Puma Cat
Well-known member
@Puma Cat - Regarding your recommendation of the Lumin U2 for streaming files from an attached external HD, I have a question about how that works. My understanding was that in order to have access to the attached content with full library support you have to run server software like MinimServer, otherwise you only have basic access by the folder structure of the files on the drive. Is that your experience, or are you able to run server software on a networked PC and have it pointing to the attached USB drive as your music library? For a large collection of downloaded music having access limited to the folder structure seems quite primitive. Having the files on a NAS with server software running on a networked PC or on the NAS itself would be the other way to do it, but thought you could shed some light on the issue based on your experience with an attached USB drive on the U2. TIA!
Hi Bill,
Per your specific question: "My understanding was that in order to have access to the attached content with full library support you have to run server software like MinimServer, otherwise you only have basic access by the folder structure of the files on the drive. Is that your experience, or are you able to run server software on a networked PC and have it pointing to the attached USB drive as your music library?"
Sorry, Bill, but I'm not sure what is meant by "full library support". I simply connect a USB hard drive will music files on it to a USB-A port (not the only "audio only" one) on the U2, open the Lumin app on my phone, direct it to that USB hard drive "volume", and the app finds the album files on the drive and lets me select which album I want to listen to from within the Lumin app. I can select a specific album, and also individual tracks within that album. I know that Minimserver is supported, but have never used it and have no experience with it. I'm sure Peter can help out with a more specific answer to your question regarding the use of MinimServer. Cheers.
Regarding the use of the Lumin app vs Roon: I've finally gotten a place I where I realize that life's too short to obssess over teeny, tiny differences that may be "statistically significant" but are not...practically significant. (Practically Significant: what matters, most of the time, in the REAL WORLD).
While the same file consistently sounds better using the Lumin app, the file served up by Roon is 80-85% as good-sounding as when using the Lumin app. So, while there is a "statistically significant" difference between the two apps, IMHO, the difference is not "practically significant." I use the Lumin app when listening to content for review purposes, but generally not for just sitting back and enjoying the music.
As such, I've (finally) gotten to a place where I don't "sweat the small stuff" anymore, and the audio quality difference between Roon and the Lumin app, in my experience is "small stuff". Also, Roon lets me discover new content very easily via Qobuz, so I really like that feature as well. So most of the time, I simply use Roon with the U2 (or my P1). Life's too short, and I want to follow Hans B.'s advice, and..."Enjoy the music."

Maybe this is part of "obtaining wisdom", I don't know; all I know is I wish I had arrived at this philosophical viewpoint 40 years ago. :lol:
So, now most of the time, when I want to listen to an album, I just use Roon, sit back and enjoy the engaging and satisfying experience provided by these wonderful Lumin products. Cheers.
