{"id":274371,"date":"2025-11-10T14:41:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T14:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/274371\/"},"modified":"2025-11-10T14:41:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T14:41:11","slug":"lumin-debuts-x2-flagship-streaming-dac-w-discrete-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/274371\/","title":{"rendered":"Lumin debuts X2 flagship streaming DAC w\/ discrete architecture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hong Kong\u2019s Lumin has unveiled the X2, a flagship streaming DAC that ditches off-the-shelf DAC chips in favour of a discrete DAC implementation (about which Lumin hasn\u2019t said much). It\u2019s the company\u2019s second foray into discrete DAC territory following the X1, but this time around, Lumin has reportedly rebuilt the architecture from the ground up.<\/p>\n

Transformers<\/p>\n

The X2\u2019s discrete DAC sits at the heart of a fully balanced layout populated with what Lumin describes as \u201chigh-quality components\u201d. Following the DAC stage is an all-new output buffer. According to Lumin, it\u2019s a fully balanced analogue output module with \u201coutput transformer compensation circuitry\u201d that pairs dual LUNDAHL LL7401 transformers with balanced XLR sockets. Single-ended RCA alternatives sit nearby.<\/p>\n

Leedh lossless<\/p>\n

Connectivity-wise, the X2 includes an SFP socket (next to the Ethernet socket) for optical network support. That\u2019s a nice touch for those wanting to eliminate electrical noise from their streaming chain. There\u2019s also a built-in network switch, which means you can daisy-chain a NAS or another network endpoint without needing a separate switch box.<\/p>\n

Volume control is handled by Leedh Processing\u2019s lossless algorithm. That\u2019s become a Lumin staple \u2013 digital domain volume without the bit-depth reduction we get from traditional digital volume controls.<\/p>\n

Control<\/p>\n

Lumin\u2019s app remains the control interface \u2014 the same app that\u2019s been refined over multiple generations of Lumin streamers and DACs. But if you don\u2019t feel like going native, Lumin\u2019s new flagship supports Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay (1?) and (unusually) Plexamp<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On file formats, the X2 does native DSD up to DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit\/768kHz, but it also offers upsampling up to DSD256, should you fancy tinkering with a bit of sample rate conversion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tick-tock<\/p>\n

Clocking duties fall to what Lumin calls a \u201cFemto Clock System with precision FPGA distribution\u201d. Jitter reduction is the name of the game here \u2013 the idea being that tighter clock control means cleaner digital-to-analogue conversion.<\/p>\n

Aloominum<\/p>\n

An outboard power supply feeds the analogue circuitry; it\u2019s a dual-toroidal unit that connects via a 9-pin connector. Like the main unit, the power supply comes wrapped in a CNC\u2019d aluminium chassis. Your choice of black or raw anodised finishes.<\/p>\n

As a neat bonus, IsoAcoustics isolating feet come fitted to the main unit, with the total weight sitting at 12kg across both boxes.<\/p>\n

Transport service<\/p>\n

Want to feed an external DAC? The X2 can function as a digital transport with the USB output supporting native DSD512 and the BNC S\/PDIF output handling PCM up to 192kHz and DSD via DoP at 2.8MHz.<\/p>\n

Pricing<\/p>\n

The X2 replaces the X1 at the top of Lumin\u2019s streaming DAC lineup. It\u2019s pitched at listeners who want flagship performance without the separates juggling act \u2013 streamer, DAC and pre-amplifier in one-and-a-half boxes.<\/p>\n

The Lumin X2 is available now at US$16,800 or \u20ac15,800.<\/p>\n

Further information: Lumin Music<\/a><\/p>\n

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