U2

The Lumin U2 is a network music transport with a transport-only design and a new all-in-one CNC-machined aluminium chassis. It brings together processing hardware and software first introduced with the U2-Mini and T3, alongside features from Lumin flagship players, including Fibre Networking, a linear power supply and dual-stage voltage regulators.

The U2 is the first Lumin transport to use an integrated linear power supply and the new chassis construction. Its internal supply uses an ultra-low-noise rectifier, a linear regulator and an extra-large toroidal transformer. The thick CNC-panelled aluminium case provides increased structural rigidity and shielding compared with the U2-Mini, while precision CNC milling follows the construction approach used across the flagship range.

The surface finish is taken from the high-end P1. A new silky surfacing process makes the case less susceptible to finger marks and easier to clean. The Lumin U2 also uses the dual-network design found in the P1, with a built-in network switch and Fibre Network isolation from network digital noise.

Transport-only unit featuring Lumin components

• First Lumin transport to use the new all-in-one chassis
• Latest processor provides greater resampling flexibility
• New integrated toroidal linear power supply
• Fibre Network provides complete isolation from network digital noise
• Increased capacity for future updates
• 3 USB ports, including a dedicated low-noise USB output
• Dual-network interface with built-in network switch
• DSD512 and PCM768 playback
• 4 exceptionally low-phase-noise crystal clock oscillators
• New surface finish taken from the high-end P1
• Leedh Processing lossless volume control

Processing and resampling

Completely new next-generation hardware and software provide the foundation for the Lumin U2. Increased processing power and storage capacity support greater resampling flexibility, audio processing performance and capacity for future updates. Up and downsampling is available up to DSD256, while playback supports DSD512 and PCM768.

Dedicated USB audio output

The U2 is the first Lumin player with 3 USB ports. One is a new dedicated Direct-Coupled USB digital audio output with a low-noise design. The remaining 2 ports are available for music storage and accessories.

Network and clock architecture

The dual-network interface incorporates a built-in network switch, while the Fibre Network separates the player from network digital noise. 4 exceptionally low-phase-noise crystal clock oscillators are used in the digital architecture.

Audio formats and streaming services

Lumin supports high-resolution formats from MQA and DSD to FLAC and WAV. Native service support includes Roon, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Spotify, KKBox, QQMusic and FLAC radio stations. The U2 is also compatible with AirPlay, providing access to 10s of millions of songs.

The Lumin App provides the control interface, described by TINMAN as "the most convenient interface in existence". Lumin's continuous development programme has added Roon, MQA and Spotify support, with those additions made in 2017 alone.

Leedh Processing

Leedh Processing is a lossless volume control for all Lumin players. The digital volume adjustment algorithm eliminates rounding errors and is included on all Lumin players at no additional cost.