Another thing I have noticed - I am currently on the so called 2nd gen streamers - at-least in the context of Lumin and Aurender, having owned the previous gen., n100h and Lumin d2 prior, and just like computer performance, I find the newer gen units sound better - better resolution, better in frequency extension, smoother, faster response, better apps. etc etc. And in that sense, to me at-least I would consider upgrading every few years to the latest gen, and thus avoid the super expensive streamers which become boat anchors in say 5 years - like the 1st gen units from Aurender/Lumin which one can find at throw-away prices in the used market (especially the higher end ones). Of -course this generation has seen the introduction of relatively inexpensive streamers from the likes of wiim, eversolo, hifi rose etc.
The device itself.
I used it without an LPSU for a week before the mod kit arrived. The difference in SQ is significant. I have the U1 with Lumin’s LPSU connected to my other rig and the benefits there are even more noticeable because the U1 hasn’t skimped on internal isolation (as I believe its successor, the U2, has).
Agree - streamers are one area where things keep evolving. As long as manufacturer supports the device its fine. The moment support stops or model is retired, its time to look elsewhere!
Is the mod kit diy? Is there any soldering involved or just plug and play? I have read in other forums, directly from Lumin marketing folks that there will be no difference - and warranty is void once damage occurs from external lpsu, however if it is a reversible mod., I am curious.
Why do you think so, sir? Please explain.
Have you seen this? I did some quick search and found this.
upscaleaudio.com
Will be stateside next summer, will pick up one of this plus a decent lpsu, and then see what improvements can be had. Anyways my u2 mini is in my 2nd system, doesn't get much use or casual listening at most, so no hurry. I also have a wiim pro and an eversolo dmp-a6, so keep rotating equipment.Have you seen this? I did some quick search and found this.
Sbooster Lumin D2-T2-T3-U1 Mini-U2 Mini- Connection Kit
Sbooster Lumin D2-T2-T3-U1 Mini-U2 Mini- Connection Kit NOTE: If you install the Sbooster upgrade on a Lumin D2, U1 MINI, or T2, THE UNIT IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OUR 60-DAY RETURN POLICY. Don't fry your Lumin! Always power off your Sbooster using its power switch before plugging it into your Lumin...
With this and a sbooster or Farad will definitely be a good choice.
I am sure you must have guessed but this LPSU trick applies to Wiim too and yes, I have tried this personally.
I am running the Wiim-pro currently with a HDplex - Lpsu, that costs more than the Wiim-pro, and weighs significantly more, and TBH, either my hearing, or my system's are not resolving enough to hear a night and day difference from a simple smps. Yes I agree as a component cost BOM goes - power supply takes up a fair chunk - but SMPS's have advanced to a great degree. And whatever noise is produced is below human threshold of hearing. Anyway's it is what it is. I am open to hear a difference - I have spent huge sums of funds for that, but in the end I trust my ears. And please note no offence to who want to experiment and perhaps enjoy their systems better with different options - after all it is all for enjoyment/ a hobby. However I draw a line at getting a Aurender N20 at $12.5k (as my next upgrade), and much higher in India (approx 12 lac) to replace my N200, till I can significantly tell the difference through my modest system. I have read in many forums that there is perhaps a 5% improvement for these 2 components. Definitely not worth it, if that estimate is accurate.
He is measuring the SOTM feeding the minidsp vs feeding the minidsp data directly. The common thing here is minidsp which is the bottleneck
Yes I agree on this, these lower cost devices are what they are, easy to use streamers, but in the context of a higher end system not entirely transparent - one can just use a PC for a similar performance- at-least ime.
Actually no. He did compared SOTM with minidsp by connecting SOTM directly to the DAC.
It is DIY - fairly simple process. But I had a guy mod mine. It requires the IEC connection to be snipped, so warranty is void. The mod can be reversed, with some basic soldering. There's a video here:
I tried this just to see if there's a difference, and found none. Besides, the convenience of a pre-amp far outweighs the merits of LEEDH processing. Having said that, I use LEEDH, but with the amplifier volume fixed - only so I don't have to walk up to the amp each time I want to change the volume - both my amps come with remote control units that have a terribly narrow field of operation.Just curious if any Lumin users have utilised the Leedh volume control feeding a dac, and connecting the dac direct to poweramp. Though Iam aware of what my preamp brings to the table, would'nt mind ditching it for one box less. Some of the multi channel dacs these days, come with high voltage outputs upto 7.2 V, so these can normally be used direct to poweramp without much loss in fidelity, drive and dynamics. Unlike the audiophile dacs limited to 2V mostly, needing an active preamp in the chain.
So any user expereince will be helpful. Thanks
Thanks a lot for trying it out and sharing your findings. Using a preamp is definitely more convenient and actually does sound better to my ears with Dacs at the nominal 2 V output level. Just curious to see if Leedh works as advertised, when used in cojunction with high voltage output Dacs . Thanks
