I realised after posting this that I forgot to mention in the review that the performance of the various digital outputs such as optical, RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF and AES are all quite comparable and will vary more based on the downstream DAC and interconnect rather than any variances coming from the U2 or U2 Mini. Sorry for the oversight!!
Great review. I've had the U2, the U2 Mini, and the Hifi Rose RS 130 in my system. The U2 sounded the best to me. It is a great match for the Holo May KTE. If you are looking for a streamer for the May dac, I highly recommend checking out the U2. The Mini was also special, especially for the money and small form factor.
After a few months of listening to the stock U2 Mini, I purchased the LHY PSU kit and built a LPS with favorable internals and other parts($400 total). Not that I expected any substantial change in sound, I just like to build and tinker with electronics, any improvement would be serendipitous. The increase in performance literally left me with a gapping maw. I was already heavily impressed with the Lumin upgrade from a digione sig., but this simple power chain swap took the mini to a "WOW" of state of appreciation. I can't say it bridges the gap between the two Lumin units, as I have no reference, but goddamn, it's cost to benefit ratio I feel is well worth the investment coupled with the enjoyment of the build. Happy listening!
I made the same upgrade to my LUMIN U1 Mini with the LHY Kit, and the change continues to blow my mind and as several have said, a basic LUMIN with LPS sounds better than any 10 thousand $US streamer
I did the same with the Bluesound Node N130 and the improvement was quite substantial. The other day I purchased and installed the LHY 5v battery power supply to my WiiM Pro+, and again, the improvement was quite substantial, well worth the cost.
@@kenr9447 My issue with these high dollar streamers, is the software. I have tried Roon several times, and I cannot for the life of me get it to stay operational for longer than a few hours. It is fine for a bit, and then it disappears off of my network. I wasted hours on this trying to get a stable connection with no luck. The WiiM software simply works, every time, every day. Now, add in the frustration with the software, and then $2000+... Is it really worth it? Is there going to be a $2000+ and hours of frustration sound improvement? Will I even be able to listen to it after I throw it against the wall out of frustration? It is difficult to part with the WiiM.
It's complete nonsense...... like the software, the ease of use, or other aspects, fine. But sound differences through USB are total BS. It's just YT marketing at work here. It's just a streamer that supposed to sound neutral at best.
@gerjandehoon802 No, parroting disinformation when you have no clue is complete nonsense. I have a wiim pro and an A6 master edition. Used as a transport, the A6 sounds way better. It's not even close. Installed a linear psu, and the sound quality improves even more. Lower jitter and better timing are real, not just some audiophile mumbo jumbo.
I’ve owned and listened to a lot of streamers. I recently built one with all parts from Ian Canada and I’ll say it’s my favorite. I upgraded the clocks with Accusilicon s318s and I use a LPS from Jay’s audio. All in under $500
I’d you can go DIY and don’t need a fancy case, there’s probably nothing that can beat a super capacitor based Pi with some of the clocks Ian Canada has.
So I run Volumio but don’t use it. I have Volumio set up as a Roon bridge and then use Roon. A side effect of this is I can run music from Volumio via the Pi’s 9038Q2M DAC to my amp while outputting the Pi’s SPIDF to a second DAC, and my Pi’s USB to a third DAC. Yes, I’ve done this so I could A/B/C test it.
I replaced the power supply in my DMP-A8 with an Ian Canada power supply and replaced both transformers with Toroidy Supreme Audio grade transformers. It brought a 10% improvement, in my objective opinion. I took binaural recordings before and after. I flipped the phase on the before recording so the overlap cancels out. It proves that there are definitely real differences as well. Then I swapped out the clocks with Ian Canada's SC Pure clocks and WOW! The "magic" really happened then. It only took a few minutes to desolder the clocks and solder the new clocks in. I wish I had a high-end streamer to compare it to and see how close it gets in SQ.
Perfect run down!! Well done sir... I have had the Wiim, A6 (moded Linear Power Supply) and the U1 mini.. Even with the A6 and LPS upgrade the Lumin U1 still easily betters the A6 with mods.
@@CookieCurls - Basically as Passion for Sound talked about. It’s just a really nice and resolving Dac that is detailed and clean but doesn’t lose the true to the music tonality and texture. The A6 with the ESS based chip always came across a bit less resolving and a slight digital flair or grain in the top end, less natural mids, and slightly rounded bass. With the LPS upgrade in the A6 the digital glair and edge was gone and the overall soundstage was slightly quieter, but still doesn’t better the U1 mini in my mind. But we’re kinda apples and oranges as the A6 is a streamer DAC for under $1000 and the U1 mini is a streamer for $2200. I would HOPE the Lumin crushes the A6 considering having to split that $1000 is split between the streamer, DAC, and features, stand alone app etc. Not to negate the A6 cus I still use and love it in my secondary systems and the LPS upgrade is a BIG step up in the streamer DAC space. Hope that helps. 👌👌
I have loan a U2 for test with my holo spring KTE amazing sound using AES connection I love they have pre out ,next week I will test Aurender N200 to decide which model to buy
I had the lumin u2 mini and the a8 both at home through usb to my mscaler and tt2, and thought the difference was there, but not so much as you seem to explain it? Did I test wrong? Or is this one of those examples the’re both very very good, and differences on this level of hifi are already small to begin with.
The differences definitely aren't gigantic, but significant IMO. It can also depend on the rest of your source chain, including cables, speakers/headphones, amp (if using a separate amp), etc.
I did notice a bigger difference with the bigger brother, but the price was 3 times the price of the a8. I payed 1600 for it (new). And I liked the multi software flexibility of the a8 more. But the u2 was a very nice streamer, but is somewhat more limited in feature set.
It's more than the Power supply too. I have just upgraded from a U2 Mini w/ a Kenneth Lau Signature LPS to a Lumin U2....Even between these two, the soundstage is larger and more transparent with the U2. The Detail and natural presence is greater in the U2. The Kenneth Lau LPS was VERY well built, and possibly better than the included LPS already resident in the U2. So I'm not sure it's all power supply.
Great video on these Network Music Transports from Lumin, it's nice to see Lumin favour ess Saber ES9038PRO (&28) PRO dacs in there Network Music Players and Hubs instead of the usual AKM4499 (which I see everywhere). Ultimately it's down to implementation but nice to see this.
I'd actually prefer the AK4499 because it's actually a superior chip, even accounting for implementation IMO, but the Lumin Network Players do sound good with the ESS DACs.
Thanks for this fantastic video! The production values are top notch as usual. Loved the app upsampling overlays especially. It's rare to get these type of comparisons. I'm sure your viewers appreciate it!
I don't really use the volume on streamers as it's always handled downstream for me with an amp or preamp, but the brief play I had with it on the T3 review made me think it was pretty solid.
I want to give you my opinion, the digital volume of my LUMIN U1 + LPS with and without LEEDH processing: it is not my preference. I've tried it with different DACs, and my tube preamp always wins...
I have the U2 Mini. Wondering if an LPS mod would, for around $700aud, give me the sound of the U2, with change in the bank. I know it void’s warranty (expired anyway) but not convinced it’s worth the hassle 🤷🏻♂️
I’m using a U2 mini with Plixir LPS and their power conversion cable kit. About $1100 AUD all up. Brilliant upgrade. A very good USB cable helps if the rest of your system incl DAC is up to it. I use Final Touch Audio USB and power cord. In a high resolving system everything makes a difference
I've been an advocate of streaming transports for a while, and recently traded in my Auralic Aries G2 (which I loved, but it developed a fault) for a Hifi Rose RS130. It's a better sounding, much more versatile and user friendly streamer. I highly recommend it. It's not cheap, but I still think it is decent value compared to it's peers.
That might do, but I haven't tested it. If you have that setup already, it would likely make sense, but otherwise the expense and hassle of the extras would probably be better put towards the U2.
@@PassionforSound reason saying is i never find a DDC that costs U$2500, so from a financial point of view, does a few hundred dollar DDC can do the same job as per U2 usb dac out?
Ah, no. Even with my PC running a JCat LAN card, JCat USB card and outputting to the Singxer SU-6, I still can't get sound quality as good as with the Lumin.
@@PassionforSound Alvin Chee said that a DDC for a LUMIN U2 mini made no difference (it is understood that the output will be I2S), because the LUMIN clocks (4) are very good.
Nice video review Lachlan, thanks for posting it. 🙂 I'm starting to realize audio and an interest in it follows the same pattern of brewing espresso and the machines dedicated to it. Similar arguments, comment section wars. etc.
I looked up the prices of the components in his chain. It's just astronomical. I'm going to be sticking with my Wiim Pro into an EF500, with the option of using an Xduoo TA-20 Plus, into Hifiman Arya Organics - with World's Best Cables connecting everything. Done.
Thanks for the review ❤ I want to know more about the Lumin P1 mini. Does anyone know how it compares to other equipment in the 5k range? I didnt like the T3 much for the bass, to me it seemed a bit stronger and not very subtile.
How can you not play with FMC if you are into CAS? even the cheapest FMC when done right will provide the difference probably bigger than upgrade from A8 to U2.
There might a difference, but unless it can be reliably identified by an ABX blind test, I’d chalk it up to expectation bias. I don’t mean any disrespect.
I use a WiiM Pro+ streamer, and recently purchased the LHY 5v battery power supply, and Katy bar the door! The sound improvement was immediate and no need to do an A/B blind test, it was far from a subtle change. Now these Lumin products, I have been looking at them, both of them for a possible purchase. If they could run the WiiM software, I would already have one in my system. I use Amazon more so than Qobuz because I believe Amazon simply sounds better. The Lumin has no native Amazon capabilities like the WiiM products. So, in comparison, how does the Lumin software stack up against the WiiM software? And I have played around with Roon, we do not get along, I find it very unstable, it will work for a bit, and then disappear from both of my networks. I tried the other night, and gave up after a few hours of pulling my hair out. So, no Roon for me. I also notice that there are hundreds of these Lumin streamers for sale on the used market... I wonder what they are replacing these with?
I can't answer why they're being sold - perhaps to upgrade to newer models? As for the software, I like both, but the WiiM software is a little easier to work with. Have you considered the EverSolo streamers as a nice middle ground?
@@PassionforSound My friend had one of the EverSolo units, then he bought the WiiM Pro and sold the EverSolo... I have a revealing system, and I have the WiiM punching way above its weight... Will there be $2000+ in sound improvement? And then the software, I have tried Roon, just cannot get it to stay on my network for more than a few hours. I finally gave up after many hours of trouble shooting the network. Simply not worth the hassle, especially when I can simply pick up my iPad and be streaming. Ugh.
@@PassionforSound Well, I did not own the EverSolo, my good friend did. And he did have issues with the EverSolo software. That was one of the main reasons he sold the EverSolo unit and has since been very happy with the WiiM Pro and Pro+ models he owns. Myself, I have the WiiM Pro+, hard wired into my network, with no issues. I also have a Pi2 Mercury V2 streamer which is also hard wired running a copy of RoPieee, no issues there either. The WiiM Pro+ does sound better to my ear than the Mercury. Now the real issue, is when I try to implement Roon. Very unstable on my network. I can get it up and running just fine, and then within hours, or a day or so, the connection simply vanishes from my network. I had the same issues with Volume software. Here today, gone tomorrow. Very frustrating, and going through this every time I want to listen to music, is simply not worth it to me. Meanwhile, the WiiM Pro+ simply works. It always boils down to the software. What good is a unit with great sound, if you cannot get it to work? Don't get me started on the ifi streamer, LOL!
I agree that you definitely want something that stays stable and available. For clarity though, the series of issues you've had with multiple products on your network would point to your network being the issue, not the products. I run both the EverSolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 in my house and they've never once skipped a beat on a very busy network (we run multiple businesses from home with two separate offices). I've also run Volumio with mostly no issues (although I would suggest that it's less stable than the EverSolo or WiiM)
Can't comment on Lumin but my Denafrips ARCE bested my Wiim Pro IMO as a digital streamer. Soundstage, instr. separation etc. Wiim sounded thicker in mid-bass. Night and day difference, not in my head. Matter of taste. Great review!
Could you see the Lumin Mini straight to the VTV GaN amp that only has digital in? According to the website, the mini does have volume control. Thoughts? In terms of price / value? Thx
It appears that should work because the GaN accepts a SPDIF coaxial input and the Lumins have that output as well as volume control. I can't comment on the performance though as I haven't heard the amp.
Hi, I have a Lumin T1 with linear power supply in an external box what new network reader do you recommend as a replacement that will be superior to my T1, an Evesolo or another Lumin? THANKS
Thanks for answer, Lumin team. You're a better source for that question too because I haven't heard the T1. What I would say is that going with a Lumin option will be a safer bet for an improved sound vs say an EverSolo. I love my EverSolo and it's still my reference streamer, but I'd be buying a Lumin if I had the funds because they're that much better for sound quality.
@@luminmusic But in Sg now, price of P1 mini is almost 3X eversolo A8 after dealer discount from Audio88 vs AVOne. Getting A8, I still can get another 2 Shunyata cables 😂
I can't remember if I did that in my Lumin T3 review. From what I remember, the upsampling is very good, but doesn't have the benefit of the digital filters in the M-Scaler or using HQ Player.
I had a lumin D2 and used it just as a server into an external dac. Replaced the switching power supply with an SBooster. Hugh upgrade thats a must for just a few hundred dollars.
Sort of, but it's not about adjusting the frequency response as both will be outputting a technically flat measuring signal. The issue is that the Lumin streamers are keeping more noise out of the circuits and that produces a smoother and more pleasing sound. No amount of EQ can do that, unfortunately.
@@PassionforSound can there be anything added to the Eversolo Control if I put in a different op amp inside of the Eversolo Control that help reduce the noise .
No and I'm not sure they have swappable op-amps. The noise isolation comes from things like power supply design, circuit layout, chassis and case design, etc. all things that can't really be fixed later on. That said, the EverSolo gear is still excellent for the price. It's what I'm still using because it's so versatile and enjoyable to use.
@@PassionforSound yeah I guess as you go higher up like with hifi rose, AURENDER and Auralic streamers the lower, the noise floor, the music emerges from a darker background.
Tested the U2 against my venerable NAD 50.2 and felt it sounded better until…….wait for it…..I put a Netgear powered switch in so I could do side by side comparison. It improved the 50.2 so much I kept it and returned the Lumin. Stunned me. I put another one in my vintage system also…..improvement. Stunned with this 45.00 tweak. Awesome.
I'd love to compare a U2 to my Auralic Aries 2.2. Still the best streamer I've used in my system (I've borrowed the mini, the Aries is far superior to my ears in my system) I'd also like to see I2S becoming more of a standard. My old PS Audio DAC was great via I2S
GM ☕️🦘 First and I’ve become a big fan of streaming music . Current set up..Denafrips Ares 12 bring fed optically by a Wiim Pro (Amazon Music HD) ..and it’s pretty damn nice! Great review..now would I take a LUMIN ..YES!! Now only if their software wasn’t “finicky”. Also ..they have to work with WIFI not cabled . Great video,thank you. Have a great week.
I agree that WiFi would be nice for stability. I've found the Lumin software to be really solid for my usage, although I mostly stream direct from Roon so that's really doing the heavy lifting. 🙂
People throw around terms like "better sound" without defining what that means .. its just so subjective ... in my opinion, and im not trying to be rude here, but if you're making these kind of claims then I would like to see some true blind testing comparisons for some evidence that "stuff that shouldn't matter" does actually matter..
Yep. As Pete said, I'm pretty sure I described in detail exactly what changed in the sound and why I preferred it. On this occasion, it's also fairly evident why the improvements occur too.
I've had both in my system at the same time. The U2 has a slightly smaller sound stage, a more black background, and a more analog and relaxed presentation. The Rose has a larger sound stage and is more three dimensional, but it can sound "digital" on certain cuts. The sound stage of the U2, while not as large as the Rose, just sounds right. Similarly, the U2 can be very three dimensional but in a way that allows my Holo May KTE dac to retain its analog personality. In my system, I preferred the U2. That said, the Rose is very cool and has some very nice features. The screen was awesome.
before I spent an extra couple of grand, I'd try to make my listening environment consistently around 30 dBA or quiet room status. When a seemingly quiet room goes above 40 to around 45 dBA bc of say an electrical appliance, you will perceive a sound degradation in you r sound system even if the volume was high enough that you didn't notice the the change in the ambient noise . 😉
Hey, Lachlan, you've always been really kind to me but this is pushing my luck so please just blow right on by this if it's over the line. I'm very, very seriously considering a pair of (Edifier) AirPulse A300 Pro powered speakers. I'm a huge Edifier fanboy (my S2000mkiii's consistently disappear on my desk in the home office) and I'm really impressed with the A300, especially at the local price of under $1000. But they don't have a subwoofer output, and I am almost certainly going to want a subwoofer. The good news is that I only have two inputs -- one USB and one analog -- but that's still one too many to just get a subwoofer and use it as a pass-through. I have an Arcam DAC that I could use to convert the USB source to analog, and I've also got the SMSL AO300 but it doesn't have preamp out. So what I *think* I need is a no-frills preamp with either two stereo outputs or one stereo output and one subwoofer output. Is that the way to do this? Both inputs into the preamp, stereo analog to the A300's, and subwoofer output to the subwoofer? Is there a way to do it that's smarter than that? And do you have a specific recommendation? Something by iFi, for example?
Hmmmm. I can't think of any budget preamps with two outputs... Do you perhaps have the ability to run XLR into either the sub or the speakers and then RCA into the other? One final thought is to adapt XLR to RCA with a couple of little transformers. Let me know your thoughts and where you're located so I can link you to an example of the adaptors I mean if they might work for you.
Fiber Optic SFP Outlets & LC fiber interconnect cables............................... Well, it's here & this is the 2nd audio component seen this week offering it. SFP is a 10 Gig Bus. Say goodbye to AES & Toslink. It will be SFP/LC & the new standard USB-'C' as the digital connections of choice now. This is why I always say NEVER mix digital with analog inside components. Digital goes obsolete way too soon to mix. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
Alvin Chee said that a DDC for a LUMIN U2 mini did not make that much difference (it is understood that the output will be I2S), because the LUMIN (4) clocks are very good.
The only feature that really matters to me in a streamer, is it being able to send bits to my DAC wirelessly at a reasonable price. I give any Lumin product an epic fail, for this reason. I don't even need a display. The Lumin ones could be better, at those prices.
