Lumin U2 Mini

1. It would be highly recommended that the music files be moved from the vault to a Nas or somewhere that has redundant storage.

2. My NAS runs the basic UPnP server to index and manage the music- the metadata, tags, annum art, etc.  

then my Lumin (a D2) streams the music, and the App does the controlling   
 

I’ve seen some people that don’t like the app, but once learned, it’s good.
 

All Lumin  hardware use the app 

The U2 mini looks like ice kit. 

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the availability of Leedh in all Lumin products. Using this lossless volume control can eliminate the need for a preamp and judging from the reviews the Leedh is more transparent than any hardware volume control.

If you think you need a server, check out the Auralic, when I bought 1 many years ago, it sounded better than any Aurender or Lumin I had demoed. Also, DS Lightning software from Auralic is much better than the software from Lumin or Aurender. I got rid of the Auralic years ago and went with Roon with no need for a 3rd party server and the sq is better.

If you want a cheap server that delivers the sq and you get to use the DS Lightning software, look for a used Auralic Aries mini. Mine cost me < $500 when I bought mine new. I also sold that years ago.With Roon, I can use any number of endpoint devices

@jetter 

What’s your point……?

@ozzy62 

Point is that people are intent on repeating rather monotonously that streamers costing 300% more than the Bluesound sound better as if it is a revelation.

All just because the BluOS app spanks theirs.  Ha