John
Functionality. Lumin’s new P1 spells it with a capital F. The P1 is a D/A converter with one ESS ES9028PRO DAC chip running on each channel. Digital signal handling is timed by a Femto clock and marshalled by an FPGA loaded with Lumin code. We can feed this DAC circuit from the back panel via a range of digital inputs: USB (DSD512, PCM384, MQA); S/PDIF BNC, coaxial or AES/EBU (all DoP64, PCM192); HDMI (PCM2.0, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS, HDR, 4K pass through). And HDMI introduces the P1’s first twist: a neighbouring HDMI ARC output dispenses with the need for an A/V receiver.
We can also feed the P1’s DAC via its internal network streamer via not one but two Gigabit Ethernet inputs: RJ45 and fibre (for those who like a little electrical isolation). This streamer is Roon Ready but it also talks to Tidal Connect (with MQA support), Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2 sources. Lumin’s own app hosts Qobuz and UPnP, including media drives hooked into the back panel’s USB-A socket.
The second twist is the P1’s analogue circuitry where RCA and balanced XLR analogue inputs feed into the unit’s dual-mono layout. Also under the hood, the P1’s digital and analogue boards are individually juiced by a linear power supply. The 32-bit volume processor comes from Leedh (covered here by Srajan) and outputs via a choice of single-ended RCA and or balanced XLR, the latter coupled via Lundahl LL7401 output transformers.
The P1’s feature set is rounded out by a slimline IR wand.
Pricing? Australian distributor Audio Magic says AU$14,900 down under and Brits can apparently get their hands on one for £8495 — but US and EU pricing remains TBA.
Further information: Lumin
