Pixel Magic Systems of Hong Kong was founded in 2003 and introduced its first streaming product in 2012 with the Lumin A1, the world's first DSD-compatible audio streamer. Today, the company has a comprehensive range of streaming products. Sitting in the middle of its product range, the P1 Mini and its bigger sibling, the P1, are described as network hubs and incorporate a DAC and full-function preamplifier in addition to their core streaming abilities. Lumin also offers models that omit a DAC and preamp, if that suits you better.

UP CLOSE

Unlike the complex milled chassis used in Lumin's higher-end models, the P1 Mini comes in a simple rectangular box. The aluminium case measures 400x314x77mm, its 7kg weight imparting a solid feel. Two rotary knobs in front control input selection and volume control; they're reassuringly smooth in operation and give the unit a classy feel.

Under the hood, the P1 Mini uses a linear power supply. The single toroidal power transformer works with low-noise regulators to feed clean power to the custom-made circuit boards. Digital-to-analogue conversion is performed by a pair of ESS Sabre ES9028 Pro DAC chips running in mono mode. A precise Femto clock is used for optimal sound, promising low jitter. The DAC handles signals up to 384kHz for PCM, DSD up to 512, and is MQA compatible. The fully balanced analogue board is a dual-mono design built with high-quality audio-grade parts such as Wima and Nichicon Muse capacitors. To meet the lower price tag, though, the dual transformer power supply and Lundahl signal transformers used in the P1 are omitted.

A total of five inputs are provided, with four digital ins (coaxial, optical, HDMI ARC, and USB-A) and a single line-level analogue input (RCA). Analogue signals are converted to digital as a matter of necessity at a sampling rate of 192kHz, as the preamplifier operates in the digital domain. On the output side, you get both single-ended and balanced analogue outputs, as well as a USB and coaxial BNC digital output. Lastly, an earthing post lets you experiment with tweaks like ground boxes.

In common with other Lumin models, neither Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth are available, and the P1 Mini connects to your home network via a Gigabit Ethernet LAN or optical SFP port. The latter has become popular on high-end streamers with the promise of isolating noise interference from your home network, as optical signals are unaffected by magnetic and radio interference. Both ports may be used simultaneously, and Lumin suggests that one port could be used to connect to your router and the other for your music library NAS.

All major music streaming services are supported, and the P1 Mini also supports Airplay. Local music files can be streamed from a UPnP or Roon server, or storage connected to the rear USB port. Like other streamers, control of the Lumin should be made via its app. However, you can also control basic functionality using the supplied IR remote control. The Austrian-made remote wand is beautiful and constructed out of zinc and acrylic.

That said, the tiny buttons are hard to differentiate, and the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet. The defeatable display shows basic information, and although its text is bright, it isn't easily legible beyond a few metres.

IN USE

Lumin's easy-to-use app is both stable and intuitive. You can select signal phase, upsampling, and analogue output levels by diving into the customisation features. I used the P1 Mini in two different systems. It was hooked up to my TV set via the HDMI ARC input and directly to an Apollon Purifi 1ET400SA power amplifier and Tannoy Kensington GR speakers. In the second system, it was paired with a Conrad Johnson GAT S2 preamplifier, ART 27A power amplifier and Vivid Audio Giya G4 speakers.

To connect the Lumin to my home network, I used a Cisco router with both SFP and Gigabit Ethernet ports. Using SFP modules from FS and a single-mode fibre cable, the optical connection sounded cleaner and more detailed than the Gigabit port, albeit with a subtle reduction in dynamics. Results will vary depending on the type of cable and SFP module used, so you can experiment here for optimum performance.

The P1 Mini can hold its own as a preamp. The digital volume control can be toggled between its default programme and Leedh Processing. The latter is a third-party patented algorithm that eliminates rounding errors, allowing lossless digital attenuation over a wider volume range compared to traditional approaches. With Leedh processing enabled, the P1 Mini performs well compared to a separate preamplifier unit. Switching off Leedh impacted clarity and dynamics, so I left it enabled.

THE LISTENING

The P1 Mini dishes up a highly detailed and neutral sound that combines extended highs, an open midrange and solid propulsive bass. It avoids a clinical sound, with a hint of sweetness in the midrange and some mid-bass lift, which helps fill out harsh recordings and tame sibilance.

A Wiim Ultra streamer connected to the P1 Mini's analogue inputs sounds good, with just a slight impairment to clarity and separation. While I wouldn't use this input as my primary source, it's more than decent. When used as a DAC with external digital sources, the Lumin is competent, although I have a slight preference for the sound of the P1 Mini's streamer, which is more transparent and open. Unlike some streamers I've tried, the Lumin sounds great through various streaming sources. I settled for playback from my UPnP music server and Tidal.

Listening to Julia Fischer performing Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1, there is precise staging and separation, with pinpoint imaging of the solo violin performance and the orchestra. The violin alternates effortlessly between delicate bowing and fierce intensity while the interplay with the orchestra blends seamlessly. Similarly, Alfred Brendel's performance of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 is handled impeccably with deft fingerwork and impactful chords that reverberate around the performance venue. Instruments have a natural tone, and the Lumin conjures up a wide and deep soundstage with a convincing reproduction of acoustic space.

Switching to acoustic works such as Night Train by Christian McBride showcases the deep yet textured bass with plucking and bowing notes that you both feel and hear. The double bass is reproduced with a full, sonorous tone, and there is plenty of bite as the bow meets the strings. As the tempo varies throughout the track, the Lumin never misses a beat with its precise timing.

The P1 Mini is equally comfortable with rock tracks like Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, which hits hard with its tight, deep, and powerful kick-drum opening. The backing vocals and guitar work swirl around you as Stevie Nicks' haunting voice is projected with a textured gravelly quality. The low-frequency power here is matched with the cymbal strikes that are clean, crisp, and fade naturally.

The cheerful, bouncy rhythm of My Neighbour Totoro, sung by Azumi Inoue, has a light and infectious mood. A mediocre recording at best, this can sound flat and harsh on unsympathetic systems. Her voice does have some trace of sibilance, but far less than I typically hear with other gear. The P1 Mini does great damage control here, with airy and light vocals flowing smoothly and harmoniously with the backing tracks. The Lumin lets you enjoy music with its authoritative dynamics and transparency. It manages to dig deep into recordings while being kind to less-than-stellar recordings – which is no small feat.

THE VERDICT

There is nothing small about the Lumin's P1 Mini. I enjoyed its impressively detailed yet musical sound. It's easy to use and performs exceptionally well for its price. Keeping things simple by greatly reducing your box count, it has good connectivity options for almost everything except a turntable. As such, it comes heartily recommended.

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