Lumagen 4242 Level 6+ modification

Brent is a genius!

I've been into AV for many years and fortunately for many of those it has also been part of my work in some form or another inc high end home cinema and video calibration.

After many talks with Brent we decided to throw the kitchen sink at my 4242 and see how far we could push the upgrade and also what would actually fit inside the chassis!! Brent might be able to update this with some images to give you an idea of what we put in.

After approx 3 weeks of standby and about 3-4 hours of use time a day, I'm delighted to say this is producing some of the most startling and immersive imagery I've ever witnessed. That is primarily using an AppleTV (4K A2169 model, yes there is a difference between models!) and Sky Q. My display is a Sony 83" Masters series Oled so I'm able to view the differences post modification easily. Also before anybody potentially asks as I'm sure they might I have extensive experience with high end blu-ray and Kaleidascape and as a standalone comparison it isn't close!

I will update again in the near future after another calibration with Gordon @ Convergent AV but if you're thinking of modifying any part of your system, audio or video please speak with Brent, it will be so worthwhile. If you're thinking of upgrading, modify first would be my recommendation, especially if you love what you already have.

I'm trying one of the modified Cisco switches next to see what effect that has on AppleTV steaming as well as speaking with Brent about what we can do to the AppleTV. More to follow...Eliminating jitter and clean power is the way everyone.

Craig Wheeler | Swindon | December 2023

Level 6 after 600 hours

After more time, now over 600 hours of standby I can report the image has settled a little more and has moved on even further in the ability to appear more 3D and improved punch. Overall the really takes it closer in fact very close to looking analogue.

The C5,C4 and X1 boards are exceptional in moving the audio and picture closer to very high quality analogue. As 8K I doubt will be worthwhile for PJ's and I doubt I will be around in the next 5 years, I cant see my 4242 becoming out of date anytime soon.

A very worthwhile investment, at some point I will compare to the 5348 which I suspect will not compare to the level 6 4242

Adrian Palmer | BATH | January 2023

Adding X1 boards to the C5,C4,C4 combination

After the Level 4 upgrade I took the plunge of adding the two X1 boards to take the Lumagen as far as it can go. I was aware that the audio upgrade with the X1 boards is perhaps greater than the picture upgrades. But did want to take the Lumagen 4242 as far as it can go for the picture as I don't use HDMI for audio. I am now some 25 hours of use and 250 or more of standby, so thought I'd write an interim review

The installation was very straightforward, especially as I had left the space for the two boards. One is dedicated to the main board and the other to the input and output C4's. The upgrade has for me been very worthwhile and moved the image further again. Proportionately I would say its something like another 30% perhaps more especially in some areas

1. There is improved image depth, its notable off axis as well, I have no clue why, perhaps better contrast graduation but the image depth does appear better

2. An even greater sense of stability to the image. a greater sense of solidity and more real. Looking in to the scene.

3. less digital in several area, less noise, more fluid and more natural

4. A slight improvement in picture density, more impact to the images

5. A marginal improvement in resolution . Possibly as the movement and stability is better but detail seems more obvious and clearer

I'll pop my test disc back in its box and see if there is any change in the next few weeks.

So glad Lumagen left just the right amount of room for the 5 boards !

Adrian Palmer | BATH | December 2022