LUMIN U2 Network player > Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity Review
An exceptionally well-designed and engineered streaming digital transport, the LUMIN U2 transport has a feature set that accommodates a wide variety of digital musical sources and DACs.
Introduction
The LUMIN U2 is a dual-mono streamer designed to stream music files from sources such as a music server, NAS, Roon Core, etc., downstream to an audio system. As there is no built-in DAC, the U2 functions as a digital music file transport, and an external DAC must be used with the U2. It is designed for customers with the need for music streamer functionality, but wish to have the option of using a DAC of their choice. The U2 will stream music files from an upstream networked-connected music server, NAS, or computer to a DAC using MinimServer or Roon. It can also stream files from a connected USB flash or hard drive using MinimServer or the native LUMIN app. The LUMIN U2 is also compatible with several music streaming services including Qobuz, Tidal Connect, Tidal MAX, Spotify Connect, MQA, Plex, TuneIn radio, and Apple Airplay2.
Summarizing the experience of listening to these wonderful recordings into a “larger whole”, one of the most notable attributes of the LUMIN U2 is its ability to resolve high-resolution details with finesse. In addition to providing excellent detail retrieval, the U2 refrains from overemphasizing these details to the detriment of the overall musical presentation. Instead, it seamlessly integrates intricate musical nuances into the overall flow, creating a listening experience that feels both natural and effortless. The U2’s high-resolution capabilities are not simply showcased as standalone virtues, but rather as integral components of the overall musical composition.
Conclusions
With cutting-edge engineering, a broad feature set, and the capability to play any format digital music file with reference-level audio quality and with an engaging and natural musicality, the LUMIN U2 is an exceptional and versatile transport and the foundation for a superb digital streaming-based system.
For me, the bottom line is really simple: the LUMIN U2 is a superb digital transport. In addition to being exceptionally well-designed and engineered with a broad feature set that accommodates any DAC and virtually all digital music file formats, the LUMIN U2 provides flexible and versatile functionality and superb audio quality. It has neutral yet natural tonality, accurate and refined reproduction of vocal and instrumental timbre, a wide, deep, and tall soundstage, precise and stable imaging, a controlled and defined bottom-end, natural yet “relaxed” musical presentation that emerges from a deep black background and very low noise floor. If I were looking for a digital transport/streamer for use with my DAC of choice, I’d get the LUMIN U2 Transport and call it a day. I think it’s one of the best-designed, best-engineered, best-implemented, and best-sounding digital transports I’ve ever used or heard and, as such, has my highest recommendation.
- Stephen Scharf, hometheaterhifi.com Ocober 2024
Likes
Compatible with all high-resolution PCM and DSD digital recording formats.
Natural, accurate presentation of tone and timbre with excellent imaging and spacious soundstage.
Exceptional transparency, low noise floor providing superb resolution and detail.
Functional and versatile connectivity features
Effective resonance and vibration damping and ground-plane noise reduction.
Excellent build quality and high overall engineering specification
Would Like To See
Well, this must be a first, because honestly, I can’t think of anything. The LUMIN U2 has all the functions and features that I can think of for a digital transport. And it’s superbly engineered and executed, as well.
Lumin U2
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity