The differences between P1 Mini and T3X:
- P1 Mini has analog / digital inputs
- P1 Mini comes with IR remote control as a standard accessory
- T3X has a better chassis (similar to T3 and T2) but no analog / digital inputs or IR remote control (purchased separately)
- Other specs are essentially the same
The differences between T3X and T3:
- Toroidal linear power supply
- Femtoclock
- SFP fiber network
Thinking about upgrading from my T2 with sBooster.
Not in need of a pre amp, my budget makes me aim at a T again.
But dealers still offer the T3 when it seems discontinued at Lumin, who now offer the T3x. How should I consider the dealers offers of a discontinued device?
Can anyone share experience or knowledge on differences between T3 using sBooster or other external power supply versus the Internal linear toroidal now in T3x please?
I understand the warranty thing.
I hope my edited typo will trigger a response.
Will there be an x2 soon, an upgrade of the x1?
Lumin never announces future product plans. @wklie has been quite clear on this point.
I’m getting more excited about the T3x. I’ve long stated here my wish for a stock linear power supply, and the addition of the SFP input feels like a fun bonus!
I’m going to head over to my dealer and take a listen. I currently own the X1 in my main system, and the T2 in my second setup. I’m not unhappy with the T2, but I’ve long considered adding an SBooster or similar now that I’m probably out of warranty. But I like the idea that Lumin has this covered, and I heard a clear improvement with the SFP input in the X1.
@wklie, why would a buyer choose the T3x over a P1mini given the price similarity? It looks the main difference aside from inputs is the chassis. Is there an audible benefit owing to the reduced circuitry in the T3x? Can you give your impression of the sound profile of a T3x vs the P1 mini Or the T2? This review suggests the older units have a warmer darker sound (not a bad thing necessarily) and that the new T3X offers more transparency but not necessarily brighter sound.
Also, is there any trickle down hardware from the X1 in the output stage of the new T3x? I recall seeing that somewhere but couldn’t tell what it referenced.
My second system where this will be used is a Leben CS600x powering Graham Chartwell LS3/5a - it’s a warmer sound already, so the sound profile of the T3x might be helpful. I tend to keep my Streamer/DACs a while, not really into following every model grade, and thinking that, like the X1, this is a streamer DAC I would hang onto for the next 5+ years so the trade up costs don’t necessarily dissuade me, and I’m not certain that keeping the T2 and adding a DAC would be a better option (plus it adds another box).
It also sounds like the processor in the T3x allows for greater future software upgrades, helping future proof my choice for some time.
@DLS I am in the same boat as you. The Sbooster has some issues in the field, with a few T2 owners reporting potentially serious problems (and one retailer alerting to potential issues). I had also read a few comments that seemed to indicate the T2 enjoyed less benefit with an LPS than did the T1. That kept me from doing the upgrade.
I did upgrade the power supply on my D2 and heard very clear improvements, and I’ve heard similar improvements to DACs that I’ve added improved LPS. Owning the X1, I remain convinced the LPS contributes to an improved sound quality.
I’m going to listen tomorrow to the T3x but here’s my calculus on upgrading from the T2 to the T3x:
- Lumin’s LPS eliminates risk of warranty issues and need to hack the T3
- The SFP module option further increases potential sound quality benefits
- The ability to use both ethernet connects lets me also use the T3x as a network switch to add a NAS drive or L1/2 (not a huge selling point for me currently)
vs upgrading the power supply for my T2:
- no clear LPS solution that doesn’t pose serious risks of bricking the T2
- cost of an LPS/module is about $500
- No SFP option
- The T3x has an improved chipset for its processor that adds speed and capability for upsampling and filters (plus it may be more upgradeable for new software updates)
- Subject to Peter’s comments, it seems like there has been some X1 trickle down upgrades in the T3 analog output stage (perhaps capacitors) and the T3 and T3xx looks to also include these
If the T3x comes close to the X1 I already own, it feels like this is a no-brainer (especially as my dealer will give me a decent trade in value for the T2)
Thanks for your reply and input.
I own a T2 with sBooster. In my set up with Musical Fidelity M6 500i and Martin Logan ESL it had been a pleasure to my ears from day one.
To upgrade to a T3(x) would take at least a couple of thousand €.
I wonder if the upgrade would validate the investment.
All the improvements you mention I read like a step forward, but I also read on the net people switched back to the T2 with sBooster from a T3.
I also consider the more future proof upgrades as a the way to go, but I wonder if that would become an issue of the T2 in the coming years.
I am looking forward to your demo experience on the T3X.
My dealers still offers the T3 as the way to go since I own the sBooster. Maybe I am just trying to find arguments they are not pushing a discontinued product my side and the delta with T3X is minimal. But by now I wonder why I am challenging my intuition lol.
Just plugged the T3x in and after a quick firmware update it’s beginning its break in. My experience is that 50 hours are needed to form an impression. But just a few tracks in, and immediately I’m loving what I hear:
Bass is much fuller and fleshed out.
A slight digital haze on the T2 is gone
Lovely detail.
Overall smoother.
Taller soundstage.
I’ll put it on auto play and let it cycle through. But I can already predict it’s not going back to the dealer. It sounds closer to my X1 than the T2. And that’s using RJ45 Ethernet- still need to swap in the optical Ethernet.
After break in I’ll do a direct compare to the X1.
I hooked up the SFP switch today with the T3x. It’s a Trendnet with Finisar SFP modules. I ordered from CDW and they match the versions I got from mouser so they look legitimate.
I don’t know if there is a break-in period but out of the box, the SFP connection was more transparent but a bit glassy. It loses some of the perceived warmth and saturation of tone. But it gained a bit more detail. For now, I prefer the Ethernet (and I’m using a cheap Cat6, no fancy cable). I’ll let it play continuously for another 24 hours.