Opinion - Would a Lumin U1x or U2 Streamer be a noticeable upgrade to a Nucleus as my Streamer?

[wklie (Peter Lie)]

There are some users who upgraded from a Roon Core computer direct connection to Lumin U2 or U1. One report is here:

Lumin U2 mini released

Thanks for the confirmation of Lumin native DSD512 playback to T+A DAC200. Please tell me the model of NUC you’re using. And secondly, Do you notice any SQ difference from using U2 Mini vs the direct NUC USB output?

Another report from a McIntosh user:

Lumin T2 - Sound Quality - Roon vs Lumin App

Hi Forum I got my Lumin T2 last week. Switched from the McIntosh DA2 internal DAC - but the sonic difference is unexpected and significant despite both use ESS 9028Pro chips. The soundscape became more earthy, acoustic, alive, airy, open, spacious. Being curious about Roon for quite some time, I decided to give it a a shot and got my Roon Nucleus today. Works flawless with the T2. However…playing the first tunes via Roon and doing A/B comparison with the Lumin App - the sound quality is abso…

Yes, you may consider U2, or T3 / P1 (with built-in DAC).