The LUMIN S2 revives the brand’s S-Series with a network streamer and DAC built on the architecture of the flagship LUMIN X1, now adding digital inputs for the first time in an S-Series player. Priced at £8,495, the LUMIN S2 positions itself as flagship streaming technology in a single, more accessible chassis.
X1 architecture, including the dual DAC and output stage
The LUMIN S2 carries over the core of the award-winning X1 platform: a dual-mono pair of ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chips, paired with the same fully balanced analogue output stage used in LUMIN’s top-tier players, including dual Lundahl LL7401 output transformers. A Femto Clock system with precision FPGA distribution handles timing, while the dual-toroid power supply from the X-series has been re-engineered and shielded to fit inside the S2’s single-chassis design, keeping digital and analogue circuitry separately regulated.
Driving all of this is LUMIN’s latest processor and software platform, a step up from the original X1 hardware that gives the LUMIN S2 more resampling flexibility and headroom for future firmware updates under the brand’s ongoing development programme.
New digital inputs open up the DAC to outside sources
For the first time on a LUMIN player, the S2 adds digital inputs: one coaxial RCA SPDIF and one optical TOSLINK SPDIF, each accepting PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64 via DoP. That lets owners connect a CD or SACD transport, a computer, a set-top box or a games console directly to the LUMIN S2’s ES9038PRO DAC implementation, rather than reserving it purely for network streaming duties.
Streaming support remains comprehensive, with native Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music alongside AirPlay, KKBOX and QQMusic compatibility, full MQA decoding, and network playback up to DSD512 and 384kHz/16-32-bit PCM. LUMIN’s Leedh Processing lossless digital volume control is included across the range, letting the S2 run directly into a power amplifier without a separate preamp stage if desired.
Pricing and availability
The LUMIN S2 is available now through LUMIN’s dealer network, priced at £8,495, and comes in black anodised aluminium or raw (silver) aluminium finishes. Full specifications and dealer details are available on the official LUMIN website.
Key specifications
- DAC: Dual ESS SABRE ES9038PRO chips, dual-mono configuration
- Network playback: Up to DSD512, up to 384kHz/16-32-bit PCM, full MQA decoding
- Digital inputs: 1x coaxial RCA SPDIF, 1x optical TOSLINK SPDIF (PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit, DSD64 via DoP)
- Analogue outputs: XLR balanced (6Vrms), RCA unbalanced (3Vrms), dual Lundahl LL7401 output transformers
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), optional Gigabit SFP optical input
- Streaming: Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, AirPlay, KKBOX, QQMusic
- Power supply: Internal dual-toroid, separate digital/analogue regulation
- Finishes: Black anodised aluminium, raw aluminium
- Dimensions: 350 x 380 x 107mm (W x D x H)
- Weight: 8kg
- Price: £8,495
The LUMIN S2 sits between the brand’s T-Series and its X-Series flagships, bringing X1-derived DAC and output-stage technology to a lower price point. Full specifications and dealer information are available on the official LUMIN S2 product page.
