LUMIN D3 Network Music Player

You want streaming that sounds like real high-end audio, with an app you'll actually enjoy using, without spending flagship money. The D3 is LUMIN's answer: the same app, the same streaming services, and the same musical character as the rest of the family, in a compact, beautifully finished player.

It builds on the D1 and D2, LUMIN's most popular and longest-running models, with a new processor, a new DAC configuration, and a new all-aluminium chassis.

The whole LUMIN experience, at the entry price.

The Design

At the core is an ESS ES9028PRO DAC, the Sabre technology LUMIN uses across its range, feeding a redesigned analog buffer that includes technology from the X1 flagship. The output stage is balanced, with XLR outputs, so the D3 connects to serious preamps and amplifiers the right way.

LUMIN's latest processor gives the D3 room to upsample everything to DSD256 or PCM 384kHz and to keep gaining features through free firmware updates. The all-aluminium enclosure with its thick CNC front panel damps vibration better than the D2's, and the silky finish, borrowed from LUMIN's high-end P1, resists fingerprints.

How It Sounds

Reviewers keep finding more than they expect from LUMIN's smallest player. Hi-Fi News heard a player much closer to the step-up T3 than the price gap suggests. StereoNET described an easy, smooth, open character that is still dynamic and grippy, with wide staging and rock-solid vocals. Hi-Fi Class was struck by a lively, joyful, open sound that draws you into the music from the first notes.

Streaming and Control

The D3 plays from Roon, TIDAL and TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Plex, AirPlay 2, and your own library, with Audirvāna and JPLAY certification. The LUMIN app, which Hi-Fi News felt outclasses many rival streaming apps, handles both playback and setup. Leedh Processing lossless volume control means the D3 can drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly.

Where It Fits

The D3 is the entry point to LUMIN's network players, and a smart one. It's ideal for a first serious streaming source, a second system, or a direct connection to active speakers. When you're ready for more, the T3X adds dual DACs, a linear power supply, and optical networking.

Press Recognition

• Hi-Fi News (April 2024), Mark Craven, Outstanding Product Award. Craven found the D3 insightful, close in performance to the pricier T3, and urged readers to audition one with their credit card in hand. Read the review (PDF)
• StereoNET (October 2023), Michael Evans, Applause Award. Evans heard a crisp, smooth, open sound with wide staging and vibrant vocals, free of the brightness found in some less expensive streamers. StereoNET later named it Mid-Price Streamer Product of the Year 2024. Read the review at StereoNET
• FIDELITY (February 2024), Michael Vrizal, HIGHLIGHT Award. Vrizal found the little LUMIN plays in the major league, with power that impresses from the first note.
• Hi-Fi Class (December 2023), Editor's Choice, 5 stars in every category. The reviewer heard a smoother, more coherent, more natural, and more transparent sound than the D2, and called it a revelation at its price. Read the review at Hi-Fi Class (Polish)
• High Fidelity (November 2023), Wojciech Pacuła. Pacuła found it resolving with a wonderful timbre, playing every type of music with commitment and flair. Read the review at High Fidelity (Polish)

Wondering whether the D3 or T3X is right for you? Give us a call. We'll help you match the right LUMIN to your system and budget.

Specifications

• Type: Network music player with integrated DAC
• DAC: ESS SABRE32 ES9028PRO
• Analog output stage: Balanced layout, redesigned buffer with X1 technology and audio-grade output capacitor, discrete clock system
• DSD support: Up to DSD256, 1-bit
• PCM support: Up to 384kHz, 16 to 32-bit
• Upsampling: DSD256 or PCM 384kHz, all files
• Analog outputs: XLR balanced 6V rms (pin 2 hot); RCA unbalanced 3V rms
• Digital output: BNC S/PDIF (PCM to 192kHz/24-bit, DSD64 via DoP)
• Network: RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• Other inputs: USB storage (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS)
• Streaming: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Plex, UPnP/OpenHome, Audirvāna, JPLAY, Amazon Music, TuneIn, KKBox, QQMusic
• File formats: DSF, DFF, DoP, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, MQA
• Volume: Leedh Processing lossless digital volume control
• Power supply: Internal, 100 to 240V auto-ranging, low-noise, shielded compartment
• Control: LUMIN app (iOS, Android, Apple Silicon Mac, Chromebook)
• Dimensions: 300mm W x 244mm D x 60mm H (11.8" x 9.6" x 2.4")
• Weight: 2.5kg (5.5 lbs)
• Finishes: Black anodised or raw anodised aluminium
• Designed in: Hong Kong