advantages of a LUMIN player against a "streaming DAC" ?

[bmichels]

I am very interested in the LUMIN X1 as a "single box" alternative to a streamer + an external DAC, but... I would like to understand what is the real difference between a LUMIN player (marketed as a streamer with a built-in DAC) and ... a "streaming DAC" (like Brinkmann nyquist, Auralic Vega G2, Rossini DAC, Merging NADAC, Ayre QX-5 twenty.....) which are marketed as a DAC with streaming capability ?

When connected to a USB HD, a NAS or to Internet, the result seems to be the same: there is only 1 box when streaming from HD or internet, but.... the external streaming DAC has the advantage to also can be used with some external sources like CD, ...? ```

so.. what is the real advantage of a LUMIN against a "streaming DAC" ? booth need an external storage for the music library..

 

[wklie]

Functionally they are indeed similar. However, the differences lie in the details, in addition to sound quality. Two of the mentioned brands use a network board purchased from a third party. I think they are limited to 24/192 and DSD64 for network input, if I'm not mistaken. One of them uses a different network board purchased from a different third party, and it seems they still have outstanding issues with Roon for a long time. The apps for these third party network boards do not work as well as Lumin app. Lumin is also unique in that it offers the most choices of UI, in case you need to find an alternative to Lumin app for any reason - Roon, other OpenHome apps such as Linn Kazoo, Bubble DS Next, and even JRiver.

Three of the models you listed are not MQA certified, in case you stream Tidal. Lumin is MQA Roon Ready with native Tidal Qobuz Spotify and AirPlay support.

 

[bmichels]

Thank for your answer. Multiple choice of UI is indeed a big Plus. I wonder if DEEZER integration is planed in the future ? Indeed, I use some time DEEZER to be able to real the lyrics while I play a song. This is very handy. I know ROON can also do this, but I am reluctant to set-up a ROON Server just to be able to real Lyrics while the LUMIN app is so good.

 

[wklie]

I think it is possible to AirPlay from Deezer app to Lumin. (Even if it gets integrated natively, our app will not be able to show the lyrics.)

 

[FDPDK]

Another thing i like to mention , is the updates we get for free from Lumin. I think its a great + , and that way we got MQA for free , how cool is that !

Flemming

 

[nonesup]

In that aspect of the firmware updates I do not think there is a company like Lumin, it's impressive.
On the other hand I am sure that the new X1 will sound fantastic, however I think that at this point they have lost the opportunity to go the way of MSB or Brikmann in relation to the ease of updating the hardware. When within three or four years the X1 begins to be obsolete, the only solution if you want to continue with Lumin will be to sell it and buy the new W1....

 

[lscangus]

In that aspect of the firmware updates I do not think there is a company like Lumin, it's impressive.
On the other hand I am sure that the new X1 will sound fantastic, however I think that at this point they have lost the opportunity to go the way of MSB or Brikmann in relation to the ease of updating the hardware. When within three or four years the X1 begins to be obsolete, the only solution if you want to continue with Lumin will be to sell it and buy the new W1....

The X1 is the first LUMIN player to have USB audio output ( Native DSD support ), acting as a network transport for your fav. DAC.