LUMIN L2 Music Server

LUMIN L2 Music Server is a network music server and storage solution designed for LUMIN streaming systems. It is available diskless or fitted with two SSDs, providing a total installed capacity of either 4 TB or 8 TB. An integrated four-port network switch combines music storage and network connectivity in a single component.

Purpose and Role in the Audio System

This unit is intended for listeners who want to keep their music library on their local network. It stores music files and makes them available to compatible LUMIN products. It is not a DAC or player and has no analogue or digital audio outputs. A separate LUMIN network player delivers the audio signal to the amplifier.

LUMIN Server software supports detailed music metadata tags, helping maintain clear and orderly information throughout a large library. The server can deliver high-resolution PCM and DSD material over the network. UPnP OpenHome compatibility allows the unit to be used within systems that support this standard.

DSF and DIFF files are supported for DSD material. DoP is not a separate file format; it is a method of transporting DSD data within PCM frames. Supported lossless PCM formats include FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF. MP3 is supported for lossy compressed music.

Storage Options and Adding Music

The diskless version is intended for buyers who want to select compatible SSDs separately and arrange their installation. Until drives are installed, this version cannot be used as an internal music library. Ready-to-use configurations contain two SSDs, with either two 2 TB drives or two 4 TB drives.

Music can be loaded from a computer through the USB connection or transferred over the local network. The SMB protocol is supported for network file transfers. Newly added tracks are made available automatically in the server library, so there is no need to create a new network share manually each time music is added.

The lower-capacity configuration is suitable for a more compact collection. The larger option is worth considering when building a library of high-resolution PCM or DSD recordings, as these files generally require more storage space than an MP3 library.

Network Connections and Their Purpose

The integrated network switch has four ports. Two are Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 connections for conventional copper network cables. This arrangement is convenient when the router and other LUMIN system components already use an RJ45 network.

The remaining two ports accept SFP modules and provide fibre-optic input and output. A fibre link electrically isolates the hi-fi system from the wider network. The integrated switch also helps reduce the number of separate network boxes and cables required around the audio system.

A suitable pair of SFP modules and the appropriate optical cables are required for a fibre connection. These must be selected to match the network infrastructure being used. The optical section provides electrical isolation, but it is not intended to eliminate every possible form of network interference.

The USB 3.0 Micro-B connection is provided for a direct computer connection. Two USB 3.0 Type-A ports are reserved for future use. When planning a system today, they should not be treated as general-purpose connections for external drives.

Construction and Installation

The enclosure is made from thick CNC-machined aluminium. It features shielded construction, while the spacious internal layout separates the main sections of the unit. The internal power supply is also shielded and designed for low-noise operation. It automatically accommodates a 100-240 V AC supply.

The L2 is available in black-anodised or natural-anodised aluminium. Its 350 mm-wide enclosure is equally deep, so it requires a full-size equipment shelf. Place the 6 kg unit on a stable surface and leave enough room behind it for the power and network connections. Fibre-optic cable should not be bent sharply.

Unlike loudspeakers or a subwoofer, the server does not need to be positioned in relation to the listening seat. Its most suitable location depends on the network cabling arrangement, available shelf space and access from the computer used to manage the library. The internal power supply also requires a nearby mains socket.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

Which storage configuration should I choose?

The diskless version offers greater freedom of choice, but it requires compatible drives. A ready-fitted configuration is more convenient if you want to begin building an internal library immediately. The higher-capacity option is useful when collecting high-resolution recordings.

Can the server be connected directly to a stereo amplifier?

No. It has no analogue or digital audio outputs. The server makes music files available to a LUMIN player over the network. The player, rather than the storage unit, is connected to the amplifier.

How is it used in a home cinema system?

Its role remains the same: the unit stores music and makes it available over the network. Integration with an AV receiver depends on the LUMIN player being used and the audio outputs provided by that player.

When should I use SFP rather than RJ45?

RJ45 is the convenient choice for a conventional wired network. The SFP ports are suitable when creating a fibre-optic section with electrical isolation. This arrangement requires compatible modules and optical cables.

Can the Type-A USB ports be used for an external drive?

In the current configuration, these ports are reserved for future use. Connecting an external drive through them should not form part of the present system plan.

How do I add music to the library?

A computer can be connected to the Micro-B port. Alternatively, files can be transferred over the local network using SMB. Added music is made available automatically in the server library.

Where should the unit be installed?

Choose a stable shelf that can accommodate the 350 mm-deep enclosure. Leave space behind it for the connections and gentle cable bends. The server’s acoustic position within the room is not important.