Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The 2go allows the Hugo 2 to become wirelessly capable for lossless audio streaming
- When attached to the Hugo 2, it offers an all-in-one app-controlled WiFi streamer, DAC, headphone amplifier, and local audio file storage system
- It can also act as a Roon endpoint
- It is made from the same robust CNC machined chassis as the Hugo 2, with similar design characteristics
- It has two microSD card slots that can handle up to 4TB of stored music files
Product Considerations
- The 2go only uses the 2.4gHz WiFi band and not 5GHz WiFi
- Initial setup can involve much fiddling around
- There is no dedicated streaming app from Chord, requiring a third-party app
- The Hugo 2/2go combo isn't as easy to configure and use as one would hope
- The Bluetooth SoC inside the 2go is only BT4.1 A2DP/SBC capable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Mojo/Poly, the Hugo 2/2go offers a step change in sonics
- The Chord 2go builds upon software foundations laid down by the Poly
Takeaway: The 2go is a great addition to the Hugo 2, enhancing its functionality with wireless streaming and storage capabilities. It allows the Hugo 2 sound to be enjoyed in more ways.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
2GO
reviews
[{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/chord-electronics-2go-review","source":"Headfonics","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord 2go review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/chord-2go","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go","link":"https://www.hifichoice.com/content/chord-electronics-2go","source":"Hi-Fi Choice","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Roon Ready Writeups: Chord Hugo 2 and 2go Review","link":"https://blog.roonlabs.com/review-of-award-winning-chord-electronics-hugo2-and-2go-combo","source":"Roon Labs","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"AWARD WINNING OLDIE BUT GOODIE | CHORD ELECTRONICS HUGO 2 AND 2GO REVIEW","link":"https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/award-winning-oldie-but-goodie-chord-electronics-hugo-2-2go-review?srsltid=AfmBOopQN-kKlTyV2axJD6cfUcMJ49Ty1J3zjjMcMZmOtrIN69-8FWyF","source":"Bloom Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go","link":"https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2021/10/chord-electronics-2go","source":"HiFi and Music Source","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go + 2yu","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/chord-electronics-2go-2yu-streamer-server-network-bridge","source":"The Ear","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Mic Drop – Chord 2go Digital Streaming Module","link":"https://www.audioconcierge.co.uk/chord-2go-review-streaming-module","source":"Audio Concierge","datePublished":""},{"title":"CHORD HUGO 2 and 2go REVIEW","link":"https://www.hifipig.com/chord-hugo-2-2go","source":"HiFi Pig","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go/2yu Network Bridge","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/chord-electronics-2go2yu-network-bridge","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord Electronics 2go","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/chord-electronics-2go-portable-streamer-server","source":"The Ear","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Chord 2go + Hugo 2 video review","link":"https://darko.audio/2020/04/chord-2go-hugo-2-video-review","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"CHORD ELECTRONICS 2GO Review – 2go a go go","link":"https://topnewreview.com/chord-electronics-2go-review","source":"TOP NEW Review","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"CHORD ELECTRONICS 2GO AND POLY WIRELESS STREAMER REVIEW. A kiss of life for Hugo2 & Mojo2?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxSkxpAh5lI","source":"ConvinceMeAudio","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Chord 2go Review - High-end Audio On The Go.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAcvY0vzNmQ","source":"Currawong","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Chord 2Go + Hugo 2 = high-end audio in EVERY room","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up2SE4BkDyI","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions: 50mm x 100mm x 21mm
- Weight: 159g
- Combined weight with Hugo2: 549g
- Battery life: Up to 10 hrs playback
- File format support: ACC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, OGG VORBIS, ALAC, WMA, MP3
- Sample rate support: 44.1kHz – 768kHZ (16bit – 32bit)
- DSD support: DSD 64 to DSD 256 (via DoP)
- Storage: 2x Micro SD card slots (up to 4TB total)
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1 A2DP, Gigabit ethernet
Description
2go is a high-performance streamer/server that transforms the Hugo 2 DAC into a fully featured Wi-Fi- and Ethernet-enabled device with up to 4 TB of solid-state library playback, bringing the proven sound quality benefits of our award-winning Hugo 2 DAC technology to network audio.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Chord Electronics distinguishes itself with its unique Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) DAC implementation, custom-coded by Rob Watts, offering a tap-length filter far exceeding typical DAC chips for precise digital-to-analog conversion.
- They incorporate a fully transparent custom UHD DSP in their devices, enabling comprehensive lossless tone adjustments across the frequency range, providing unrivaled sound customization without sonic degradation.
- The brand's designs incorporate highly sophisticated switch-mode power supplies with advanced cross-coupling, and high-voltage MOSFETs that create exceptionally clean, stable power delivery which enhances amplifier performance.
- Chord Electronics's distinct design language and high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum casing are featured in their products, setting them apart with unique aesthetics.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Mojo 2
- Positioning: The most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features world-first lossless DSP, offering excellent compatibility with a wide range of headphones and equipment. Unlike the Hugo 2, it features a new USB-C input and improved battery management, making it ideal for portable use and budget-conscious buyers seeking high-quality sound without the need for a full-sized setup.
Hugo 2
- Positioning: A transportable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for both home and mobile use.
- Description: Features advanced FPGA technology and four-function switch filter, providing flexible sound shaping. Compared to Mojo 2, it offers extended-range Bluetooth and a remote control.
Qutest
- Positioning: A standalone DAC designed to improve system sound quality without a built-in headphone amplifier.
- Description: Features compact design and FPGA technology, offering high-quality sound. Unlike Hugo 2, it lacks a headphone amp but provides galvanically isolated inputs.
Hugo TT 2
- Positioning: A high-end table-top DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier, positioned just below the flagship DAVE.
- Description: Features a powerful FPGA with 98,304-tap filters, offering significant sonic improvements over Hugo 2. It includes a high-power output stage and super capacitors for dynamic performance.
DAVE
- Positioning: The flagship DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features unmatched processing power and advanced FPGA technology, delivering exceptional audio fidelity. It surpasses Hugo TT 2 with its extensive connectivity options and superior noise-shaping capabilities.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
140
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
18
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
22
Founding Year
1989
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Used
Chord Electronics
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Aurender
N150
3500
3500
/
5
Reviews
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with machined aluminium chassis
- Sounds controlled, rich, and quiet without being dull
- Built-in UPS protection and a sophisticated linear power supply
- The Aurender app works particularly well, especially on the iPad, for library management and playback
- Versatile storage options
- Offers only USB audio out
Product Considerations
- The Android app is a bit basic
- The 3-inch amoled display is not a full-color type with artwork
Takeaway: The Aurender N150 is a well-built, high-performing music server/streamer that delivers exceptional sound quality. With its user-friendly app and versatile features, the N150 is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a premium streaming experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Product Page
Product Page
Aurender
A1000
3500
3500
/
2
Reviews
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is delivered through the AKM4490REQ Dual-Mono DAC
- It can be used as a music server, streamer, or dedicated DAC since it has a variety of digital inputs
- User-installable storage allows for customization
- Versatile connectivity options including HDMI ARC
Product Considerations
- An Ethernet cable is required, as it does not have built-in Wi-Fi, though it has Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna for Apple Airplay and Chromecast
- The single drive slot might be limiting for extensive local libraries
- There might be a learning curve for maximizing all features
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- PrimaLuna DAC is mentioned as an alternative external DAC
Takeaway: The A1000 is a versatile network player with great sound quality and multiple connectivity options, which makes it a good choice for audiophiles. It is designed to integrate well with both streaming services and local file playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aurender is a hifi brand focused on digital music servers that offers unique storage configurations with user-installable drives up to 16TB, particularly beneficial for audiophiles who prefer streaming services. Their servers feature specialized components like Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators for AES/EBU output and dual-mono DACs with analog R2R stepped-attenuator volume controls, which minimize noise and jitter for superior sound quality.
Product Page
Product Page
Lumin
L2
3500
3500
/
2
Reviews
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a dual-drive music library with an audiophile-grade network switch
- Requires zero configuration, making it plug-and-play
- Features a 4-port network switch with two SFP fibre ports for complete electrical isolation, reducing network noise
- CNC aluminum chassis provides excellent shielding and reduces vibrations
- Lumin provides detailed instructions for consumer installation of SSDs
Product Considerations
- The 8TB HDD version uses NTFS format, which may require additional software for Mac users
- Rear overhang may impact cable attachment and removal on some devices, mostly XLR connectors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Melco N1, the L2 seems to have 'fixed' most of our issues with music storage', while the Melco N1 runs Minimserver, which is a different take on music server and storage
- Compared to Aurender ACS100, the Lumin L2 is like a dedicated NAS, while the Aurender ACS100 adds CD ripping but does not offer network switching
Takeaway: The Lumin L2 is easy to set up and use, and it helps improve sound quality by reducing network noise. If someone wants a simple way to manage their music library and improve their audio system, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Product Page
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Expand Details
Product Strengths
- The Auralic Aries S1 offers high-quality streaming at a relatively affordable price point, making it a great choice for those who value sound quality
- The design is exquisite, neat, and half-width, featuring a classy display and is beautifully made
- It functions as a network bridge, seamlessly integrating with Auralic's Lightning DS platform, offering reliable hardware and app support
- The Aries S1 is equipped with the powerful Tesla G3 streaming platform, offering improved processing and memory capabilities
- It offers versatile connectivity with standard digital inputs/outputs, including AES and supports various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for Apple iOS, which may deter Android users
- It does not have built-in WiFi, relying solely on Ethernet connection
- Roon certification may not be immediately available
- The S1 is not a DAC, preamp, nor does it have a headphone output
- The optional PSU S1 power supply is an additional cost
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Auralic Aries S1 is good enough for the Chord Dave, unlike the Cambridge Audio MXN10
- The combination of the S1 with the PSU S1 comes very close to the Aries One, and possibly surpasses it
Takeaway: The Auralic Aries S1 is a well-engineered streaming processor that provides high-quality streaming for audiophiles already invested in a good DAC. It is easy to use, has a stylish design, and integrates seamlessly with various streaming services.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Matrix Audio
element S
1499
/
Released
2023
element S is the first music streamer from Matrix Audio with USB DAC outputs. It easily enables streaming audio functionality for your current audio system. element S has rich digital output ports, not limited to USB ports, which are suitable for various outdated DACs. It is an indispensable streaming audio upgrade device in your system, and helps you to embrace the streaming audio world.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Brings quality streaming to any existing system
- Provides a premium selection of digital outputs
- Has an MA Remote App experience for easy control and integration of streaming services and local storage
- Features a 3.46-inch touchscreen for easy operation and display of music metadata
- Delivers pristine and clean digital data for purists who want a high-end music streamer
Product Considerations
- It is a streamer only, without a DAC or amp, so it should not be confused for an all-in-one solution
- Has a basic on-screen menu system
- Lacks bells and whistles like Bluetooth connectivity; it is exclusively for digital output options
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node: The Element S has a more extensive selection of digital outputs, but the Node has an internal DAC and analog outs
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Element S is a great choice for audiophiles who want to add quality streaming to their existing audio system. It delivers clean data and integrates easily with streaming services and local storage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Product Page
Product Page
EverSolo
DMP-A8
1980
/
Released
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with a luxurious aluminum body and sleek design
- Serves as a high-quality preamp, streamer, and DAC all in one device
- The DAC utilizes flagship AKM chips with 'Velvet Sound' technology, providing a warmer, richer, and more natural sound compared to the DMP-A6
- User-friendly interface with a responsive touchscreen and a well-designed control app
- Versatile connectivity options, including multiple digital and analog inputs/outputs, and support for various streaming services
Product Considerations
- The preamp section's performance is not on par with the digital streaming and DAC sections
- DSP functions are limited up to 192k sampling rate
- Spotify Connect has a lag in song switching at times
- The HDMI output is dedicated to I2S output, omitting the multichannel output capability of the DMP-A6
- Playlists cannot span music libraries; it is not possible to mix music from an internal SSD with tracks from TIDAL
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DMP-A6: The DMP-A8 has better resolution, refinement, separation, and bass, sounding more 'analogue', while the A6 sounds brighter, lighter, and drier
- Vs HiFi Rose RS250a: The DMP-A8 sounds better if richness, warmth, and a big soundstage are valued, while the RS250a is preferred if analytical detail and an open top end are most important
- Vs Lumin U2 Mini: As a streamer only, the A8 is about the same as a Lumin U2 Mini but not quite up to the level of a Lumin U2 or HiFi Rose RS130
- Vs Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC: The sound was noticeably improved
- Vs RME ADI2 Pro: The DMP-A8 was preferable, as it sounded less flat and more three-dimensional in comparison
Takeaway: The DMP-A8 is a well-built and versatile streaming DAC that offers a rich and natural sound, along with a user-friendly interface and plenty of features. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution to elevate their music listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Product Page
Product Page
PS Audio
AirLens
1999
/
Released
2023
The AirLens™ interface brings perfection to streaming. Streaming audio via Roon or other services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify offers millions of titles at the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal.
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Both an input stage and a galvanically isolated reclocking output stage ensures 100% isolation and noise-free delivery of perfect digital audio signals
- A DC-to-DC converter that is galvanically isolated allows the input and output stages to be completely isolated, allowing each to function as its entity electrically
- PS Audio uses its 'Digital Lens' technology to ensure the DAC gets the best audio data possible by storing data in a variable RAM buffer and sending it to the precision clocks within the AirLens
- The AirLens excels in performance with the I²s connection, delivering musical realism as well or better than any streamer under $5K
- The unit has a smaller frame component
- USB or Toslink inputs are absent
Product Considerations
- The PS Audio AirLens cannot stand toe-to-toe with the HiFi Rose RS-130 when it comes to design or features, as it is a basic box with no display screen
- There isn't a place to hook up a hard drive if one wants to stream stored music, since it is basically a streamer only
- The AirLens does not have a DAC
- It is not for the mainstream-streaming, non-audiophile consumer who uses Spotify and Apple Music, since it does not cater to features that audio enthusiasts will not use, such as AirPlay2, Bluetooth, or a proprietary music management application
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- HiFi Rose RS-130: The Air Lens does the 3D imaging thing better than the HiFi Rose, however, the HiFi Rose has a more meaty—punchy—refined analog kind of sound overall
- EverSolo DMP-A6: The PS Audio Air Lens far excelled above the A6 when it comes to sound quality, as the A6 sounded a little more digital in the treble area with grain and noise
- WiiM Pro Plus: Going from the WiiM Pro Plus streamer into the Denafrips DAC to the Air Lens, there is an increase in bass and energy in the holographic sound stage
- HiFi Rose RS250A, NAD C 700, Naim ND5 XS 2: The HiFi Rose RS250A, the NAD C 700, or even the Naim ND5 XS 2 all have Bluetooth and a DAC in their system, the AirLens does not
Takeaway: The PS Audio AirLens is a music streamer designed to eliminate digital noise and hash and bring an experience unlike most streamers on the market. It's perfect for audiophiles who want a simple, high-quality streamer that delivers exceptional sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
PS Audio is a well-known American brand with a strong following among enthusiasts, due in part to the educational YouTube videos produced by its founder. The company offers products across a wide range of categories, each developed with input from top engineers, resulting in unique sonic signatures. PS Audio’s offerings frequently appear on top 10 lists from professional reviewers, with many products recognized for their high-quality performance and innovative design.
Product Page
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Lumin
U2 Mini
2400
/
Released
2022
The product that first launched our all-new processing system, LUMIN U2 Mini takes all of our latest software features and packs them into a new all-aluminium compact chassis. Capable of upsampling and downsampling all the way from 44.1kHz to 384kHz/DSD256 and supporting playback of DSD512, LUMIN U2 MINI is the perfect streaming partner for your DAC.
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Refined digital sound that is transparent and resolves fine details, offering a clear and expansive sound image
- New processing system with resampling flexibility, allowing upscaling or downscaling between 44.1kHz and 384kHz/DSD256
- User-friendly Lumin app for iOS that supports playback from network attached storage, Tidal, Qobuz, and Internet Radio
- Versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of digital outputs
Product Considerations
- Ethernet connection only, foregoing internal Wi-Fi conversion
- Sound quality is highly dependent on the quality and matching of the DAC used
- Transparency reveals the quality of upstream components
- Felt/cloth feet might cause the unit to slip more easily than its predecessor
- May reveal flaws in poorly made recordings due to its high resolution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- U2 Mini offers more resolution and air on the stage compared to the Lumin U1 Mini, represents a completely new generation of digital transports with obvious musicality
- Lumin U2 Mini had more resolution, a more clearly defined and expansive sound image, and a riper sound to each musical element, compared to Totaldac's internal streamer
- Competes closely in performance with the AURALiC Aries G2.1, especially concerning the amount of information and extension of the stage depth
Takeaway: The Lumin U2 Mini is a versatile streamer that delivers high-quality audio and is easy to integrate into existing audio systems. It offers great sound, a user-friendly app, and supports various streaming services, making it a worthy upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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Metrum
Sonnet Hermes
1041
/
Released
HERMES is a lightweight, low jitter, bit-perfect plug and play Roon endpoint. Since HERMES is an open platform other software may be used as well.
Metrum Acoustics is known for its unique approach to DAC design, using R2R non-oversampling technology that wasn't common when they introduced it, with their flagship Pavane DAC using four DAC ONE modules per channel. Their DACs are particularly suited for tube lovers, with models like the Morpheus MK-II featuring a -10dB attenuator specifically designed to work with sensitive tube setups.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly made
- SD-card is easily accessible for swapping operating systems
- Offers many digital links: optical, coaxial, AES, and I2S
Product Considerations
- Does not have an on-board DAC
- Performance is equivalent to the Metrum Acoustics Ambre, which may be a consideration for users familiar with that product
- I2S output is specifically for Sonnet/Metrum products
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Metrum Acoustics Ambre: The Hermes has a different power supply, processing board, casing, and includes a display, with a more purposeful design for audio streaming
Takeaway: The Sonnet Audio Hermes is a well-built streamer with versatile digital connectivity and the flexibility to use different software packages. It is a great addition to a system, especially when paired with other Sonnet/Metrum products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Metrum Acoustics is known for its unique approach to DAC design, using R2R non-oversampling technology that wasn't common when they introduced it, with their flagship Pavane DAC using four DAC ONE modules per channel. Their DACs are particularly suited for tube lovers, with models like the Morpheus MK-II featuring a -10dB attenuator specifically designed to work with sensitive tube setups.
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