In addition there's a single BNC digital output, limited to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64 via DoP – and that's just about all you get. There's a choice of either balanced or unbalanced analogue outputs, the former being preferable given the all-balanced internal layout, offering a choice of 'Normal' or 'Low' level, and a volume control governed via the app. And of course, as is the nature of products like these, it's firmware is upgradeable via its network connection, meaning it's always possible that added features and capability can be integrated into the player at a later date.Īpart from the network connection and a brace of USB-A ports, the D2 keeps things pretty simple. This is a straight down the line audiophile network player – just smaller – and does all the basics most users will ever need, to a very high standard. On which subject, network connection is via wired Ethernet only, though the absence of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality is no great loss in a product at this level. As well as UPnP streaming over the network, it supports online services including Qobuz, Spotify, and Tidal (with MQA decoding), Apple AirPlay, will deliver Internet radio via TuneIn and is Roon-ready, so can be combined with other Roon-ready products in a mixed-brand network. So, while the D2 may be small and neat, complete with its rear casework overhang to hide messy connections, it's powerful and flexible. It also allows the upscaling of lower-resolution files, with those up to 96kHz resampled to 192kHz or DSD. In fact, although the D2's DAC isn't what you'd call cutting-edge, with one Wolfson WM8741 chip for each channel used to feed the balanced circuitry – further up the range the ubiquitous ESS Sabres start to be brandished – it's still able to handle files at up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD128, whether from network sources or USB storage. They're all the products of Hong Kong-based Pixel Magic Systems, which was founded as a maker of AV products, developing the Crystalio range of Linux-based video processors along the way, and is now the territory's biggest supplier of HD digital TV receivers/recorders.įrom the start the Lumin range has been DSD-capable, and that's still the case all the way down to the M1 and D2. In fact the Lumin catalogue now runs to ten products, including a more upmarket 'network transport' and the L1 music library, available with either 2TB or 5TB of internal storage at prices starting at £895. Neither is this the most affordable Lumin option, even though it's a fraction of the price of the range-topping X1, which sits at £11,595, and about a third of the cost of the current version of the A1, now selling for £5495.īelow the D2 sit two more Lumin products, in the form of the digital-out-only U1 'mini audiophile network transport', at £1695, and the even more intriguing £1495 M1, which not only includes DACs but also a 60W Class D amplifier, making it a complete 'just add speakers' system. Unlike its predecessor, the D1, which used a computer-style offboard power supply, the D2 – available in matt black or natural brushed aluminium – now has a shielded switchmode PSU onboard, and a conventional IEC mains socket on the back. And while the range has expanded, and some things have changed, much still seems the same: the D2 is compact, at just 30cm wide and a mere 6cm tall, and so light at 2.5kg that my stiffish Chord Company interconnects almost lifted it off its feet! This is not quite the most affordable of Lumin's network-attached players, but the D2 looks good, is sensibly priced and – thanks to a super-slick app – is a delight to use tooĪs the model number suggests, the £1845 Lumin D2 is the latest version of the company's affordable network audio player, the entry point for a range that started with the A1 back in 2012.
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