A Respected Hi-Fi Company Just Dropped a Gorgeous Streamer for Audiophiles

Lumin is a high-end audio manufacturer that specializes in streamers and network music players. Basically, they’re components designed to give audiophiles the best possible way to stream music and play digital audio files on their home’s hi-fi system.

And now the Hong Kong-based brand has introduced a new flagship. Naturally, it doesn’t come cheap.

Lumin X2

Lumin

Lumin’s first fully custom DAC

The Lumin X2 is a new flagship streaming DAC that sits above all other products that the company makes — it’s Lumin’s most high-end component to date.

Just like its predecessor, the 2019-released X1, the X2 combines a music streamer and DAC into a single audio component. It basically brings high-fidelity streaming (from apps like Tidal or Spotify) to your home’s hi-fi system, without needing as many separates.

Lumin

The X1 (now discontinued) was Lumin’s first hi-fi component with a fully discrete DAC architecture — meaning it’s built with separate electronic components (such as resistors and transistors), rather than an integrated chip — and thus promises superior performance.

Lumin mirrored this approach with the X2, as well. However, instead of an “off the rack” DAC from ESS, Lumin gave the X2 its first fully custom discrete DAC, which has been specifically tailored for its streaming engine.

Lumin

A flagship streamer

This fully custom DAC is the core of the X2. Lumin says that its circuit layout, power management, and clocking have all been carefully tuned to optimize performance and ensure “exceptional precision in network audio reproduction.”

As far as other upgrades, Lumin also gave the X2 its latest flagship processor — launched in 2022 — for more processing power and storage capacity. This gives the X2 greater upsampling capabilities and support for more file formats (up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512).

Lumin

Other features include a brand new output buffer, a Femto Clock System with precision FPGA distribution and an external dual-toroidal linear power supply. It also has a Leedh Processing lossless digital volume control — a Lumin staple — which allows for a direct connection to an amplifier.

The X2 gives you the option of two network inputs, an RJ45 Ethernet port and an SFP optical port, the latter of which offers complete isolation from the rest of the network. There are also USB inputs for connecting USB storage and flash drives.

Lumin

Like the company’s other streamers and network players, the X2 works with the Lumin app, where you can get quick access to your music library. It’s also Audirvana and Roon Ready certified.

But if you want an even quicker pathway toward listening to music, the X2 also supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect (to name a few). It also supports AirPlay.

Lumin

Price and availability

The Lumin X2 has an anodized aluminum body that comes in two finishes: natural (silver) or black.

It costs $16,800 and will be available this December.

Lumin

Lumin X2

• $16,800 at Lumin

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics