Better than CHEAPER streamers? Lumin D3 network player review

Lumin D3 Network Player: www.luminmusic.com/lumin-d3.html
Thank you to Linsoul for sponsoring Passion for Sound: bit.ly/LinSoul
A review of the Lumin D3 network player / music streamer including discussion of what happens when you spend more money on a network player in the context of others like the WiiM Mini, WiiM Pro, WiiM Pro Plus, and EverSolo DMP-A8. Also includes testing with a high quality DAC and comparisons between the D3's internal DAC and the Schiit Bifrost 2/64.
My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
ZMF Atrium - $2,499 - www.zmfheadphones.com/
Meze Elite - $4,000 - bit.ly/3UMIDWb
Focal Utopia (2022) - $4,999 - amzn.to/44xEHvx
My top recommended IEMS (prices in USD)
KZ ESX - $30 - amzn.to/4bpMyxC
Tangzu FUDU - $89 - amzn.to/3UvOrlk
Simgot EM6L - $129 - amzn.to/4a3SLy1
Thieaudio Elixir - $209 - amzn.to/3ULd9zr
7Hz Timeless - $220 - amzn.to/3QslVA8
Yanyin Canon II - $379 - bit.ly/YanCanII
Xenns Mangird Top - $530 - bit.ly/XENNSTopLin
Sennheiser IE600 - $700 - amzn.to/44AxcUQ
Sennheiser IE900 - $849 - amzn.to/4b66wxy
Westone Mach 70 - $1,400 - amzn.to/3ULUK5P
My top recommended TRANSPORTS (prices in USD)
WiiM Pro - $168 - amzn.to/4bpTDOw
SMSL PL200 CD - $669 - amzn.to/3Wsd0lJ
Eversolo DMP-A6 (Master Edition) - $1,299 - amzn.to/44sBMUR
Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
My top recommended WIRELESS 'PHONES (prices in USD)
Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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Like the music in this video? You can get it here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
00:00 Introduction
00:14 Price & specs
01:33 Device tour
04:35 Streamer performance levels
05:26 WiiM Mini vs Wiim Pro
08:56 WiiM Pro vs EverSolo DMP-A8
11:24 EverSolo DMP-A8 vs Lumin D3
13:26 Lumin D3 sound impressions
16:11 Lumin D3 DAC performance
20:32 Lumin App
22:50 DAC quality with upsampling
24:01 Wrap-up
#audiophile #audioreview #streamer

[@fatdoi003]

Personally I prefer streamer and dac separate as each part can be upgraded individually

[@PassionforSound]

I'm with you on that one.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Don't forget the preamp and headphone amp that's always jammed in there too!

[@PassionforSound]

There's no headphone amp in any of these streamers and the preamp is just a result of modern digital processing in DAC chips (except with the DMP-A8) so it's not really an extra circuit.

[@thefourthcolor]

Dude, I love the way you do comparisons. I'll never be touching the kind of higher end gear you get to play with, but the way you are able to explain how it all works is always engaging and interesting. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂🙂

[@adsph]

Appreciate the way you compared the streamers here. Well done.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks.

[@johnstone9352]

This is an excellent review. I have watched quite a few reviews on these network players and by looking at each of them in terms of their price and performance and discussing the systems they suit best, you've been more helpful than great majority of them. Thank you.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm so glad I could help! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

[@mikkot]

Thanks for the great review/comparison! I am on a seemingly endless hunt for the *perfect* (for me) upgrade from N130 and this was all excellent information. I use an external DAC (Qutest), but had started to consider streamers i.e. DAC included just to widen the net. This review put me squarely back on the transport-only path 😅 If/when you get the U2 Mini, please do a deep dive on it! That would be really appreciated

[@PassionforSound]

I'll see what I can arrange. So glad you found this video helpful.

[@letstalkaudio]

I have my Lumin U2 mini plugged into my Mscaler and Hugo TT2. I love it!!! It sounds amazing to me.😊

[@PassionforSound]

That would be a great combination!

[@luminmusic]

Great to hear that you're enjoying LUMIN U2 Mini!

[@melvinsng2292]

Thanks for another great review Lachlan. I was looking at the D3 and X1 but your review has given me whole alternative to consider - the U2 mini - since I already have the Chord MScaler and TT2!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad I could help! The U2 and U2 Mini look like great options for those with excellent DACs already.

[@ramasuharman7962]

So the u2 mini have same streaming quality as d3?

[@PassionforSound]

I'm not 100% sure yet, but I think it might. I've just received the U2 and U2 Mini in for review so stay tuned... 🙂

[@ramasuharman7962]

@@PassionforSound wow! Look forward to your take on these!

[@danielheffernan7897]

Great vid as always. Would be interested in your opinions on the 2 streamers from Volumio, the Riva and Primo as they seem similar to the Lumin ones but I believe they are cheaper? They are interesting all the same.

[@PassionforSound]

I tried the Primo (I think?) ages ago and it was excellent, but not sure how it would compare to these bigger hitters. I'll see what I can do to try the current models.

[@nespodzany]

I had been toying with the idea of upgrading my Cambridge CXN V2 to the U2 mini running in ROON-only mode; thanks for pushing me that last bit to go ahead and do it. Cheers!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. I think you'll be really happy!

[@orlandomiranda5011]

Lachlan thank you for review. I am going to purchase the WiiM Pro to use with my RME ADI-2 DAC. Hopefully that would be a good fit.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad I could help. That should make for a great setup!

[@joesymes2808]

Like your take on the Lumin streaming sound, I have a Lumin U1 mini with an S Booster external LPS which i'm very happy with. Rest of system at present is Kinki Studio Ex-M1 Intergrated, Gustard R26 / Denafrips Pontus 2 Dacs, Gustard U18 DDC, Hulgich Nina standmount speakers and a Rel T7/x sub. Good to see Cat Power / Sings Dylan on your playlist, it gets my nod for album of the year 2023. Appreciate your awesome reviews. Cheers from Albany WA

[@denizekin80]

May I ask, what was your selection process of the Kinki EX-M1? What else did you consider and how did you make your pick? Im currently running a Schiit system with Aegir and Freya+ into Buchardt speakers and am launching and upgrade projects. Had my eyes on Kinki for a while. Would appreciate any insight you could share.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Joe! Happy new year.

[@joesymes2808]

My pleasure Lachlan and here's hoping 2024 is a great year. If end up running with the U2 Mini the LPS kit is a definite upgrade.@@PassionforSound

[@genkifd]

your system is kind of similar to mine - Lumin Mini U1 with LPS into Audio GD components to my Hulgich Dukes.

[@joesymes2808]

@@genkifd Haven't heard the Dukes as yet but hopefully will be in Melbourne for the StereoNet HiFi Show to have a listen to them and maybe the new Ella's if available. Might see you there ( Joe13 / StereoNet )

[@RudolfLas]

I use Lumin U1X (U1+X1 PSU) and have found the lumin sounds best with HMS+TT2 if those Firmware update and display options are set to Off. I have fiber opto converter on LAN input. And USB output goes through 2 in series connected Uptone IsoRegens before the signal gets into the MScaler. Using immensely expensive Cardas Clear Beyond XL to power the Lumin U1X, it really shines in the headphones , mine Focal Utopia and Stelia. Yes there is some magic why the network transport/ player impacts overall sound quality when paired with the higher level gear. Thank you for your comparisons. Highly appreciated. All the test tracks you mention I r 26:11 eally like to seek and listen to then 😂 so many good music tips from you, I love it.. 26:11

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for sharing your setup and listening experiences with it!

[@shanestephenson8423]

Nice review, Lachlan.👍

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks mate!

[@bobb.9917]

This was very informative…Lumin was not on my radar.I am into separates so I am going to check out The U2 Mini Streamer. Also, do you have any plans to review The Volumio Rivo…That looks like a winner as well!

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you liked the review! I'm hoping to try the U2 or U2 Mini soon. I'll reach out to Volumio and see what we can arrange.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great video! I'm looking into upgrading my Bluesound Node and you're making me think of going to separates (transport/DAC). How would you say the D3 compares to the Node?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't ever tried the Node outside of HiFi show conditions so I can't really comment on it, but based on my limited exposure, I expect the Node is probably somewhere between the WiiM Pro and the EverSolo DMP-A6 so the D3 (or a transport only equivalent) should be a nice step up.

[@johngutmanis3580]

Thank you for another exemplary review! Do you think a Lumin u2 mini into an Ares 12 DAC would sound a lot better than a WiiM pro into the Denifrips Ares 12? I am using McIntosh c50 pre, McIntosh mc352 amp and Klipsch La Scala speakers into a well treated room? Thank you again, really appreciate your reviews!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi John, that's a tough one! I'd say the Ares will give you some benefit from the Lumin vs the WiiM, but I wonder if the difference in price between the WiiM and Lumin would be better put towards upgrading to a Pontus, Yggy, Gustards R26, etc. I.e. I wonder if the WiiM with one of those DACs might give you even better sound than the Lumin with the Ares.

[@johngutmanis3580]

Than

[@keithjohnson2863]

I use the Shanling M3X DAP as a digital transport. Originally the USB output went directly into the DAC (Ladder Schumann R2R). I added the Douk Audio $65 DDC powered by an iFi 5V linear power supply to convert the signal from USB to optical (and later I2S) for the DAC input. That made an audible difference. I had originally bought the DDC and power supply for different purposes, I only tried this because I already had the components in my possession. They really bought my music to life in a way I did not expect. It makes me wonder if I'll get a similar improvement if I upgrade to DDC to a device in the $350 - $500 range.

[@PassionforSound]

It's pretty amazing what a tweak like that can do, isn't it? I haven't tried the Douk DDC so I can't help with whether or not a better DDC will improve the sound further, but it's definitely possible if the better device has even better power filtering. For example the Singxer SU-6 uses super capacitors to completely isolate the power input from the internals of the DDC so that might be a good option.

[@larryh9525]

The series of reviews starting with Wiim's and thru the Eversolo's have been excellent and saved me a bunch of time (and no doubt money). My base system is a Rotel A11 Tribute with a pair of KEF LS50 Meta. In my case the output from the DAC is feed into a Paradigm/Anthem Room Correction module. My source is Qobuz via a Windows 11 PC using Audirvana Studio. I found the biggest change in my system was when I stopped connecting the PC to the DAC and started using a Wiim Mini connecting to Qobuz via UPNP (Kernel-mode). Using the native Wiim app provides the lowest sound quality when streaming. Playing Qobuz via AS, even on a Mini works well. During December, I upgraded to a Wiim Pro and noticed a small increase in sound quality. I'm certain that my DAC (SMSL-SU1) is the limiting factor. However, I very much like the sound (and cost) of the SU1.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad the videos have been helpful! Thanks for sharing your experiences. Hopefully you can find a new DAC with the same general qualities as the SU-1 when you're ready for the next step. 🙂

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Your dac is fine, it's basically transparent to the source.

[@larryh9525]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I agree. With most things in life, I function based on the point of diminishing returns. My system will get me 80% of what's achievable from a higher-end system for 20% of the cost.

[@mehmetcamat4458]

Thank you for the great insight. I would like to know how would you compare D3 all in one with the Gustard R26 considering you are using only Roon streaming on both devices

[@PassionforSound]

It's a bit tricky to answer that because I don't have the R26 here anymore and could only properly compare by connecting the Lumin to the R26. As a single box unit, I'd definitely take the R26 because its DAC is better than the D3 DAC. However, the D3 with a better DAC can sound even better still. At this point though, I'd be looking at a transport only rather than the network player D3 if you're not going to use the onboard DAC.

[@samlee2562]

Niccccce 👌 I'll stick with my current setup and look forward to upgrading after my kids leave home in 20 years by which time this tech will cost a fiver 🤝!

[@PassionforSound]

Haha! The good old trickle down effect...

[@larsjuuleriksen2468]

Thanks for a great review. How would you rate the soundquality of DMP-A8 internal DAC vs the Lumin D3 internal DAC?

[@PassionforSound]

Good question! I haven't directly compared them, but I would probably take the DMP-A8 due to the benefits of the AK4499EX DAC chip over the ESS chips in the Lumin.

[@larsjuuleriksen2468]

@@PassionforSound Thanks for taking your time replying 🙂 It would be nice if you could find time to do sonic comparison 🙂

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have the D3 here anymore to offer that - sorry

[@aceofspades6667]

Couldn’t agree more on the importance of the source in a hp or 2 channel chain. I’ve tried a few up market streamers after going the wiim pro and BlueSound node route and well worth the money spent.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Ace.

[@jackbaker9023]

I enjoyed your review. Sound quality is the only thing that matters to me. To that end, I have built my system around Audio Note equipment thinking it was the best for me (actually the equipment is on order, and I don't have it yet). But what I have discovered is that Audio Note isn't into streaming, and leaves the customer to figure out what kind of streamer to incorporate into the system. The DAC I will be getting is a non-over sampling DAC. Do you think the Lumin U2 mini (or U2) will be a good match for a non-over sampling DAC? Do you have any thoughts on Innuos streamers? The dealer has recommended cheap streamers like Sonos, which to me seems really crazy given how much everything else is going to cost. I will appreciate any thoughts you may have. Thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, I'm with you - steer clear of the Sonos for your level of system. (For the record, I use a couple of Sonos speakers and love them, but they're not a high end streaming solution). I am relatively new to the world of high end streamers so I can't offer a lot of advice, but any high quality streamer will deliver a great input to your DAC so you won't go too far wrong with Lumin, Innuos, Auralic, etc.

[@stephens2r338]

I bought the D2 as my introduction into streaming. I only used the streamer and up sampling and not its dac, it sounded better with my 20 year old dCS Elgar. The SBooster upgrade is a must! I bought it over the U2 with the idea that maybe its easier to sell a on in a couple of years. I don't know if it was the right decision but now own a dCS Bartok as as a one box solution.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you've enjoyed the D2! I imagine the Bartok must sound great. I'm yet to try one.

[@xray111xxx]

I really enjoyed the Lumin. It sounded great. You better be ready to pay. I was a Lumin dealer and Auralic they have been a favorite. But with Eversolo and the A6 for many who cares? But for those who want great Lumin and Auralic is here too. Others too. But my buddies are most steak and potatoes not Caviar every day.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. There's no doubt that the Lumin is better than the EverSolo when directly compared, but since removing the D3 from my system, I've been completely satisfied with the EverSolo.

[@djhmax09]

I have auralic G2... It's great if you upgrade the power supply imo

[@colinbrowne281]

Would love to hear your review of Volumio Rivo against the Lumin. Cheaper but no DAC. So picks up the commentary about matching to your "favourite" DAC whether bifrost, Hugo, or R2R

[@PassionforSound]

I'd like to try that one too. I'll see what's possible...

[@Alextraz]

I will really appreciate to get some advise. I have arcam a19 amp and arcam ir dac with wiim mini and kef r3 meta. I recently updated my speakers and now i am looking at the rest of my system. From what i have got from your channel a jump to wiim pro is for sure good to have. I am also thinking to update in prioroty order my amp to arcam sa20 or maybe a25 or atoll in200se. Those do come with internal dacs but potentially I might buy extarn ...denafrips enyo seems a nice option. Now my question is wouldn't it be better to go to eversolo A6 or Cambridge mxn10 with the option to have a usb allowing to stream DSD files from the streamer to the dac? Isnt in general a usb a better connection between dac and streamer? What would you consider a balance price/performence for streamer and dac(exterbal if necessary) to maximize the kef r3 meta. Many thanks in advance.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know the Arcam products so it makes it a little difficult to recommend DACs and streamers if you plan to use their internal DACs. However, I do think the DMP-A6 is a nice choice with both a good internal DAC if you choose to use it l, but also lots of versatility to output into other DACs. As for connection types, if you're using DSD, USB or IIS are really the only options to go for. If you're not running DSD, I think each connection type is pretty safe with a quality cable. The challenge is that all different devices might perform slightly differently from each connection type (output or input) so it can be a case of trial and error to find which is optimal. On good gear, though, the differences should be small enough to not worry too much about it.

[@Kukkema]

Hi. I have a wiim mini connected to the dac inside the audiolab7000a. Would upgrading to the pro give me better results? Or should I be looking for a separate dac ? New to this but think the audiolab has a decent dac

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know the Audiolab specifically, but the output from the Pro is clearly better than the Mini so I'd start with that or you could look at something like the EverSolo DMP-A6/A8 and use the internal DACs in those if it's better.

[@jordancentola6701]

So when you were comparing the wiim and wiim pro, did u have those going threw the same dac and still got differances??

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct. I explained this in much more detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbbpmqfrdmblacsi=QDnE82nsgPTAek_5

[@sopasadena1499]

I found using an external iPhone battery with the Wiim Pro provides a large improvement in sonic clarity. Next step is to try a linear power supply with the Wiim Pro. Your thoughts? p.s. This comment applies to my using a Geshelli J2S with sparkos and linear power supply as my dac. pps 5v linear power supply just arrived. Even better performance than the 5v battery pack

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, that makes a lot of sense! Improving the power input quality will always improve the sound of a DAC at this level where power filtering is limited by price and size.

[@jasonallen1205]

Just from watching your videos, it appears that you would be a HUGE fan of just getting a Wiim streamer paired with a bifrost 2/64 for maximum bang for your buck plus added flexibility in the future. Would that be a fair observation? Thanks for all your reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure! That would definitely be a great combo, but I prefer the EverSolo gear because I use a desktop setup and having the touch screen is really helpful.

[@johnb6677]

Is there a difference in sound quality between using RCA connects from a DAC to an amp vs XLR cables?

[@PassionforSound]

Not necessarily. It all depends on the DAC and the amp, but in all of my testing, I VERY rarely hear a difference between the two connection types on decent gear.

[@xray111xxx]

Yes Roon ready.

[@Michael_mki233]

Ah, another rabbit hole. I love my Sonore UltraRendu for how much of an improvement it made. I also can't stand it because it's just one more thing to have to spend money on, lol. Now that you've taken a look at something from Lumin, you'll have to try to track down something from Antipodes or Taiko. 😁

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. So many options to consider and explore!

[@johngutmanis3580]

Thanks for the insight about maybe selling the Ares12 and going to a Venus or better DAC and keeping the WiiM pro for now. I power the WiiM pro with an iFi linear power supply instead 😊of the usb supplied. I am not sure it makes a huge difference. I would really like my next DAC to have Is2 input like the Ares and a remote. Can you suggest something? With a great DAC I would also run my Oppo and my Sony streamer into it as well. Again thank you very much for the suggestion!

[@PassionforSound]

The iFi power supplies are meant to be excellent so it should be slightly improving the WiiM's performance. As for the DAC, if you're happy with the Ares and want IIS, I'd stick with Denafrips and just move up in their range. I haven't tried the Venus, but the Pontus II is definitely an excellent DAC.

[@johngutmanis3580]

@@PassionforSound Thanks for the advice have a great day and I look forward to your next review!

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you, Rainer!

[@kurt120032002]

I am really curious how a pi2aes would sound compare to this when power with a really hi end linear power supply. I mean around 1000E linear power supply or even better. GoldenSound measured it and it has very low jitter, so paired with a good linear PSU should be very good even compared to more expensive devices, and would be fun to see how much it's performance can be push. I know Rockna just release it's 5000 E Source and has a 10k Euro source. In the future I will get the 5k one and will see if does outperform a 1500 Euro pi 2 Aes (with source and everything.)

[@PassionforSound]

I've got the original Pi2AES here and it's great, but it performs more like the EverSolo DMP-A6 than the Lumin. I reviewed it ages ago in a streamer roundup. I didn't use a linear supply at the time, bit having done lots of tests with and without linear supplies on gear, it will never completely transform a device so much as just slightly improve the performance that's already there. Jitter alone doesn't tell the whole story of a device's performance.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Lumin U2 is what I'd like your view on. Particularly versus Rose RS130 for a pure Roon user.

[@PassionforSound]

I'll see what I can get my hands on... 🙂

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@PassionforSound Thank you! 😊

[@richardrobertson3353]

I am looking for the best streamer (sound quality) to be Paired with a Schiit Yggy. Any suggestions ?

[@PassionforSound]

It depends a lot on your budget, but I'd definitely look at the Lumin network transport range based on the D3's performance.

[@deadline7610]

Thanks. At the Lumin website I can't find any info. of cost $ US on the Lumin U2 mini ? Is it free :) Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

That would be nice! 😉 Perhaps do a search for your local retailers and see what comes up there. It's $3,600 AUD here, but I don't know where you are to assist with local pricing. Edit: just re-read your post. It's $2,400 USD on the couple of sites I checked in the US.

[@steverino5054]

Lumin vs Aurender? Hard to decide. Maybe more about app preferences....

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't compared them, but I suspect you're right. They're probably comparable on sound so the apps are the key. 🙂

[@aussie8114]

The mini at $3,600 seems a lot for just a streaming transport. I’m using the Bluesound Node as a streaming transport.

[@PassionforSound]

It's definitely not cheap, but the quality jump is significant from lower model (i.e. affordable) streamers to the D3.

[@aussie8114]

@@PassionforSound I would consider it but a little research shows it has an internal power supply that’s likely a $100 module. To get a proper power supply they want you to buy the $7,500 model. You don’t get a lot for your dollars with any of this gear.

[@PassionforSound]

I think it's a mistake to judge a product line this based on a single component. The reality is that the Lumin products are outperforming products that cost less (even some with linear power supplies) so either the power module is better than you're assuming and/or they are doing other things to further improve the performance.

[@aussie8114]

@@PassionforSound The power supply is likely good and my ears would likely not hear much if any difference between this and a linear power supply. What would disappoint me is that if I got this one I would have the bug to have wanted it with a linear power supply given I’m upgrading everything else as well. Knowing if it had a linear power supply like the big boy model it would likely add only $150 to the cost of manufacture. The linear power supply in the big boy model is simply a small toroidal transformer and a handful of small capacitors.

[@shaunyweaver1144]

I'm not doing anything just yet, there are new techs on the horizon, and I'm not sure a software upgrade will cover it . Cambridge V2 gives me all I need for now . Some great gear out there, low,mid and high level .

[@PassionforSound]

What new tech are you waiting for?

[@shaunyweaver1144]

@@PassionforSound General explanation but the advancement will be mind blowing 6 g network

[@PassionforSound]

We are already way beyond the required bandwidth for audio streaming (even high-res). I wouldn't recommend that anyone delay purchasing in hope of some paradigm shifting technology when it comes to streaming music.

[@shaunyweaver1144]

@@PassionforSound Well that argument could be made for Digital to Analogue, but yet we are bombarded with so called better conversion and application.. If you wrap an old shoe in a pretty box, it's still an old shoe . However 6 g will surpass 5g before it even starts . Cable or hard wire will become obsolete as will the way information is packaged. I wouldn't tell anyone, not to purchase any audio equipment, simply what I have myself, is at the maximum it can be right now .

[@lehsu]

It’s great, but I still rather spend my money on a WiiM Pro Plus.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. It all depends on priorities.

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM …watching this with my mouth open 😮….in the end ..what was the result of hooking up your Wiim pro to your Bifrost or higher quality DAC.🤔 Also , how were these hooked up…I don’t think the Lumin has wifi capability..the Wiim does …did you run a line to each ? Then down the audiophile rabbit hole we go….🕳️ what if we put a better power supply on the Wiim along with by passing the wifi and using it as a wired streamer only . I’m not quite awake yet ..needs more coffee. Have a great weekend.

[@2madamimadam290]

I can't comment with as much authority and eloquence as our host but I did find improvements to my cheap Wiim Pro adding the iFI very low noise switching power supply and the iFi Ethernet galvanic decoupling dongle. $200 tweaks well spent, no question.

[@MrWinger1951]

@@2madamimadam290 I did the same with a Allo Nirvana power supply and the iFi LAN silencer and it really made a marked improvement. And yes using an external DAC.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Thanks guys ..so now the question is A/B …and has it made the Lumin vs a tweeked out Wimm pro still have its value …of being 10 times the value🤔🤔🤔🤨

[@carminedesanto6746]

Ok, ordered an IFI power supply 🤔

[@PassionforSound]

Even with a better power supply, the D3 is significantly better. An improved power supply can definitely help improve the WiiMs, but there's no overcoming the overall quality of internal components and design. The additional size of the D3 allows for better separation of power, digital, etc. and the choice of components are likely all superior. I think both the WiiM and Lumin products are excellent at their respective prices. I just want to balance expectations with reality 🙂

[@sopasadena1499]

I found an lps adding sonic improvements in the streamer

[@PassionforSound]

That makes sense to me based on my experiences 🙂

[@TriAmpHiFi]

I don't think it streams Amazon Prime Music. ( and the Lumin lacks a big copper internal toroid) Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct. No Amazon - only the services I specifically listed are available because there's no side-loading apps like Android based streamers.

[@justincollins6077]

I just recently purchased the Hifi Rose RS130 which is a streamer transport with no dac, amp etc. They retail for close to $10k in Australia. I didn't originally think a streamer would make much of a difference to the sound, just the dac, amp, speakers and room etc. Well I can attest it makes a difference. Am I just wanting to believe it makes a difference given the cost, some could say it is just bias and perception based on the investment made. I actually do think it has improved the sound markedly on a reasonably expensive set up, so my view is, streamers do sound different.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying the HiFi Rose! I think you're really hearing a difference, because I certainly have, and if you're enjoying your music a little more then that's all that matters. 🙂

[@rhphotocdn]

LUMIN is nice and good quality,, but $2600 USD YIKES!!! Not for mere mortals...

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

These prices are outrageous, I don't know how these companies stay in business.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, this is definitely not an entry level streamer, but the sound is clearly better so they're doing something that justifies spending extra for those who can afford to.

[@MrRosscoz]

I think the pro plus will just have to do.. until I win lotto

[@PassionforSound]

It's still an excellent device 🙂

[@torock3075]

FYI. That’s $2600 USD or $3950 AUD

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

That's too much for what it does

[@junglecat7263]

Since the Lumin T3 came out, you can now buy a used T2 for the same price as the D3. And the T2 blows away the D3

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried both, but that sounds like a good deal then!

[@junglecat7263]

@@PassionforSound Yeah, the T2 is a $4500 streamer, but now that everyone wants the T3, the older model sells for around $2000

[@JeffLawsonLegal]

Thank you for another excellent review. Interested in your take on this recent interview with Rob Watts where he discusses the impact of streamers feeding his DACs (@9:30): kzbin.info/www/bejne/paewhp2hpdSmjtUsi=4uNuJNQ4U7Xgy9cr

[@PassionforSound]

If seen that interview, but not paid attention to the streamer comments. I think, in a perfect world with a truly perfect DAC, what Rob is saying makes sense. However, my experiences with the M-Scaler & TT2 would suggest that either there's more to it than Rob realises (because he hasn't spent any time with streamers as he says), or that the M-Scaler and TT2 are not perfect and therefore are affected by the quality of the streamer. Alpha Audio did a video a little while ago where they measured the additional jitter created with a device (a streamer, I think) by external noise sources influencing the wires going into to device. This could still be occurring on Chord DACs AFAIK so a streamer, and or the interconnect from the streamer, could be introducing noise to the DACs and creating jitter as a result. Better DACs will likely do a better job of rejecting this, but the Chord TT2 is seemingly still affected based on Etsy I've heard with the WiiM, EverSolo and Lumin streamers.

[@JeffLawsonLegal]

@@PassionforSound I had much the same thought, but he was quite dismissive when asked a fairly direct question. I thought it similar to a leather belt maker discounting the metallurgy in making the buckles (a very integral part). But for a man who doesn't avoid expounding on his listening prowess, to entirely disregard the differentiation in likely the primary manner his DACs receive digital information (PC, streamer, etc), seems either woefully short-sighted or a genuinely held belief that the quality of the DAC makes all else irrelevant.

[@PassionforSound]

I deeply respect Rob's knowledge about digital audio (upsampling and decoding/encoding digital audio). He is also a lovely guy to chat to. However, he does occasionally make definitive statements like this without always checking his own assumptions first, I think.

[@oohtob6685]

Dont chuck it back in your system. Lumin wont be happy. 🙂

[@PassionforSound]

I'll be gentle, I promise. (Sadly, I had to send it on to a retailer for use as a demo in their store 😞)

[@HungryEatNow]

Make Believe

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I'll wait till Amir measures it to see if its worth $3600 😮 Im willing to bet products 1/8th of its price measure better

[@ValterSuriZis]

Hi, please help, is the xduoo ta-22 as good as a DAC, as it is great as an amplifier. Many thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the TA-22. Sorry.