andylovesaudio Posted October 11, 2017 Posted October 11, 2017 Hi guys. Seeking feedback on the node 2 vs the lumin d1. My Budget will allow me to get the lumin d1 ... however if sonic differences are subtle... I wouldn't mind saving some money. End goal at the moment is basically streaming from Spotify or similar and perhaps will get all my CDs ripped in the future. Anyone can offer advice? What would be difference in SQ? Other alternatives? Thanks
dc5_itr Posted October 11, 2017 Posted October 11, 2017 Hi, I have just replace the node 2 with a D1 and below are my personal observation between both streamer. In term of sound quality, I find the D1 sound a lot more musical and more analogue sounding. Bass control is much better with the D1 and vocal sound “sweeter” and more lifelike. When using the node 2, certain genre like rock can sound unforgiving and will cause listening fatigue. I believe this could be due to the trebles being more forward sounding. With the D1, I can listen to the same song without listening fatigue which could be due to the D1 being better in the tonal balance and the high frequencies being more “rounded” but without sacrificing the details. Personally I feel that I enjoy the music more when listening to the D1. I believe the on board DAC and implementation on the D1 is more superior compare with node 2. Having say that, the node 2 is no slough either and I though the on board DAC sound pretty good. Priced at $799, I believe it’s value for money with excellent connectivity and control apps. Do take note that the D1 require wired connection while the node 2 can connect both wired or wireless to your network. All listening impression is done using their on board DAC and for the D1 I am using an additional LPS instead of the original “laptop” PS by Lumin. If you decide to get the D1, I would strongly encourage you upgrade the PS.
andylovesaudio Posted October 11, 2017 Author Posted October 11, 2017 @dc5_itr. Wow... thanks so much for the generosity with your time and effort spent in explaining in such detail. I am most grateful. If I may ...one more question ...How much approx would a higher grade Lps cost? Thanks again. Any more users?
dc5_itr Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 @andylovesaudio. No worries. I am just sharing my thoughts and this is what makes xtremeplace great for all music lover. In term of LPS for the D1, the usual suspects are Plixir, Kenneth La, Paul Hynes, Teddy Pardo, Uptone Audio JS- 2... which should be in the region of $400 to $1,400. It really depend on how far you wanna go to improve the power delivery which I personally believe is very critical in an audio system. Personally I’m using the Plixir Elite series to power the D1.
wklie Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Lumin offers native support for Tidal and Qobuz. Spotify (or YouTube, etc.) can currently be used via AirPlay from iPad to a Lumin player. Lumin will support Spotify Connect in the future. In the US, Sbooster LPS is most popular for Lumin D1 because they share the same US distributor. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lumin-d1-audiophile-network-music-player/
wklie Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Both are Roon Ready, but currently only Lumin supports MQA decoding when using Roon (or its native app).
dc5_itr Posted October 12, 2017 Posted October 12, 2017 Previously when using node 2 and while streaming Spotify using Spotify connect, I feel it sound better then D1 streaming Spotify via Airplay. Any Lumin user feel the same?
wklie Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 I have not read similar report before, but I think once Lumin supports Spotify Connect, it should sound better than AirPlay.
Audio Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 ..................and LOL....D1 can do native MQA!! Lots and lots of DAC dare not even attempt to do it because they do not want to associate themselves to a lossy format. (Audio)
Audio Posted October 13, 2017 Posted October 13, 2017 .......and Lumin D1 is Roon ready too.... (Audio)
andylovesaudio Posted October 23, 2017 Author Posted October 23, 2017 @dc5_itr. Can one upgrade the lps with Bluesound node 2 or the vault 2? Thanks again. Oops ... nvm... not applicable to bluesound regarding Lps.
dc5_itr Posted October 24, 2017 Posted October 24, 2017 @dc5_itr. Can one upgrade the lps with Bluesound node 2 or the vault 2? Thanks again. Oops ... nvm... not applicable to bluesound regarding Lps. The node 2 use a 2 pin AC cord therefore I believe it will benefit by replacing the stock AC cord with some aftermarket powercord with a 2 pin connector. Previously I was using this connector from Furutech with a DIY powercord. http://www.furutech.com/2013/01/26/998/
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