Lumin U2 Mini - Network streamer ₹2,20,000

Just add a good-quality DAC to this capable network transport and enjoy

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Formed in 2012, Lumin has been in the high-end streamer market longer than most, and that experience shines through in the U2 Mini network transport. It's a slick, stable performer that could be perfect for those with a digital-toanalogue converter (DAC) in their system but who are yet to get into streaming.

In a nutshell, this transport fetches the digital music file from wherever it is and passes it to an external DAC (which then converts the digital data to an analogue signal that your amplifier can use).

Of course, it is far more common to find music streamers on the market that combine the streaming platform with a built-in DAC, but if your system already contains a digital-to-analogue converter - built into your amplifier or CD player - it probably isn't worth doubling up on the circuitry. This is where a product such as the Lumin U2 Mini fits in.

Compatibility and connectivity

The U2 Mini works with all the main streaming services - Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio - and is certified as Roon Ready. File compatibility is excellent, the Lumin handling up to hi-res 32-bit/768kHz PCM files and DSD512.