Lumin T2 vs. D2

J

JCS123

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I've had the D2 in my system for a couple of days now in place of the T2. Both have been fully broken in for several months, so I think I can offer a pretty fair comparison of the two (one blue collar man's opinion - I don't presume to be an expert gear reviewer).

So how does the D2 compare to the T2 to me? It holds up pretty darn well. The Wolfson DAC sounds a little more "analogue" or maybe "tube-like", with the T2' Sabre DACs sounding more detailed and a little brighter on top, with maybe a bigger soundstage, a bit tighter bass and a magical reproduction of percussion instruments. But the differences aren't that huge. I could see some people preferring the more laid-back sound of the D2.

At right around half the price of the T2's MSRP, the D2 has to be one of the best bargains out there. If anybody is on the fence - if you don't think you can get the LUMIN-level sonics out of their entry-level network player, think again. Do yourself a favor and audition one if you can. You might end up eventually moving up the LUMIN line, but don't be surprised if you end up keeping it. I moved up to the T2, but I decided to keep the D2 for a second system that hasn't come together yet and boy am I glad I did!
 
JCS123 said:
I've had the D2 in my system for a couple of days now in place of the T2. Both have been fully broken in for several months, so I think I can offer a pretty fair comparison of the two (one blue collar man's opinion - I don't presume to be an expert gear reviewer).

So how does the D2 compare to the T2 to me? It holds up pretty darn well. The Wolfson DAC sounds a little more "analogue" or maybe "tube-like", with the T2' Sabre DACs sounding more detailed and a little brighter on top, with maybe a bigger soundstage, a bit tighter bass and a magical reproduction of percussion instruments. But the differences aren't that huge. I could see some people preferring the more laid-back sound of the D2.

At right around half the price of the T2's MSRP, the D2 has to be one of the best bargains out there. If anybody is on the fence - if you don't think you can get the LUMIN-level sonics out of their entry-level network player, think again. Do yourself a favor and audition one if you can. You might end up eventually moving up the LUMIN line, but don't be surprised if you end up keeping it. I moved up to the T2, but I decided to keep the D2 for a second system that hasn't come together yet and boy am I glad I did!
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I don't know.... that there sounds like a pretty solid "gear review" to me. Anyhow this is a public internet forum meant for such opining and informal reviewing, not a magazine site, so I think you're good to go (and did a perfectly serviceable job at it).

Lumin has been addictive to me. Right after I sit down and say, "yeah, this sounds great I really don't ever need to change it", I start thinking, "if this sounds this good, I wonder how great the next one up sounds". After a bunch of years that's led to the X1 that I really shouldn't have spent that kind of money on lol.
 
Ive now owned the X1 four times. Its incredible for what it is and the support cant be matched. Its also one of the most versatile and adjustable components I have ever used.
 
Update:

I've had the T2 with new board back in the system for a week or two, replacing the D2 that was in its place for about 6 months. My previous comparison was when I swapped the D2 in after only a few weeks with the T2. So far, I've noticed the following:

1) In addition to the more "sparkling" highs that I remembered and expected, I didn't realize previously how much better the bass is through the T2 - more substantial and tight.

2) Having spent considerable time with both units now, I can say that to my ears the D2 is more forgiving of bad recordings and the T2 extracts more beautiful sounds from the good recordings. Sometimes, upsampling to DSD helps, and it is sure a nice option to have. I stream Qobuz about 90-95% of the time, with the rest split between internet radio and CD's. So my impressions relate almost exclusively to the Qobuz/LUMIN player/LUMIN App experience, which to me is a formidable combination. I know this is highly subjective, but it is very good to me in my modest system.

I'm in no hurry to change anything, and no - I won't be getting rid of my most capable back-up (the wonderful D2) any time soon. After settling in with it for the spring and summer, it has grown on me enough for me to think about creating that second system that I haven't gotten around to setting up yet.
 
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