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Lumin upgrade

Hello:

I’m thinking about upgrading my Lumin U2 mini to the new Lumin U2, and would like your feedback.

My current front end is comprised of the Lumin U2 mini, powered by an SBooster LPS. It’s fed Qobuz via Ethernet from an optical cable coming from a Cisco switch, (converted to copper Ethernet just before the mini, using a cheap converter box with a Jameson LPS wall wart and a short Furutech CAT6 cable).

I’m using an Audioquest Coffee USB cable to feed a Benchmark DAC3 HGC, which runs balanced into a Benchmark AHB2 amplifier. The AHB2 draws current from a separate 20A power line, and uses Kimber cable speaker cables to drive a set of ATC SCM40s.

My listening space is about 16’ wide, with a 35’ length, and has basic treatments at first reflection points, on the ceiling above the listening position, as well as corner bass traps. I listen to pop, mid-later century rock, vocal and combo jazz, and some folky stuff too, usually at moderate (70-75 dB) levels.

My question is, will the upgrade to the Lumin U2 provide a substantial improvement to the sound (soundstage, smoothness, depth, etc), and, is my system resolving enough that I’ll be able to hear it? I do have mild tinnitus in my left ear, with commensurate HF loss, but most days my hearing is still quite reliable.

I was considering an Aurender as my next upgrade, but then saw the new U2 (with excellent price/trade-in for my U2 mini from a local dealer), so thus the questions.

Thanks to all in advance for any advice/opinions.

JAMES

jimboman
doodlebum
21 posts
 

Keep us informed of your assessment. I have the U2mini and may want to go that way myself.

jimboman OP
64 posts
 

Will do @doodlebum!

christianb5s4
233 posts
 

I'd be curious how the U2 improves on the excellent U1 in the real world but Lumin has always been excellent, so can't see how one could go wrong.

jimboman OP
64 posts
 

Yes @christianb5s4 , the U1 mini and U2 mini are excellent performers, and, as mentioned, even better with an external LPS.  I'm expecting a solid improvement with the U2, especially with the fiber input and isolated DAC USB output.

Fingers crossed!  Will report back.

Best, JAMES.

jimboman OP
64 posts
 

Hello:

I received the U2 on Thursday, and am running it in now. Lumin suggests 200 hours, so I’ve got about a week to go.

Right out of the box, my first impressions are that the U2 is definitely an upgrade from the U2 mini/LPS. The bass feels more ’full’ and has more depth/punch, the mids are more articulated, and the top end is detailed but not bright or edgy, at least, to my ears. The playback of recordings that have a wide soundstage is even more 3-dimensional and holographic.

I’ve also found that as I listen during the run-in process, the SQ is improving, so I’m looking forward to having some listening sessions once the 200 hour mark is passed.

Also, I had a question re run-in process, sent an email to Lumin and got a timely response from Peter Lie. This was also the case with the U2 mini. So if you’re concerned about purchasing from a non-North American company, you don’t need to be. (also, there are many authorized Lumin dealers in Canada/US)

I’ll post back once the run-in process is complete. Thanks to all for your interest/perspective.

Best, JAMES.

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