Eep. For 4k I’d get a used Playback Designs Merlot DAC (there was one for sale on CA but may have sold now) or similar with an ultraRendu. That doesn’t fit your strict requirement of having an ethernet input but as I said, we’re not at the point yet where ethernet input automatically means it’s the best sounding input. The Playback Designs + ultraR would be right up there with the best of them… just an example to not discount USB just yet unless you hear for yourself that the ethernet input is hands down better for whatever DAC you’re auditioning
Yep - I saw your previous post above. But I am still itching to try a DAC/streamer with Roon Ready built in. I understand it may not be better than “separates” (streamer plus separate DAC via USB), but it also may be better I guess I don’t know until I try, right?
Currently I am using microRendu (powered by LPS-1) in one system, and SotM SMS-200 (also powered by LPS-1) on the other.
Exactly and that was actually my point - i.e. to try, not assume. Please report back if you pull the trigger. I keep hearing great things about Lumin. Does the T1 decode MQA? The Lumin website isn’t loading for me at the moment so I couldn’t check.
Lumin S1 / A1 / T1 / D1 Fully Decodes MQA via both their native app and Roon Ready playback, because Lumin has integrated the latest MQA identification feature of RAAT since August 7.
Short answer: yes. Long answer: in a setup with source direct to power amp (without pre-amp) - not just Lumin but including other DAC and CD players with digital volume as well - generally people find that having a pre-amp gives better results. That being said, recent Lumin exhibitions in Munich and Hong Kong have Lumin S1 direct output to WestminsterLab mono amps. Note: if you find you have too much gain in your setup or have to reduce digital volume too much, use attenuators. You should also turn off Lumin digital output.
Yes, you can use Roon app or Lumin app to control Lumin volume.
According to a recently posted thread Oppo UDP203/205 are now Roon Ready.
That suggests if the Sonica isn’t now it will be soon. There was talk of that happening before. Also the UDP-205, which I intend to purchase very soon, should be a fine, versatile networked media player well worth your consideration.
Thanks! I noticed the news on the 203 and 205, and I was thinking the same thing for Sonica. Good choice since it also has volume control built in. No remote?
Also, how would I connect two subwoofers into the Sonica? Use the 2 RCA preouts? (the XLRs would be connected to the Amp)
I thought about the 205, but having it in my stereo gig with no TV set is such a waste…
There are tons of choices for connecting subs. You could as you suggest use the XLR though you might be fighting with a level discrepancy making it difficult to match levels. You could simply use a couple of RCA “Y” splitters. Many if not most subs have a built-in low level crossover, so you could feed the Sonica into the crossover in and the high pass output would go into your amplifier. Or you could use the speaker level inputs to the sub. I know my Martin Logan Descent i has all of those options.
I am now looking for a Roon Ready ethernet based DAC. I am tired of dealing with the never-ending management of a USB chain and want a simple digital endpoint box. (And then a simple analog endpoint i.e. an integrated amp). From the above it looks like the only options on the market are:
Lumin D1 & T1
OPPO UDP-203 & 205
Is that really it??! I would think this segment would be ripe for the picking.