Lumin S1 Review

BlueFox said:
I wonder if using a more conventional chassis versus the solid aluminum now favored would provide the same sound quality while lowering the price.
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Bud - that's why they came out with the T1 ($5000 MSRP). Essentially, the T1 is an A1 in a less expensive (metal) chassis.
 
Okay. Let's do the same for the S1 at $7k. I did the math of adding up the price of my file player, DAC, two power cords, and digital interconnect, and it is in that range. Having a single box and one power cord would be nice.
 
Great review Mike! This is the first time I see the comparison of the original Lumïn with the new kid on the block. Now what I like about both Linn and Lumïn is that both use the so called "open home " UPnP/AV standard. This means that you can use a lot of different control software and that playlists will be stored on the hardware so that you don't have to be connected all the time.

Due to this, and the absolutely flawless functioning I would only consider both manufacturers and was also at the standpoint that the built-in DAC is perfect.

Now there is a newer player that makes me reconsider. The Auralic Aries:
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This is a streamer only, so no DAC built-in. Streams all formats and PCM up to 384kHz and DSD128.

This device, that origins in China like the Lumïn, enables problem free streaming like with Lumïn and Linn but adds free choice of DAC. And according to German reviewers is absolutely top level sound especially if connected to the DAC through the asynchronous USB out which is jitter free. I would like to learn more about this device!

Hans
 
The new Auralic looks really cool....but again, you have to buy the DAC.

I like the all-in-one solution from Lumin.

I hope James & Co. come out with a BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. That would be cool too.

At the end of the day, I think we are starting to see the end of tradition Mc or Windows computers in our audio systems.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
For $2.5K less than the S1, I'd get this DAC/preamp music server:
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Drive amps drively, comes with a remote and headphone amp:
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Hey Dan, you live in a magical place ! I love Maui, we have a Westin timeshare on Kaanapali beach.
 
MDP said:
Hey Dan, you live in a magical place ! I love Maui, we have a Westin timeshare on Kaanapali beach.
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Mahalo for supporting our economy.

Here's a picture from my listening room:

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Mike said:
In addition to new and multiple DAC chips, a new clock, the S1 also sports a new power supply. The S1 power supply is slightly longer than the A1 power supply. The S1 power supply has larger capacitors which, as I understand it, are required for the new multi channel DAC chips. That’s it….as far as I know. So, for those of you wanting the S1 power supply for your A1, my question would be, why? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the S1 Power Supply won’t turn your A1 into an S1. If you want a different (improved?) sound out of your A1, try the Ken Lau after market power supply.
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Not to bust your balls Mike but different strokes for different folks. The 6 Moons followup on Lumin S1 had reviewer there stating he thought S1 power supply did improve A1, even more so than Ken's PSU(s). I'm aware you've heard both. Again different strokes. That Auralic looks like they let architect Frank G. loose on the design. Now I'm guilty of mixing structural architect and audio component designs. Can't help a smirk every time I see audiophile "play" lists as they all have a compilation of the same selections on their devices. There are only so many Hi-Res recordings available so all of us relishing our discerning music tastes end up with much the same stuff no matter who we are. LINN, Naim, etc. can nay say SQ benefits of DSD till cows come home, but if DSD really grabs a large share of market they will join the party. Will there ever be much availability of double DSD? Who knows? Only things certain IMO is uncertainty, more data being stored on cloud storage services and death. Many of us old enough to hear several names of people in out age demographic passing away each week. So it goes! Keep up your good work on AS.
 
I read he tried the Ken Lau power supply on the S1, but preferred the stock. I don't see where he tried the S1 PS on the A1. Where did you see that?

It doesn't matter anyway, Li said they will not sell the S1 PS separately. As I said in my review, it's minor change was only to accommodate the different DAC in the S1.
 
Mike said:
I read he tried the Ken Lau power supply on the S1, but preferred the stock. I don't see where he tried the S1 PS on the A1. Where did you see that?

It doesn't matter anyway, Li said they will not sell the S1 PS separately. As I said in my review, it's minor change was only to accommodate the different DAC in the S1.
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Joel Chevassus, August 2014

"How about applying the S1 PSU to the A1 in a cheap trick of reverse engineering?
First, it’s always amazing to hear the impact of a modification to a power supply on the overall sonic result. Surprisingly, Pixel Magic’s pragmatic approach to alter only a few carefully selected critical components became to my ears the winningest strategy over the audiophile-grade parts approach of the Hong Kong DIYer. The S1 PSU brought better dynamics, a slightly wider soundstage and a bit more detail. The sound was also a bit more forward whilst the Kenneth Lau version delivered a more relaxed laid-back perspective. It might be a matter of personal taste but I honestly thought that the S1 PSU gave a slightly better overall result than the DIY version."

Kind of what I suspected and hence my persistence in trying to get hold of a S1 PSU. Usually better to have the original designers supply an upgraded PSU as they know their design best.

Cheers
 
Well, I know Li is reading this....maybe he will chime in.

Here's the question - what would people pay for it? Would they jump at $1000, but balk at $2500?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Mike said:
Well, I know Li is reading this....maybe he will chime in.

Here's the question - what would people pay for it? Would they jump at $1000, but balk at $2500?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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Well it's rather moot being Pixel Magic/Lumin will not fill the need, however given the Lumin S1 PSU parts I saw in close-up photos of 6 moons review, the parts can't add-up to much. I'd guess $1000 would give Pixel Magic a nice profit. My take on initial launch of Lumin A1 was that the display was disappointing. Why bother if it's hard to read from any distance from unit? The Sony displays on most AV gear have super sharp displays that are much easier to see from listening position(s). They could have left that silly display off (I've communicated with three Lumin users who don't bother with the display at all - same as me.) and used some of the savings to build a robust aluminum case for the PSU's to match the A1/S1's aluminum cases. Now that would have been an audio product with real class. Why have blue display that is nowhere near a match (on any of three settings!) for the PSU "blue circle light"? These are details most audiophile companies nail down. Don't get me wrong though, I like my Lumin after getting initial problems worked out, and having all of ones' music controlled with an iPad is irresistible.
 
Mike said:
S1. Imaging is sharper. Voices are more sweet.
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A new comparison of LUMIN S1 vs LUMIN A1 has just been published by a Hong Kong audio web site:
feverSound.com | ????(?)

Here's a translation of selected points from that article.

Equipment:
- Brinkmann Marconi
- PSI Audio A25-M
- Supra and In-Akustik Cat.7
- Synology NAS and MinimServer
- All network equipment changed to use linear power supply or isolation transformer
- Ethernet <-> Fiber converter with linear power supply [Note: Doing Ethernet -> Optical -> Ethernet conversion reduces noise]
- Solidsteel rack

The author was initially a little disappointed by the sound coming out from a brand new S1 - it had higher density but was less musical and comparatively cold. Then he burned it in for 24 hours x 1 month using 44.1kHz to 192kHz PCM and DSD music with perfect playback and extreme stability. After this burn-in, the S1 retains the high-definition clarity but the harshness is gone!

The advantages of S1 over A1 are: (points taken from different paragraphs of the article)
- 《Misty》 XRCD: A1 already has excellent imaging, but S1 has even stronger microdynamics and increased airy-ness
- 《Now the Green Blade Riseth》 DSF: with the A1 the whole Stockholm Cathedral Choir appears, but the S1 even manages to expand horizontal, vertical and front/back soundstage simultaneously
- 《Sympathique》《Que Sera Sera》: A1 has impeccable combination of sweet voice and music, but the S1 is sweeter and offers clearer details
- 《Con Amore》 K2HD: A1 already has very strong dynamics, but S1 pushes the music to a new level with shocking density
- The greatest audio quality difference between S1 and A1 is the S1's higher density and microdynamics. Although A1 is already very good, the S1 flagship truly belongs to the High End class with its super clear sound.
- Lumin App is the best among all music streamers the author tried.

Tips:
- Use good network cables
- Lumin volume should be kept at 100
- Audio output level should be kept as Normal
- CD De-emphasis should normally be off, only very few CDs require it
 
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