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Lumin U1 Mini - how to set up Network *without* Ethernet cables?

To Lumin owners. I just got the Lumin U1 Mini. Had Limetree (Lindemann) Bridge before.

Need to connect the Lumin streamer to my wifi network. There won’t be any ethernet cable as my router/modem (from ISP) are in a different room than where the music and DAC need to be.

I’ve downloaded the Lumin app but the dum  app seems useless. It presumes the Lumin is already on the network. Which is a bit of chicken and egg as there’s no way on the device itself to connect to the network -- how would I enter the wifi password etc?

Any ideas how I get it on to my wifi and set up the password etc? The online manual is horribly un-informative. Does Lumin presume everyone will use Ethernet cables to connect to modem/router?

I am little surprised this is what "audiophiles" rave about. The basic setup is not even thought-through. And manual refers only to "iPad", most users will use their iPhone. Welcome any pointers.

julie_priest
julie_priest OP
141 posts
 

I did try Lumin Ethernet-wired (no other way) with Eero 6 Pro Wifi-6 mesh network router. Connected to my RME by Optical digital cable. Used via Tidal Connect. I will ONLY ever use these streamers through Spotify and Tidal themselves, never their own app. (The own app is used for other settings like firmware upgrade or upsampling etc.)

I also play Limetree Bridge II with wired, but it also works flawlessly via wifi only.

Sound quality on both options was the same, running via RME to my Dynaudio speakers. But Limetree is smaller, upgrades are totally automated via web one click inside app, and optionally works completely wirelessly.

FYI - Tidal is always 44 kHz, 16 bit, with usually 1411 kbps as I have a 1 GIG wifi connection in a big city. No need for upsampling etc, although Bridge II also does upsampling with a hardware switch. I've never needed it. Sound is great without doing all this tinkering. 

Limetree Bridge II it is for me. Lumin U1 I'm sure is nice I’m sure for people who don’t mind a large clunky gadget and twice the price for the same SQ.

 

julie_priest OP
141 posts
 

@ozzy62  great Lumin U1 works for you. I don't walk all over, but it's handy as one is often on phone and toggling quickly to music is helpful. No need to pick up another device. I suspect Bridge II would be a sufficient enough upgrade for you from Node as it was for me, and it's a tiny physical profile which is a marvel of German manufacturing...but let's enjoy what we have.

I'm grateful for all the informative posts here! 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,450 posts
 

@audiotroy 

I have tried upsampling PCM to DSD, but my dac sounds best in NOS mode, so that’s not the best option for me. And probably the same for most using NOS dacs.

Oz

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,747 posts
 

Optical digital cable? Really? Well there’s your issue right there! You opted for the worst possible way to connect your transport/streamer to DAC. 
Use USB or AES or SPDIF…anything but optical. 

Also, U1 Mini needs about 150-200hrs to break in to sound best. 
Sending it back now without giving it a chance is up to you but know that you didn’t give it fair chance. 

 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,450 posts
 

@audphile1 

I completely forgot about break in. That will certainly be poo pooed by many here, but the Lumin does sound better with some hours on it.

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