{"id":124974,"date":"2020-03-07T02:15:14","date_gmt":"2020-03-07T02:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=124974"},"modified":"2024-02-28T08:15:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T08:15:35","slug":"lumin-u1-mini-review-this-small-box-can-do-a-lot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/hi-fi\/lumin-u1-mini-review-this-small-box-can-do-a-lot\/","title":{"rendered":"Lumin U1 Mini : This small box can do a lot"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lumin (a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Pixel Magic Systems Ltd) specializes in digital.\u00a0The exception is a very class AB analog power amplifier with one input, designed to work in tandem with one of our own digital players.\u00a0Even the volume control, except from the application on the tablet, is not in it.<\/p>\n

This is digital purism.\u00a0In addition to it, the line includes another device in the D-class – an all-in-one combine, but this is also an exception.\u00a0So Lumin is, first of all, network players and transports, as well as, of course, software for them.<\/p>\n

Lumin U1 Mini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here it will not be superfluous to analyze a little the architecture of such devices.\u00a0Transport receives, processes and sends a digital signal.\u00a0The player, as interpreted by Lumin, does everything the same, but gives an analog signal.\u00a0Plus, all this requires some kind of storage when it comes to playing files.<\/p>\n

Because Lumin, unlike some other manufacturers, does not have built-in storage disks, nor a tray where you can put a CD and copy or just play it.\u00a0Based on this architecture, the material should be stored either in a local network on a NAS, or on some kind of hard disk, or even on a computer.\u00a0The function of copying, converting and organizing the music library is also assigned to the PC.<\/p>\n

But besides physical disks and files, there are also streaming services, and it\u2019s on them that the manufacturer has made a significant emphasis.\u00a0If everything is clear with local music libraries (for all the mass of controversial and not “standardized” questions), then with streams, confusion and confusion begins.<\/p>\n

This segment is very young, has not yet settled down in many respects, although it is developing very dynamically.\u00a0Even just putting everything together on a computer into a single harmonious system does not work, especially if control from a tablet is considered an obligatory component.\u00a0Because there is no universal software product.<\/p>\n

Applications, standards, supported formats and bitrates, compatibility \u2014 all add up to too many possible combinations. And somewhere, something is not necessarily supported.<\/p>\n

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quiet display box<\/h2>\n

This is, in general terms, the state of affairs in this developing segment.\u00a0Let’s try to figure out how the new junior network transport Lumin U1 Mini copes with all the functions and tasks.\u00a0This is the most affordable device in the manufacturer’s catalog, but if you take into account that it is a transport, not a player, then almost all of its “software” functionality is comparable to older devices.\u00a0Is that the design is simpler – only digital outputs.<\/p>\n

You need to understand that, in any case, this device is a highly specialized computer running on a specially prepared Linux assembly, physically supplemented with digital audio outputs of various formats and everything that is attached to these outputs – for example, a high-quality piece.\u00a0But all the same, this device is much closer in architecture and principles of operation to a computer than to the usual audio signal converters, even D \/ D type converters.<\/p>\n

First, about what’s inside.\u00a0One small board with all I \/ O and tiny switching power supply.\u00a0By the way, the pulse generator is surprisingly quiet, I tried to connect it “next to” analog devices – and nothing, no audible interference or interference.\u00a0The “computer” itself is too far from the computer implementation of similar devices from other manufacturers.<\/p>\n

It is not uncommon to find a moderately doped stock motherboard inside, or visible RAM, or an SSD drive for the system, or drives for storage.\u00a0Here you can only understand that the processor is located under the radiator, and everything else is the microcircuits on the board, there is nothing removable or replaceable.<\/p>\n

Lumin U1 Mini vs. iPad mini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, formally, it turns out that Lumin U1 Mini is a quiet box in every sense, practically not warming up, having no upgradable or replaceable components.\u00a0The user only has access to settings from the tablet application and software updates.<\/p>\n

Externally – a small black body, a small display.\u00a0Considering that all control is only from the tablet – there are no buttons, no remote control.\u00a0I don’t even understand why there is a display here – as if just for conservative reasons.<\/p>\n

Based on the tasks, the box could be made even smaller and get by with just a couple of LEDs indicating the current state.\u00a0Of course, the display shows what is being reproduced, but in fact, the standard LEDs near the network RJ45 connector are much more informative, showing both the device is turned on and its interaction with the network.\u00a0You can guess, for example, the “Network error” status from them without a display.<\/p>\n

And in order to understand what is playing at the moment, there is a tablet with a control application.\u00a0Although someone will say that the display is still necessary.\u00a0Well, it’s soft, discreet, adjustable – so let it be.<\/p>\n

The back panel of the Lumin U1 Mini.\u00a0The commutation is very clear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Lumin U1 Mini has only an RJ45 network connector as an input, there are no antennas or wireless connectivity.\u00a0Networking is essential for the operation of the instrument.\u00a0The only addition is that you can hang an external hard drive or a flash drive on the USB connector (FAT32, NTFS and EXT2 \/ 3 drives without partitioning are supported), but the main use case involves receiving over the network.\u00a0Without a network, the device will not work and will not be controlled.<\/p>\n

There is no WiFi connection either.\u00a0And this is rather a plus – there is less interference, the device is simpler, and there is no need to worry about periodically changing and adding standards.<\/p>\n

The fact that all Lumin does not have a storage inside is also a plus.\u00a0Practice shows that the added value of internal storage is such that you can build a NAS instead.\u00a0And internal storage usually does not provide RAID, which is highly desirable for data preservation.\u00a0Therefore, in my opinion, it is better to separate entities and tasks.<\/p>\n

Lumin U1 Mini: bottom view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Signal speed and direction<\/h2>\n

Let’s figure out how things are with receiving data and interacting with the network.\u00a0I must say right away that the device appreciates a good high-speed network.\u00a0It’s based on UPnP, so at first glance there shouldn’t be any problems.\u00a0The guides on how to run Lumin in conjunction with a NAS made by Synology or QNAP are simple and straightforward, as well as the general principle.\u00a0But if you suddenly have not a NAS, but some kind of self-assembled server on conditionally self-assembled software, the options may be different.<\/p>\n

For example, it took some time to connect Lumin to the server on OpenMediaVault, despite its seeming simplicity.\u00a0In cases where the user has non-standard hardware and software, the Lumin developers suggest using MinimServer.\u00a0In my opinion, this is a fairly simple software that is easy to understand and easy to configure.\u00a0For example, using it, I easily opened access to the music library for the U1 Mini on a regular Apple computer.\u00a0And there are many MinimServer assemblies for different platforms.<\/p>\n

Of course, you can use your own “server” Lumin L1, with a capacity of 2 or 5 TB, but this is an expensive box, in essence representing something close to a network drive – without RAID, which in itself is less preferable than using a NAS for storing valuable data.\u00a0Although if the music library is duplicated separately, then this option is also possible, as well as simply connecting a hard disk with data.<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

What’s important is that Lumin can use several libraries located on different devices.\u00a0It’s comfortable.\u00a0The settings do not fly off when disconnected from the network, the device taken for a week for the test, when it returned to its original place, quickly recognized the old library and calmly continued to work with it.\u00a0With large music libraries, U1 Mini does not freeze and does not slow down, after the first scan of the collection everything works quickly.\u00a0Several thousand disks are not a problem at all.<\/p>\n

By the way, I wonder where the device stores the database of the music library.\u00a0Possibly on flash memory or in an app.\u00a0Although then it should have noticeably “fat”, which is not observed.\u00a0We were unable to find any traces on the server computer, and you won’t be able to \u201cget\u201d into the U1 Mini through the network – the system at this level is closed from the user, although, perhaps, you just need to ring the ports and find the one you need.\u00a0However, working with a large database pleases everyone – both the speed of the interface’s reaction and how the images are loaded.\u00a0The only thing that matters here is a good fast network.<\/p>\n

The interior of the Lumin U1 Mini.\u00a0An additional screen has been removed from the switching power supply so that you can see the unit itself<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can configure what and how the digital outputs will be sent to the DAC or several DACs.\u00a0The ability to use multiple outputs is a very good option.\u00a0Many times I have already come across the fact that two DACs can easily work for people in systems.<\/p>\n

For example, some modern device with DSD support and an old multibitnik that you like by the sound, and the owner has no desire to part with it.\u00a0So redirecting different musical material to different DACs is a great opportunity.\u00a0There is also enough commutation, all the required digital outputs are present.<\/p>\n

In terms of formats, Lumin understands, if not everything you need, then a lot, including DSD 512 and MQA.\u00a0Can deliver DSD natively or as a DoP.\u00a0Works with PCM up to 384 kHz and 16-32 bit.\u00a0It is more difficult to find a DAC that will have the same input capabilities.\u00a0In a motley music library, the apparatus easily and quickly counted everything that was there.\u00a0Although there were two points.<\/p>\n

For some reason, the device did not understand literally a couple of albums in DSD, which outwardly did not differ from others.\u00a0I did not understand, but I put it in the music library, only I could not reproduce it.\u00a0The application does not keep an error log when indexing the music library.\u00a0Or leads, but does not show the user.<\/p>\n

What exactly was the difficulty, it was not possible to figure it out.\u00a0The other software saw these two albums just like everyone else, and Lumin considered everything else, except for this pair, without any problems.\u00a0The device still does not understand ISO images, but this is quite predictable.<\/p>\n

Power supply shield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next important function after working with the file library is streaming support.\u00a0As you can understand from the characteristics, of course, the main emphasis here is on Tidal, on the support of all its features and MQA.\u00a0In addition, work with Qobuz and TuneIn Radio is provided.\u00a0Working with Spotify lives separately from the app, with Spotify Connect.<\/p>\n

Using Apple AirPlay, you can also use services that are not included in the standard Lumin application, although, of course, it would be more convenient to have Deezer inside, and even more so HighResAudio.\u00a0However, I don\u2019t know the applications where everything could be added.\u00a0Moreover, there are a lot of streaming services, including little-known and specific ones.\u00a0Although here we can assume that the Lumin software will also change – updates are released regularly.<\/p>\n

Library interface and device<\/h2>\n

Now the app.\u00a0The interface is quite user-friendly and intuitive.\u00a0The information content is not bad – you can understand what is playing in what format.\u00a0Navigation, especially the part that is implemented with icons, is convenient.\u00a0This is much better than “buttons”, which have abbreviated names, because the labels do not fit.<\/p>\n

A separate plus is that there is a classic navigation through the folders of the music library: it is sometimes very convenient, and you do not need to go to the computer.\u00a0Music library sorting is no worse than others, but no better.\u00a0On the one hand, all the options for possible sorting are already obvious, others cannot be thought of, and they are all present.\u00a0On the other hand, editions on multiple discs and discs that are classified as Various Artists can be difficult as albums are scattered rather than built in order.\u00a0But here the question is not for Lumin, but for how the tags are spelled out.<\/p>\n

It has long been known that the owner of a large music library needs to keep track of it and need to have software for streaming work with tags.\u00a0In other cases, no interface and software will help.\u00a0But if the tags are all right, the navigation is convenient.\u00a0I especially liked that you can get additional information about the artist from the application by switching to Allmusic.com and Last.fm.\u00a0The sites contain a good addition to the information that streaming services provide, but the local music library does not have such data – this is where this function becomes relevant.<\/p>\n

When the Lumin application is launched, it is “analyzed”.\u00a0Everything quickly, without significant delays<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Standard library overview.\u00a0You can immediately see what is in it and how much<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Standard image for albums.\u00a0There are some inaccuracies in the translation of the interface, but they are insignificant.\u00a0The functionality is convenient.\u00a0At first I didn’t like the background color of the interface, but now it has become familiar – a convenient color, unobtrusive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The interface can be \u201csimplified\u201d with one move.\u00a0I like it in this form more, especially if you work with a large music library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/figure>\n

Working with streaming services is no different from working with a music library, and the search is implemented well.\u00a0So the application mostly leaves positive emotions.\u00a0The only thing I didn’t like was that I didn’t want to turn on the “dark” shell of the application, which definitely should be.\u00a0And the color of the “light” shell would be something different, or several to choose from – it’s not difficult to do.<\/p>\n

As relatively unusual, the tracks are added to the playlist.\u00a0The algorithm for starting playback is a little bit unusual at once, and the playlist needs to be cleaned periodically.\u00a0But this is just a matter of habit – I\u2019m used to another application that I have been using for a long time.\u00a0Many people, on the contrary, prefer to use playlists, and work with them here is organized quite conveniently.<\/p>\n

Although the main thing is the speed of the interface, and the fact that you quickly get used to it intuitively.\u00a0You can install the application on Apple devices from the AppStore, and on Android – either from the \u201cnative\u201d store, or on your own, the distribution kit is available on the Lumin website.<\/p>\n

You can display the library in the form of tracks, if you suddenly need to.\u00a0True, I can’t imagine why.\u00a0Unless you need to look for a specific thing in a collection of several albums<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The fact that you can just move around the folder tree is very good.\u00a0But the display of the content will depend on the content itself<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The basic settings are very simple and straightforward, everything is mastered here in five minutes.\u00a0Transport settings have less settings, a digital player from older models – it is logical that there are more<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Almost everything is immediately clear, although Power makes you think.\u00a0Little things like “Check for firmware updates” can be ignored.\u00a0For perfectionists, I suggest immediately installing the application in English.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to my observations, it is preferable to use the Lumin U1 Mini, connecting it to the DAC via USB.\u00a0And use AES \/ EBU as a second alternative digital output if you need to connect the device to some kind of DAC without a USB input.\u00a0And according to the supported USB options, it is preferable – the rest of the outputs are capable of outputting DSD64 in DoP and PCM mode up to 24 bit \/ 192 kHz.\u00a0However, so far the overwhelming part of the musical material fits into this framework, and the DSD256 is still exotic.<\/p>\n

If we compare the outputs on the same material, then there is still a difference in favor of USB.\u00a0The output sound is a little more accurate, a little more transparent.\u00a0This observation was confirmed on several DACs approximately equally, so it is logical to conclude that these are features of the U1 Mini itself, and not the case when the USB input of a particular DAC is weak.<\/p>\n

As for the rest, there is nothing to complain about: as a transport, the device is quite efficient.\u00a0It doesn\u2019t cause a wow effect (but it doesn\u2019t have to – it\u2019s still transport).\u00a0However, it cannot be said that the sound is inferior to other available digital sources.\u00a0Everything is on the level, especially when transferring via USB.<\/p>\n

However, no, not quite so.\u00a0Against the background of serious and sophisticated digital sources, the device does not cause a wow effect (but it does not sit in a puddle either).\u00a0But if you compare it with some basic Windows laptop with a basic assembly of a software player, the difference will be noticeable.\u00a0Of course, it is possible to find a source better than the U1 Mini – otherwise, at least, the existence of the older models of the manufacturer would be in question.<\/p>\n

And if the U1 Mini is puzzling, it is the list of features and options for their use.\u00a0It is also good that this is transport – for those who need transport.\u00a0For other cases, Lumin has older models – both transports and players equipped with an analog output.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

In terms of the sum of its functions, this small box can do a lot.\u00a0And it does it quite conveniently, quickly, without lags.\u00a0A decent (better than average) tablet interface is also a significant plus.<\/p>\n

The main question that arose in me in the process is why this box is needed, if there is a computer, and it can also do a lot.\u00a0This is a logical question, and there can be several answers to it.\u00a0There are people who are simply passionate about everything new, who love to try and experiment.\u00a0If their budget allows them, they can even buy devices that seem crude and unfinished (remember what the first file players looked like, or how much the first digital cameras cost and what they could).<\/p>\n

Lumin cannot be said to be unfinished.\u00a0According to the possibilities of commutation – order, software is working.\u00a0Well, except that it would not hurt to sew up a few more streaming services.\u00a0So if you liked the ideology of Lumin, you can also consider the younger model.\u00a0Maybe she will become a bridge to older models – it will depend on the passion, the level of the system and the budget.<\/p>\n

Lumin U1 Mini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another option is that someone wants a ready-made system that will live on its own, without creating problems and hassle.\u00a0The computer still needs to be assembled, configured, and software selected.\u00a0Not everyone wants to mess around with finishing the basic Apple Mac Mini (I keep this option as a kind of minimum, a starting point).<\/p>\n

Not everyone knows how to do this, and it is not so easy: to decide on the choice of the model version, configure it, understand the power supplies, software, output interfaces.\u00a0In terms of money, by the way, it turns out comparable, if not more expensive.\u00a0And here is a ready-made solution that starts up in 15 minutes without the help of any specialists.<\/p>\n

The self-assembly option on Raspberry will be significantly cheaper, but it will not be possible to assemble such functionality.\u00a0You can make your own Linux assembly, but it’s a matter of time, skill, and skill again.\u00a0Not for everyone.\u00a0And so, to fit everything from MQA to Roon is a problem at the level of the manufacturer, not the user.<\/p>\n

And in the case when the system has an excellent DAC, but from the old (without USB-input and other things) – such a box may be useful.\u00a0Progress is progress, but not all modern devices with the richest functionality will be able to outplay some old top-end dCS or Mark Levinson precisely on the DAC line.\u00a0Even for resolution and DSD support, you shouldn’t be so chasing as just a high-quality DAC with good sound.<\/p>\n

So, if you look at the Lumin U1 Mini from different positions, the device looks interesting in its own way.\u00a0And it shows quite well how much new things can be used for modern audio sounding.\u00a0And even if you do not plan to acquire a device of this type, it is very interesting and useful to get an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat is happening in this segment in general, and how the functionality is developing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lumin (a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Pixel Magic Systems Ltd) specializes in digital.\u00a0The exception is a very class AB analog power amplifier with one input, designed to work in tandem with one of our own digital players.\u00a0Even the volume control, except from the application on the tablet, is not in it. This is digital purism.\u00a0In […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":189889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[642],"tags":[778],"class_list":{"0":"post-124974","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hi-fi","8":"tag-reviews"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=124974"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124974\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}