute DAC and auditioned DAVE a few times, and even taught the highs participate to a spectacular feel and are very effects revealing (reverb, delay, etc.) like the Lumin X1, I think the X1 (and even the D1) goes further in terms of 3d imaging, especially the holographic the voice position (a bit forward) and the snare position (clearly behind the voice). The voice seems to come out of a reel small mouth; Not from a wide monitor, wich is the case with Chord Dacs imo.

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[wklie]

I really miss my DAVE. I wonder how DAVE with some sort of network device like ...

The particular streamer product you mentioned does not support USB audio output. Lumin X1 / T2 / U1 / U1 MINI do. Lumin added DoP256 output specifically for Chord DAVE. Quite a number of Chord DAVE users use Lumin as a network streamer for it as they found a good synergy with this combo, as reported in a Japanese audio web site. Chord Japan even used to list us as certified compatible in the past.

As for comparing X1 to a similarly priced competitor, I'll say this. X1 is a flagship, and the other is entry level of their brand. X1 (and T2) support DSD512 (this becomes useful if you buy DSD256 music or want to try Roon / Audirvana upsampling), the other supports DSD128. X1 already has an optimal clocking system built-in, the other expects you to buy their external clock for best performance.

[dznutz]

Mike drop?

[tdflance]

Hi, I'm experiencing a Lumin App issue saving a playlist.
I’m having an issue where I attempt to save a playlist from Tidal or Qobuz and it doesn’t save. No error message displays. It appears like the function performed, but the new playlist was never created. I’ve tried multiple times, rebooted the app with same results. If i save a playlist via the desktop app, the playlist appears on the Lumin App on my iPad. Thoughts?
I’m using a new iPad 12” pro with latest iOS.

[wklie]

the new playlist was never created

Please tap the directory hierarchy button above the view icons, find the top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ, select it. Then repeat selecting the same top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ again to force refresh the app cache.

[moby1977]

Hello

How would you compare the X1 DAC performance compared to "pure" DAC in the 5k-10k range ? Or asking it differently from which DAC level would we appreciate an improvement using the X1 as a transport only?

Thanks

Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk

[wklie]

I recall that one of the early Lumin X1 customers also have another $9000 flagship DAC, and he's pleased with the X1 and said it's his new reference DAC.

[tdflance]

Please tap the directory hierarchy button above the view icons, find the top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ, select it. Then repeat selecting the same top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ again to force refresh the app cache.

Thanks Peter. I'll try this sometime this week after work.

[tdflance]

Please tap the directory hierarchy button above the view icons, find the top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ, select it. Then repeat selecting the same top-level TIDAL or QOBUZ again to force refresh the app cache.

Hi Peter, the steps you’ve outlined did not solve the issue. I did figure out what the root cause is though. The name of the playlist won’t save if you have a space in the playlist name. For example, if I save the playlist as Tracy Chapman, it won’t save. If is save it as TracyChapman, it works. This is a workaround to the issue until fixed. Should be an easy fix in the application code regarding the space character issue.

[wklie]

http://www.audiophile-magazine.com/b...sais/lumin-x1/

I think this is the English translation:
https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/lumin7/

[Ritmo]

Thanks for posting the X1 review Peter. My observations are in alignment with the reviewer as I had my old S1 side by side to the X1 in my system late last year. As good as the S1 is, it is bettered by the new X1. A bit more body to the music and excellent clarity. I liked it so much, I bought an X1.