Lumin S1 Streaming DAC: Elevate Your Audio with the Upgraded X1 Power Supply

Experience how the Lumin S1 streaming DAC comes alive with the upgraded X1 power supply, delivering warmer, clearer sound and unmatched sonic depth.

Rediscovering the Magic of the Lumin S1

When it comes to high-end audio, the phrase “new and improved” often feels like just marketing fluff—like when your breakfast cereal gets a new box but tastes the same. But every so often, an upgrade genuinely transforms the experience. That’s exactly what happened when I paired my beloved Lumin S1 streaming DAC with the brand-new X1 power supply.

I’ve been head over heels for the Lumin S1 streaming DAC since day one. It’s not just a player; it’s a precision-engineered sonic marvel that has stood the test of time. Even when stacked up against the dCS Bartók Apex DAC, the S1 holds its own with impressive authority. The folks at Pixel Magic Systems Ltd. — the brains behind Lumin in Hong Kong — have been fantastic, routinely providing software updates and a smooth, intuitive app for smartphones and tablets.

If you’re new to Lumin, here’s a quick refresher: The S1 is fitted with four SABRE32 ES9018 DAC chips — two per channel — delivering a fully balanced layout with premium components everywhere. Its solid aluminum chassis is like a vault, isolating sensitive circuitry from interference. The front panel keeps things sleek with just a lighted display; all control happens through the app. Originally, the S1 came with an outboard power supply linked by an 8-pin cable, but that’s where the X1 PSU upgrade makes a splash.

The X1 Power Supply: A Powerhouse Upgrade

Mark Gurvey of Source Systems explained that the X1 power supply is the flagship PSU standard for the Lumin X1 player but also fits older models like the A1, S1 (which got my attention), U1, and T1 with a straightforward user-friendly swap. At $2,600, it’s not a casual purchase, but the craftsmanship justifies the investment. The CNC-machined billet aluminum case is a work of art—heavier, sharper, and designed to dissipate heat like a pro.

What sets the X1 PSU apart is how it separates digital and analog power circuits and includes a low-noise regulator. It can deliver higher voltages with improved noise isolation, connecting to your S1 with a new 9-pin cable that feels reassuringly solid. To me, this is more than a component swap; it’s like giving your audio system a fresh surge of vitality.

Sonic Revelations: Quiet, Warm, and Immersive

Plugging in the X1 PSU, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the drop in the noise floor. The S1 was already impressively quiet, but this upgrade pushed the silence even further — almost as if the music found a cleaner, clearer stage to perform on. Suddenly, delicate transient details sparkled more, and imaging became sharper.

A neat surprise was the change in sound character. Tracks I’ve cherished on vinyl started sounding warmer and more fluid in their high-res digital versions. This wasn’t just a tweak; it felt like a richer, less congested presentation, especially noticeable in complex choral works where multiple voices intertwine.

Take Rickie Lee Jones’ Pop Pop album, for instance. Her rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You” came alive with such naturalistic precision — the clarinet’s breath, the acoustic bass’s woody depth, and the nylon-string guitar’s subtle shimmer all seemed suspended vividly in the air. It was spooky how palpable and real these images became.

More “Oomph” and a Wider Acoustic Space

By “oomph,” I mean that visceral gut-punch feeling — the sense of weight and push behind instruments that can make a performance truly gripping. The X1 PSU breathed new life into the low midrange, emphasizing those warm brass tones, woodwinds, and strings with enhanced body and presence.

Even the trailing harmonics from a piano’s soundboard blossomed with renewed warmth and detail. This power supply seemed to unfurl a wider acoustic proscenium, giving the music a stronger sense of space and hall boundaries.

One standout moment was diving into The Police’s “Tea in the Sahara” from Synchronicity. The background swirls of sound came into sharper relief, pulling me deeper into the immersive soundstage. It felt less like listening and more like stepping inside the music.

A New Lease on Life for a Beloved Classic

I entered this upgrade skeptical — after all, I was already thrilled with my Lumin S1 streaming DAC. But the X1 PSU proved me wrong in the best way possible. It’s not just “new and improved” hype; it’s a genuine evolution. I like to think of it as giving my trusted S1 a fresh, longer lease on life.

If you own an S1 or compatible Lumin player and crave that next-level sonic polish, this upgrade deserves serious consideration.

Specs & Pricing

• Dimensions: 4.2″ x 13.2″ x 2.4″
• Weight: 9 lbs.
• Price: $2,600

“I just bought my S1 a new and longer lease on life.” — Audio Enthusiast

FAQ

• How easy is it to install the X1 power supply on an S1?
  The swap is consumer-friendly and involves replacing the existing PSU with the new unit and connecting the updated 9-pin cable.
• Will this PSU upgrade work with other Lumin models?
  Yes, the X1 PSU is backward-compatible with Lumin A1, U1, and T1 models, not just the S1.
• Does the upgrade affect the control app or user interface?
  No changes to the app or controls are needed; the upgrade solely enhances power delivery and sound quality.
• What kind of music benefits most from the X1 PSU?
  Complex recordings with detailed dynamics like choral works, acoustic sets, and richly layered productions shine brightest.
• Is the X1 power supply worth the $2,600 investment?
  If you’re passionate about achieving the highest sound fidelity and already own a compatible Lumin player, the sonic improvements can be well worth it.

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