Lumin compared to Marantz NA-11S1 or Sony HAP-Z1ES?

bob53

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Jan 22, 2014
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Hi all,

First post here. I'm looking to get a streaming digital audio system for my main 2-channel rig and was hoping to solicit some opinions among those who have had a chance to compare streamers (see below). We have a Sonos system for background music, but I am looking for something that will play higher resolution and lossless files. I have a Synology 1812 already for work and my HT setup. I've narrowed my search down to the Lumin, Marantz NA-11S1, and possibly the Sony HAP-Z1ES. I do not have any downloaded DSD music yet but am trying to think ahead and futureproof my purchase.

Clearly the Lumin is the most complete streaming setup (will stream everything up to DSD) and has the best interface. However, there is some suggestion the Marantz is the sonic equal (possibly better?) to the lumin (I cannot post the link due to my post count but there is a thread on the Linn forum that links to a German review/comparison of these players). However, the Marantz control interface is clunkier and it cannot stream all audio types (DSD) - I have no interest in putting a full-fledged computer in my listening room but would consider a RaspyFi device to render the DSD if possible. The Sony is the unknown here as it just came out. Although it is not a streamer per se and lacks the ability to play internet radio, I am more interested in the sonics and could live with having a local copy on the player (I'd probably hack this player and install a SSD).

I'd appreciate your comments if you've had the opportunity to compare any of these players. Specifically what was your impression of the sonics, useability, and what influenced your decision to purchase or not?

Thanks,

Bob
 
Hi Bob - welcome to Audioshark. I have owned both the Marantz NA11S1 and the Lumin, and let me tell you, it's no contest. The Lumin betters everything I have ever owned and sounds so organic, very analog like. The Lumin app is also very slick.

I have arranged a group buy for the Lumin for Audioshark members (which you are now one! :). ). I do NOT have any financial interest or financial gain from this group buy, I got together with the manufacturer and discussed it as a way to help our members secure this amazing audiophile network music player at a competitive price. If you are interested, just let me know and I will PM you the details. You deal directly with Lumin.

Last but not least, it's very smart of you to be thinking streamer/network music player vs the Windows/Mac & DAC setup. I wish I had learned how much better network music players are years ago!

Mike

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
I don't have any personal experience with the Marantz but the Lumin A1 compares very favorably with the Naim NDS/555PS DR and Linn Klimax DS top streamers. And its app is a joy to use.
 
Hi Bob - welcome to Audioshark. I have owned both the Marantz NA11S1 and the Lumin, and let me tell you, it's no contest. The Lumin betters everything I have ever owned and sounds so organic, very analog like. The Lumin app is also very slick.

I have arranged a group buy for the Lumin for Audioshark members (which you are now one! :). ). I do NOT have any financial interest or financial gain from this group buy, I got together with the manufacturer and discussed it as a way to help our members secure this amazing audiophile network music player at a competitive price. If you are interested, just let me know and I will PM you the details. You deal directly with Lumin.

Last but not least, it's very smart of you to be thinking streamer/network music player vs the Windows/Mac & DAC setup. I wish I had learned how much better network music players are years ago!

Mike

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Thanks for the input so far - the fact that the Lumin has such a following is impressive. Mike, a few questions... 1) Does Lumin have any mechanism in place for a demo unit? If not, I may have to try and find an owner in MN... 2) Any idea if the group buy will extend to the new Lumins (e.g T1)?

Thanks again

Bob
 
Hi Bob - no demo program that I'm aware of. The group buy is for the A1 (original unit).
 
As a Lumin owner, i can, like the rest of the owners, attest to the amazing performance of the player. i have even ordered an upgrade to the PSU that should be here next week. i run mine directly into my Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET monoblocks. i use an Imac with an attached 3TB external drive to store all my music. i have many DSD downloads and love all of them. I am in the process of ripping all of my SACD's through a PS3 that a friend of mine and i have. They sound fabulous though the Lumin.Just thought i would give my 'thumbs up' to the Lumin.
 
How much is it Eric?

North of $7000 = more than my whole system. Come to think of it, if I won the lotto what would I do with a Lumin anyway? I'm not into DSD or music files. I have no server. I don't want to rip all my CDs and vinyl and I don't even have a streaming service at the moment.
"after a time you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting" - Spock
 
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