I’m thinking about getting rid of my NDX2/XPSDR. My dealer sells Lumin (as well as Weiss, Simaudio, Boulder and others) and the T3x has caught my eye. The one possible downside is it doesn’t have any digital inputs, but I think that’s not a problem anyway. In the whole time I’ve had my NDX2 I only ever once connected a DVD player to the NDX2, and that was only to demo a pair of speakers I had for sale to someone who brought a CD to play.
Is there much love for Lumin in these parts? It doesn’t look like there is much discussion about it.
Yes I do Mr Rooster, but my P1 is a streaming preamp with digital and analog inputs/outputs.
JDP, there are quite a few different models, so I say go to your dealer and pick the one that best suits you…and have a listen.
I am extremely happy with mine, and the technical support is world class. The head software engineer is active on a few forums, if you have any questions he replies within hours.
Thanks N-Q. Of their models the T3x is the one model that both fits my expected budget and the features I need. I want to fund 100% from sale of the NDX2/XPSDR and the T3x is $6600. The X1 is over my budget at about $12k. The other lines either require a DAC that I don’t want to buy separately, or they include a preamp that I don’t need. If I understand it all correctly.
Yes the X1 is their top model, which you don’t need. I know they have steamers only, streamers/Dacs combined, but I have only heard the P1. If your dealer carries them, he may have that one you mentioned in stock. Maybe he can do a trade in.
haha…I think my dealer will take my NDX2/XPSDR in on trade when pigs fly, even though I bought them there (NDX2 as a FNA refurb, XPSDR used).
I agree. I don’t need a X1. Most of my streaming is casual listening or to audition something I might want to buy on vinyl. Even the NDX2/XPSDR is probably overkill for me, and I only use it as a Roon endpoint. It spends most days powered off completely.
I just had a Quick Look at reviews on the Tx3, seems like a great product. It is Roon ready, supports all streaming platforms , has the fibre input like mine too. It should be just plug and play like mine was, no fiddly cables like your recent problems with the high line.
I use a Cisco 2960 switch, which has an SFP port, fibre connection to mine.
I have a Cisco 2960G (two actually), but it’s in another room. I run Cat6 from it through the attic into my listening room. My network is fiber into the house, but I have not explored running fiber any further. I don’t think I care much either.
All my ethernet cable (short and long runs) come from Blue Jeans Cable, so I know it all passes Category spec. I’m happy to continue using it for streaming throughout the house.
Honestly, after reading your other thread, I think you’ll be throwing out the baby with the bathwater. OK, you’ve had a shitty experience with Focal Naim America, but I think Naim UK will sort this out for you now that they are involved. After that, the old classic series are pretty bulletproof and may well outlast you!
Hi, I also have a Lumin P1 for the last 3 years and in addition, 6 months ago I bought a Lumin P1 Mini and both are fantastic sound quality wise and have been very reliable, with no issues.
They both have digital inputs and Pre-Amp capability, however, I only use the P1 Mini as Streamer/DAC into my Supernait 3 on fixed level outputs(I needed the digital inputs). The P1 Mini is a similar price to the T3x, so worth looking into, professional reviews say there is a slight sound signature difference between the two, I have not compared these, but maybe worth demo’s on both, as you may prefer one over the other sound quality wise.
As @NO-QUARTER says excellent other forum support if you need advice from Lumin on set up or optimisation etc, which I have used and it was excellent support and help.
I would very highly recommend the Lumin streamers/dacs, noting that the dacs are very high end with very modern chipsets used (ESS Pro’s).
I’m using copper ethernet on both and the sound quality is fantastic.
With due respect, no…I disagree with your optimistic assessment. My dealer and I have both lost confidence in FNA. AVOptions doesn’t work on the digital products so with a NDX2/XPSDR I am dependent on FNA, who have become unreliable and problematic to deal with. I can use AVO for my 252/SCDR/300DR (I no longer have my SL/SCDR). But there’s already a thread about the FNA issues for U.S. dealers/customers – as you noted – so let’s take any more discussion about it there.
Secondly, Naim is not so bullet proof as you claim. My ND5XS developed a bad board and had to be repaired (for $500+), my 252 mute relay failed and had to be repaired. My 300PS power button has failed too. I used a trick suggested by Richard Dane to get it working again for now, but it’s just a matter of time before it has to go to AVOptions for repair. Chris West says that’s not an ‘if’ but a ‘when’ and knows as well as anyone. My XPSDR has blown a few fuses over time, and they seem to have reputation for it.
Thank you for weighing in on your Lumin experience. Sounds like a winner. As well as I know my dealer they wouldn’t carry it if they weren’t equally impressed.
Considering your experience with FNA and the reasons you are thinking of moving the NDX2 on, I might suggest the Lumin, though reliable puts you in the same risk area. In your position, I would be thinking more along the lines of buying an American or Canadian streamer that can at least be sent to the mothership without crossing an ocean if need be or at the very least, from one of the major Japanese brands that can service gear globally with ease. You tend to get a lot more for your money when buying domestic for obvious reasons.
OTOH, if the NDX2 is working fine, you could just run it into the ground and get every penny from it. It’s very good; you’ve already paid for it; keeping it requires zero effort.
You’re not paying attention to my motivation for this. Running the NDX2 into the ground is an unknown. I mean, that’s not a great suggestion from where I sit. It works great now, and it might for a long time. However, I want to unload it for what I can get, while I still can. I cannot count on support, and I want something that I can count on support. If it fails tomorrow I might very well be SOL.
Can we please focus here on my research and inquiry into Lumin, etc, and stop talking about why I want to unload my Naim streamer. There is already a thread discussing it. If anyone doesn’t like the idea of me moving from Naim streaming to Lumin or otherwise, for whatever reason, let it go. My wife and I are already on board with the idea of a change to streaming gear from a different brand. If you want to talk about the Naim/FNA issues please go to the thread for that. Thank you.
I just want to discuss what people with Lumin think, especially those who have had Naim for streaming/DACs otherwise.
