Popular Post One and a half Posted December 26, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 26, 2018 Lumin U1 impressions (update) By the third day after running continuously, the sound image was very stable, and no more roughness in the mid range. The weekend could not review, due to work commitments, but continued with burn in. Changed DAC to Accuphase DP-720 with the coaxial input. Now seven days after delivery, the SQ has matured with great height, about 70cm above the speaker line, and depending on the track, some instruments can be positioned in the third dimension ahead/below/slightly left and right of the listening position, much the same as the SACD player for the DAC can accomplish. This doesn't happen too often, and is rather a nice unexpected touch. Also changed is the Ethernet connection point to the Lumin U1. The chain is now Router -> Music Server JCAT net card Femto Ethernet adapter in Windows Bridge mode -> Lumin U1. The power source for the JCAT card is the computer's supply for now and the PCIe bus. What I'm hearing is a touch more in resolve, in particular to Lydian Collective's Loops, where the drums during the middle section of the track sound muddy and can be indistinct. The JCAT Ethernet separates the drums a little better and now the image is not so unclear. Overall, the JCAT improves, not night and day, but it can deliver when needed. If anybody has a DAC they don't want to part with and willing to try Ethernet, the Lumin U1 provides this route in an easy to setup with a very rewarding sound playback, even with humble coaxial. Solstice380 and wklie 2 AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
Solstice380 Posted December 26, 2018 Share Posted December 26, 2018 @One and a half I wasn’t aware that you had a Lumin when we were answering @JohnJo ‘s questions! It was one of the better solutions I thought of recommending to him, as well. Enjoy! https://audiophilestyle.com/profile/21384-solstice380/?tab=field_core_pfield_3 Link to comment
Popular Post One and a half Posted December 26, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 26, 2018 1 hour ago, Solstice380 said: @One and a half I wasn’t aware that you had a Lumin when we were answering @JohnJo ‘s questions! It was one of the better solutions I thought of recommending to him, as well. Enjoy! Yes @JohnJo asked a good question, with experiencing a Lumin though was a lot easier. Had the Lumin type machine existed in 2008, I could have saved a lot of time and $$$, but wasn't to be. Given the choices now, wow, Ethernet needs some serious consideration. Solstice380 and asdf1000 1 1 AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
Roy Boy Posted December 30, 2018 Share Posted December 30, 2018 I have a question on the most efficient way to update the library when adding music to a large library. I am running Minimserver and MinimWatch with the Lumin App on my iPad and Lumin A1. My library has over 7000 albums and 50K songs. It seems to take a very long time for the new music to show up. Typically I do a rescan of the library from Minimwatch, then when I open the Lumin app it takes a long time to see the new album. I also tried doing "Update Library" from the Lumin app after a rescan from Minimwatch but that did not cause the new album to be seen. So I tried a "Reload Library" from the Lumin app and it is taking over one hour (still not done) to reload the library. So my question is what process steps should I follow when adding music to a large library to make the music available to play most quickly? Thanks Link to comment
Hypercell Posted December 30, 2018 Share Posted December 30, 2018 4 hours ago, Roy Boy said: I have a question on the most efficient way to update the library when adding music to a large library. I am running Minimserver and MinimWatch with the Lumin App on my iPad and Lumin A1. My library has over 7000 albums and 50K songs. It seems to take a very long time for the new music to show up. Typically I do a rescan of the library from Minimwatch, then when I open the Lumin app it takes a long time to see the new album. I also tried doing "Update Library" from the Lumin app after a rescan from Minimwatch but that did not cause the new album to be seen. So I tried a "Reload Library" from the Lumin app and it is taking over one hour (still not done) to reload the library. So my question is what process steps should I follow when adding music to a large library to make the music available to play most quickly? Thanks Hello Roy Boy, I have A1 and minimserver as well on the NAS and 4K albums. Every time I add some album on the NAS, I just run the rescan with the Lumin app and after max a couple of minutes the new additions are available. Hope this help Link to comment
wklie Posted January 7, 2019 Share Posted January 7, 2019 http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-t2.html Lumin T2 replaces the previous Lumin A1 and T1. The essence of T2 is: Dual ES9028PRO, DSD512, same processors and FPGA from X1, analog output stage and clocking system derived from X1. The chassis is shaped like the original A1 but is done in a way to fit the T2 pricing. MQA Roon Ready Qobuz Tidal Spotify Connect TuneIn features as before. An internal power supply is used. In addition to the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, T2 inherits the X1 feature of being able to be used as a streamer to output to an external DAC via USB or BNC-SPDIF. Perfect sense 1 Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
Perfect sense Posted January 7, 2019 Share Posted January 7, 2019 1 hour ago, wklie said: http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-t2.html Lumin T2 replaces the previous Lumin A1 and T1. The essence of T2 is: Dual ES9028PRO, DSD512, same processors and FPGA from X1, analog output stage and clocking system derived from X1. The chassis is shaped like the original A1 but is done in a way to fit the T2 pricing. MQA Roon Ready Qobuz Tidal Spotify Connect TuneIn features as before. An internal power supply is used. In addition to the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, T2 inherits the X1 feature of being able to be used as a streamer to output to an external DAC via USB or BNC-SPDIF. A much appreciated release indeed. / Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se wklie 1 PERFECT SENSE www.perfect-sense.se Showroom in Stockholm, Sweden | [email protected] | 08 518 368 00 | Follow us on Facebook Link to comment
wklie Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 A user VoicesInMyHead shared his early impressions of Lumin T2 in another forum https://www.audioshark.org/lumin-169/lumin-t2-15692-page6.html#post260189 Quote the D2 blew all my expectations and I’ve been very happy with it, but when the T2 was finally announced I just couldn’t resist it as it seemed to be all I wanted in the first place. Immediately when I connected it yesterday I could tell this was a big step up from the D2. As expected when climbing upwards a product ladder it’s just more of everything, larger soundstage, more details, more 3-dimensional, deeper bass etc. But something that struck me early was just how effortless and relaxed the music seemed to flow, like the easiest thing in the world. Music feels vivid, more real and intense. I’m trying to avoid words as analogue and organic, but maybe that’s exactly what it is. It moves me. These are still early impressions and I know from the D2 that some burn in time will only do it good and I expect the same here. I’m upsampling to DSD256 with Roon as my current server can’t handle DSD512, but a new one capable of that will hopefully arrive before the weekend. I have no idea how it compares to the T1 as I’ve never tried it, I have no doubt that it’s better though as there would be no reason for a new version otherwise, but if it’s worth the money to upgrade I don’t know, but I would like to think so! If someone is currently using a separate DAC and some other streaming solution, having high quality cables to and between these, combining it all into a very VERY nice one-box package with high quality streaming and fabulous DAC, then the T2 would be considered a bargain and almost pay for itself by just getting rid of the unnecessary boxes and cables. To me the T2 is a real winner. I like it. A LOT!!! Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
dakroeker Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Hello there I’m interested in the lumin d1 but as I’m looking at the app it doesn’t seem to be capable of random play thru my whole library. It’s an important feature for me. I’m wondering if that is something that is going to come in an update. Thanks Link to comment
wklie Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 4 hours ago, dakroeker said: looking at the app it doesn’t seem to be capable of random play thru my whole library. Lumin app does not do this due to limitations of OpenHome, but I believe Roon does. Lumin players and transports are Roon Ready. Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
Popular Post wklie Posted January 25, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted January 25, 2019 Lumin Firmware 11.4 The whole Lumin product line of network players/transport now has Firmware 11.4 available, including the 6-year old Lumin A1. (Which other manufacturers provide upgrades for as long as we do?) Firmware 11.4 incorporates the latest Roon Ready SDK to support Roon 1.6. It also has other minor fixes to support large USB HDD (although use of MinimServer or L1 is preferred), and increases the limit for internet radio stations. pl_svn, mav52, kelly200269 and 2 others 2 2 1 Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
One and a half Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 @wklie, here's a news article from Phile web, Jan 25, 2019 it's a kit that accepts FOC with a media converter outputting Ethernet direct (in this case) to a T2, a special limited offer. Can you tell me what make the media converter is, and what is the power source? Could this kit be available in other countries? AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
wklie Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 5 hours ago, One and a half said: @wklie, here's a news article from Phile web, Jan 25, 2019 it's a kit that accepts FOC with a media converter outputting Ethernet direct (in this case) to a T2, a special limited offer. I believe that's supplied by our Japanese distributor so I don't have the details. If you're interested in optic fiber based isolation for Ethernet, a dealer has nice things to say about this device: https://www.audioshark.org/showthread.php?t=15781&p=260181&viewfull=1#post260181 Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
wklie Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 A cheaper alternative to do fiber network isolation is to use a pair of fiber media converters (FMC). Lumin T2 / D2 / M1 / U1: Use a pair of TP-Link MC210CS Lumin S1 / A1 / T1 / D1 : Use a pair of TP-Link MC110CS (Note: MC210CS is not compatible) Between the pair of FMC you need a single mode SC-SC duplex fiber: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3m-SC-SC-duplex-9-125um-Corning-ClearCurve-single-mode-bend-insensitive-fiber/232757309790?hash=item36316ab15e:g:ixgAAOSwcJ1a7Oct:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true The Lumin-side FMC needs to be driven by a LPS, an inexpensive one is: https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?search_type=jamecoall&catalogId=10001&freeText=1953639&langId=-1&productId=1953639&storeId=10001&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
pl_svn Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Peter... is there something "weird" going on here or...? I'm quite sure my U1 Mini "does something" every day at about 9PM: it usually is sleeping, at that time, and I see "Network Error" showing briefly on its display then last played track shows and, after 15 minutes, as per settings, it goes back to sleep mode 😶 Qnap HS-264 NAS (powered by an HD-Plex 100w LPS) > Cirrus7 Nimbini v2.5 Media Edition i7-8559U/32/512 running Roon ROCK (powered by a Keces P8 LPS) > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio NOS digital preamplifier > First Watt SIT 3 power amplifier (or Don Garber Fi "Y" 6922 tube preamplifier + Don Garber Fi "X" 2A3 SET power amplifier, both powered from an Alpha-Core BP-30 Isolated Symmetrical Power Transformer) > Klipsch Cornwall III headphones system: Cirrus 7 > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio > Pathos Aurium amplifier (powered by an UpTone Audio JS-2 LPS) > Focal Clear headphones Link to comment
wklie Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 16 minutes ago, pl_svn said: I'm quite sure my U1 Mini "does something" every day at about 9PM: it usually is sleeping, at that time, and I see "Network Error" showing briefly on its display then last played track shows and, after 15 minutes, as per settings, it goes back to sleep mode 😶 The U1 MINI does not currently have any programmed event that is triggered by a clock. Your transient Network Error would imply a case of Ethernet link down. I would suspect some sort of electricity fluctuation causing your network switch or router to misbehave, or the switch or router is dying. Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
pl_svn Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 😐 Ok, thank you Peter: I'll check my switche(s) and FMCs Qnap HS-264 NAS (powered by an HD-Plex 100w LPS) > Cirrus7 Nimbini v2.5 Media Edition i7-8559U/32/512 running Roon ROCK (powered by a Keces P8 LPS) > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio NOS digital preamplifier > First Watt SIT 3 power amplifier (or Don Garber Fi "Y" 6922 tube preamplifier + Don Garber Fi "X" 2A3 SET power amplifier, both powered from an Alpha-Core BP-30 Isolated Symmetrical Power Transformer) > Klipsch Cornwall III headphones system: Cirrus 7 > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio > Pathos Aurium amplifier (powered by an UpTone Audio JS-2 LPS) > Focal Clear headphones Link to comment
Easterman Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 35 minutes ago, pl_svn said: Peter... is there something "weird" going on here or...? I'm quite sure my U1 Mini "does something" every day at about 9PM: it usually is sleeping, at that time, and I see "Network Error" showing briefly on its display then last played track shows and, after 15 minutes, as per settings, it goes back to sleep mode 😶 Could it be your router which renews your lease every 24 hours? Link to comment
pl_svn Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 22 minutes ago, Easterman said: 59 minutes ago, pl_svn said: Could it be your router which renews your lease every 24 hours? haven't thought of this: will check, thank you Qnap HS-264 NAS (powered by an HD-Plex 100w LPS) > Cirrus7 Nimbini v2.5 Media Edition i7-8559U/32/512 running Roon ROCK (powered by a Keces P8 LPS) > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio NOS digital preamplifier > First Watt SIT 3 power amplifier (or Don Garber Fi "Y" 6922 tube preamplifier + Don Garber Fi "X" 2A3 SET power amplifier, both powered from an Alpha-Core BP-30 Isolated Symmetrical Power Transformer) > Klipsch Cornwall III headphones system: Cirrus 7 > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio > Pathos Aurium amplifier (powered by an UpTone Audio JS-2 LPS) > Focal Clear headphones Link to comment
Easterman Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 On 2/1/2019 at 11:54 AM, pl_svn said: haven't thought of this: will check, thank you I recently went thru all sorts of hell after 4 power cuts in one evening, for days after it was hit and miss getting access to my Lumin, or the A1 loading 1,2 maybe 4 songs from an album - turned out it was clashing IP addresses, even though I have one reserved as static for the A1 - the router had assigned the same address to Philips hue bridge... Restsrting, resetting, etc arghhhhh!!! Link to comment
pl_svn Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 no issues, here, when playing only noticed, four or five times, always at about the same hour in the evening, that "network Error" popping out very briefly when the U1 Mini was in sleep mode Qnap HS-264 NAS (powered by an HD-Plex 100w LPS) > Cirrus7 Nimbini v2.5 Media Edition i7-8559U/32/512 running Roon ROCK (powered by a Keces P8 LPS) > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio NOS digital preamplifier > First Watt SIT 3 power amplifier (or Don Garber Fi "Y" 6922 tube preamplifier + Don Garber Fi "X" 2A3 SET power amplifier, both powered from an Alpha-Core BP-30 Isolated Symmetrical Power Transformer) > Klipsch Cornwall III headphones system: Cirrus 7 > Lumin U2 > Metrum Acoustics Adagio > Pathos Aurium amplifier (powered by an UpTone Audio JS-2 LPS) > Focal Clear headphones Link to comment
wklie Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 On 1/29/2019 at 6:19 PM, One and a half said: @wklie, here's a news article from Phile web, Jan 25, 2019 it's a kit that accepts FOC with a media converter outputting Ethernet direct (in this case) to a T2, a special limited offer. Can you tell me what make the media converter is, and what is the power source? Could this kit be available in other countries? Assuming our Japanese distributor supplied all the optical network hardware for this review: https://online.stereosound.co.jp/_ct/17250487 Then it may be TP-Link MC220L - just a guess. Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
Popular Post wklie Posted February 19, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted February 19, 2019 Lumin X1 review from Taiwan: https://review.u-audio.com.tw/reviewdetail.asp?reviewid=1617 My translation of some parts of it: [brackets are mine] [Lundahl Transformer] For the output, X1 not only has analog RCA and XLR outputs but have digital outputs as well. Therefore it can be used as a pure streamer [for an external DAC] too. Analog outputs adopt a design similar to some Lumin models before - there are Lundahl output transformers following the DAC hardware circuitry so that the amplified signal goes through the transformers before being output. Why does it need this extra hardware? This is because output transformer has a characteristic of filtering out high frequency noise. Transformers have a native bandwidth limitation, so signals outside the bandwidth do not get transmitted. This way, very high frequency noise associated with digital audio is naturally eliminated. In addition, output transformer has a tuning effect and make the sound richer. [Fiber network vs copper network] Before getting the X1, I'm very curious about its SFP fiber network interface: What SQ difference does the SFP fiber network offer as compared to RJ45 copper network? If we need to do this comparison [completely], both the NAS and switch should use SFP connection, so the distributor lent us their QNAP TS-251B NAS and QSW-804-4C switch. QNAP high-end models of NAS have expansion capability, including this TS-251B with a QNAP LAN-10G2SF-MLX network card with 10GbE using SFP+ interface. The QSW-804-4C contains both RJ45 and SFP+ ports, letting us conveniently compare the sound difference between the two. To listen to fiber network, use fiber cable to connect to the switch and the NAS SFP+ port. To listen to copper network, use RJ45 network cable to connect to the switch and NAS built-in Ethernet port. [Note: Unlike what this review may imply, it is not essential for the NAS to have fiber network in order to enjoy the fiber network in Lumin X1.] This is QNAP QSW-804-4C with both RJ45 and SFP+ ports. The fiber in the left connects to the X1 SFP port. The middle RJ45 connects to [uplink] switch. The black cable in the right connects to the NAS SFP+ network expansion card. Fiber network requires a small SFP transceiver. This is QNAP TS-251B NAS with PCIe expansion slot filled with QNAP LAN-10G2SF-MLX network expansion card to support SFP+ 10GbE transmission. What are the differences between the two sound? SFP fiber has a black background with a pure sound, it feels more liquid, soft, delicate, layered, balanced and open. RJ45 copper network has quite a clean background, but sounds to have a little impurity compared to fiber network, the sound has a bit high frequency frizz and is less smooth than fiber. However, RJ45 is sharp and energetic. Comparatively, fiber seems a bit softer. In terms of soundstage, RJ45 is more focused on centre and saturated with a clear theme. Fiber expands to two sides and is more open and is extremely balanced. Basically, I believe fiber and RJ45 has different personalities and each has its pros. Objectively, I believe fiber offers more details, layers and is full of potential. RJ45 is more variable depending on the cabling. X1 provides two types of connection and two sounds to choose from, letting the user to match their own equipment and tastes. In addition, Lumin also allows for another type of connection topology: use the X1 RJ45 port to connect to the switch, then the SFP port to bridge the NAS SFP+ network card. This way, a SFP switch is not necessary to enjoy the advantage of fiber network. [Listening Impressions] The following review uses Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 pre-amp and NuPrime Evolution One amp, driving Aurum Cantus Grand Harmony speakers. I quite like the pure sound and smooth voice from fiber, and the rich layers and contrast brought by full details. So I start with fiber listening, playing Janos Starker, Bach Suites for Solo Cello. With the support of X1 black background, rich details from SFP fiber are more obvious, letting me hear that when the bow hair stops, the chamber resonance decays gradually in the air. In double stops, the resolution between two notes is very good, reflecting the details. The cello sounds a little sticky, not deliberately polishing a bright smoothness, giving the texture of friction among the strings. In addition, the shape of the cello appears very correct, with a precise image and proper scale. Low mids sound a little wet, making the tone more attractive. Cannonball Adderley, Somethin' Else: X1 soundstage is more focused and centred, especially suitable for a small Jazz band. Through the X1 playback, each instrument, each drum beat is shown with precise imaging, with excellent separation between each instrument, letting me "see" the band with realism. Besides, X1 not only plays with clear imaging, but different frequencies and proportion of sounds are strictly presented without blurring or exaggeration, and it does not have bloated bass. X1 also supports Roon Ready in addition to UPnP OpenHome, letting me to listen to familiar music from my Roon Server on QNAP HS-453Be [TS-453Be ?] NAS. My HS-453Be does not have the fiber network card, so it is connected via RJ45. In this setup, Janos Starker, Bach Suites for Solo Cello plays with clearer shape of strings with even better contrast, giving deeper musical emotion. Eric Clapton, Old Love: X1 is adept at this. Weak sounds are presented without strain. Strong sounds play with rich layer variations. It combines with transparent tonality and appropriate liquidity and wetness, listening to this feels great, and 13 minutes do not feel long at all. Chris Babida, Tsai Chin, To Encounter - Chris And Friends track 1: X1 once again presents a focused and centered image with a clear shape as its strength, making the voice realistic with a dense texture and temperature thereby making it deeply emotional. I believe X1 will absolutely charm audiophiles who like listening to voices. X1 is so great at Bagatelle music, Jazz and Rock, what about symphony? With 37th Tapei Int'l Audio & Art Show CD: even though the X1 soundstage is not too wide, the structure of the orchestra is very excellent - treble, mid, bass distribution is orderly and not messy. In particular, the front, mid, back separation and layers can easily be recognized. The resolution of whole frequency spectrum is equally good with a clean bass. Even complex music is handled by X1 easily. It is not common for a source to be like X1 that simultaneously has rich functionality, convenient operation, elegant appearance, small physical size, HiFi grade design and manufacturing, and high level of audio reproduction, fitting any requirement of any demanding user. X1 also offers a rich listening experience, through its fiber or copper network, or its upsampling, bringing different tuning possibilities for sound quality. X1 is not complex to setup yet it has the most complete specifications and supported services. X1 will not disappoint. kelly200269 and brw 2 Peter Lie LUMIN Firmware Lead Link to comment
kelly200269 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Roon 1.6, and the ability to integrate both my Tidal and Qobuz accounts, together with the library on my L1, has literally transformed how much I’m listening to my A1 now. However good the Lumin app is, once you integrate everything with Roon, it’s just a joy to use and listen, and this combination keeps me listening well into the early hours 😀 I invested in a Roon Nucleus, and would heartily recommend it. It’s very much ‘plug ‘n play’ like the A1, and they just work perfectly together over my network. But however much I love my A1, I still hanker after the X1 ☺️ Link to comment
nkbg Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Anyone had a chance to compare U1 vs. U1 Mini? Link to comment
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