Don't buy a streamer until you watch this! Lumin U2 Mini & U2 Review

Learn more about the Lumin U2 & U2 Mini here: www.luminmusic.com/index.html
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Lumin U2 review, Lumin U2 Mini Review
A review of the Lumin network transport / music streamer devices including comparisons with the EverSolo DMP-A8 and discussion of their context with the WiiM Pro and EverSolo DMP-A6. Includes comparisons between the BNC and USB connections as well as the direct coupled BNC connection on the Lumin U2.
My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
Sony MDR-Z1R - $1,800 - amzn.to/4dy4szZ
ZMF Atrium - $2,499 - www.zmfheadphones.com/
Meze Elite - $4,000 - bit.ly/3UMIDWb
Focal Utopia (2022) - $4,999 - amzn.to/44xEHvx
My top recommended IEMS (prices in USD)
KZ ESX - $30 - amzn.to/4bpMyxC
Tangzu FUDU - $89 - amzn.to/3UvOrlk
Simgot EM6L - $129 - amzn.to/4a3SLy1
Meze Audio Alba - $159 - bit.ly/AlbaIEM
Thieaudio Elixir - $209 - amzn.to/3ULd9zr
7Hz Timeless - $220 - amzn.to/3QslVA8
Elysian Pilgrim - $399 - bit.ly/3y7N995
Xenns Mangird Top - $530 - bit.ly/XENNSTopLin
Sennheiser IE600 - $700 - amzn.to/44AxcUQ
Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir - $799 - bit.ly/3Wu2k5O
Sennheiser IE900 - $849 - amzn.to/4b66wxy
Westone Mach 70 - $1,400 - amzn.to/3ULUK5P
My top recommended TRANSPORTS (prices in USD)
WiiM Pro - $168 - amzn.to/4bpTDOw
SMSL PL200 CD - $669 - amzn.to/3Wsd0lJ
Eversolo DMP-A6 (Master Edition) - $1,299 - amzn.to/44sBMUR
Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
My top recommended WIRELESS 'PHONES (prices in USD)
Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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Like the music in this video? You can get it here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Features & specs
04:43 Sound quality
07:37 Lumin U2 Mini vs EverSolo DMP-A8
08:27 U2 dedicated USB connection
11:32 Wrap-up
#audiophile #audioreview #streamer

[@PassionforSound]

I realised after posting this that I forgot to mention in the review that the performance of the various digital outputs such as optical, RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF and AES are all quite comparable and will vary more based on the downstream DAC and interconnect rather than any variances coming from the U2 or U2 Mini. Sorry for the oversight!!

[@DeMorcan]

I use my old U1 with the USB output as it sounds the best because it does not have I2S. No idea how it compares with the U2.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Don't buy into overpriced streamers The user interface is what matters

[@HeadphoneHedonist]

After a few months of listening to the stock U2 Mini, I purchased the LHY PSU kit and built a LPS with favorable internals and other parts($400 total). Not that I expected any substantial change in sound, I just like to build and tinker with electronics, any improvement would be serendipitous. The increase in performance literally left me with a gapping maw. I was already heavily impressed with the Lumin upgrade from a digione sig., but this simple power chain swap took the mini to a "WOW" of state of appreciation. I can't say it bridges the gap between the two Lumin units, as I have no reference, but goddamn, it's cost to benefit ratio I feel is well worth the investment coupled with the enjoyment of the build. Happy listening!

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

I made the same upgrade to my LUMIN U1 Mini with the LHY Kit, and the change continues to blow my mind and as several have said, a basic LUMIN with LPS sounds better than any 10 thousand $US streamer

[@PassionforSound]

That's great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@michaelwright1602]

I did the same with the Bluesound Node N130 and the improvement was quite substantial. The other day I purchased and installed the LHY 5v battery power supply to my WiiM Pro+, and again, the improvement was quite substantial, well worth the cost.

[@kenr9447]

@@michaelwright1602 I tried an iFi power supply with the Wiim Pro+ and there was a noticeable improvement. May look at the Lumin mini down the road.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@kenr9447 My issue with these high dollar streamers, is the software. I have tried Roon several times, and I cannot for the life of me get it to stay operational for longer than a few hours. It is fine for a bit, and then it disappears off of my network. I wasted hours on this trying to get a stable connection with no luck. The WiiM software simply works, every time, every day. Now, add in the frustration with the software, and then $2000+... Is it really worth it? Is there going to be a $2000+ and hours of frustration sound improvement? Will I even be able to listen to it after I throw it against the wall out of frustration? It is difficult to part with the WiiM.

[@anonymohipp9097]

Great review. I've had the U2, the U2 Mini, and the Hifi Rose RS 130 in my system. The U2 sounded the best to me. It is a great match for the Holo May KTE. If you are looking for a streamer for the May dac, I highly recommend checking out the U2. The Mini was also special, especially for the money and small form factor.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

I’ve owned and listened to a lot of streamers. I recently built one with all parts from Ian Canada and I’ll say it’s my favorite. I upgraded the clocks with Accusilicon s318s and I use a LPS from Jay’s audio. All in under $500

[@szh70]

I’d you can go DIY and don’t need a fancy case, there’s probably nothing that can beat a super capacitor based Pi with some of the clocks Ian Canada has.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@szh70 he has a Denafris Ares upgrade available now, I’m considering trying it out.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

But what software to use? Ropie etc is so bad in comparison to dedicated apps

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@stijnvanderlooy5311 I'm a Roon/Tidal user and Ropiee works great. Volumio is also very good.

[@szh70]

So I run Volumio but don’t use it. I have Volumio set up as a Roon bridge and then use Roon. A side effect of this is I can run music from Volumio via the Pi’s 9038Q2M DAC to my amp while outputting the Pi’s SPIDF to a second DAC, and my Pi’s USB to a third DAC. Yes, I’ve done this so I could A/B/C test it.

[@corrrect]

I've been critical of some of your recent videos, but this is the type of video I like. No nonsense, informative, and straightforward.

[@goodsound4756]

Yet in the beginning a banner saying „contains paid advertising“.

[@PassionforSound]

My channel is sponsored by Linsoul (see description) so to be completely transparent, all of my videos contain paid sponsorship.

[@gerjandehoon802]

It's complete nonsense...... like the software, the ease of use, or other aspects, fine. But sound differences through USB are total BS. It's just YT marketing at work here. It's just a streamer that supposed to sound neutral at best.

[@corrrect]

@gerjandehoon802 No, parroting disinformation when you have no clue is complete nonsense. I have a wiim pro and an A6 master edition. Used as a transport, the A6 sounds way better. It's not even close. Installed a linear psu, and the sound quality improves even more. Lower jitter and better timing are real, not just some audiophile mumbo jumbo.

[@gerjandehoon802]

@@corrrect Coming out of a USB connection sound differences are complete BS unless you have a defective streamer.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

I replaced the power supply in my DMP-A8 with an Ian Canada power supply and replaced both transformers with Toroidy Supreme Audio grade transformers. It brought a 10% improvement, in my objective opinion. I took binaural recordings before and after. I flipped the phase on the before recording so the overlap cancels out. It proves that there are definitely real differences as well. Then I swapped out the clocks with Ian Canada's SC Pure clocks and WOW! The "magic" really happened then. It only took a few minutes to desolder the clocks and solder the new clocks in. I wish I had a high-end streamer to compare it to and see how close it gets in SQ.

[@Cestmoi50]

I looked at their website did not see a Ian Canada psu for the a8?

[@Pete.across.the.street]

@@Cestmoi50 LinearPi MkII 12v version

[@luminmusic]

Thanks for this fantastic video! The production values are top notch as usual. Loved the app upsampling overlays especially. It's rare to get these type of comparisons. I'm sure your viewers appreciate it!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the review. I was very sad to see the U2 and U2 Mini go home to the distributor this morning. ☹️

[@luminmusic]

@@PassionforSound We need to hurry up and make more new models for you to try!

[@PassionforSound]

@luminmusic absolutely! But also no because you're making me want gear that I can't afford to buy at the moment. 😁

[@stephens2r338]

I had a lumin D2 and used it just as a server into an external dac. Replaced the switching power supply with an SBooster. Hugh upgrade thats a must for just a few hundred dollars.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@dan-qe1tb]

It should come with one, at that price. Count me out.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Perfect run down!! Well done sir... I have had the Wiim, A6 (moded Linear Power Supply) and the U1 mini.. Even with the A6 and LPS upgrade the Lumin U1 still easily betters the A6 with mods.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@CookieCurls]

Do you mind describing the sound differences between the A6 and U1?

[@abxaudiophiles]

@@CookieCurls - Basically as Passion for Sound talked about. It’s just a really nice and resolving Dac that is detailed and clean but doesn’t lose the true to the music tonality and texture. The A6 with the ESS based chip always came across a bit less resolving and a slight digital flair or grain in the top end, less natural mids, and slightly rounded bass. With the LPS upgrade in the A6 the digital glair and edge was gone and the overall soundstage was slightly quieter, but still doesn’t better the U1 mini in my mind. But we’re kinda apples and oranges as the A6 is a streamer DAC for under $1000 and the U1 mini is a streamer for $2200. I would HOPE the Lumin crushes the A6 considering having to split that $1000 is split between the streamer, DAC, and features, stand alone app etc. Not to negate the A6 cus I still use and love it in my secondary systems and the LPS upgrade is a BIG step up in the streamer DAC space. Hope that helps. 👌👌

[@sleepyf1]

Too late! I wish I had seen this video before I bought my Lumin U2 a few weeks ago! 😊 Love that you don't shy away from these hifi topics!

[@PassionforSound]

Sounds to me like you already made the perfect choice! 🙂

[@rm-mastering]

Great video on these Network Music Transports from Lumin, it's nice to see Lumin favour ess Saber ES9038PRO (&28) PRO dacs in there Network Music Players and Hubs instead of the usual AKM4499 (which I see everywhere). Ultimately it's down to implementation but nice to see this.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd actually prefer the AK4499 because it's actually a superior chip, even accounting for implementation IMO, but the Lumin Network Players do sound good with the ESS DACs.

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

Nice video review Lachlan, thanks for posting it. 🙂 I'm starting to realize audio and an interest in it follows the same pattern of brewing espresso and the machines dedicated to it. Similar arguments, comment section wars. etc.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. It seems to be all hobbies, Michael. Espresso, cameras, cars, audio... 🤷

[@liamporter1137]

Great review.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@mrronenza]

Great video. I own the Lumin U2 ( Not the Mini ) . My conclusion to use COAX Output to my DAC ( Transparent Digital 75 Ohm Cable )

[@PassionforSound]

Nice choice. You really can't go wrong with any of the outputs so long as the interconnects are good quality. 🙂

[@dreamstormPL]

Best streamers comparision so far. Clear aswears.Well done!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it

[@2madamimadam290]

Can't comment on Lumin but my Denafrips ARCE bested my Wiim Pro IMO as a digital streamer. Soundstage, instr. separation etc. Wiim sounded thicker in mid-bass. Night and day difference, not in my head. Matter of taste. Great review!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Glad you liked the review.

[@jimfarrell4635]

I've been an advocate of streaming transports for a while, and recently traded in my Auralic Aries G2 (which I loved, but it developed a fault) for a Hifi Rose RS130. It's a better sounding, much more versatile and user friendly streamer. I highly recommend it. It's not cheap, but I still think it is decent value compared to it's peers.

[@PassionforSound]

That's another brand and model I'm keen to check out at some point.

[@Vamon_Kinctuarinwhe]

I looked up the prices of the components in his chain. It's just astronomical. I'm going to be sticking with my Wiim Pro into an EF500, with the option of using an Xduoo TA-20 Plus, into Hifiman Arya Organics - with World's Best Cables connecting everything. Done.

[@PassionforSound]

That would be a lovely setup!

[@ora600]

Great review, I own T2 and my observations are in line with your review. Question: what do you think of Lumin s volume control?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't really use the volume on streamers as it's always handled downstream for me with an amp or preamp, but the brief play I had with it on the T3 review made me think it was pretty solid.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

I want to give you my opinion, the digital volume of my LUMIN U1 + LPS with and without LEEDH processing: it is not my preference. I've tried it with different DACs, and my tube preamp always wins...

[@PassionforSound]

@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 what are you preferring about the preamp sound?

[@shipsahoy1793]

before I spent an extra couple of grand, I'd try to make my listening environment consistently around 30 dBA or quiet room status. When a seemingly quiet room goes above 40 to around 45 dBA bc of say an electrical appliance, you will perceive a sound degradation in you r sound system even if the volume was high enough that you didn't notice the the change in the ambient noise . 😉

[@grommie]

Thanks for the review ❤ I want to know more about the Lumin P1 mini. Does anyone know how it compares to other equipment in the 5k range? I didnt like the T3 much for the bass, to me it seemed a bit stronger and not very subtile.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the P1 Mini yet

[@ericelmore887]

I’m using dmp a6 master with LPS, if I get a network switch will it improve the sound to bring it closer to the U2 performance?

[@PassionforSound]

No, unfortunately not. I'm using a network switch with my DMP-A8 too, but the gap is still significant.

[@OzSteve]

I'd love to compare a U2 to my Auralic Aries 2.2. Still the best streamer I've used in my system (I've borrowed the mini, the Aries is far superior to my ears in my system) I'd also like to see I2S becoming more of a standard. My old PS Audio DAC was great via I2S

[@djhmax09]

Have you considered the hoer-wege power supply?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to try the Auralic streamers. I've always enjoyed their products.

[@OzSteve]

@@PassionforSound I'm moving to Melbourne end of August. Happy to loan you my Aries for a week or two once I'm there 🙂

[@PassionforSound]

That might be nice if I can carve out the space in the review queue. Thank you!

[@jakobgooijer]

Great review, as always. Wonder why a $2400 streamer doesn't have a lps

[@PassionforSound]

That is an interesting question now that you mention it!

[@michaelsegel8758]

Could you see the Lumin Mini straight to the VTV GaN amp that only has digital in? According to the website, the mini does have volume control. Thoughts? In terms of price / value? Thx

[@PassionforSound]

It appears that should work because the GaN accepts a SPDIF coaxial input and the Lumins have that output as well as volume control. I can't comment on the performance though as I haven't heard the amp.

[@Cestmoi50]

I had the lumin u2 mini and the a8 both at home through usb to my mscaler and tt2, and thought the difference was there, but not so much as you seem to explain it? Did I test wrong? Or is this one of those examples the’re both very very good, and differences on this level of hifi are already small to begin with.

[@PassionforSound]

The differences definitely aren't gigantic, but significant IMO. It can also depend on the rest of your source chain, including cables, speakers/headphones, amp (if using a separate amp), etc.

[@Cestmoi50]

I did notice a bigger difference with the bigger brother, but the price was 3 times the price of the a8. I payed 1600 for it (new). And I liked the multi software flexibility of the a8 more. But the u2 was a very nice streamer, but is somewhat more limited in feature set.

[@albertwarga5521]

Any chance of comparing the upsampling on the Lumin with the Chord M scaler?

[@PassionforSound]

I can't remember if I did that in my Lumin T3 review. From what I remember, the upsampling is very good, but doesn't have the benefit of the digital filters in the M-Scaler or using HQ Player.

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️🦘 First and I’ve become a big fan of streaming music . Current set up..Denafrips Ares 12 bring fed optically by a Wiim Pro (Amazon Music HD) ..and it’s pretty damn nice! Great review..now would I take a LUMIN ..YES!! Now only if their software wasn’t “finicky”. Also ..they have to work with WIFI not cabled . Great video,thank you. Have a great week.

[@marcusfordal4973]

Few higher end streamers offer wi-fi as it easily adds noise while being less stable.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree that WiFi would be nice for stability. I've found the Lumin software to be really solid for my usage, although I mostly stream direct from Roon so that's really doing the heavy lifting. 🙂

[@bikeman7982]

There might a difference, but unless it can be reliably identified by an ABX blind test, I’d chalk it up to expectation bias. I don’t mean any disrespect.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I would have loved you to compare Rose RS-130 to U2.

[@anonymohipp9097]

I've had both in my system at the same time. The U2 has a slightly smaller sound stage, a more black background, and a more analog and relaxed presentation. The Rose has a larger sound stage and is more three dimensional, but it can sound "digital" on certain cuts. The sound stage of the U2, while not as large as the Rose, just sounds right. Similarly, the U2 can be very three dimensional but in a way that allows my Holo May KTE dac to retain its analog personality. In my system, I preferred the U2. That said, the Rose is very cool and has some very nice features. The screen was awesome.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to compare those too!

[@TiLife_]

Can you compare the X1 to the U2? Diminishing returns with the price of the X1?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have the X1. Sorry.

[@Ark-ok2bs]

How does the holo audio red compare to the U2 mini in your opinion? (It's quite a bit cheaper and also well regarded)

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried it. Sorry.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Fiber Optic SFP Outlets & LC fiber interconnect cables............................... Well, it's here & this is the 2nd audio component seen this week offering it. SFP is a 10 Gig Bus. Say goodbye to AES & Toslink. It will be SFP/LC & the new standard USB-'C' as the digital connections of choice now. This is why I always say NEVER mix digital with analog inside components. Digital goes obsolete way too soon to mix. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@darrenburtoft1792]

I have the U2 Mini. Wondering if an LPS mod would, for around $700aud, give me the sound of the U2, with change in the bank. I know it void’s warranty (expired anyway) but not convinced it’s worth the hassle 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PassionforSound]

I can't answer that without trying it. I imagine it might help, but couldn't say how much.

[@christofschroeder1252]

I’m using a U2 mini with Plixir LPS and their power conversion cable kit. About $1100 AUD all up. Brilliant upgrade. A very good USB cable helps if the rest of your system incl DAC is up to it. I use Final Touch Audio USB and power cord. In a high resolving system everything makes a difference

[@darrenburtoft1792]

⁠good feedback, thanks 👍🏻

[@claudelanouette545]

Hi, I have a Lumin T1 with linear power supply in an external box what new network reader do you recommend as a replacement that will be superior to my T1, an Evesolo or another Lumin? THANKS

[@luminmusic]

I hope you don't mind me answering. The T1 is still a great player. I would say you'd have to jump to P1 Mini level to get an all-round improvement.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for answer, Lumin team. You're a better source for that question too because I haven't heard the T1. What I would say is that going with a Lumin option will be a safer bet for an improved sound vs say an EverSolo. I love my EverSolo and it's still my reference streamer, but I'd be buying a Lumin if I had the funds because they're that much better for sound quality.

[@ZEN_X999]

​​@@luminmusic But in Sg now, price of P1 mini is almost 3X eversolo A8 after dealer discount from Audio88 vs AVOne. Getting A8, I still can get another 2 Shunyata cables 😂

[@deanfisher1656]

Tested the U2 against my venerable NAD 50.2 and felt it sounded better until…….wait for it…..I put a Netgear powered switch in so I could do side by side comparison. It improved the 50.2 so much I kept it and returned the Lumin. Stunned me. I put another one in my vintage system also…..improvement. Stunned with this 45.00 tweak. Awesome.

[@PassionforSound]

It's amazing the difference that removing some noise can make. Glad you're enjoying it!

[@carminedesanto6746]

9:36 ..USB?? …where’s the I2S outputs 🤔

[@marcusfordal4973]

Still a minor niche with only a few compatible DAC's available on the market.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

ultraDigital 1.5 - USB to SPDIF and i2s converter

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, that would be nice to have IIS.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

Alvin Chee said that a DDC for a LUMIN U2 mini did not make that much difference (it is understood that the output will be I2S), because the LUMIN (4) clocks are very good.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Yeah most ddcs don't use super high end clocks

[@fatdoi003]

how about U2 mini -> USB -> DDC -> I2S -> DAC will that improve the U2 mini?

[@PassionforSound]

That might do, but I haven't tested it. If you have that setup already, it would likely make sense, but otherwise the expense and hassle of the extras would probably be better put towards the U2.

[@fatdoi003]

@@PassionforSound reason saying is i never find a DDC that costs U$2500, so from a financial point of view, does a few hundred dollar DDC can do the same job as per U2 usb dac out?

[@PassionforSound]

Ah, no. Even with my PC running a JCat LAN card, JCat USB card and outputting to the Singxer SU-6, I still can't get sound quality as good as with the Lumin.

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

@@PassionforSound Alvin Chee said that a DDC for a LUMIN U2 mini made no difference (it is understood that the output will be I2S), because the LUMIN clocks (4) are very good.

[@9876rayray]

How can you not play with FMC if you are into CAS? even the cheapest FMC when done right will provide the difference probably bigger than upgrade from A8 to U2.

[@PassionforSound]

FMC? CAS?

[@ericelmore887]

Can you adjust the EQ on the eversolo to make sound a bit more richer and less thin?

[@PassionforSound]

Sort of, but it's not about adjusting the frequency response as both will be outputting a technically flat measuring signal. The issue is that the Lumin streamers are keeping more noise out of the circuits and that produces a smoother and more pleasing sound. No amount of EQ can do that, unfortunately.

[@ericelmore887]

@@PassionforSound can there be anything added to the Eversolo Control if I put in a different op amp inside of the Eversolo Control that help reduce the noise .

[@PassionforSound]

No and I'm not sure they have swappable op-amps. The noise isolation comes from things like power supply design, circuit layout, chassis and case design, etc. all things that can't really be fixed later on. That said, the EverSolo gear is still excellent for the price. It's what I'm still using because it's so versatile and enjoyable to use.

[@ericelmore887]

@@PassionforSound yeah I guess as you go higher up like with hifi rose, AURENDER and Auralic streamers the lower, the noise floor, the music emerges from a darker background.

[@PassionforSound]

@ericelmore887 exactly 🙂

[@IHearEverythingDude]

One question was test done in a blind manner?

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Tripple blind in an anechoic chamber

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, I gouge my eyes out with a blunt spoon before all reviews.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Hey, Lachlan, you've always been really kind to me but this is pushing my luck so please just blow right on by this if it's over the line. I'm very, very seriously considering a pair of (Edifier) AirPulse A300 Pro powered speakers. I'm a huge Edifier fanboy (my S2000mkiii's consistently disappear on my desk in the home office) and I'm really impressed with the A300, especially at the local price of under $1000. But they don't have a subwoofer output, and I am almost certainly going to want a subwoofer. The good news is that I only have two inputs -- one USB and one analog -- but that's still one too many to just get a subwoofer and use it as a pass-through. I have an Arcam DAC that I could use to convert the USB source to analog, and I've also got the SMSL AO300 but it doesn't have preamp out. So what I *think* I need is a no-frills preamp with either two stereo outputs or one stereo output and one subwoofer output. Is that the way to do this? Both inputs into the preamp, stereo analog to the A300's, and subwoofer output to the subwoofer? Is there a way to do it that's smarter than that? And do you have a specific recommendation? Something by iFi, for example?

[@PassionforSound]

Hmmmm. I can't think of any budget preamps with two outputs... Do you perhaps have the ability to run XLR into either the sub or the speakers and then RCA into the other? One final thought is to adapt XLR to RCA with a couple of little transformers. Let me know your thoughts and where you're located so I can link you to an example of the adaptors I mean if they might work for you.

[@michaelwright1602]

I use a WiiM Pro+ streamer, and recently purchased the LHY 5v battery power supply, and Katy bar the door! The sound improvement was immediate and no need to do an A/B blind test, it was far from a subtle change. Now these Lumin products, I have been looking at them, both of them for a possible purchase. If they could run the WiiM software, I would already have one in my system. I use Amazon more so than Qobuz because I believe Amazon simply sounds better. The Lumin has no native Amazon capabilities like the WiiM products. So, in comparison, how does the Lumin software stack up against the WiiM software? And I have played around with Roon, we do not get along, I find it very unstable, it will work for a bit, and then disappear from both of my networks. I tried the other night, and gave up after a few hours of pulling my hair out. So, no Roon for me. I also notice that there are hundreds of these Lumin streamers for sale on the used market... I wonder what they are replacing these with?

[@PassionforSound]

I can't answer why they're being sold - perhaps to upgrade to newer models? As for the software, I like both, but the WiiM software is a little easier to work with. Have you considered the EverSolo streamers as a nice middle ground?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@PassionforSound My friend had one of the EverSolo units, then he bought the WiiM Pro and sold the EverSolo... I have a revealing system, and I have the WiiM punching way above its weight... Will there be $2000+ in sound improvement? And then the software, I have tried Roon, just cannot get it to stay on my network for more than a few hours. I finally gave up after many hours of trouble shooting the network. Simply not worth the hassle, especially when I can simply pick up my iPad and be streaming. Ugh.

[@PassionforSound]

@michaelwright1602 are you saying the EverSolo or WiiM is not staying on your network?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@PassionforSound Well, I did not own the EverSolo, my good friend did. And he did have issues with the EverSolo software. That was one of the main reasons he sold the EverSolo unit and has since been very happy with the WiiM Pro and Pro+ models he owns. Myself, I have the WiiM Pro+, hard wired into my network, with no issues. I also have a Pi2 Mercury V2 streamer which is also hard wired running a copy of RoPieee, no issues there either. The WiiM Pro+ does sound better to my ear than the Mercury. Now the real issue, is when I try to implement Roon. Very unstable on my network. I can get it up and running just fine, and then within hours, or a day or so, the connection simply vanishes from my network. I had the same issues with Volume software. Here today, gone tomorrow. Very frustrating, and going through this every time I want to listen to music, is simply not worth it to me. Meanwhile, the WiiM Pro+ simply works. It always boils down to the software. What good is a unit with great sound, if you cannot get it to work? Don't get me started on the ifi streamer, LOL!

[@PassionforSound]

I agree that you definitely want something that stays stable and available. For clarity though, the series of issues you've had with multiple products on your network would point to your network being the issue, not the products. I run both the EverSolo DMP-A6 and DMP-A8 in my house and they've never once skipped a beat on a very busy network (we run multiple businesses from home with two separate offices). I've also run Volumio with mostly no issues (although I would suggest that it's less stable than the EverSolo or WiiM)

[@dan-qe1tb]

The only feature that really matters to me in a streamer, is it being able to send bits to my DAC wirelessly at a reasonable price. I give any Lumin product an epic fail, for this reason. I don't even need a display. The Lumin ones could be better, at those prices.

[@PassionforSound]

Do you mean going Bluetooth from the streamer to the DAC?

[@eespinosa64]

I'm asking "why" for either one. I love my Eversolo DMP-A6 for much, much less.

[@PassionforSound]

If you're happy with what you have, stick with it 🙂

[@WoodstockG54]

Maybe an extra $1200 but not $2600 more. I would love to buy new gear but this kind of marketing keeps me in the used market.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

What kind of marketing?

[@WoodstockG54]

@@Pete.across.the.street A $100 parts upgrade = $2600 extra cost.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

@@WoodstockG54 I must have missed that in their marketing material.

[@WoodstockG54]

@@Pete.across.the.street Each to their own. In my eyes it’s not money well spent when it comes to my bank account.

[@djhmax09]

Nothing wrong with used. That's where you get great value.

[@ianwilliams7740]

People throw around terms like "better sound" without defining what that means .. its just so subjective ... in my opinion, and im not trying to be rude here, but if you're making these kind of claims then I would like to see some true blind testing comparisons for some evidence that "stuff that shouldn't matter" does actually matter..

[@Pete.across.the.street]

It should matter though. Power supply and noise have always mattered. He defines what it means in this video

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. As Pete said, I'm pretty sure I described in detail exactly what changed in the sound and why I preferred it. On this occasion, it's also fairly evident why the improvements occur too.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

The network engineers seem to be the most ignorant ones when it comes to digital audio.

[@PassionforSound]

Sadly true. Not all of them, thankfully. 🙂

[@Wyd4]

Pats wiim. There there. It's ok.

[@PassionforSound]

😂♥️

[@masterazlan6999]

For me dap, streamers just stupid ..5Gs phones way better yet practical for audiophiliacs on the moves ..Peace!

[@Cestmoi50]

But it does not sound as good, I have both and use both, and phone does not even come close, not if you use Iem’s on level of u12t /u18t and above

[@PassionforSound]

That's been my experience too