Lumin or Esoteric?

[mostlybaffled]

Hi,

I have an Esoteric N-03-T network transport I'm happy with. My local hi-fi dealer sent me some information about the new Lumin U2X and has suggested this may be an improvement.

Has anyone made this change? How different are Lumin and Esoteric network transports? I'd be grateful for any opinions and advice.

Thanks

 

[Rnrmf]

I haven't heard either so can't voice an opinion.

The biggest Lumin advantage for me is that firmware updates are done over the internet whereas Esoteric requires a Windows computer and usb stick for some updates.

From a build standpoint, the Esoteric certainly appears to have an advantage.

It's possible that an advantage to either one is specific to what digital output you use, too.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Esoteric can be updated via the internet now. I'm not sure on older models but my n05xd can as well as my friend's Esoteric N01T, I believe that's the right model.

Good question, following.

 

[Rnrmf]

Esoteric can be updated via the internet now. I'm not sure on older models but my n05xd can as well as my friend's Esoteric N01T, I believe that's the right model.

Good question, following.

That's great if the new models make firmware upgrades easier.

I think the Esoteric website still seems to suggest a Windows computer is necessary for unit updates but that the network firmware updates are done via the internet.

Here is the page for your N05XD: https://www.esoteric.jp/en/product/n-05xd/download

I was looking at getting a used N03-T last year or earlier and was disappointed that I'd need a Windows computer to update the unit's firmware.

 

[mostlybaffled]

I haven't heard either so can't voice an opinion.

The biggest Lumin advantage for me is that firmware updates are done over the internet whereas Esoteric requires a Windows computer and usb stick for some updates.

From a build standpoint, the Esoteric certainly appears to have an advantage.

It's possible that an advantage to either one is specific to what digital output you use, too.

Esoteric certainly build solid devices. The latest Lumin has features which the N-03-T lacks, such as a clock output and the possibility for accepting optical input via an OmniLan switch. I am as yet unclear in how far these would improve sound quality.

I know that Esoteric and Lumin cooperate when it comes to streamers and network transports but I don't know whether this is in the area of software, hardware, or both.

 

[Mr Peabody]

That's great if the new models make firmware upgrades easier.

I think the Esoteric website still seems to suggest a Windows computer is necessary for unit updates but that the network firmware updates are done via the internet.

Here is the page for your N05XD: https://www.esoteric.jp/en/product/n-05xd/download

I was looking at getting a used N03-T last year or earlier and was disappointed that I'd need a Windows computer to update the unit's firmware.

Thanks, I stand corrrected. Seems you can update network firmware using the app and internet but core firmware still requires a computer. I'm a bad owner I didn't realize that, LOL Seems the core updates are infrequent.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Esoteric certainly build solid devices. The latest Lumin has features which the N-03-T lacks, such as a clock output and the possibility for accepting optical input via an OmniLan switch. I am as yet unclear in how far these would improve sound quality.

I know that Esoteric and Lumin cooperate when it comes to streamers and network transports but I don't know whether this is in the area of software, hardware, or both.

There's a good exchange on clocks in a thread on the n05xd. To my understanding in order for the clock to help you should have more than one unit with clock input. A clock will not help on Esoteric if using the USB input. Most report the esoteric clocks make a nice improvement when applicable.