LUMIN Amp Stereo Power Amplifier

LUMIN streamers include lossless volume control, which means they can drive a power amplifier directly, with no preamplifier in between. The LUMIN Amp is built to make the most of that. It's designed specifically to be driven by a LUMIN source, so your system becomes just two boxes: the streamer and the Amp, with one less stage of electronics between you and the music.

Two boxes, one less stage, more of the music.

The Design

The Amp is true dual mono from the power supply forward, with each channel a mirror image of the other. That lets both channels deliver full power at the same time and keeps crosstalk to an absolute minimum. A custom 600VA toroidal transformer with advanced low-noise regulation feeds the completely separate supplies for each channel.

The circuit uses fully discrete transistor voltage and current gain stages in Class AB, with a DC-coupled signal path, intelligent bias, and thermal management. High input impedance and sensitivity are tuned for driving straight from a DAC or LUMIN streamer.

Power is 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 320 into 4, with a switch for dual mono or bridged operation at 640 watts into 8 ohms. The chassis is CNC-machined from a single billet, with thick 8mm walls, and sized to sit perfectly beneath a standard LUMIN player.

How It Sounds

Reviewers hear an amplifier that adds nothing of its own. 6moons' Joël Chevassus found it honest and realistic, free of editorializing yet never sterile or clinical. FIDELITY's Michael Vrzal described a coherent, relaxed, confident sound that grooves and flows without peaks or hardness. Mono & Stereo praised its immediacy and dynamic control.

Where It Fits

Pair the Amp with any LUMIN player or hub, from the D3 and T3X to the X2 and P2, and use LUMIN's Leedh volume control for a streamlined two-box system. With XLR and RCA inputs and high input impedance, it also works with a conventional preamp or a DAC with volume control. For bigger speakers or more power, add a second Amp and run both bridged.

Press Recognition

• Audiophile Style (October 2022), Chris Connaker, CASH Award. Connaker reviewed the Amp with the LUMIN T3 and found the dual-mono design made a real sonic difference, with addictively wonderful sound. Read the review at Audiophile Style
• 6moons (June 2020), Joël Chevassus, Blue Moon Award. Paired with the X1 and Leedh volume control, Chevassus found the combination competes with far more expensive flagship systems. Read the review at 6moons
• Fidelity Online (May 2020), Michael Vrzal. Vrzal rarely enjoyed working with a power amplifier as much, praising its fluency and tonal rightness. Read the review at Fidelity Online
• Mono & Stereo (October 2019), Matej Isak, Highly Recommended. Isak praised its immediacy, dynamic control, and broad synergy with preamps and DACs alike. Read the review at Mono & Stereo

Planning a two-box LUMIN system, or deciding on stereo versus bridged? Give us a call, and we'll help you match the Amp to your speakers.

Specifications

• Type: Stereo power amplifier, selectable stereo, dual mono, or bridged
• Topology: True dual mono, multi-stage discrete transistor, Class AB, DC-coupled
• Power output: 160W per channel into 8 ohms; 320W per channel into 4 ohms; 640W into 8 ohms bridged
• Inputs: 1 pair XLR (pin 2 hot), 1 pair RCA, selectable
• Input impedance: 200k ohms balanced; 100k ohms unbalanced
• Input sensitivity: 1.16V rms
• Gain: 26dB (stereo, dual mono); 32dB (bridged)
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz (±0.1dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 103dB, unweighted
• Output impedance: 0.1 ohm
• Power supply: 600VA custom toroidal transformer, dual-mono supplies
• Power consumption: Standby under 0.5W; idle 40W; maximum 700W
• Protection: DC, overload, and overheating
• Construction: Single-billet CNC front, top, and sides; 8mm walls
• Dimensions: 350mm W x 374mm D x 104mm H (13.8" x 14.7" x 4.1")
• Weight: 19kg (41.9 lbs)
• Finishes: Black or silver anodised
• Designed in: Hong Kong