Thread: Lumin S1 Not Working

Hello,

I was using my Lumin S1 yesterday night (with a headphone amplifier) when in the middle of a song there was a 'click' and then there was no music output. Everything on the Lumin app looks normal; it displays that a song is playing. The display on the front of the S1 looks normal as well. I have tried the following so far but to no avail:

I used a pin in the reset button for over 20 seconds to return the unit to default.

I have used my headphone amplifier with another DAC and everything works fine, so I know the issue is Lumin related.

I have tried music through minimserver and the USB sockets on the S1

I have just tried digital output to another USB but there appears to be no output to the other DAC

I am using the S1 with a X1 PSU, so may try swapping the PSU, but I doubt this will do anything. Has anyone had a similar experience with the S1? Peter, do you have any thoughts on what the issue could be?

I purchased the S1 from new about 4 years ago I think. It has never been left on 24/7 or anything like that. I usually listen to music for about two hours a night on some weekdays. I turn everything on 30 minutes prior, mainly to let my valve headphone amplifier warm up.

I would be most grateful for any thoughts on this.

Since you have another PSU, please try that too.

Please enable Digital Audio Output in Lumin app, turn off Custom Re-sampling, make sure the Lumin app is not muted (MUTE may be shown in front panel if muted) and volume is at a large enough value (or turn off the Volume Control), and use the BNC port to output PCM (not DSD, not MQA) to a different DAC. If necessary, you may need to get a BNC to RCA coaxial cable for testing (e.g. from bluejeans).

S1 does not output to USB.

Peter, out of curiosity, assuming the issue isn’t the PSU, if the S1 worked with your suggestions wouldn’t it still be broken and need repair?

This helps determine which component (if any) needs repair.

Hello Peter,
to clarify, I did not attempt to connect another DAC via USB. I tried inputting files via USB and minimserver. I have tried 2 different BNC cables and there is no output to another DAC (I have previously been able to output to a RMI ADI-2 DAC). I have also just tried the original S1 PSU and there is still no sound output. I have also tried different volume levels as well

As the S1 is obviously faulty I need the know the process for returning it; I live in the UK. I also need some idea of the cost of repairs as well, so I can make a decision on whether to scrap it or get it repaired.

Thank you.

Sorry about the trouble. Please contact your UK dealer or distributor for help with the repair.

Just to give an update. I have got the S1 working as just a streamer to a RME ADI-2 DAC FS. When I first tried it I didn't realise the battery in the remote for the RME was weak. I contacted the dealer from whom I purchased the Lumin yesterday, and they have advised me to contact Lumin UK direct due to the warranty having expired. They also expressed doubt that it could be repaired without replacing the entire DAC board, so I presume I would be looking at a 50% cost of the unit when new to get it repaired (I suppose around £3000 to £4000).

I notice there are others on this forum who seem to have had similar issues with other Lumin streamers. I will therefore keep this as a streamer until I buy a separate DAC and then eventually sell it on Ebay as a streamer only.

As I am coming up to retirement, my plan was to put this unit in the living room and buy an X1 for my office. However, that idea is now well and truly dead and buried, as I cannot have in the back of my mind the uncertainty that one of the boards will call it a day after the warranty has expired.

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I understand that you are currently sour on the Lumin brand.
I have had an A1 for years without any issue at all. And I am sure that there are many other happy owners of this brand, many who probably have also had them a good while without any issues.
It seems that we mostly hear about the problems with a piece of equipment, not how long or how well the gear has performed.
I'm sure that Lumin's failure rate is very low due to the limited amount of complaints posted.
Also, what other company has a representative readily available on the forums to respond to questions and issues?
A bummer for sure that your kit isn't working properly but they are electronic pieces and can fail for any number of reasons including power surges/spikes.
On the good side you have music flowing again.

Originally Posted by petercalv

They also expressed doubt that it could be repaired without replacing the entire DAC board, so I presume I would be looking at a 50% cost of the unit when new to get it repaired (I suppose around £3000 to £4000).

Unlike some other manufacturers, we have dedicated staff to do our own repairs, since we designed it so it's feasible for us - that's unlike some other manufacturers who purchase hardware modules from others, or consider it would not make economic sense for them.

The analog board can indeed be repaired, at a reasonable price - I don't have the pricing figure on hand (and it is not public anyway) but it should be much lower than your guesstimate. Please contact the UK distributor.

Petecalv ... sorry to hear about your troubles.
I can say that i bought a used T1, and had it for almost 4 years where it has worked flawless , and now upgraded to the X1 which is an amazing streamer.

I've owned Lumins for over the last 4 or 5 years; S1 and X1. I have never had any issues with them. Both streamers worked flawlessly, sound terrific, easy to setup and use. And, the support from Peter has been stellar.

I too have enjoyed and loved my Lumin! I had a Linn streamer and when Lumin came out with the original A1 I bought one. I've been extremely happy with it, absolutely no problems whatsoever.

Hello all,

I have traded in my S1 for an X1, which has resolved the issue to my satisfaction. The fees Lumin would have charged me to repair the S1 were very reasonable, which gives me confidence in buying an X1, should there be an issue with it in future years beyond the warranty.

Great. All's well that ends well. Have fun.

petercalv , thats really good to hear , and i can say that the X1 needs at least 500 hours of burn in before it delivers.....i thought i would have followed my own X1 from start to fully burned in .... well first 10 hours it was good , then it went really bad , to a point where i thought i might have gotten a sample that was not really x1 .... ha ha ha ----- well after deciding to let it play 24 / 7 i can say that after 400 hours its at a point where its really good But still improved further.

Also have an Accuphase E470 , where i finally decided to ry and use only the Amp section of the Accuphase and then use the Pre amp of the Lumin X1--- wouuu why didn't i do that before it gives so much more of everything.