@JimK, didn't realize you are in the LA area. Same here, I think I know which dealer you spoke to. Which Berkeley DAC did you guys test against? I have heard good things, most of them are in a completely different price category compared to the 218 though.

There are so good options for DACs in almost every price point. If you want a streamer + DAC combined, then options are much more limited, very few good options under $2K that would best the 218.

I did some extensive listening last night and realized a few things. The 218 is brighter so feels like there is a higher level of detail, but it does at times lack body as mentioned previously. Some instruments can sound a tad sharp, especially older jazz recording with trumpet. Overall, the 218 punches way above its price point, event though it can be a tad bright, it is still smooth, not losing crispness and with good instrument and vocal separation.

After letting the the Lumin D2 run over for an extended period of time before using and spending more time with it, I would say it is an all around great DAC/streamer. It is a tad warmer than the 218 and brings in the body that I felt is missing with 218 in my system. It has a bit less instrument separation than the 218 but has just as wide soundstage. Neither is at the Marantz 8805 level, but I think instrument and vocal placement is more accurate on both the 218/D2. One thing to note is I am using unbalanced connectors, so balanced should sound even better on the D2.

After last night listening session, I think the Lumin is all around better for my system. For a warmer / darker systems I think the 218 may pair well, like it did with my McIntosh MC452. I imagine going up to the T2 will give that extra resolution that I am looking for, but I can see myself happy for a bit.

Martin Logan 11A, Luxman 509X, Meridian 218, Marantz 8805, McIntosh 7106, Martin Logan Stage