T3 THE PERFORMANCE SWEET SPOT

The first LUMIN with a DAC to feature our all-new processing system. Providing increased capacity and resampling flexibility.

• All-new processor
• Dual DAC ES9028PRO
• Increased Flexibility
• DSD512 PCM384
• DSD256 Upsampling
• USB Output

Why LUMIN T3

LUMIN T3 combines our new-for-2022 processing system, solid CNC-panel construction and X1 technology to deliver maximum price/performance.

Main features

• Features our all-new processing system
• Increased capacity for future updates
• Faster processor provides greater resampling flexibility
• New surface finish taken from the high-end P1
• Dual ES9028Pro SABRE DAC featuring dual-mono operation
• Upsampling and downsampling to every supported format up to DSD256/PCM384
• USB digital audio output
• Leedh Processing Volume control
• Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, MQA, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn and AirPlay-compatible

All-new processing system

• Completely new hardware and software provide a new foundation for LUMIN
• Increased processing power and storage capacity provide greater resampling flexibility and future-proofing.

Precision analogue output stage

• Analogue buffer includes LUMIN X1 technology
• Dual-mono circuitry throughout
• Ultra-low-noise and high dynamic range

CNC chassis construction

• The thick CNC panelled construction offers upgraded structural rigidity and sheilding compared to the D2
• CNC milling techniques from LUMIN X1 provide the high-end LUMIN family aesthetic

Builds on the massive success of LUMIN T2

Completely new processing hardware and software deliver improved features and increased resampling flexibility while retaining all the musicality that was noted in so many outstanding T2 reviews.

Among the key hardware features carried over from T2 are the Dual ES9028Pro SABRE DACs featuring dual-mono operation.

The new model is also finished in a new silky surfacing process taken from our high-end P1 that is less susceptible to finger marks and easier to clean.

All the usual LUMIN refinements

• From MQA to DSD, FLAC to WAV, LUMIN can play all the high-resolution formats you could ever want
• Native support for TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and AirPlay-compatible, giving you access to tens of millions of songs
• The unique and intuitive LUMIN App described as “the most convenient interface in existence” by TINMAN
• LUMIN programme of continuous development that has seen Roon, MQA, and Spotify support added in 2017 alone.
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Advanced streaming services & technologies

Every LUMIN player comes with support for a wide range of popular streaming services including Roon, TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, FLAC Radio Stations and more…

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LEED PROCESSING

Some services may require a subscription payment.

Lossless volume control for all LUMIN players.

An innovative new digital volume adjustment algorithm that eliminates rounding errors is now included (at no additional cost) on all LUMIN players!

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Specification

• DSD Support:

  • Up to DSD512 22.6MHz, 1-bit

• PCM Support:

  • Up to 384kHz, 16–32-bit, Stereo

• Analog Output Stage:

  • Dual ESS SABRE³² ES9028Pro DAC chips
  • Fully balanced layout with high-quality components
  • Completely redesigned analogue buffer includes audiograde output capacitor and ultra-low-noise and high dynamic range
  • Discreet clock system for precision timing
  • Precision 32-bit internal digital volume

• Upsampling rates & bit depths:

  • DSD256 upsampling option for all files
  • PCM 384kHz upsampling option for all files

• Digital Output Stage:

  • USB:

    • Native DSD512 support
    • PCM 44.1–384kHz, 16–32-bit, Stereo

  • BNC SPDIF:

    • PCM 44.1kHz–192kHz, 16–24-bit
    • DSD (DoP, DSD over PCM) 2.8MHz, 1-bit

• Power Supply:

  • Internal 100–240V AC auto-ranging
  • Low-noise
  • Shielded power supply compartment for reduced interference with delicate electronics

• Physical:

  • Finish:

    • Black anodised aluminium
    • Raw anodised aluminium

    Dimensions

    • 350mm (W), 350mm (D), 60.5mm (H), 6kg

• Streaming Protocol:

  • UPnP AV protocol with audio streaming extension (OpenHome)
  • Roon Ready
  • TIDAL Connect
  • Spotify Connect
  • AirPlay-compatible
  • Gapless Playback
  • On-Device Playlist

• App Features:

  • Native support for TIDAL, MQA, Qobuz and TuneIn Radio.
  • Tidal MQA icons to identify high-res music
  • Qobuz high-res icons to identify high-res music
  • Volume control
  • High-resolution artwork
  • Artwork caching
  • Search
  • Multiple tag handling
  • Composer tag support
  • Album-grouping in playlist
  • Automatic internet links to artists/album/songs
  • Saving and restoring of playlists (including Tidal and Qobuz)

• Supported Audio File Formats:

  • DSD Lossless: DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), DoP (DSD)
  • PCM Lossless: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF
  • Compressed (lossy) Audio: MP3
  • MQA

• Input:

  • Ethernet RJ45 network 1000Base-T
  • USB storage, flash drive, USB hard disk (Single-partition FAT32, exFAT and NTFS only)

• Analogue Audio Outputs:

  • XLR balanced, 6Vrms, pin 2 Hot
  • RCA unbalanced, 3Vrms

• Supported Control Devices:

  • All models of Apple iPad (v2 or later). iOS 8.0 or later required. Full Retina Display support.
  • Android devices. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later required

• Other:

  • Leedh Processing lossless digital volume control
  • Programme of Continuous Development – Firmware-upgradable for further features and enhancements

Reviews

Although the LUMIN T3 has jumped by $1,000 in price over the T2 that it replaces, in its defence, the company didn’t change the price of its predecessor throughout its product life – despite significant inflationary pressure. So now, while keeping all the updates and improvements in mind, this new model still represents good value.

Two things make it stand out from the crowd. First is the excellent sound quality, its dynamics and sheer drive giving life and excitement to music. Secondly, the ongoing software maintenance and support from the factory provide peace of mind and confidence in the purchase being future-proof. The assurance of timely customer assistance and cost-free feature upgrades for many years is a big drawcard because, in my view, a digital device is only as good as its support.

It’s more than just an update to the popular T2, then. In reality, the new LUMIN T3 is an ever better sounding device than its predecessor – with skillful improvements that make it one of the finest players at its price point.

FULL REVIEW