Lumin U2 has arrived

[Puma Cat]

The Lumin U2 arrived yesterday. Today I hooked it up into the system via optical fibre, and it is presently serving as the "streamer", pulling content from Alita, Battle Angel, the Roon Core music server in the other room, and sending it the Lumin P1, which is now functioning as the DAC and preamp.

Even though it's got about all of an hour on it (and it needs 500 hours to run in), I can already tell the U2 is going to become my "go-to" recommendation for a streamer. Once again, Lumin has got it...goin' on.

I'll post additional info and impressions as I rack up hours on it. I can already state the LC/LC SFP optical interface is superb, as well as the U2's internal ultra-low-noise linear power supply and new dedicated “direct-coupled” USB digital audio output port, which is the USB interface that is connected to the P1. 👍

As someone who worked as a DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) Master Black Belt for 10 years in a sophisticated science and technology industry, I could teach a DFSS course on technical/engineering-based product development using how well Lumin designs and executes on it's VOC ("Voice of the Customer" aka customer requirements development), conceptual product design, R&D, firmware, and final product development & manufacturing. These guys just do not f*ck around. 👏

[Puma Cat]

Just a quick iPhone snapshot of the U2 installed as the streamer. I'll re-shoot sometime when I have better light (this shot was backlit).

The U2 fits perfectly resting on top of the P1. It's impressive that the case sides and curved solid, machined-from-billet, front panel perfectly matches the curve of of the P1's front panel as well, so the stacked units give a very "unified" design appearance.

[sandecker]

Congratulations with the new U2

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by sandecker

Congratulations with the new U2

Thanks. Though, I didn't purchase it; it's in for review.

Cheers.

[dkorbal]

Exciting thread Stephen. The U2, along with an ALTAIRA Hub is a product that has crept into the back of my mind lately and as you've done I'm considering "simplifying" or "upgrading" my system. I wonder if replacing the Opticalrendu with the U2 would improve the overall system.

I believe in the benefits that "optics" brings to the party but still need to feed the Baltic3 downstream. The U2 would fit the bill.

I'm waiting patiently to read your review. Is this an official review for a publication or a more personal review?

[njcardave]

You will find it hard to let it go. I have a Lumin U1 with the upgraded XP power supply, simply divine.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by njcardave

You will find it hard to let it go. I have a Lumin U1 with the upgraded XP power supply, simply divine.

It's in for review. Once I've completed the review it will go back to Lumin. I already have a P1, so I don't need the U2 for my system.

[Puma Cat]

Photo of the U2 rear panel showing optical input and connection to Altaira.

[miner]

Very nice Stephen. The Altaira has my attention.