Lumin U1

[Mike]

[Joe P]

How much does it cost?

[Mike]

How much does it cost?

Final pricing is TBD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[the professor]

When are they projecting availability?

[Mike]

When are they projecting availability?

2 weeks

[Mike]

MSRP is $5900. Availability late January/early February.

PM me for any questions.

[the professor]

Sounds good

[MDP]

Sounds like they priced it right!

[BruceLet]

Wow...great specs. Looks like it's going to be an excellent piece.

[Mike]

http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-u1.html

[Alpinist]

Hi Mike,

Looks like a very versatile music server with that same terrific interface as the S1. How do you connect the L1 storage device to it?

Thanks,
Ken

[joeinid]

Ken,

the L1 can connect to a computer via USB to copy music onto it. Then it is unplugged and connected to the network via a Cat 5/6 cable into your router. It functions as shared network volume.

[Alpinist]

Joe,

Very nice! Thanks for the explanation. Lumin really has it all figured out. Where many other music servers fall short is on their user interface and not having the shared network.

Best,
Ken

[joeinid]

I really think the Lumin U1 will be standing alone with all the features and functions. I will be getting one when they start shipping. Right now I am using my D1 via BNC into my Lampi GG as a convenience. Let me tell you it is fantastic and I expect the U1 to be the perfect solution.

[the professor]

I agree Joe.

[Loop4fun]

Joe, When you use the D1 for that, I'm sure you have been able to easily A/B it with the GG. I used my S1 as a server into my AMR 777Se as a convenience, but also to compare it with the two DACs by just switching inputs on the preamp. The S1 was every bit as good as the 777, so it was an easy decision to move to the Lumin S1 only. Digital has never been more simple or better.

The GG is quite a bit more money than the AMR DP 777SE and has a great reputation. I'm wondering how much better in your opinion it performs than the D1.

I really think the Lumin U1 will be standing alone with all the features and functions. I will be getting one when they start shipping. Right now I am using my D1 via BNC into my Lampi GG as a convenience. Let me tell you it is fantastic and I expect the U1 to be the perfect solution.

[joeinid]

Hi Bill,

I've since hooked my D1 up to my Berkeley Ref DAC via BNC as well. The Lampi kills the D1 but the D1 is no slouch. The GG has that bit of magic that is undeniable, so big and 3D, sweet vocals and, I assume with the tubes, a more relaxed presentation. It sort of depends on my mood too, everything has its place.

I love my Berkeley Ref dac very much.

[krellz]

yes but U1 is better than S1 in the stream functions ?! have you done some testing and verification compared to S1?
thanks a lot

[Steve]

Exciting product. About time!

So you can hang at least 2 DACs off this, or more? I like that there are 2 X USB and AES3 also. Might have to start a conversation with a local dealer....

Wish they would a Windows 10 store app. If they did, I would definitely buy tomorrow.

[wklie]

So you can hang at least 2 DACs off this, or more? I like that there are 2 X USB and AES3 also. Might have to start a conversation with a local dealer....

Wish they would a Windows 10 store app. If they did, I would definitely buy tomorrow.

Only one USB DAC can be driven by the U1. The other USB port can be used for USB flash drive or USB HDD if necessary.

The other four non-USB ports can be used to drive multiple DACs simultaneously. However, if both USB connection and one or more non-USB connection are used simultaneously, for prolonged gapless playback, they will eventually go out of sync because of the distinctly different types of technology and synchronization used by USB DAC and non-USB DAC. It should be fine for doing A/B comparison though.

As for Windows 10, I guess it should be possible to use JRiver to control the music playback, and probably Kazoo as well. You still need to have access to an iOS or Android device for configuring or upgrading firmware of Lumin though.

[nonesup]

Hi Bill,

I've since hooked my D1 up to my Berkeley Ref DAC via BNC as well. The Lampi kills the D1 but the D1 is no slouch. The GG has that bit of magic that is undeniable, so big and 3D, sweet vocals and, I assume with the tubes, a more relaxed presentation. It sort of depends on my mood too, everything has its place.

I love my Berkeley Ref dac very much.

Hi Joe.
As you compare your Lampi GG with the Berkeley, in DSD as in PCM

[joeinid]

Hi Francisco,

So far I think I prefer the GG all around. It is more musical.

Hi Joe.
As you compare your Lampi GG with the Berkeley, in DSD as in PCM

[nonesup]

Also, he prefers GG in PCM?

[joeinid]

Yes.

Also, he prefers GG in PCM?

[nonesup]

Thank you

[Alpinist]

Stupid question here but what hardware is inside the Lumin U1? What sort of processor does it have? Does it have RAM and if so, how much?

Thanks,
Ken

[wklie]

Stupid question here but what hardware is inside the Lumin U1? What sort of processor does it have? Does it have RAM and if so, how much?

It uses a version of ARM processor and is the fastest among the whole Lumin lineup, therefore it can perform more flexible types of resampling than other models (which use MIPS processor). It also has more than sufficient RAM for future enhancements in the foreseeable future. Unlike transports from other brands, U1 does not have SSD or HDD inside for storage.

Processor and RAM alone do not make good sound though, it's the hardware design, the Lumin clocking system for low jitter output, the continually updated firmware and app that provides good music and convenience.

[db33]

Hello Peter Lie,

I have too a question... I have the S1 (Nas synology 214play and the L1)....I go recieve the PSU from Kenneth Lau.
I will buy a Lampizator dac and use this last with the S1 in place of the Dac inside S1....
(cable BNC to Rca)

My friend have too the S1 and he use a Totaldac "as Dac" in place of the Sabre inside the S1.
He go sell the S1 and replace it with a U1.

S1 with extern Dac vs. U1 with extern Dac : the U1 sound better? make sense sel the S1 for the U1 if used connect with a extern Dac?

thank you.

[wklie]

S1 player can play DSD128 but cannot output DSD128 DoP to an external DAC via coaxial. For coaxial output, Lumin maxes out at DSD64 DoP.

U1 transport can output DSD128 DoP to a USB DAC, and has a lower price. Generally U1 is more suitable for use with an external DAC.

As for sound quality, I'm afraid I cannot give a definite answer, and I suspect that may be setup dependent. I'll let others to chime in.

[db33]

Thank you Peter,

at the end use a extern Dac with the S1 make no sense fo you?

I have the S1 just purchased......and im' tooo afraid that with a U1 I can have a better sound.....

I'm go with the S1 becouse I have listen the Aurender (= a U1 only music player/streamer...) and was without soul.....sound without emotin....for this reason the S1 is be my choice....

I will use too a one extern Dac and the "border" at dsd64 (well much better from what a Linn klimax gie you...24/192) is a fairly "important position"...to consider.

[wklie]

at the end use a extern Dac with the S1 make no sense fo you?

I have the S1 just purchased......and im' tooo afraid that with a U1 I can have a better sound.....

Use of Lumin, regardless of model and setup, makes perfect sense to me - always.

If you have settled on the S1, please enjoy it and do not worry about the U1. S1 remains to be the flagship, and for coaxial output S1 may have an advantage from an engineering standpoint.

[db33]

hee I agree Peter.....the "limit ?! -> really a limit?" at 64 vs. 128 with coax cable at the end with music file 192khz and more + DSD 64 is sure amazing in performance.....

I dont go sell my S1 to buy a U1 for this reason.

if i had a extra Dac I would have bought our U1 but now with te project to add one extern Dac I go enjoy my S1....

sure well write over the "burn in" time for a S1 -> 500 hr?

thx

[wklie]

"burn in" time for a S1 -> 500 hr?

I guess a few hundred hours should be enough.

[wklie]

From LUMIN Music Facebook:

LUMIN U1 test

Phileweb take a fascinating in-depth look at LUMIN U1 in combination with 4 different DACs!
http://www.phileweb.com/review/artic...16/2104_2.html

Translated into English here:
http://tinyurl.com/lumin-phileweb

ACCUPHASE DC-37
LUXMAN D-08u
CHORD DAVE
MSB Technology ANALOG DAC

When listening to LUMIN U1 and the Accuphase DC-37 Phileweb stated:
"Using LUMIN U1 as a transport, a feeling of energy is applied to the sound. It's reminiscent of the network player "A1", which became the driving force of LUMIN with a rich, bold and powerful sound."

When listening to LUMIN U1 and the Chord Dave Phileweb stated:
"When in combination with U1, it further pulls out the performance and force of the recording. Again with U1 it is powerful in tone. Miles Davis, here with the added strength of sound plays with a sense of tension, especially with brass instrument such as sax of John Coltrane the presence increases. It is known as a high-quality album, but I was surprised to hear fresh information on a sound source which was recorded in the late 1950s."

Thank you to our Authorized Japanese Distributor - Bright Tone Co. Ltd - for arranging this test.
www.bright-tone.com

[Mike]

From LUMIN Music Facebook:

LUMIN U1 test

Phileweb take a fascinating in-depth look at LUMIN U1 in combination with 4 different DACs!
http://www.phileweb.com/review/artic...16/2104_2.html

Translated into English here:
http://tinyurl.com/lumin-phileweb

ACCUPHASE DC-37
LUXMAN D-08u
CHORD DAVE
MSB Technology ANALOG DAC

When listening to LUMIN U1 and the Accuphase DC-37 Phileweb stated:
"Using LUMIN U1 as a transport, a feeling of energy is applied to the sound. It's reminiscent of the network player "A1", which became the driving force of LUMIN with a rich, bold and powerful sound."

When listening to LUMIN U1 and the Chord Dave Phileweb stated:
"When in combination with U1, it further pulls out the performance and force of the recording. Again with U1 it is powerful in tone. Miles Davis, here with the added strength of sound plays with a sense of tension, especially with brass instrument such as sax of John Coltrane the presence increases. It is known as a high-quality album, but I was surprised to hear fresh information on a sound source which was recorded in the late 1950s."

Thank you to our Authorized Japanese Distributor - Bright Tone Co. Ltd - for arranging this test.
www.bright-tone.com

I can totally agree with his comments on the Chord DAVE/Lumin U1 combo. Simply outstanding. But so is the U1 with the Lampi. Gotta say, I love the Aurender n10 with the Berkeley. I guess the network player/DAC combo really does matter.

[audio]

Hello Mr Peter Lie,

sorry for this question: I have a S1 (with the L1) -> invest money into the Keneth Lau Power Supply give me a sound improvement or not? (vs the "standard" power suplly Lumin)?

Thank you for your reply
Best rgds
audio

[CPP]

Hello Mr Peter Lie,

sorry for this question: I have a S1 (with the L1) -> invest money into the Keneth Lau Power Supply give me a sound improvement or not? (vs the "standard" power suplly Lumin)?

Thank you for your reply
Best rgds
audio

I added the Signature Edition Kenneth Lau external supply to my D1 and it really changed the sound signature for the better, to where its on pair with the more expensive A1 or maybe a smidgen better.

The S.E. LPSU made with one silver-plated OCC O-Type transformer, new design ultra-low noise Linear regulator with Mundorf M-Lyric AG+ 4-pole capacitor, Mundorf M-Cap Silver Oil AC mains filter capacitor, silver-plated OCC internal hook-up wire, Furutech FI-03(R) IEC inlet, 1.2M silver-plated OCC DC cable with Carbon Fibre Sleeving and Oyaide DC plug. Aluminium chassis with upgraded Carbon Fibre Top and Copper Base plate.

[Mike]

Congrats Chris! Very nice addition.

[audio]

Hello CPP,

I go have a silver version.next week.......black is amazing but with the S1 in silver i have choced the silver version....

if I can come back in time i wil go with the black version of the S1 or a U1 plus Totaldac : the 2 with the Kenneth Lau PSU.

tje PSU can i "arrange" in black but my Pass & co are too in silver....


What is important is the sound improvement with the Kenneth signature Edition Psu!!!!

[wklie]

I have a S1 (with the L1) -> invest money into the Keneth Lau Power Supply give me a sound improvement or not? (vs the "standard" power suplly Lumin)?

We never tried any Kenneth Lau power supply. You may read about other Kenneth Lau PSU users feedback, and/or ask Kenneth Lau himself in other forums.

[wklie]

Today's Firmware 7.08 for Lumin U1 fixes an issue with boot-up volume after power cycle, if volume was not 100% previously.

* As a transport, U1 should be used at 100% volume for best results anyway with Volume Control turned off as default.

[wklie]

For Lumin U1, Firmware 7.09 extends the feature of (optional) DSD upconversion to mp3/aac, so U1 owners with DSD-only DAC can now play all supported music formats. (This feature currently remains exclusive to U1. By design all other Lumin players can upsample lossless music but do not upsample lossy compressed music.)

[Archon]

S1 remains to be the flagship, and for coaxial output S1 may have an advantage from an engineering standpoint.

Hello Peter -

You mentioned the S1 may have an advantage over the U1 for coaxial output...I forgot to ask in the past, but was always curious what advantage exists?

Thanks!
Mike

[wklie]

The S1 has additional dedicated clocks for 176.4kHz/192kHz/DoP64.

[nonesup]

Peter, that's kind of disappointing. I thought that U1 was exactly an S1, without DAC / Peter, that's kind of disappointing. I thought that U1 was exactly an S1, without DAC / analog output transformers outpu
ut transformers

[wklie]

I thought that U1 was exactly an S1, without DAC / analog output transformers

Users have been asking Lumin for a network transport (i.e. without DAC) for a long time. So to explain what U1 is and to differentiate it from the rest of the Lumin products, its description would be S1 functionality without DAC - that is basically true, although U1 actually has more powerful function (especially resampling from/to DSD128) than S1 and provides USB output. Engineering wise it is just not possible to take the digital board from the S1 and release it as the U1 - S1 hardware cannot do what U1 does. Therefore U1 is designed from the ground up and has very different hardware (they share the same external power supply though).

[wklie]

There's a new Hong Kong review of Lumin U1 in Chinese:
http://www.post76.com/x2/forum.php?m...extra=page%3D1

I read that some users preferred Lumin U1 AES output to USB output, but in this review it's the opposite. So perhaps it's worthwhile to note the cables he used.

You can try google translate, but it doesn't work too well. So here's my summary and translation:

Lumin U1 AES output (Oyaide AR-910 5N silver with Furutech carbon fiber balance plug and shielding) to Antelope Zodiac Gold:

- Compared to Lumin U1 RCA output (Audio Synthesis SilverBlue SQ) voice is clearer, background is more silent, weak notes are clearer.

- The reviewer tried a Hong Kong song 24/96 "眼晴不能沒眼淚" by Leo Ku, found that the AES output has an analog feeling, with high resolution and a touch of vinyl sound. It is the best rendition of this song compared to 10 other streamers he tried before (listed in the review).

Lumin U1 USB output (Entreq Challenger USB + Entreq Eartha Silver)

- "Oh My God~!!!!!" Possibly aided by the Entreq Challenger USB connection to a ground box (PAC reference ground box from Hong Kong), the USB output is another level above the AES output, with even deeper silent background, and even clearer weak notes.

- It allows the reviewer to hear some weak notes from the song "春江花月夜/新版十面埋伏" he never heard before. There is no decrease of smoothness compared to AES, not matching some people's general belief of USB being more digital sounding than AES.

- Entreq Challenger USB + Entreq Eartha Silver performs really well here, with even better balance of treble/mid/bass. Voices convey an emotional affection, the high density of the music gives an even better overall atmosphere, with the decays sounding natural with no hint of noises.

- In the reviewer's setup with the same USB cable, Lumin U1 completely beats Aurender N100H (although the latter offers a marginally more relaxed sound)

P.S. Entreq's website explanation of the ground box connection:
"This entails the shielding / drain wire not being connected to the device’s negative pole, but is connected to another external earth point. One of our ground boxes is suggested.
This way, we drain off the interference/noise that the shielding absorbs to the ground outside of the signal paths, instead of the usual mixing it together with the signal wire at the connection to the devices."

[ppnuts]

I recently acquired Lumin U1 and am connecting it to Holo Spring DAC via Singxer U-1. The Singxer accepts USB in and outputs I2S to the HDMI input of Holo. The setup's sound quality is jaw-dropping.

However, I notice an issue with the U1. All music files, PCM from 44.1k to 384k, work flawlessly but not DSD. When played with Volume Control On (set at 100% inside the Lumin app), DSDs 64 and 128 are automatically converted to DoP at 352.8k; when played with Volume Control Off, the files are output as straight DSD 64 or 128, with sound level dropped by several dbs and the left/right channels reversed. In other words, raw DSD files output direct to the external DAC are flawed. I have tried straight USB output from the U1 to the Holo USB input with the same problem. So Singxer should not be the culprit. Just wonder if other U1 users have noticed the same problem and whether there is a solution to it.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum ppnuts, thank you for joining.

[wklie]

However, I notice an issue with the U1. All music files, PCM from 44.1k to 384k, work flawlessly but not DSD. When played with Volume Control On (set at 100% inside the Lumin app), DSDs 64 and 128 are automatically converted to DoP at 352.8k; when played with Volume Control Off, the files are output as straight DSD 64 or 128, with sound level dropped by several dbs and the left/right channels reversed. In other words, raw DSD files output direct to the external DAC are flawed.

Please make sure your U1 is running latest firmware (7.09).

U1 should be used with Volume Control OFF - this will send DSD as DoP. (U1 only supports DoP format, not the newer native DSD over USB format.)

If U1 Volume Control is ON - U1 will convert DSD to PCM, because we cannot manipulate volume for DSD.

I tested U1 USB output to Esoteric N-05 USB input, with Volume Control ON and OFF, with CD and SACD (DSD64) versions of the same album, and a DSD128 music. In all tests I've done I've verified that left/right channels are correct as compared to Esoteric N-05 network input, as well as CD compared to SACD. The volume of CD vs SACD, from U1 with Volume Control OFF, is exactly the same from N-05 balanced output.