Sound Design Distribution has added Lumin’s feature-rich U2 Mini network bridge to its range of music streamers. The U2 Mini design includes completely new processing hardware and software to deliver heightened resampling flexibility “while retaining all the musicality for which Lumin is celebrated”.
Faster processing enables network playback up to DSD512 and 768kHz, 16–32-bit stereo and MQA decoding, with sampling in both directions from 44.1kHz to 384kHz/DSD256. Key hardware features carried over from U1 Mini include Lumin’s advanced quad clocking system and five digital outputs: USB (now capable of native DSD512 support), AES EBU, coaxial BNC, coaxial RCA and optical.
Supported audio file formats include DSD, PCM: FLAC, Apple (ALAC), WAV, and AIFF; MP3, AAC and MQA, while the Roon Ready U2 Mini is also compatible with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn radio and AirPlay. Playback is gapless.
Described as “fantastically intuitive and easy to use”, the LUMIN control app includes native support for Tidal, MQA, Qobuz and TuneIn radio, as well as, among many features, volume control, high-resolution artwork, automatic internet links to artists/album/songs, and the saving and restoring of playlists (including Tidal and Qobuz).
Finished in a new silky surfacing process taken from Lumin’s high-end P1 audio hub, the U2 Mini includes a Leedh lossless digital volume control and is compatible with the Lumin infrared control package. The U2 Mini is available in natural or black anodised aluminium with a typical retail price of £1,895.