For roughly 18 months, I've had my Lumin T2 connected to my McIntosh C2600 preamp via XLR, which was then connected to my McIntosh MC275 amp via XLR. Both have had a small amount of tube rolling to taste.
I was 100% happy and content with the sound I was getting. Thrilled actually.
Over our recent holiday break I experimented a bit...
I pulled the C2600 out, and now have my T2 directly connected to my McIntosh MC275 via XLR.
I turned on the Leedh feature, fiddled a bit with the Max Volume setting (a nice feature all by itself, BTW), and the Lumin app volume control (the Circle).
I tried very hard to have zero expectations; trying to avoid confirmation bias... if anything I was probably looking to justify my preamp's existence.
Going without the preamp resulted in more detail, cleaner highs without affecting the bottom end or the mids. Lifting of the proverbial veil. The difference is astounding, and was immediately evident. I'm literally flabbergasted by the difference.
Adjusting volume via the app is a bit klutzy as I don't always use the Lumin app (Thankyou Tidal Connect).
My Lumin remote kit is on order. The C2600 will likely be for sale as the T2 is my only source.
I'm a little late to this party, but props to the folks from Lumin.
Editorial Feature Request: Quboz Connect, then I can discontinue Tidal and their MQA nonsense.