Lumin P-1 arrives tomorrow

[Puma Cat]

The new Lumin P-1 arrives tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 28th.

 

[Puma Cat]

 

[thingswelike]

Enjoy!

 

[Mike]

It’s awesome! Enjoy.


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[Puma Cat]

So...I plugged in and set up the P1 last night. Set-up, unlike the Linn (which has NO manual...what the hey?), was easy-peasy. As easy as setting up an Aurender, which is about as easy at it gets.

Got my Qobuz subscription entered and linked into the Lumin app, and also added as a zone to my Roon Core. I'll also install MinimServer per Lumin's recommendations as the best music server to use but that'll no doubt take some time to implement.

It's going to take a number of hours to get this bad boy fully burned in, but even using Roon to get things going, I am already WAY impressed.

The P1 is VERY transparent, with excellent clarity and it's also very, very quiet. Inner detail is outstanding.

More to come, but listening to the P1 is already a pleasure.

Go ahead, twist my arm!

 

[Mike]

The P1 is shockingly good. Enjoy!


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[Puma Cat]

The P1 is shockingly good. Enjoy!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yeah, I'm already getting that impression, Mike! And...its only got like 10 hours of burn-in time on it (let it run O/N with the Constellation turned off...).

Man, it sure is quiet and transparent. Whoa.

 

[jmusica]

So...I plugged in and set up the P1 last night. Set-up, unlike the Linn (which has NO manual...what the hey?), was easy-peasy. As easy as setting up an Aurender, which is about as easy at it gets.

Got my Qobuz subscription entered and linked into the Lumin app, and also added as a zone to my Roon Core. I'll also install MinimServer per Lumin's recommendations as the best music server to use but that'll no doubt take some time to implement.

It's going to take a number of hours to get this bad boy fully burned in, but even using Roon to get things going, I am already WAY impressed.

The P1 is VERY transparent, with excellent clarity and it's also very, very quiet. Inner detail is outstanding.

More to come, but listening to the P1 is already a pleasure.

Go ahead, twist my arm!

Not at all surprised. I've been very happy with every piece of Lumin gear I've had. X1, M1, L1 being current. U1 past.

I definitely recommend the L1 for NAS/music library. Does it sound better than Minim running on something like Synology/QNAP? (I have both) I don't really know. It seems to, to me, direct-connected via ethernet to the X1. But rather than get into endless arguments over whether it should or not I'll just concede it could be my imagination. Rather, what I truly love about it is the simplicity. Copy your music to it, plug it in, and it will appear to you P1, that's it. Minim is a little bit of a pia, imo. Not horrible but, meh.

But did you go fiber in?

 

[Puma Cat]

Not at all surprised. I've been very happy with every piece of Lumin gear I've had. X1, M1, L1 being current. U1 past.

I definitely recommend the L1 for NAS/music library. Does it sound better than Minim running on something like Synology/QNAP? (I have both) I don't really know. It seems to, to me, direct-connected via ethernet to the X1. But rather than get into endless arguments over whether it should or not I'll just concede it could be my imagination. Rather, what I truly love about it is the simplicity. Copy your music to it, plug it in, and it will appear to you P1, that's it. Minim is a little bit of a pia, imo. Not horrible but, meh.

But did you go fiber in?

Yeah, I'm going to have to see if I configure MinimServer on my Mac Mini server as I'm told it sounds the best, but I am not looking forward to it as it seems it will be a PITA. That being said, I woudn't mind having an L1 music server.

And, I wouldn't trying the amp out, either.

And yes, J, going straight into the P1 with OM-1 specification fiber from the Roon Core via the OpticalModule in the spare bedroom. Everything there powered using Shunyata V14D digital NR-specific PCs and the P1 in the main rack is powered by the amazing Shunyata QR-s power cord powered by an Everest.

So, needless to say, this digital streaming/DAC setup is really quiet. Like REALLY quiet.

So...it sounds pretty d*mn good, even with like...12 hours on it, total. I think it's better than the $40K Linn, even with just 12 hours on it. It's transparency and inner detail is just exceptional.

 

[jmusica]

And yes, J, going straight into the P1 with OM-1 specification fiber from the Roon Core via the OpticalModule in the spare bedroom. Everything there powered using Shunyata V14D digital NR-specific PCs and the P1 in the main rack is powered by the amazing Shunyata QR-s power cord powered by an Everest.

So, needless to say, this digital streaming/DAC setup is really quiet. Like REALLY quiet.

So...it sounds pretty d*mn good, even with like...12 hours on it, total. I think it's better than the $40K Linn, even with just 12 hours on it. It's transparency and inner detial is just exceptional.

I feel like I need to up my game on things like power distro. What I have isn't terrible but what you describe I'll guess would be better. I'll take a look at those power cords first. I have the Ayre Lx-5e for power now, and probably the Shunyata is better (the Venom v6 looks interesting), but those are so much more $$ than that Ayre. Maybe I'd do a dedicated circuit and better outlet at some point too, I don't think that would be big $.

I see an etherregen in my future but when I can eventually find one used.

 

[Puma Cat]

I feel like I need to up my game on things like power distro. What I have isn't terrible but what you describe I'll guess would be better.

Umm...yes, it would. Power is....foundational. It's more important than speaker cables or IC's.

I'll take a look at those power cords first. I have the Ayre Lx-5e for power now, and probably the Shunyata is better (the Venom v6 looks interesting), but those are so much more $$ than that Ayre.

You need to look at it as a complete system. My recommendation would be to go lower on the power cable specification (for, example, get all Delta NRv2 instead of a 1 or 2 Alpha NRv2) and also get the Shunyata Venom V16 power distribution at the same time, and use the two together because together, they comprise a...system. If you can't afford all Delta NRv2, then get Venom NRv2 and a Venom V16. It's important to have noise-reducing PCs on ALL the components, rather than 1 or 2 more expensive PCs on one or two components. That does not solve the foundational problems.

Maybe I'd do a dedicated circuit and better outlet at some point too, I don't think that would be big $.

A dedicated line is all well and good, but a dedicated line will not solve the problem of having EMI and RF on the Romex wiring inside the walls of your home....

Watch this video....
Shunyata Research Venom 14 Digital power cord demonstration - YouTube

Noise is...pervasive, persistent, and pernicious. You have to get rid of all of it, it doesn't work to just eliminate in one place because AC goes into component power supplies, and...back out, this time with yet more noise from the full-wave bridge rectifiers from the power supplies in the components.

It goes...both ways! Not one way, both ways. That is why it is called alternating current! Doh!

As such, ya gotta deal with it...systematically. Just as I've described above.

This is why you use a Shunyata power distributor, in addition to providing maximal current for DTCD, you need it for noise coming IN to the system from the AC mains, and Shunyata NR power cords on the components...to keep noise from coming back out of those components' internal power supplies, only to be distributed to gear like...source components. Which...you DO NOT want.

It's designed to be a system for very sound reasons, no pun intended.

 

[jmusica]

Makes sense. I may do it in pieces for financial reasons, but I get that it all needs to be done.

Fortunately I only have 3 components needing PCs - the amp, the X1 and the Ayre. Today I have Transparent MM2 something-or-other (Premium Powerlink maybe?) on the Ayre and the amp, and Shunyata something (digital-something iirc) on the X1.

 

[Puma Cat]

So...those of you that have a Shunyata Everest or Denali power distributor, or similar (Sigma S12, Alpha A12, Venom V16, etc) and a Lumin P1....for goodness sakes, connect a Shunyata CGC ground cable from the ground terminal on the Lumin to one of the ground posts of the Shunyata GP-NR (Ground-Plane Noise Reduction) system.

Presentation has an apparent ~2 dB increase in "perceived loudness", with concomitantly more quiet background, and is more "relaxed" and organic-sounding, as Hans Beekhuizen says. And, the inner detail and refinement is even better.

Wow....

If you've got Shunyata power distributors, fer crisssakes, use the GP-NR system on them....

Not a "subtle" improvement.

 

[Puma Cat]

So, I've had the Lumin P1 playing continuously last coupla three days, even when the wonderful Constellation Inpiration integrated is turned off, and I estimate the Lumin P1 has about 60 hours on it at this point. And....it is sounding really wonderful, even at this fairly early point. My guess is it will continue to improve with more hours, and I'll cycle it off for a spell tomorrow to help with forming the caps, but so far...I am very impressed. It has superb transparency, clarity, inner detail, a natural, lovely, tonal palette and excellent rendition of timbre and texture, along with a spacious and wide soundstage (wider than the Linn, for example). And like the excellent Aurender N20 streamer/server, the P1's stereo image has excellent 3-dimensionality and "palpability" to the instrumental and vocal "voices"; there's weight and body to the images and vocals.

Peter has been helpful for arranging for me to get the L1 music server as well, so I'll add that in to the mix when it gets here.

I haven't heard all that many "all-in-one" 1-box streamer/DAC/preamp combos, most notably the Linn Klimax DSM/3, and the P1 fully holds its own with the Linn on pretty much every front, and actually presents a wider soundstage. And for 1/4 the price.

 

[wklie]

Thanks for the report!

To say a few words about L1, it is a user-friendly zero-configuration fanless library device that matches the aesthetics of the Lumin product line. To put music files in the L1, simply use it as a USB HDD to be connected to a computer. Once the USB cable is disconnected, it turns itself into a network library to be selectable from Lumin app (after the automatic boot up scan is completed). This avoids the complexity involved with NAS.

Usually when you use MinimServer or any NAS DLNA media server, Lumin app needs to take time to analyze the library and build its internal database for app use. With the L1, this app-database is prebuilt by L1 as part of its boot up automatic scanning process, so the app loading of L1 is almost instantaneous. This becomes more advantageous when you have multiple control devices running Lumin app (iPad, iPhone, Android).

Although it was not designed to enhance the SQ, some users report improved SQ from the fanless L1 over a conventional NAS (with fan). In addition to the fanless design, its single purpose dedicated to music library may also be a contributing factor.

 

[jmusica]

The other thing that’s nice about the L1 is you can plug it directly into your copper ethernet port, eliminating other intermediary network devices and using a very short cable run, while not worrying about losing access to other, non-audio NAS-stored files. As long as you’re fiber-in to the P1 of course. I think being purpose-built, fanless, and direct-connected probably do add up to better SQ. And as Peter said, “it just works”.

Fwiw, I replaced the HDD with a SDD for one less set of moving parts and whatever signal contamination that might have generated, although I did it more for less things to break down and longevity than anything.

 

[runsilent]

Another thumbs up for the L1 here for all the reasons listed above. It does sound better, in my system anyway, than minimserver via my Synology NAS. Is it a huge difference? No, but it is noticeable and to an obsessive compulsive audiophile like me, it's important. What I notice most is a slightly lower noise floor i.e. I can hear a little more inner detail in whatever I'm listening to. There's also a slight edge up high (most noticeable on anything with a high range such as vocals or violins) via my NAS that is absent on the L1. Music seems a little smoother with a slightly better sense of flow, forward momentum or whatever you want to call it. Hard to find the right words sometimes. Again, not a OMG jaw dropping difference but a worthwhile one I think. I suspect this is likely due to the lack of other programs and processes running on the L1 compared the NAS. Who knows.

However, it gets really funky when you add a LPS on the L1. Along with the Lumin app I also use Roon via a Fidelizer Nimitra server with its matching Nikola LPS. I swapped out the L1's SMPS for the Nikola (both rated at 12V) and again noted another small but worthwhile uptick in musicality. Music had a bit more weight down low, was a little more dynamic i.e. the graduations between quiet and loud in a piece of music was more life-like. Transient fidelity was another improvement. An example would be the attack and decay on hard percussive sounds, say flamenco played on an acoustic guitar was notably sharper. Have to mention the NAS also sounds better with a LPS than the standard SMPS. I'm finding swapping out all SMPS in my system including router & switch also seem to reap some sonic benefit to one degree or another. I wish it wasn't true 'cause my wallet is taking a beating But compared to the cost of my X1, it's not that unreasonable. It seems the better the signal I can send to it, the better the X1 can reveal the beauty of my music collection.

It's a difficult choice these days as while I love the flexibility of Roon with my file based music, I prefer the sound quality of the L1 with the Lumin app. Btw, streamed music from Qobuz/Tidal also sounds better through the Lumin than my Roon server. Around here, it's Roon for casual listening and Lumin for serious late night sessions especially with headphones.

Puma Cat, I think you're going to like the L1

Cheers
Paul

 

[Puma Cat]

Thanks for the report!

To say a few words about L1, it is a user-friendly zero-configuration fanless library device that matches the aesthetics of the Lumin product line. To put music files in the L1, simply use it as a USB HDD to be connected to a computer. Once the USB cable is disconnected, it turns itself into a network library to be selectable from Lumin app (after the automatic boot up scan is completed). This avoids the complexity involved with NAS.

Usually when you use MinimServer or any NAS DLNA media server, Lumin app needs to take time to analyze the library and build its internal database for app use. With the L1, this app-database is prebuilt by L1 as part of its boot up automatic scanning process, so the app loading of L1 is almost instantaneous. This becomes more advantageous when you have multiple control devices running Lumin app (iPad, iPhone, Android).

Although it was not designed to enhance the SQ, some users report improved SQ from the fanless L1 over a conventional NAS (with fan). In addition to the fanless design, its single purpose dedicated to music library may also be a contributing factor.

Good quality linear power supplies are key with respect to devices used in high-end audio systems that reside fully in the digital domain, e.g. music servers, switches, clocks, streamers, network bridges, etc. The reason is, as I've described previously, is that SMPS put high-source leakage impedance leakage current (which is a class of AC current) onto the ground planes of these devices. This "noise" on the ground plane causes a phenemenon known as threshold jitter, which impacts timing and has an audible effect on the perceived quality of music (remember, the perception of music is a construct of the brain; all the speakers are doing is pressurizing the air...), as our brains are exquisitely sensitive to timing errors.

Once again, I would refer folks to this paper by professional Ethernet engineer and audio designer, John Swenson, who designed the EtherREGEN and Rendu series of network bridges, and who knows more about this domain than any of us: shorturl.at/otIP9

If you really want to understand what is going on, you really need to read that white paper.

 

[wklie]

Firmware 14.5 for P1 supports repeat (e.g. volume) functionality for the remote (as suggested by audio.bill in another thread).

 

[audio.bill]

Firmware 14.5 for P1 supports repeat (e.g. volume) functionality for the remote (as suggested by audio.bill in another thread).

Peter - The level of support you provide for Lumin along with how quickly you resolve issues is unmatched in my experience, you truly set an example for other brands to aspire to. :congrats: