Opinion 1

Although almost a year has passed since the inaugural visit of the perpetrator of all the commotion in our humble premises, and only since a few weeks ago, thanks to the courtesy of the Audio Atelier from Wrocław, we can enjoy its sound and functionality again, but to tell the truth we did not complain about lack of activities in the meantime, the status of „novelty” of today’s guest has lost nothing of its relevance. In fact, I dare to say that even the circumstances of nature, as for example our editorial systems, are now more favorable to it than they were then, because now we have switches capable of communicating with the environment via optical Gigabit SFP connectors. That is why we are genuinely enthusiastic to share with you our observations from the tests of the almost all-encompassing and at the same time extremely compact multimedia all-in-one Lumïn P1 Mini.

As our loyal readers certainly remember, Lumïn presented a device to the world, similar in terms of functionality, some time ago. Of course, we are talking about the P1, which not only noticeably exceeded the low-profile size of its siblings, but also drained pockets more intensively at the checkout. It was and still is the company’s flagship, combining the functionality of a streamer, DAC and preamplifier, so it can afford it, but if someone does not like this approach, until recently you could only look for luck from the competition (Auralic), or patiently wait for the favor from the heavens. And they finally had mercy and for almost 50% of the price of the flagship offered the P1 Mini, which is almost functionally identical. But, wait a minute, does our today’s novelty remind you of something? If not, I will shyly hint that at least to my astigmatic eye you can easily notice a deep inspiration from the shape of a certain other all-in-one – the M1. And no, I am not talking about a network of suburban shopping malls called M1, but about a streaming amplifier that only needs power and connection to the home Ethernet network. Fortunately, the designers did not limit themselves to dusting off this, almost ten-year-old project, but only based on it for a loose inspiration, they proposed a much more aesthetic and „flexible” device in terms of usability. And so, the front, made of a thick sheet of brushed aluminum, is decorated not only with the characteristic greenish-blue display, but also with two knobs located on its sides (source selection and volume control) and a power switch, the presence of which optically balances the eye of the IR sensor. The body is made of bent sheet metal, and not a single milled block as in the case of the full-size progenitor, but there is no need to fuss, because with these dimensions and weight of 7 kg, it is a completely satisfactory solution. A glance at the back – and it’s good, even very good. This is because we get almost everything (the P1 has everything) that our heart desires. The analog outputs (adjustable) are in RCA and XLR format, there is an analog input in the form of gold-plated RCAs and the digital domain is represented by optical, coaxial, USB and HDMI inputs. The digital outputs are USB, BNC and HDMI ARC, so you do not have to worry about integration with a smart-TV. The issue of communication was also taken seriously, because in addition to the standard RJ – 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet, the P1 Mini boasts an optical Gigabit SFP connector and the ability to connect external HDDs. The list is completed by the customary Lumïn earth terminal, the three-pin IEC socket integrated with a fuse chamber and main switch. The set also includes a proprietary, extremely elegant remote control.
On the design side, the similarity to its older brother P1 Mini will not be denied either. It is based on a pair of the same DAC chips (ES9028PRO) and admittedly not a double, but still a single toroidal transformer in the power supply, which still makes a linear and not a switching supply, so you should be happy and not complain about it. The analog section has also been simplified, because we have capacitors at the output, not Lundahl transformers. Thanks to the use of the latest hardware platform, the P1 Mini offers the ability to upsample all signals to PCM 384kHz/32bit or DSD256, and Leedh Processing is responsible for volume control.

At the beginning of the part devoted to the sonic qualities of our guest, let me mention that along with him we received the company’s L2 „digital library”, so during the tests I could not only connect the P1 Mini to the QSA Red switch via SFP, but also use this communication channel with a powerful music repository, for which Audio Atelier deserves fully deserved thanks. Another issue is the inability to verify the functionality of the preamplifier due to the use of an integrated amplifier in the stereo system, although taking into account that it is taken care of by the above-mentioned Leedh Processing, we can safely say that it simply exists and works as the factory intended. And as for the sound itself, … From the very first bars of „Smith/Kotzen” by Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen, you can hear that Lumïn’s team, despite obvious financial constraints, sat down to work solidly and decided to make the most of the project’s potential. And I dare say that the effects of this work are as noticeable as they are stunning. The P1 Mini sounds surprisingly large and at the same time is characterized not only by the company’s juiciness and dignification, but also by motor skills and infectious timing. That is, in fact, what most of the integrated siblings may have remembered, but, at least so far, did not particularly dazzle with. And this time, instead of withdrawing them a bit, it was the driver and freedom of articulation that got the green light to fight for the recognition of the audience. And they are fighting! The blues-rock material allowed us to show both the singing of the fiery riffs, as well as the slightly shabby vocals of both vocalists, accompanied by pleasantly sonorous cymbals and solid work of the rhythm section. And most importantly – you can hear the rock claw and feel the heart to play, so it is not only attractive – nice, but also lifelike, authentic and tangible. Switching to the „Nu Delhi” by Bloodywood also showed that the title device has no problems with maintaining full energy even with the lowest frequencies, so as long as they are properly recorded, the P1 Mini will not feel obliged to trim or tone them. So as you can see and hear, it is good, although as it turns out, it can get even better.
It is enough to give up the popular twisted pair cable and switch to communication via SFP to achieve another, obviously higher, level of initiation in the blink of an eye. It turns out that it is possible to further improve the resolution and openness of the presentation while maintaining the company’s density and some apparent darkening. Why apparent? Well, on the one hand, the tested all-in-one, like its predecessors, very neatly avoids accusations of emphasizing sibilants, but on the other hand, it is far from forcibly limiting the upper registers, or excessively dazzling with safe roundness. It just sounds a bit denser and more saturated than my own system and that is it. In addition, it did not even cross my mind to consider it a defect, but only a fully conscious smuggling of my own signature. And it is a signature for which the lion’s share of the brand’s loyal acolytes are ready to let themselves be cut, especially since its presence is evident proof that the P1 Mini is the fruit of evolution, and not revolution within the Asian brand. Therefore, instead of looking for a hole in the whole thing, it is a much better idea to book an almost hour-long session with Chantal Chamberland („Temptation”) and with a glass of amber distillate in hand indulge in purely hedonistic contemplation, for which the Lumïn P1 Mini seems to be an obvious companion.

As far as I know, Lumïn’s team in the P1 Mini sees a chance to resonate with a wide audience, and based on my experience with them so far, I dare say that they can succeed in this not so easy task. The P1 Mini is extremely intuitive, it can be operated from a tablet/smartphone, as well as a remote control or front knobs, so it combines the ergonomics to which even older customers are accustomed to with solutions aimed at the youngest generation. The same is true of the virtually maintenance-free application in the system and integration with modern smart-TVs. Classic plug & play without the need for a phD in robotics and quantum physics. If we add to this the above-average sound qualities and support for the most popular streaming services, we will only be one step away from saying that the Lumïn P1 Mini is simply destined to succeed. Which, by the way, I sincerely wish it does.

Marcin Olszewski

System used in this test:
– CD/DAC: Vitus SCD-025mkII + 2 x Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Blue Fuse
– Network player: Lumïn U2 Mini + Farad Super3 + Omicron Magic Dream Classic; I-O Data Soundgenic HDL-RA4TB
– Turntable: Denon DP-3000NE + Denon DL-103R
– Phonostage: Tellurium Q Iridium MM/MC Phono Pre Amp
– Digital source selector: Audio Authority 1177
– Integrated amplifier: Vitus Audio RI-101 MkII + Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Violet fuse
– Loudspeakers: AudioSolutions Figaro L2 + Solid Tech Feet of Balance
– IC RCA: Furutech FA-13S; phono NEO d+ RCA Class B Stereo + Ground (1m)
– IC XLR: Organic Audio; Vermöuth Audio Reference; Furutech DAS-4.1
– Digital IC: Fadel art DigiLitz; Harmonic Technology Cyberlink Copper; Apogee Wyde Eye; Monster Cable Interlink LightSpeed 200
– USB cables: Wireworld Starlight; Vermöuth Audio Reference USB; ZenSati Zorro
– Speaker cables: WK Audio TheRay Speakers + SHUBI Custom Acoustic Stands MMS-1
– Power cables: Furutech FP-3TS762 / FI-28R / FI-E38R; Organic Audio Power + Furutech CF-080 Damping Ring; Acoustic Zen Gargantua II; Furutech Nanoflux Power NCF; Esprit Audio Alpha
– Power distribution board: Furutech e-TP60ER + Furutech FP-3TS762 / Fi-50 NCF(R) /FI-50M NCF(R)
– Wall power socket: Furutech FT-SWS(R)
– Switch: Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Red + Silent Angel S28 + Farad Super6 + Farad DC Level 2 copper cable
– Ethernet cables: In-akustik CAT6 Premium II; Audiomica Laboratory Anort Consequence, Artoc Ultra Reference, Arago Excellence; Furutech LAN-8 NCF; Next Level Tech NxLT Lan Flame
– Anti-vibration platform: Franc Audio Accessories Wood Block Slim Platform
– Table: Solid Tech Radius Duo 3
– Acoustic panels: Vicoustic Flat Panels VMT

Opinion 2

When the word Lumïn is mentioned during a conversation between the interlocutors, one thing is certain, everyone knows very well that we are talking about a specialist in dealing with file-based music. And it does not matter whether we are using the resources stored on our hard drive or on streaming platforms, because in its portfolio we can find literally everything. From the aforementioned music banks, through transports working with all portals streaming music, to power supplies for its devices, Lumïn offers literally everything. And if so, it seems natural to expand and adjust their offering to customers of different wealth. Therefore, after a very good reception of the integrated all-in-one P1 by the market, a cheaper version was presented to a wider audience, allowing to save a bit of money. You must admit that the idea is excellent. So much so that after the appearance of such a device, together with the distributor, we decided to take a closer look at the topic. In this way, thanks to the involvement of the Audio Atelier from Wrocław, today we will face the latest proposal of the above-mentioned manufacturer for an ordinary Joe, the, colloquially speaking universal, Lumïn P1 Mini.

What does the miniature version of the P1 look like? Of course, as a natural consequence of cutting costs, the electronics were dressed in a slightly more modest housing. But do not worry, it is still a very good-looking shape. We are dealing with a medium-sized, rectangular box made of aluminum with a characteristic massive front, which, in order to maximize the ease of use of the device, in addition to the standard remote control, has been equipped with two knobs that allow you to manually control all functions and a centrally located display showing the current status during the calibration process or technical information about the music you are listening to. This is what the fascia looks like, and what happens on the reverse? As you might expect, the P1 Mini is lavish, in response to its multifunctionality. Therefore, despite the typical Lumïn support for music files, in addition to a pair of LAN inputs (RJ45 and SFP), we also have a series of digital and analog inputs and outputs for external sources – COAX, OPTICAL, BNC, USB, LAN, HDMI, RCA. Of course, being a source with an adjustable analog output, allowing for direct connection to a power amplifier, it can also boast analog outputs in RCA and XLR standards. The list is completed by the ground terminal, IEC power socket and main switch. As I mentioned, the starter package of the P1 Mini also includes a remote control.

What did Lumïn’s younger brother P1 treat me to? To be honest, I was a bit afraid of this clash. The matter is trivially simple and comes down to the level and scale of consequences after the decision to reduce financial outlays on a given design. It is natural that something will happen, but it is important not to lose the element that encourages you to enjoy music with such a device. Fortunately, and I say this with full responsibility, because in this test I omitted the customary DAC I use for playing files, integrated in the Gryphon Ethos and the Gryphon Commander line preamplifier cooperating with it; devices about 20 times more expensive in total, the Lumïn P1 Mini defended itself without any problems. No, let me rephrase, it performed just great. I got a very good level of sound richness, tight energy and nice breathing, thanks to which, for natural reasons, without chasing feistiness in rendering the smallest sonic nuances, I could really enjoy the very pleasantly presented music. A living and tangible one, which is not always achievable in such a cool way when cutting production costs. Usually, there are problems with the increase in distortions, the effect of which producers, under the guise of giving the music a hint of analogue, often compensate for by plasticizing the sound, or colloquially speaking „muddying” it. In the case of the said Lumïn, however, nothing like that happened. Of course, the resolution after switching from the devices I use on a daily basis decreased slightly, but the stage events were still characterized by the appropriate freedom in the arrangement of the whole in the inter-loudspeaker ether and the energy associated with a given source, so in a word, the most important features that allowed to show it from an interesting side, were all there.
The first example of a projection of not only musical, but also freely presented material is the work of the relatively long unheard of by me, but phenomenally produced album „Same Girl” by Youn Sun Nah. Thanks to the skillful correlation of mass, tightness and sonority of each of the sub-ranges by the title streamer, the vocal charmed with the timbre given in the aesthetics of warmth and well-accentuated microdynamics. The effect was so successful that despite the fact that I put less emphasis on the smallest nuances than I do on a daily basis, I let myself be torn away from the problems of everyday life without any issue, in order to soothe my soul tormented by eternal thoughts. Music filled my room, Joun Sun Nah enchanted me with phenomenal vocals, and I recharged my life batteries. Unfortunately, only up to a certain point. What? Of course, the decay of the last note on this album.
I had another listening session, deliberately chosen from the opposite pole, to the beats of specialists in severe thudding. I am talking about Black Sabbath and their phenomenal album „13”. The album, which, like the Asian girl mentioned above, not only did not force Lumïn to give up, but paradoxically, thanks to the cost cutting that was a minimal reduction in the microdynamics of the projection while leaving full expression, could be listened to loudly. And I assure you, it is not so obvious, as I found out more than once or twice during my tests.

How will I conclude the above-described meeting with not only a price-friendly but also an all-in-one that fits perfectly into my search for emotions contained in music? Well, it will be extremely simple and as concise as possible. This is an excellent source. Musical, but not overheated. Playing with breath, but without a hint of flashiness. Vivid, yet showing the most important sonic nuances well. Inconspicuous in size, but very versatile. And all this in today’s reality, for really little money. So if you are looking for something interesting and inexpensive in the field of listening to music from files, the Lumïn P1 Mini should be a 100% sure bet for a potential listening list.

Jacek Pazio

System used in this test:
Source:
– CD Player/DAC: Gryphon Ethos
– streamer: Lumin U2 Mini + switch Quantum Science Audio (QSA) Red-Silver
– Preamplifier: Gryphon Audio Pandora
– Power amplifier: Gryphon Audio Apex Stereo
– Loudspeakers: Gauder Akustik Berlina RC-11 Black Edition
– Speaker cables: Furutech Nanoflux-NCF Speaker Cable
IC RCA: Hijiri Million „Kiwami”, Vermouth Audio Reference
IC XLR: Tellurium Q Silver Diamond, Hijiri Milion „Kiwami”, Furutech DAS-4.1
Digital IC: Hijiri HDG-X Milion
Ethernet cable: NxLT LAN FLAME
USB cable: ZenSati Silenzio
Power cables: Hijiri Takumi Maestro, Furutech Project-V1, Furutech NanoFlux NCF, Furutech DPS-4.1 + FI-E50 NCF(R)/ FI-50(R), Hijiri Nagomi, Vermouth Audio Reference Power Cord, Acrolink 8N-PC8100 Performante, Synergistic Research Galileo SX AC
– Table: BASE AUDIO 2
Accessories: Quantum Science Audio Red fuse; QSA Silver fuse; Synergistic Research Orange fuse; antivibration platform by SOLID TECH; Harmonix AC Enacom Improved for 100-240V
– Power distribution board: POWER BASE HIGH END, Furutech NCF Power Vault-E
– Acoustic treatments by Artnovion
Analog stage:
– Drive: Clearaudio Concept
– Cartridge: Dynavector DV20X2H
– Phonostage: Sensor 2 mk II
– Eccentricity Detection Stabilizer: DS Audio ES-001
– Tape recorder: Studer A80

Polish distributor: Audio Atelier
Manufacturer: Pixel Magic Systems Ltd.
Price: 23 990 PLN

Specifications:
Network playback: Up to DSD256 / 1-bit, PSM do 384kHz / 16–32-bit; MQA Full Decoding
DAC: 2 x ESS SABRE32 ES9028Pro
Upsampling: Up to DSD256 & PCM 384kHz option for all files
Supported Audio File Formats: DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), DoP (DSD), FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, MQA
Streaming Protocol: UPnP AV, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Flac lossless Radio stations, Audirvāna, AirPlay,QPlay (QQMusic)
Digital Input:
– USB Audio Class 2 (PCM 44.1–384 kHz / 16 – 32-bit; DoP 128)
– OPTICAL/SPDIF (PCM 44.1 kHz–192 kHz / 16–24-bit; DSD64 (DoP64))
– HDMI (PCM 2.0; 4K Video Passthrough)
Analogue input: RCA
Wyjścia cyfrowe:
– USB (DSD512; PCM 44.1–384 kHz / 16–32-bit)
– BNC SPDIF (PCM 44.1–192 kHz / 16–24-bit; DSD64 (DoP64))
– HDMI (PCM 2.0; 4K Video Passthrough; ARC)
Digital Output: pair XLR (6Vrms); pair RCA (3Vrms)
Network: Gigabit SFP; 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions (W x G x H): 400 x 31 x 77 mm
Weight: 7 kg