2. digital
  3. 185744-112139

Upgrading Power Supply for Lumin U2 mini from switching to Linear Power Supply

Recently purchased a Lumin U2 Mini streamer along  with a Chord Qutest Dac. Use Qbuz and am very happy with the sound quality. My speakers are Martin Logan 11A Impressions, with a Rogue Audio preamp and a Conrad Johnson Classic 62 tube power amp with 60 watts per channel.

I spoke with my dealer yesterday who mentioned that he upgraded his personal U2 Mini power supply to the one supplied by Vinshine Audio. I watched the owner of Vinshine actually do the modification on U Tube. It involves cutting wires and in short for someone like me, there is no way I would even attempt this. I know that making this change voids the manufacturers warranty. This risk I am willing to take. By the way, the dealer mentioned that the improvement is not "night and day", but substantial. Better bass, blacker backgrounds, to name a few. The mod uses an adapter that goes inside the unit with the LHY Power supply which is made by Jay's Audio who also sells CD Transports.

Part II-I noticed that Upscale Audio also sells a Linear Power supply for the U2 Mini, which is made by S Booster.  The reviews claims it is easy to install. I am looking for a plug in and play. Am I asking for too much? Has anybody on this site modified the switching power supply to a linear power supply and how involved is this? 

Thank you for your responses. 

 

 

 

128x128kjl1065

Showing 1 response by mm1tt77

mm1tt77
184 posts
 

OP - I have used an S-Booster on a Lumin D2 and a U2 Mini.  I did the install on the D2 and on the U2 Mini, the dealer I bought it from did the install.  It’s really easy if you follow the instructions and cut the wires they direct you to. As mentioned by another member of you want to avoid cutting any wires you can accomplish it easily if you have a soldering gun.  I also installed an upgraded power supplier in a Aurilac G2 streamer which was more of an undertaking. 
 

In my experience was worth it, noticeable improvement.  If you search on this forum, go to Upscale or other dealer sights with reviews, the vast majority of reviews are very positive.  From a simplistic standpoint, non technical, the neither you go up the line on Streamers the better the power supplies are., most high end pieces have external power supplies.  In some cases the upgraded power supplies can be one of the main differences between lower models and models that are higher up in the line.  Many also references power supplies being key in the streaming chain.  
 

I wouldn’t let the install scare you away from making the upgrade.  I have sold the D2 and the G2 without any issues, was able to sell them for more $$ because of the upgraded power supplies.  
 

Good Luck! 

More to discover