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Thought I’d share some observations about the L2. I’ll cut to the chase and strongly recommend anyone with a Lumin network player/hub/transport to consider a L2.
I’ve had my X1 for about 4 years now and love the thing. It sounds great, it’s truly plug ‘n’ play and works flawlessly. The app, although not as versatile as Roon, is solid and gets the job done. The support from Lumin is terrific, an example being the addition of Leedh processing.
Early on I noticed that music sounded a little more dynamic and a tad clearer when using the Lumin app compared to Roon, which resides on a Sonictransporter i5. However, that gap narrowed when I ran the X1 in Lumin’s experimental “Roon Only” mode. I noted further gains when I repurposed my primary file storage, a Synology NAS, to back up duties and copied my music files to an SSD on the i5. After a rather buggy Roon update and other QC issues that have been plaguing Roon, at least for me they have, I bought a L1, which I connected directly to the X1. Easy to set up, no issues----it just works. Again, I was surprised to hear that sound quality took a step up yet again with the L1, primarily in dynamics, i.e. the graduation between soft and loud was more pronounced. I have no idea why however I suspect it’s due to the smaller network footprint of the L1 vs Roon. My only beef with the L1 is the requirement to disconnect it from the network and plug it via USB to computer to transfer files and the storage options are limited.
About two months ago I bought an L2. It took 10 minutes to install a pair of SSD’s and start transferring files. A welcomed feature compared to the L1 is the ability to add music via my network. And let’s not forget the switch.
With the built in switch, I now have my i5 connected to one of the Ethernet ports, my X1 connected via fibre to the L2 which in turn is connected to my router via a 60’ fibre run (I use Corning w/ PlanetTech SFP modules) and a LHY switch. It’s a simple, streamlined setup that sounds better than the previous pile of boxes, power supplies and cabling. I am sold on using fibre over CAT6 et al. Music sounds more natural and clearer to me with fibre.
I am pleased with my current setup and while I still use Roon, its library management features are unparalleled at present, it’s the L2 with either Lumin’s app or JPLAY for iOS that I listen to most. My only wish is that Lumin’s server software could open local liner note PDF’s as does minimserver, Roon, JRMC etc. It does this with Qobuz. One of these days, if I overcome my skepticism, I’ll try a grounding device. I know many have reported positive experiences with those.
Yes, the L2 is expensive but worth every penny to me. Like the X1, it’s easy to use, truly plug ‘n’ play, works flawlessly, and sounds great especially if you take advantage of the isolation properties of running fibre in your system.
I’ve had my X1 for about 4 years now and love the thing. It sounds great, it’s truly plug ‘n’ play and works flawlessly. The app, although not as versatile as Roon, is solid and gets the job done. The support from Lumin is terrific, an example being the addition of Leedh processing.
Early on I noticed that music sounded a little more dynamic and a tad clearer when using the Lumin app compared to Roon, which resides on a Sonictransporter i5. However, that gap narrowed when I ran the X1 in Lumin’s experimental “Roon Only” mode. I noted further gains when I repurposed my primary file storage, a Synology NAS, to back up duties and copied my music files to an SSD on the i5. After a rather buggy Roon update and other QC issues that have been plaguing Roon, at least for me they have, I bought a L1, which I connected directly to the X1. Easy to set up, no issues----it just works. Again, I was surprised to hear that sound quality took a step up yet again with the L1, primarily in dynamics, i.e. the graduation between soft and loud was more pronounced. I have no idea why however I suspect it’s due to the smaller network footprint of the L1 vs Roon. My only beef with the L1 is the requirement to disconnect it from the network and plug it via USB to computer to transfer files and the storage options are limited.
About two months ago I bought an L2. It took 10 minutes to install a pair of SSD’s and start transferring files. A welcomed feature compared to the L1 is the ability to add music via my network. And let’s not forget the switch.
With the built in switch, I now have my i5 connected to one of the Ethernet ports, my X1 connected via fibre to the L2 which in turn is connected to my router via a 60’ fibre run (I use Corning w/ PlanetTech SFP modules) and a LHY switch. It’s a simple, streamlined setup that sounds better than the previous pile of boxes, power supplies and cabling. I am sold on using fibre over CAT6 et al. Music sounds more natural and clearer to me with fibre.
I am pleased with my current setup and while I still use Roon, its library management features are unparalleled at present, it’s the L2 with either Lumin’s app or JPLAY for iOS that I listen to most. My only wish is that Lumin’s server software could open local liner note PDF’s as does minimserver, Roon, JRMC etc. It does this with Qobuz. One of these days, if I overcome my skepticism, I’ll try a grounding device. I know many have reported positive experiences with those.
Yes, the L2 is expensive but worth every penny to me. Like the X1, it’s easy to use, truly plug ‘n’ play, works flawlessly, and sounds great especially if you take advantage of the isolation properties of running fibre in your system.
